Chapter 36

Ren shivered as she led another soul into one several cages hanging on her body. They were all made by Ereshkigal, all meant to allow her to capture and house spirits. Whether willingly or not, and it was usually the latter.

There were just so many dead in this abandoned building within Mitakihara. So many wayward spirits that needed guiding. Apparitions and Wraiths alike.

Apparitions were simple enough for Ren to dispel, using the practice and advice she received from Ereshkigal. They were just leftover thoughts, fragments of souls that had already departed that then gathered together to form an entity with a primitive drive to live. They could be considered a projection or recording of those who once lived. For most people they were harmless and even those with spiritual abilities were unaffected as long as they had enough willpower.

Ren wasn't entirely sure if she had enough willpower to resist them herself if she was being honest, but Ereshkigal's blessing was usually enough to make that a moot point. It also made her capable of making use of them.

She lifted up her hand and dispelled the apparition in front of her with a short burst of power. Once the apparition was dealt with, she summoned a white wisp like entity to illuminate the dark hall of the abandoned building she was traversing.

For each one Ren dispelled she also took a small piece, acquiring just a tiny bit of knowledge. She didn't take too much, to prevent them from getting root in the physical once more, but enough that she started to learn from them and became a bit more creative with her powers. She started calling them spells, for lack of a better term.

However, she had to be careful when using them. Each spell used up a bit of her vitality, both spiritually and physically, and she needed as much of it as possible when dealing with the Wraiths. Unlike the spirit of that drowned boy back in Kamihama some of these wraiths could be particularly… volatile.

Ren yelped as the dark otherworldly shadow of a wraith lunged at her from a nearby corner, barely avoiding it. She could feel the heat and life of her body leaving her body though just a tiny graze on her arm.

The wraiths that mistook her for a corpse to take over were especially dangerous. Even more so when they realized she was alive and sensitive enough to them that they could actually interfere with her physical body.

That was the issue with being close to the border like Ren was. So many things that couldn't affect most people could now affect her, drain her life and even take away her will to live.

She very much wanted to live now though.

Ren stared at it carefully as it slowly turned itself around and seemed to observe her in turn. Along its body she noticed and mentally traced the solid, black, zigzagging scribbles that began to appear on its body.

That was another thing she had gained from the fragments of the spirits she helped to pass on. She started seeing these strange lines when she focused her eyes. They were easiest to see on spirits, but she sometimes saw a few on a passing object or a random person on the streets.

She honestly didn't know what they were, or if they even mattered at all. So instead of worrying about those lines, Ren simply lifted up a cage and slammed it atop the wraith's head when it tried to lunge for her again. The strike disoriented it enough that she was somehow able to grab it with her hand, ignore the chill that spread from her palm, and forcefully shoved it through the cage door.

"Well, that's one way to do it." Ereshkigal materialized as Ren closed and locked the door. "I would've suggested blasting it."

"I… didn't want to risk it… Too tiring."

"That's because you're only using your body's lifeforce to power your attacks. Apparitions aren't just a source of leftover knowledge, but also power."

"You… want me… to use the Apparitions?"

"Yes. It's more efficient that way. With a bit of practice you can also start commanding wraiths to strike or possess your foes. That is the Authority you have over the dead, the gift that you received from me," Ereshkigal said smugly.

"But wraiths… are people," Ren replied.

"They were. Then they died. Now in death they can still serve a purpose before they pass on. Some Wraiths are less cooperative than others but if you're confident in your Authority then they will be compelled to listen. Compelled to let you give them purpose before finally letting them depart in peace."

Confidence… that was not something that Ren had much of. Apparitions were one thing, but she didn't think she'd ever start commanding Wraiths anytime soon.

Ren began handing the cages over to Ereshkigal only to have the Goddess stop her before the last one. The cage that held the same wraith that just attacked her.

"That soul belonged to a murderer that once stalked these halls," Ereshkigal informed Ren. "Although every soul deserves to pass on, that doesn't mean that it can't work for it. Keep it on you. Find a use for it before you let it pass on."

Ren wasn't sure she'd ever find a use for a Wraith, especially one as violent as this one, but she still hung it on her waist anyway. Wouldn't be too much of an issue to carry around as only those with some form of Magical ability could see it. Rika would see it though.

