"I… give up." Ren said quietly as she stood over the edge of the roof. She could see so much of the city from where she stood, but that was simply a reminder of why she was there. "I give up on this world."

The world was a pointless colorless place. Full of pain and sorrow.

She had tried to find something to live for, something beautiful to admire, but it simply wasn't there. Even if she did have the strength to continue seeking the ideal she wished for, it would be pointless in the end. There was no beauty in this world, nothing to fight for. That was why she was resolved to say goodbye to it all.

"Hey! What are you doing!?"

Ren turned around to suddenly find a girl dressed in a red and white dress with yellow frills at the bottom. Her hair was tied into side tails by a pair of red and white ribbons. She was petite, shorter than Ren, but that meant little considering how strangely dressed she was and how she had appeared on the rooftop so quickly.

Another Mage? Like the man who had saved her once before all those years ago? If she was anything like him…

Then she needed to jump fast!

"Don't!" the girl shouted.

Determination strewn across her face; Ren threw herself off the roof. Her resolve didn't waver even as she hurtled toward the ground.

Ren closed her eyes, content with her decision. She had no regrets this time. She was prepared for what was to come.

Finally, she hit something. But it wasn't the ground. It was too soft, too warm for that.

Ren had half expected to open her eyes to the man in black and red again. To see that disappointed look on his face once he realized that everything he had done for was pointless. Instead, it was that girl on the roof who Ren saw. Who caught her, much like that man had. Her arms were much thinner though… softer yet they belied such strength.

Why?

Ren failed to kill herself again. Could it be that it wasn't her fate to die?

The girl gave her a concerned look as she landed on the ground with Ren still in her arms. It was different from that man's expression. There was no doubt or hesitation in her face. Simply concern. "Like, what in the bejeezus *huff* are you doing!? *Huff*… *Huff*…"

"I'm sorry." It was all Ren could find herself saying as the girl looked at her. "I'm sorry… Really… Y-you caught… I.. I-I know I'm heavy…"

Ren wasn't sorry that she had tried to kill herself. She was sorry that this girl had to put in the trouble to save someone like her. Maybe it would be best to do it outside the city. Find some place where her body wouldn't get in anyone's way.

"No-No-No! That's not it at all," the girl shouted at her. "Why were you trying to kill yourself?"

"… Errr. Umm… well…"

"Yes?" the girl asked.

"…"

Ren crossed her arms and remained silent. Ever since she was a child, whenever she tried to say something, the world would disappear before they came out of her mouth. The more she tried to talk, the more it was like there was something stuck in her throat. It was why the other kids at her school made fun of her.

"…"

The teasing had been innocent at first, but then as she got older it turned into bullying. They would take her stuff, throw away finished assignments, lie to her about deadlines. She would never say anything because she never could. It made her their favorite target and eventually she couldn't take it anymore. That was what led to her first attempt at throwing herself off a building.

"…"

She didn't die though. That man had saved her, just as she began to regret her decision. She had been afraid of death back then… maybe because she still had some hope back then?

"…"

Even after the bullying had lessened, never fully stopped, it was because they grew bored with her and found a new target. It was because they would find something else, another way to express the evil in their hearts. Even if she wasn't their man target… just hearing the voices of those around her... Their dark thoughts, their hatred and contempt over the smallest of things. It just proved to her that people were ugly. This world was ugly. And that would never change in the end, no matter what she did.

If there was no way to get rid of it… then she just didn't want to live anymore.

That was why she threw herself off that second rooftop. She wanted to explain it to the girl in front of her, but…

"Geeze!" the girl exclaimed, shocking Ren out of her thoughts. "I thought time stopped for a moment there!"

"I-I'm sorry… Really…" Ren replied. Writing made it easier… but she had left the man's notebook and pen back at her house. She couldn't bring them with her this time. She didn't want to be reminded of how his gifts were wasted on her.

"Hmm… well something's on your mind, that's for sure."

"…"

"That's it," the girl said cheerfully. "Let's go see my friends! I know, like, tons of fun people. They'll make you feel better."

"Err, ummm… Friends…?" Ren asked

"Yea, Magical Girls!"

"Magical… Girls?"

The girl noticed the confused look on her face. "You're a Magical Girl, right?"

Ren simply continued staring.

"Well, you weren't surprised when you saw me, so…"

Ren shook her head carefully.

"So… not a Magical Girl?"

Ren nodded slowly.

