Yuma sat awkwardly next to the two girls that she had been left with. She wouldn't have minded going with Archer and the rest of them to interrogate their new captive, but apparently, they thought she was too young to see any of that. Like crushing a girl's face with a hammer wasn't enough.

"Is Tsukasa really a part of the Magius?" Riko asked Nagisa as they cleaned up a little around the stall.

"Yep, chased me around all night one time. It was super annoying," Nagisa replied.

"Are the Magius really bad?" Riko asked.

"They protect the Uwasa and the Uwasa hurt people. Of course they're bad," Nagisa said.

"I don't think… they're all bad," Yuma replied carefully. She wasn't very good with new people, even if they were her age. Honestly, she wasn't sure how to act around people her own age. Just like how she usually was? "They have a good reason to do what they do… even if it isn't the right thing."

"Really?" Riko turned to Yuma. "What is it?"

Oh… how was she supposed to tell two Magical Girls her age that they were both doomed to becoming Witches? Yuma was pretty sure being blunt like Kyoko probably wasn't going to help things here.

"You don't need to say anything if it bothers you," RIko said after Yuma remained silent for some time. "It's just that Tsukasa's a friend. She helped me before when I was first starting as a Magical Girl. I don't know what she did as a Magius… but she isn't a bad person. I don't want her to get hurt."

"They just want some information from her. I'm sure… they'll only do what's necessary," Yuma said carefully. Technically true though what counted as necessary probably wouldn't do much to comfort Riko if she knew.

Yuma turned to Nagisa. "I'm surprised you didn't go with Archer to interrogate her. Didn't she chase you around?"

Nagisa shrugged. "I already told her she was stupid and mean for chasing me around. And she didn't try anything again even though she knew I spent a lot of time with Riko."

"Why did she chase you?" Riko asked.

"Because I did something weird that she saw, and I'm hunting Uwasa that the Magius are supposed to protect," Nagisa replied.

Yuma looked at Nagisa in surprise. "You're hunting Uwasa?"

Nagisa nodded. "Yep. I got a super-secret mission to complete."

"By yourself."

"Yep. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself and Riko hunts Witches on her own too."

Yuma turned to Riko. "Really?"

"Yea," Riko replied. "I have to protect my home."

"Wow… you two are off on your own then. Doing your own things," Yuma commented.

"Is something wrong?" Riko asked.

"It's just that… Archer and Kyoko never leave me on my own. They're always there watching me," Yuma told them.

"Isn't that because they care about you?" Riko asked.

"Don't your parents leave you alone all the time?" Nagisa asked Riko.

Riko looked away. "They're… busy. Very busy. They have to leave me alone a lot."

Yuma sighed. "I know they care, but they're just so protective of me. I want to be able to do things on my own. Like you two."

"… Well if they don't let you do things alone, what about with friends?" Nagisa suggested. "Ma- my boss let me work without her watching as long as it was with a friend."

"I… don't have any friends," Yuma admitted. "What is it like having a friend?"

"Well…" Nagisa looked thoughtful. "Friends talk a lot and they spend a lot of time together." She turned to Riko. "Is that right, Riko? You're my only friend so I think you know better since you have more."

Yuma and Nagisa both turned to Riko who seemed a bit nervous at the sudden attention.

"Well," Rika scratched the back of her head. "That's about right, but I think there's more to it than that. Friends care about each other. They want to be around each other and also want to help because of that."

"So… like family?" Yuma asked.

"Well, sorta. It's kind of different," Riko replied. "Though good friends can become like a family… if they're close enough."

"Oh…" Yuma said. That answered a few questions she guessed, but it didn't really solve any of her issues. "Doesn't change the fact that I don't have any friends to go with."

"Well, I can be your friend," Nagisa suggested. "The only one I have right now is Riko, it'd be nice to have another."

Yuma's eyes went wide. "Really. That's it? We can just be friends like that?"

"Yea. I mean. I think that's how it works," Nagisa replied. "What do you think?"

"Sure. I'll give it a shot then," Yuma replied before turning to Riko. "If you don't mind me… sharing your friend I guess?"

"That's fine. Friends can also be friends with other people… I wouldn't mind being your friend too," Riko replied.

"Ok so I have two friends now," Yuma said happily before looking at Riko. "What… what do we do then?"

Nagisa also looked at Riko.

"Well," Riko replied to their stares. "We could always watch videos on my phone."