Maybe it was about time she told Rika everything.

They continued traversing the building. Going from hallway to hallway, passing room by room, and going through every corner that the Goddess detected a spirit within. Spirits that Ren could practice on and for those that were outside her capabilities, Ereshkigal dealt with herself.

Still though… Ren didn't know why Ereshkigal had her do this. The Goddess would've been enough, so why did she have to be involved. Ereshkigal never told her… and Ren had trouble asking why even though there had been plenty of opportunity to do so.

"People like us… with dominion over their realm… we are the few that can truly understand the dead," Ereshkigal commented as she led Ren up a flight of stairs.

"It's… lonely," Ren commented. "That's why… spirits gather. For them… and us."

"You are a strange human," Ereshkigal commented. "One who couldn't find her place among the living and yet can seek her purpose among the dead… Perhaps we are kindred spirits in that way. Strange it would be a human from a faraway land and time that I could connect with the most."

They stepped into what looked like what used to be a reception area. Likely to lead guests or customers to offices on this floor. They quickly began to make their rounds of the place.

"I'm… trying to get better. Trying to… be happy… with the living," Ren said as she spotted an Apparition in the corner.

"That's the luxury provided to you as a human."

"You can also… stay. Live with us… in this world."

"I'm a Servant and a Goddess. We are vastly different beings, you and I."

"We're still friends… you can be friends… with Rika too… There are lots of good people… that you can be with… You aren't alone here."

Ereshkigal paused. The Goddess's mouth lifted slightly in a smile and somehow Ren could see the faint blush on her cheeks in the low glow of the wisp above them. "This world is interesting. The flower, wind, stars, and above all the person I chose as Master. One day I'll create a city in my domain that surpasses even all of that… but until then. Yes, I will enjoy my time here. If you'll continue having me."

"I will," Ren smiled as she dispelled the Apparition.

Interesting. You have developed a command over death itself.

Ren yelped as she looked for the source of the voice in her head.

Though I guess that's to be expected from Contracting with the Goddess of the Underworld. To think that Servants have been summoned to this world… it was always within possibility but not enough that I could consider it. At least until I observed your fight in Kazamino.

"Who are you?" Ren asked.

A white cat with bunny ears suddenly stepped out from around a corner. Its large eyes seemed to be staring straight into Ren's soul.

I am Kyubey. Messenger and companion of Magical Girls!

Ren's eyes widened in realization.

A white cat. One who Archer had warned her about years ago. The same one that had done something unspeakable to Rika.

"You-"

Make a wish with me and become a Magical Girl!

Ereshkigal stabbed it with her lance before Ren had a chance to refuse it.

"You disgust me with your presence," the Goddess growled at the corpse.

Normally Ren was against violence, but after what it did to Rika she had no room for compassion for it. No room for pity. She just wanted it dead. Thankfully her Servant was very much of the same opinion.

Perhaps you should let your Master answer herself. Another one of its bodies appeared on the rotting counter.

"What… did you do to Rika," Ren shouted as her body shook in rage. "You… took her soul… stuffed it into a gem… and forced her to become a Witch!"

The sheer atrocity of what this creature committed was only made all the clearer to Ren once she started working with Ereshkigal to exorcise spirits. To have the very soul of a living person warped and twisted beyond recognition. To become a Witch as it had been described to her… It made her want to cry.

So, you know.

"A corrupted imitation of a nature spirit that was designed to fail." Ereshkigal put hand to her waist. "That is what Magical Girls are. Then as Witches, in their continued failure to properly manifest a Marble Phantasm, they instead form a localized Reality Marble. That is what the girls you Contract become and these breaks in reality that they create then are converted into energy that you harness. Am I correct?"

It all makes sense now, Ereshkigal told Ren mentally, With the knowledge this body imparted on me. I just need confirmation.

The true implications and fundamentals of the Magical Girl Contract would be beyond what even you could fathom… but that is a way it could be interpreted from a human's understanding.

"Why…" Ren's voice trembled. "Why would you do this to her? To them? No one deserves to have that done to their soul!"

It is to prevent entropy. The heat death of the entire universe. Their transformation is a small price to pay for the entirety of the universe, is it not?