"Oh boy… I think I just broke, like, all the rules there. Please tell me that you talked to a white cat with bunny ring ears recently."

Ren simply tilted her head in confusion.

"Well I…" the girl gave a nervous laugh. "I might be in a teensy bit of trouble here." She began muttering to herself. "How do you do the mind wipe thing on civilians again?"

Trouble!? Ren didn't want this girl to be punished for going out of the way to help her. Also, the whole memory wipe thing didn't sound very pleasant.

"I… kn- kno-…" she held her hands against her chest. She had to say it, for her sake. "Know about… magic," she was eventually able to let out.

The girl looked relieved. "That's good then. My name is Rika Ayano what's yours?"

"Ren… Isuzu"

Rika's outfit suddenly changed into a school uniform in a flash of light. The ribbons in her hair remained though. "Ren huh, that's a cute name!"

Ren didn't know how to respond to that.

"C'mon, let's go, okay?" Rika beckoned for her to follow. "You can meet other Magical Girls like me!"

"Err…. Ummm…"

Rika continued gesturing her to come despite her hesitation, so Ren had no choice but to follow. Ren didn't want to trouble her though.

How could she explain it to her? That she didn't need to put in so much effort to help her.

That she had given up on the world.

"And a left at the next corner, okay?"

"O-okay," Ren replied.

Rika… seemed a bit pushy at first, but Ren had caught her looking back at her occasionally. Most likely to check and see how she was. Rika was trying to be comforting, even though Ren had just tried to kill herself.

"Okay! Here we are!"

Ren stared at the sign. Emily's Counseling Room?

At the door they were greeted by a tough looking girl with short grey hair, similar to Ren's color but a bit darker. She quickly introduced as Akira and she talked briefly with Rika before turning to Ren.

"Oh! And who's this?" Akira asked.

"Um… Err…"

"My friend. Ren Isuzu."

Friends? Rika had already considered her a friend even though they had just met recently? Even after all the trouble she had caused her?

"Hey, Ren! Welcome!" Akira greeted Ren.

Ren didn't answer. Instead, she was trying to figure out why Rika was so sweet to her. It was so sweet, that it made her want to cry.

"So, are you a Magical Girl too?" Akira asked.

Ren shook her head.

"Oh," Akira looked at her curiously. "Did a strange white cat show up at any point then?"

Ren shook her head again.

There it was, that white cat was being mentioned again. That had to be the third time already that she heard of it.

"Ren knows about magic though," Rika said. "It should be fine."

"Oh, another Magus then?" Akira said. "You guys are just popping up out of nowhere, nowadays aren't you?"

What?

She and Rika were quickly led inside. It wasn't what Ren had expected. Definitely cozy. Lots of bright colors, comfy couches and chairs.

"Emiriin! I brought you some supplies!"

"Hey! Rikki! Thanks!"

Ren would've listened to the rest of their conversation if she wasn't staring at the man who casually on a couch at the corner of the room. Even dressed in a casual shirt and jeans, she still recognized that tan complexion and white hair.

And judging by the eye he raised toward her, he did too.

Rika and the girl called Emirin glanced between Ren and the man as they stared at each other.

"Hello again…," the man replied.

"I see you've already met Archery!" Emirin said cheerfully.

Archery? Ren watched as the man sat up a little.

"Archer. My name is Archer," he corrected Emirin.

There were a lot of questions Ren wanted to ask him, but the words just weren't coming to her mouth. It frustrated her…

Archer noticed and created a familiar looking notebook and pen in his hands. These he handed to Ren, who immediately began writing into its pages.

What are you doing here? she asked.

"I'm exploring," he replied.

"He's doing an investigation!" Emirin commented.

Investigation?

Archer shot a look at Emily before sighing. "There's something strange going. Witches from all over are gathering to this city and it seems that the Incubator can't enter either."

Incubator?

"Kyubey," he clarified before noticing the confusion in her face. "Have you not been approached by a strange white cat recently?"

No. Everyone keeps mentioning it though.

"That's strange…" Archer pondered her words. "They usually aren't one to ignore a potential Contract in front of them."

"So, you are capable of being a Magical Girl!" Rika said as she looked at the notebook. "Your handwriting is so pretty!"

Thank you. Ren blushed as she continued writing. Judging by the smirk Archer had on his face, he had noticed her reaction too. What is a Magical Girl?

"We're beautiful maidens that fight evil Witches!" Emirin replied cheerfully.