"So let me get this straight. What you're saying is that you don't know how the Uwasa are being created, where most of them are being moved apart from the ones you're assigned to protect, and why you need to protect them," Kyoko simplified everything that Tsukasa had just told them.

Tsukasa nodded. "Yes."

Kyoko looked up to Archer. "Alright, looks like we gotta play bad cop worse cop."

Archer nodded. "I'll be both."

Tsukasa looked at them confused. "I'm sorry, what?"

The girl let out a terrified and primal shriek as Archer threw a sword next to her head.

"Aren't you guys being a bit too rough?" Iroha asked.

Kyoko put a finger over Iroha's mouth. "Shh, let bad cop work."

"That wasn't worse cop?" Tsukasa squeaked.

"Worst cop wouldn't miss," Archer informed her.

"Now stop lying and tell us something useful," Kyoko said as she pulled out her spear. "Or we can add sadist cop to the mix."

"I'm telling the truth!" Tsukasa said desperately. "I don't know anything! Most White Feathers don't. We're just given tasks to be completed and delegated to the Black Feathers."

"If you don't know anything then why are you helping the Magius!?" Kyoko shouted.

"Because we don't have any other choice! They're the only way to save Magical Girls from their fate, no one else is doing anything about it." Tsukasa turned to Iroha. "Don't you understand!? That Doppel, it's proof that you can be saved. It's proof that we don't have to become Witches."

"No," Iroha shook her head. "I know what the Magius are trying to do… but I've seen what can happen with a Doppel. It's not salvation at all, to lose control like that. To lose yourself in a dream while everything around you is destroyed."

"You've seen it then… Doppel Syndrome," Tsukasa admitted.

"So that's what it's called," Archer commented.

"But it doesn't have to be that way," Tsukasa recovered. "The system, Doppel's, can be improved. Just look at Nagisa! She has such fine control over her Doppel. She can summon and dismiss it at any time and even create her own familiars that she can control."

"What?" Archer and Kyoko asked. Iroha also looked confused.

"It's like she's fused with her Doppel but she's still in full control. If anything, I could've mistaken her for some sort of intelligent Witch!" Tsukasa continued.

"Didn't we leave Yuma alone with her?" Kyoko turned to Archer only to find that he had already vanished.

"What's wrong? Why did Archer leave in such a hurry?" Iroha asked.

"Because we left Yuma alone with a potential threat," Kyoko replied. Normally she'd panic at the thought but there was just something about that Nagisa girl… well chances of her being dangerous weren't high at all. Plus, she'd already seen what Doppels were like thanks to Iroha so if this Nagisa could apparently keep hers under control then there would be no issue.

"Nagisa seemed nice though," Iroha replied. "I don't think she would hurt Yuma."

"Yeah you'd think," Kyoko shook her head. She wasn't panicking but she still understood Archer's concern. And honestly if he wasn't already going there then she'd be rushing there herself. "Then next thing you know-"

They go crazy, burn your house down, and kill Momo.

"Shut up," Kyoko said to herself.

"Are you ok?" Iroha asked.

Kyoko turned to Iroha. "I'm fine just a bit-"

The sound of magic behind her was enough to get Kyoko to turn around only to find that Tsukasa had already transformed and was running full speed away from them.

"Damn it."

Not worth chasing her down either. Not when she knew the territory better

"I think it's fine," Iroha commented. "I think she was telling the truth; she doesn't know anything else."

"Yea, but she could've easily punched a hole through my chest instead of running," Kyoko chastised herself. "Really am losing my touch."

You wouldn't mind if it ended.

Archer really didn't think much of the girl they had left Yuma with. He didn't even mind when Kyoko informed him that their captive had escaped now that they got what information they could out of her. This was all just a precaution, and he also had a few questions to ask of this Nagisa girl anyway.

So no, he wasn't in too much of a rush.

Then Yuma screamed.

His eyes narrowed, his heart pumped, and he readied himself for combat once more. He tensed his legs and with one large leap, burst into the scene.

"Yuma!" Archer shouted as he flew into the stand, armor and blades drawn. His arms were raised, fully prepared to cut down anyone or anything that would hurt her. He was a blade, steel to be pointed at whatever threatened everything they had built. A blade that was now pointed at three young girls huddled together around a phone placed on the counter.

"Archer, what's wrong?" Yuma asked, less scared, but just as confused as the two girls that flanked her.

"You… screamed," Archer replied awkwardly.