There was just no point arguing with it. It would never see that what it was doing was wrong. It couldn't see the beauty present in the world or the ugliness it left behind with its actions.

Rika… another one I Contracted. It has been a while since I last spoke with her, cut off from Kamihama as I am. What is happening over there?

"Just go away," Ren said.

You've become rather fond of her… I wonder what you would do for her.

The Incubator didn't try to evade the bone spikes that jutted from the floor and impaled it where it stood. Another of its bodies appeared in a hole in the ceiling above them.

"How long are you going to play this game," Ereshkigal said. "You're wasting all of our time at this point."

A wish is a desirable thing. It could even be used to revert what has been done to Rika. It certainly wouldn't be the first time something like that has happened.

Ren froze. The chill in her body no longer came from any wraith or apparition that inhabited the building.

Think about it. Perhaps you value her soul more than you do your own, the Incubator said before finally departing.

Ren's body trembled, tears gathering in her eyes as the weight of the Incubator's words weighed her down. It was only because of Ereshkigal supporting her body, that she did not collapse to the floor at that very moment.

She wanted to live now. She did. But she also wanted Rika to live. She wanted Rika to be saved.

"Ren," Ereshkigal rubbed her back gently. "Don't listen to it. I am the Ruler of the Underworld. I command the spirits and the souls of the departed. I'm sure we can find a way-"

"Let's just… finish cleaning… this building," Ren wiped away the tears from her eyes and looked up at Ereshkigal. "Please."

"… Okay."

"How was your day?" Tomohisa asked politely as Ren and Ereshkigal arrived last at the dinner table.

"We were approached by a certain rat," Ereshkigal explained.

Ren simply took her seat in silence and let Ereshkigal do the speaking.

Archer and Tomohisa immediately narrowed their eyes.

"The Incubator," Archer said.

"Yes, and it confirmed a theory of mine," Ereshkigal replied. She then recounted the night's events, the conversation with Kyubey, and what Witches were.

By the end of it, Archer had closed his eyes, crossed his arms, and seemed to mull over her words. "The Incubator remained vague, but we can assume that your hypothesis is correct or at least very close to what is happening."

"A soul that was taken out of the body, converted into something like a Nature Spirit, and then stuffed into a new vessel that couldn't process grief or magic usage," Tomohisa said.

"Yes," Archer confirmed. "We now know the end result… but we don't know the method. The Incubator clearly has access to power or technology beyond what exists in this world. Trying to reverse that likely wouldn't be possible with what's available to us, and that's assuming we could figure out how it does it in the first place. Even now I can't Trace the structure of a Soul Gem even though I know its purpose."

"Like how most people know how a car works but would be unable to fix it themselves once they opened up the engine," Junko simplified it for everyone else there. "They simply don't have the tools or the knowledge."

"And the Incubator is the only mechanic," Ereshkigal sighed. "Or at least that's what I can assume judging by the knowledge this vessel imparted to me."

"You'll be safe enough from its presence once you return to Kamihama tomorrow," Archer told Ereshkigal. "Still, the rat has a tendency to manipulate situations if it feels a Contract is worth the effort and it doesn't have to be there to do that. And you'll also have to careful of whatever's going on in that city."

"No place seems to be safe," Tomohisa shook his head. "I don't think I can even see the Incubator in my current state. It could approach Madoka anytime and I wouldn't know it."

"You just have to trust our daughter," Junko reassured him before turning to Madoka. "You're a good girl. I know you'll do what's right when the time comes."

"But will the world repay her for that," Kyoko grumbled. "Does the world ever do anything for people that do the right thing?

"Kyoko," Archer said.

"Your daughter should be more worried about staying alive, then anything else," Kyoko continued. "How's getting herself killed doing something good, good for anyone. Especially you guys."

"Kyoko!" Archer said more sternly.

"I'm just saying. She should think about how her family feels rather than-"

"Please stop." The words had left Ren's mouth before she could even think them. "Don't deflect… your own feelings."

Kyoko simply turned and stared at Ren, open mouthed and wide eyed. Everyone else at the table remained silent and observed Ren as she spoke.

"Just because it happened to you… doesn't mean it'll be the same… for them."

"What do you know about me?" Kyoko growled.