"They're girls who make a contract to fight in an endless war against otherworldly creatures in exchange for a singular wish," Archer replied plainly. "The vast majority die young in the process."

"Aw, cmon Archery. You don't need to be such a mood killer," Emirin said playfully.

"It's who I am," Archer replied though his tone was a bit lighter than usual.

"Anyway," Emirin turned to Ren and gave her a peace sign. "I'm Emiri Kisaki. Nice to meetcha!"

Oh wow. Now that Ren took a good look Emirin- er Emiri was a gorgeous girl. Very excitable too. That made it all the more impressive that Rika was keeping up with her.

"Anyway Ren! This is a counseling room!" Rika informed her. "And people come to Emily here for advice about their problems."

So, it was actually Emily. Not Emiri. The girl certainly had a strange, yet endearing way with names.

"By the way Emily is also a nickname," Archer informed her. "Her actual name is Emiri, but she has multiple nicknames."

Alright, this was starting to get confusing.

"Anyway, this is a place created for Magical Girls to talk about their problems and hang out," Rika continued, "But with Archery here-"

"Not you too," Archer groaned.

Rika ignored Archer and continued. "They opened their doors up to anyone who knows about Magic! If something's bother you or something this is the place for you! People are all like, I felt so much better after I talked to Emily. Even Archery!"

"I never said that."

"But you don't deny it either!"

Archer went silent.

Well, that certainly explained to Ren why she had been brought here. Though it was certainly strange that both people who had prevented her suicide at one point had already met and were in this same room.

How long have you three known each other?

"Rikki and I have known each other for years," Emily replied. "And I ran into Archery here during a hunt a few days ago! I invited him back to the office and here we are!"

Archer shrugged. "Not like I had much choice in the matter."

"We try to keep him company!"

How have you been? she asked Archer.

"Fine," he replied. "What about you. Have you found what you're looking for?"

Ren hesitated to write her next words. Telling Rika how she felt was one thing, but in front of all these people and Archer? She couldn't lie, but… she didn't want to tell him the truth either. She didn't want to see that disappointed look on his face.

"You are clearly still looking. That's fine it's never easy in the first place," he told her.

Was she really still looking? She thought that she had given up.

Ren glanced at Rika who shot her a sympathetic glance.

Did you find yours?

When they had first met, Ren knew that Archer was different. It wasn't just about him being a Magus, but rather she knew that there was something about him that wasn't entirely human. She didn't know why, but she just did. She also knew that like her he was also seeking something to tie his existence to this world.

Archer gave her a weary smile. "I did."

So, he had found it… That was nice. Good for him. Maybe she too could find her answer after her death then.

"So Renki, something bothering ya?" Emily suddenly asked her.

Renki?

After some strange conversation about ambience, Ren was dragged to talk with Emily, Akira, and a few other Magical Girls that would come in soon after. For some reason they would all end up giving her gifts which included a half-used bottle of nice smelling hand cream and some chamomile tea.

"… Thank you," Ren said quietly. She was never really good with speaking in a group and a notebook wouldn't help. It was actually made harder because of how kind they were to her. Thankfully, they never demanded that she speak while still going out of their way to keep her involved. They never blamed her for being quiet and made her feel… comfortable.

It also helped that Archer was there, having been dragged to the group by Emiri. He didn't talk much either, but he generally helped draw attention off Ren whenever she was feeling uncomfortable. It was… nice and almost amusing seeing this grown man try to remain stoic among a group of teenage girls. The occasional smirk and chuckle made it clear that he was failing, though he didn't seem all that bothered by it.

He really did look content with his life now…

So why was he able to find his purpose when she couldn't?

Archer watched as Ren, Emily, and Rika left together now that the office was closed. There was a spring in Rika's step, though in reality that was an act meant for the other girl.

Between the guilty look on Ren's face and the concerned ones that Rika constantly shot toward her, it wasn't hard for him to figure out what had happened. People that failed to commit suicide were often repeat offenders until they finally succeeded.

But… there was something there in the way that Ren looked at Rika in return. Fondness? Admiration? Gratitude?

Whatever their relationship was, hopefully the cheerful girl who hid her guilt behind a bright smile would be able to bring hope to the one who had given up on the world. Maybe Rika could do what he never could and save her.

"Those two would make, like, a totally great couple," Emiri- er Emily had commented to him in private before she had left.