"Because Riko wanted to show us a scary video," Yuma explained. "Could you put away the swords?"

Archer looked at Riko and Nagisa. Though they were more surprised than frightened, he realized that he probably was the scariest thing there at that moment. "Sorry," he said as he dismissed his blades.

"Are you a Magical Boy?" Nagisa asked.

Every damn time.

"No. I'm not," Archer sighed. "There are more sources of magic in this world than just Magical Girls."

"So uh… weren't you busy interrogating that Magius girl before you came here?" Yuma asked.

"We already got most of what we could from her," Archer admitted. "She's not much of a threat."

"That's good," Riko commented. "I'm glad you didn't have to hurt her to get her to talk."

"Physical torture doesn't even work anyway. They'll just say whatever it takes to get it to stop. Better to intimidate, mentally pressure, or take something they care about hostage," Yuma muttered to herself only to finally notice the perturbed looks that everyone else was giving. "I uh… read a book about it."

"I really need to get you off your phone," Archer commented before glancing at Nagisa. "Apparently that girl had something to say about you."

Nagisa stood up and pouted. "Did Tsukasa say something weird again? Goddess I show people one little Pyotr and suddenly they go crazy. They all do!"

"Pyotr?" Riko asked.

"Goddess?" Yuma asked.

"Oh uh… you didn't hear that," Nagisa corrected herself.

Both of those piqued Archer's interest. "Would you mind explaining?"

"Nope!" Nagisa was quick to answer. "Super-duper secret. Can't say anything."

"That's what you always say," Riko complained.

On one hand Nagisa seemed to have some very important information for him to extract. On the other hand he'd be intimidating a young child, among other things, just to get it.

Best to leave it alone for now. In all likelihood the girl would start blabbing the truth to people once she let her guard down. Which made it even more convenient that Yuma had made a friend. Information and company for the girl, this outing had been quite productive.

Madoka released her arrow, striking down the last familiar and causing the labyrinth to collapse around her.

The familiars here really were tougher than they were in Mitakihara. She could apparently handle herself for the time being, which was nice, but after that previous incident she was worried about pushing herself again.

She looked down at her right arm. The scar hidden by the long sleeves of the blouse she wore.

That pain. It brought her back to that time Sayaka's life was in danger. She didn't mind so much if it meant saving her friend, but… it hurt a lot. So much that even just a fraction of it pain back at the radio tower had been enough to get her to shiver and nearly panic at the memories. At the thought of that uncontrollable torrent bursting out and tearing her body apart completely.

It was amazing that she had still been able to land most of shots in that condition… and it was amazing that she could still choose to fight in spite of those risks. She had always thought that she'd be too scared to do something like sacrificing herself for others, but maybe she had been wrong… Or maybe she didn't value her life that much at all.

Madoka shook her head.

No. She did value her life. She loved her family and she loved her friends. It's just that now she realized she would do anything for them. Anything to get them back.

That was good to know.

Now, back to the business she had before she had been distracted by that familiar. She needed to find whatever Magical Girls and ask if they had seen any of her friends. Not the best plan, but it was the only one she had since most of Yachiro's inquiries came up with nothing.

"Myyyy. Hello there."

Madoka felt a chill up her back as she immediately recognized the voice of the Coordinator. She instinctively hugged her own chest in defense as she slowly turned around.

"Hi… Mitama," Madoka tried to give the best smile she could.

"It's interesting to see you here," Mitama commented in her songlike voice. Almost drawing you in like a Siren, and it would've worked if Madoka didn't know what her personality was like beforehand.

"Well, I'm still looking for my friends," Madoka replied as she slowly lowered her arms. The Coordinator didn't seem like she'd try anything, not here at least.

"How has your search gone?"

"Not well…" Madoka admitted.

"Do come by and visit the shop then. I might have information in the future regarding your friends."

Madoka winced. "How much will I have to pay?"

"I'll charge you fairly. And I'll throw in adjustment for free. We still haven't gone around to fixing up your body and soul."

"I'm fine. What are you doing here?" Madoka replied as she tried to change the subject.

"I had some free time and I figured I might as well spend it with yoi-"

"Mitama!" A girl suddenly ran up to Mitama with an excited look on her face. Like the Coordinator her hair was silver and her eyes were, though she was notably shorter and her hair was tied into two pony tails rather than just one. "I'm here!"

"You're late Mikage." Mitama smiled at the girl, though it was a much different smile than any Madoka had seen from her. It wasn't plastered on or fake. This time, it felt genuine.