What was once a glare that would've sent Ren shivering, hardly fazed her at all. "Being mad at yourself… and at them… doesn't help. If you hate everything… without seeing the good… then you won't have a reason…to live."

Ren returned Kyoko's glare with her own hardened gaze. They were both people that had experienced pain in this world, perhaps that was why she could understand her. Just a little bit at least.

"Kyoko," Madoka finally spoke. "I know you're worried about me… but I'll be fine. And Yuma and Archer will be fine too. Everything will work out eventually. I know it will."

Madoka scratched the side of her head. "Besides, I don't think I'd ever do something like sacrificing myself for the greater good. I like helping people, but I don't think I'm brave enough to do something like that."

"Don't worry about Kyoko, she can be rude sometimes," Yuma reassured Ren while she dropped by to visit the girl in her room.

Yuma seemed to be recovering well enough. She was able to sit up, move around a bit, and seemed to be in a good enough mood.

"I'm just worried… I hurt her somehow," Ren replied.

"Bis Sis has got some thick skin… if you avoid talking about certain things. She says a lot of mean things but she can take it herself. Or at least that's how she is usually. I don't know… she's been quieter recently."

"Maybe she's still worried about you," Ren suggested.

"Maybe… Archer says I'll be fine though. Once I'm fully healed, I'll get up and… hit her with my hammer! Not hard, but enough to show her that I'm good now."

"I think they left your hammer… back in your old home…" Ren looked away guiltily. "Just before we… destroyed it."

"Oh… I'll just have Archer make me one then. You know he also made that spear for Kyoko."

"I heard he can make a lot of weapons."

"That spear isn't a copy though. It's actually an original he made with his own hands!" Yuma said excitedly. "I want something like that now that I can fight…" Yuma frowned. "I also want to hit Oriko. She won't get away with hurting Kyoko and Archer again."

Ren smiled. Normally she'd be worried about a young child expressing such bloodlust, but well exceptions could be made. "Ereshkigal has also been… teaching me." She held up her hand and produced a lightly glowing wisp. "I'm not very good… but it's nice… to be able to do something."

Yuma gazed appreciatively at the floating wisp. "I wonder what other spells I could learn, now that I can use Reinforcement."

They continued to make small talk, until Yuma yawned and finally prepared to go to sleep. Ren exited the room and closed the door behind her, only to notice Archer standing nearby in the hallway.

"She's really excited to fight with you and Kyoko," Ren commented.

Archer remained silent.

"Are you really… going to leave her here?" Ren asked.

"It's for the best," Archer replied. "She'll be safer here."

"Is being safe… worth it? If she has to be left behind… by her family?"

"…"

"The beautiful things… in this world… for her... are you and Kyoko. Do you really… want to take that away from her? After she worked… so hard to find it?"

Archer remained silent and Ren took that as a sign to walk away. Not before informing her Servant of where he was.

Archer didn't move a single inch as Ren disappeared into her room. Neither did he move when Ereshkigal appeared next to him. She had been seeking him after all, and it was best they spoke in private.

He would just have to do his best to ignore her… familiar appearance.

"Ren's right, you know. You'd be denying Yuma the people she cares for the most… I don't think I could ever accept something like that either," Ereshkigal commented.

"You care for Ren, don't you?" Archer asked.

"I… do. She's shy and quiet… but she's one of the few people ever to show my kindness. Even knowing what I am."

"Then what would you do to protect her?"

Ereshkigal glanced away.

"That's why you've been training her, haven't you?" Archer continued.

"The dead need… they deserve to have a shepherd. If she can fulfill that role for this world… I admit that might've been the reason why she was brought to me in the first place and why I was summoned. But yes, I also want to keep her safe. Try and prepare her for the dead that would try to consume her now that she exists at the boundary… She is probably the one person in this world that could understand them and me the most. And yet-"

"Those with the kindest of hearts are often the ones hurt most by this world. Especially those who make it their goal to protect others," Archer sighed. "It takes a selfish or perhaps a broken person to survive it."

"Perhaps, but maybe its not worth living that way."

Archer shook his head. "Kyoko, Yuma, and I. We're all broken. In different ways, but broken nevertheless." He looked at Yuma's door. "It might hurt her… but I know that Yuma could live on without us. She's shown that she can stand on her own now."