Archer had raised an eye to that at the time. It was a hell of an assumption to make, but then again, this girl might've been classified as a Heroic Spirit through her intuition alone. It was uncanny how quickly she discerned people and situations with just a single look. It was only made more impressive by how she would say the most outrageous, yet uncannily effective solution to a problem.

Normally that sort of intuition from someone was something he'd take measures to avoid, but there was a reason why Emily's counseling room was so popular in the first place. Even he had been somewhat placated by her presence. Which would be to Kyoko's amusement if she were to ever learn about this.

Hmph.

His Master would laugh but wait till he decided to sic the Emiri on her.

Writing always made it easier for Ren. It was a way to communicate, a way to record her thoughts, and a way to give form to the stories within her head. She enjoyed writing because it helped her imagine a world where things could be better. A world that she would want to live in.

Now though, in the sunset, Ren realized that writing might also be a crutch for her. A crutch that she relied too heavily on.

With the light now fading away, soon she would have no way to talk to Rika. Even though Rika had introduced her to so many people.

Emiri, Hinano, Kanoko.

So many wonder people trying to help yet she still couldn't talk. Wasn't she just letting them all down? Letting Rika down.

Even Rika looked disappointed at this point and Ren couldn't blame her. Who wouldn't be disappointed in her?

"… Hmmm. Okay, how about this?" Rika suddenly said as they sat at a bench in the park.

"Huh?" Ren replied.

"You don't have to talk, Ren, but will you listen to my story?"

Ren nodded.

And then Rika told a story. A story of a selfish Magical Girl that made a wish that affected the lives of others. A Magical Girl who wished that the person they loved would reciprocate that love in turn.

A charming wish, Ren had felt. And yet Rika looked so sad telling it.

Then Rika continued. A Magical Girl who wanted to be loved back by someone who had already loved someone else. That wish made the target of their affections forget the person that they used to love. And so, the Magical Girl stole the love of the person that they had loved. And she knew. The Magical knew that her lover had had someone before she made the wish. She still made it anyway.

By the time the story was finished, Rika looked pained.

"I'm a disgusting human being, aren't I?" Rika asked with a false smile on her face. She frowned. "You must really hate me now…"

Ren remained silent.

"You might've thought I'm nice because I said I'd listen to what's bothering you. But you now see the truth… This is who I really am."

Truth… What was the truth that Ren saw at that moment? At this young, pained girl, in front of her?

"It's fine if you want to leave now," Rika continued. "I don't really deserve to be friends with anyone. Not after what I did. You deserve someone better than me."

No… That wasn't the truth.

"… I don't hate you…" Ren replied. "You… feel bad… about what you did… No… I'm sure… You're… a good person."

This was the truth. The truth that Ren could see at that moment.

"And so… no… I don't hate you!" Ren finished; her expression determined.

Rika looked at Ren, relieved. "Haha, I'm glad… I'd be seriously bummed if you did. I'm really, really glad…"

Maybe it was because of that relief but for a minute there… it looked like Rika was going to cry.

"That's my dark confession," Rika said.

"Why?" Ren asked. "Why did… you tell me?"

"I mean, it's not fair, is it? Just asking you to do all the talking… It's not fair right. I figure if I want you to open your heart to me, first I need to open my own."

Her heart… her weak heart. It was because she was so weak… that Ren had chosen to leave this world in the first place.

"The only thing I could think of to do was to tell you my own secret," Rika continued. "Do you feel like talking at all? Do you feel like we've gotten a little closer now?"

It was all for her. Rika told her that story so that there wouldn't such a distance between them.

Ren… felt so happy. And so, she wanted to share what was inside her heart too.

"I… I… I," Ren tried to steel herself. Her gaze, her heart, for this very moment. She wanted to talk. She had to. She needed to tell Rika!

"I… Ummm…."

But she couldn't. She still couldn't. Why was she like this? Why couldn't she speak? Why couldn't she do something for the girl in front of her that had already given her so much?

"Uh… uh… uhhh…"

Ren cried. She cried because she couldn't do anything. She was miserable, pathetic. She hated herself so much.

"Um! Ren!? Ren…?" Rika was rattled. Worried. All because of her.

"S-sorry…" Ren sniffled.

"Oh no, I'm sorry," Rika replied. "I didn't mean to try to force you…"

No! No!

"Please don't misunderstand, okay? Just because I told you about myself doesn't mean… I'I'm not trying to say that you have to tell me! Okay?"

Ren knew that. She knew that! But she couldn't do anything!