"Sorry," Mikage apologized. "Mom had me do some errands."

"Mikage…"

"I got distracted by a cat on the way here," Mikage admitted.

"It isn't good to lie to people."

"I know," Mikage pouted before looking up at Madoka. "Is she… a friend of yours?"

"She's a customer, a fairly recent arrival. Madoka, this is Mikage, my little sister."

"Hi there," Madoka greeted the girl happily. She felt much more relaxed around the younger of the two siblings. "My name is Madoka Kaname."

"Mikage Yakumo." The girl smiled and looked at her with eager eyes. "Could you tell me what my sister does for a living?"

"Uh…" Madoka looked at Mitama who for once looked genuinely worried. "Well I'm looking for my friends and your sister might have some information on them."

"That's it? Is there anything else you can tell me?" Mikage frowned and gave Madoka what had to be the most fearsome set of puppy eyes she had ever seen. Not even Tatsuya could pull that off. It would've been enough to break Madoka and talk right there if it wasn't for Mitama shaking her head in the background.

"Nope that's it," Madoka lied. She did it badly. She wasn't used to lying and Mikage could probably tell. Thankfully the girl didn't seem to push the issue.

"Friends, huh?" Mikage looked curious. "How many do you have?"

"Twelve." She had gained quite a lot recently with Kyoko and Iroha's group. Also Archer and Ren. Maybe Ereshkigal too. Tsuruno was friendly enough too... "Maybe 15?"

At this point she was starting to lose count.

"That's a lot," Mikage said, awed. "How do you have so many?"

"I just… got to know them. They were really nice to me so I spent more time with them."

"So, you're only friends with people that are nice to you?"

"No it's…" Madoka thought about it for a moment. "Friends care about each other. They help each other because they want to. We also like to talk and hang out. It's a lot of fun and we learn more things about each other that makes us like each other more."

"So you like everything about them?"

"Well… Friends don't always agree. There might be things, small things that we don't like, but we still like each other anyway. Isn't that what it's like with you and your sister? You two are family but you might not always agree with each other."

"I guess," Mikage replied. "Having friends sounds interesting at least."

"Have you been thinking about making a friend?" Mitama said, surprised.

Mikage shrugged. "Not really. Not with the kids at my school, they're boring. Besides, we don't need friends if we have each other right?"

For once Mitama looked worried. It was strange to see her composure crack in front of her sister. It made her feel more relatable, like someone that Madoka actually wanted to know. "It's fine if you want to make friends too."

"I'm alright. I'll wait for you at the mall when you're done with your customer. It was nice to meet you Madoka," Mikage said before running off in the distance.

"Your sister is nice," Madoka commented now that it was just her and Mitama again.

"She goes at things at her own pace, but she's quite likable. Gets along easily with people even if she doesn't have a lot of friends... Innocent too."

"She doesn't know about Magical Girls, does she?"

"No, and I'd prefer to keep it that way," Mitama admitted before sighing. "However, it's quite common for siblings to be capable of forming a Contract. Not always, but enough that it is a worry of mine, especially with how she is."

"Yea… I can understand that." Madoka was frightened too at the thought of Tatsuya entering into this life one day. Even if he couldn't be a Magical Girl, thank the Goddess, his powers could still put him in danger.

"Do you have any sisters?" Mitama asked.

"I have a little brother. He's three."

"Normally I'd say that's good, but… I have a feeling that he doesn't have to be a Magical Girl to tread the line between this side and regular life either."

"He's like me," Madoka admitted.

"Then maybe he'll follow the example of his older sister. In which case you should leave this life behind."

"I can't…" If not for her friends, then for herself. She had to do something, even if that compulsion could be seen as an obsession at this point. "I have these powers for a reason. I think I'm meant to use them… even if they do scare me sometimes."

Mitama suddenly brightened up and the Coordinator's teasing expression returned to her face. "Then you'll accept the cost with all your resolve. Ah, truly a girl after my own heart. You only pique my interest more and more as I talk with you."

Madoka didn't step away this time. That face wasn't as unnerving as it was before though, with what she knew now. "I'd be happy to spend time with you and Mikage whenever you both have the time."

Madoka began to walk away, though she couldn't help but shoot one last glance at the Coordinator. "And I hope that you and your sister make plenty of friends. People… that know and accept you both."

"Maybe that was the wish I should've made," Mitama replied.