"And Kyoko?"

"In the past maybe… but she needs me more than ever. It's not like I have much of a choice there. I need a Master to maintain my existence in this world and I don't think Ren can handle another Servant."

"You always push away the people that care about you the most."

It took much of Archer's self-control not to flinch and remain composed. He wasn't entirely sure if that was the Goddess or the body she inhabited.

"Because I don't deserve it," He eventually replied. "To be cared for by anyone… to be happy while others suffer. Not after everything I've done and the countless I've doomed with my existence. Yuma and Kyoko… they deserve someone else."

"They chose you."

"And it's a question I've asked ever since that fire. Why did it have to be me?"

Ren sat alone on the train as Kamihama came into view. She and Ereshkigal had both promised that they would return again once Yuma had fully recovered, but there was no telling what could happen during that time. In the end all she could do was wish them the best.

"That man," Ereshkigal commented from the seat next to her. She was dressed in casual clothes and was physically on the train since Ren had paid for her ticket. It wasn't necessary with Astralization… but well the Goddess had been interested in the train and had wanted to try riding it herself. Even if she didn't actually say it.

Sadly, Ereshkigal was a bit too occupied thinking about other things to enjoy the return trip home. "I thought I felt a kinship with him, but I can't help but be annoyed around him."

"… Sorry."

"Don't apologize over nothing. I wished to speak to him alone in the first place. I shall likely have to speak with him again when we visit them again."

It didn't take long for the train to finally stop at Kamihama and for Ren, with Ereshkigal in tow, to step back out into the streets.

It was nice to be home, though she still wasn't particularly good with crowds. Ereshkigal being around helped, but Ren would've definitely felt better with Rika around again.

"Ren!"

And apparently someone was granting wishes today.

Ren toward her close friend with a smile. "Rika… how are you… here?"

"Oh, Emirin and a couple other girls wanted to go clothes shopping around here and I knew you were coming back from your trip today. So, I just stopped by real quick to see if you got back yet and I got really lucky."

"Thank you… for welcoming me," Ren blushed.

"Who's your friend?" Rika asked cheerfully.

Ren blinked and finally remembered that Ereshkigal was standing next to her in her physical form. It didn't help that the Goddess seemed likewise unprepared for the question.

"I'm a… we met during her trip!" Ereshkigal replied.

"You met in Matikihara," Rika tilted her head. "And came back with her here?"

"W-well we just happened to have the same destination," Ereshkigal looked flustered. "I mean I moved here recently and she uh… volunteered to show me around."

"So, you met on the train?"

"Y-yes!" Ereshkigal replied, having composed herself somewhat. "We met on the train and got along quite well."

"Wow!" Rika said cheerfully before turning to Ren. "I didn't think you could make another friend so quickly- not that I mean there's anything wrong… with you," Rika frowned and quickly amended her words. "I mean I'm glad you're enjoying yourself now. Wow, I really sounded like a jerk just now."

"It's fine," Ren reassured her. "I… understand."

"Thanks Ren," Rika smiled before turning back to the Goddess. "Anyway, I'm Rika Ayano! What's your name?"

"Ereshkigal!" the Goddess replied confidently.

"That's… a cool name!" Rika said.

"Oh uh," Ereshkigal began blushing again. "Of course, it is! I mean… uh… thank you."

"Are you two feeling tired? If you're okay then you can join me and Emirin."

"Are you sure?" Ereshkigal asked, confused. "I mean we just met… and." She began looking insecure. "I haven't gone out that much."

"That's fine," Rika replied as she grabbed Ereshkigal's and Ren's hands. "Any friend of Ren is a friend of mine. Besides, I'm already thinking of an outfit that can go with your hair! It's so pretty and your skin is so light."

Ereshkigal was clearly unused to physical contact and her face went from a light blush to a full crimson. "I… uh." The Goddess turned to Ren for aid.

Ren simply smiled and held Rika's hand in turn. "We'd like that."

"Y-yes!" Ereshkigal turned back to Rika. "You shall have the honor of taking me shopping!"

Rika giggled as she led them away. "Well let's go then, can't keep Emirin waiting!"