"But still, I'm sorry… That was wrong of me… I wasn't trying to force you, I shouldn't have asked. But anyway yea! That's it. I just want you to feel better, that's all… That's the most important thing."

All Ren could do was sniffle as she shed the last of her tears.

"I bet you've been through some really hard stuff… I probably can't even imagine how bad you've had it. But right, That's it! You got all those presents today from everyone!"

"Yeah," Ren finally replied.

"They gave them to you so you'd feel better, Ren. Everyone was thinking about you when they gave them to you, right? Even Archery gave you something and he's usually an old fuddy dud! Isn't that… Isn't that enough reason to live?"

… What?

"I mean, I know there's lots of horrible things in the world," Rika smiled. "But there's also shining, beautiful things too… As long as you have just one… I think you can keep going no matter what bad stuff comes your way."

Those words…

"I mean, think about it… The only thing worse than all that bad stuff… The worst thing of all would be, if you didn't have a single shining, beautiful thing in your life."

That was the truth. That had spoken to her all those years ago by a certain man in Red and Black. The only difference now… was that there was something beautiful that Ren could see.

The presents in her lap had caught her falling tears. The light of the setting sun reflected in the teardrops. In that moment those presents… they became her shining, beautiful things.

"I… I won't die…" Ren replied. There was beauty in this world. Something that she could finally see for herself. In the presents given to her be friends. In the kind, beautiful Magical Girl in front of her. "I… will live… I'll keep on living."

Rika looked happy. "That's good… that's really good."

Eventually the day ended, and Ren had found herself on an empty street with Rika. They stood at a quiet intersection as Rika said her farewells.

"Well… I'm going this way, so… take care of yourself," Rika said.

There was one last thing that Ren had to say before they finally departed. What she had to say. She just needed the strength, to let her voice out. Just this once!

"Um!"

"Huh?"

"Thank you… Rika…"

"… No problem. Anytime."

Rika finally left and Ren left was left alone to walk home.

The beauty of the sunset, of everything that she had been given. As long as she carried that hope… then she could live… to find more of the beauty of this world.

Ren stirred at the sound of water dropping. It took her a few seconds to realize that wasn't something that she should be hearing in her bedroom.

She opened her eyes and saw nothing but darkness above her. Darkness and stone walls that seemed to stretch high above her into the void above. No moon, no clouds, just darkness. She turned her head and saw herself surrounded by a circle of rubble.

No. Not rubble.

Ren realized as she sat up.

Gravestones. She awoke and found herself in a graveyard.

… Was she dead? After all that, she just died in her sleep?

She looked down and saw that she was still wearing her pajamas.

Strange how those came with her upon her death. Actually… was death supposed to feel this cold?

Ren shivered and hugged her body.

She didn't like this. Death was supposed to be a release, wasn't it? It was freedom from all the pain in the world. So why was she so cold and hungry.

Why was she so lonely?

The tears fell in a wave as she cried.

She didn't want this, not anymore. Not after she had finally found something beautiful in her world. Not after she had finally resolved to live.

Why did this happen? Why now? Was this her punishment? Did she deserve this for all the times she took her life for granted?

"I want to go back," Ren sobbed. She wanted to be with her friends. She wanted to be with Rika. There was still so much that she needed to say to her.

"Who are you!?"

The tears flew from Ren's face as she turned her head and found herself looking at another woman that stood before her. Her hair was blonde, and she wore an elegant black coat and skirt that reached her knees. She seemed to radiate beauty, elegance, and authority.

Ren couldn't help but be mesmerized at the sight of her.

"Who are you!?" the woman commanded, and Ren was compelled to answer.

"R-Ren Isuzu," Ren looked around once more. "Where am I?"

The woman put her arms on her waist and took an authoritarian stance. "The Underworld of course!"

"The… Underworld?"

"Yes, the Underworld!" the woman confirmed. "And you're a wayward spirit that needs to cross over already so I can continue doing my job!"

"Your job?" Ren looked at the woman curiously. "Who… are you?"

"Ereshkigal! The Goddess of the Netherworld!"

A/N

There really wasn't much to change in the final part of Ren's MGS story in Magia Record… because well its pretty good as it is. I can only hope I did it justice with the rest of my writing.

Also, Goddess of Death just seemed to work with a Magical Girl that was so closely associated with Death and Purity.

On another note, Rebellion sequel movie announced!

LET'S GOOOOOOOOO!