Have you heard? Has anyone told you?
The Rumour of the May Bells of Happiness!
Once Miss Ripper's all done ripping, and finds what she lost,
a beautiful string of bells will burst into full bloom!
And they'll share the fragrance of happiness
with poor, poor, lonely you.
Just relax and let the flower's aroma wash over you,
and kids from here and there will be brought in
to build your very own ideal world!
For any kids who disturb you, it's bye-bye:
back to that crummy reality!
And for the happy you, it's bye-bye:
away from that crummy reality!
Once you're hooked on this world,
you'll never want to leave.
It's a rumour that all the sleepyheads
snoozing on the rooftops are talking about!
Whiff pleasure!

When I wake up the next morning, I find Inui already awake and doing something at the desk. She seems to notice me stirring almost immediately and turns to beam at me.

"Good morning, Ashley," she says. "So, what should we do today?"

"Well, we need to start by deciding who takes the shifts this weekend," I say.

"Right, right," Inui says. "I thought you might say that, so I asked everyone to meet in the third floor lounge."

"Huh? Wasn't the lounge on the ground floor?"

"There's two lounges now," Inui says. "Surely you've noticed that the building's been growing, right?"

"That's true… I think there's been at least one more storey added since I was here last…"

It's still not quite as big as the Fendt Hope I remember from the game, however. Perhaps that's because there's simply been less time for it to grow. Although a few floors have been added since I first saw it, there are no new annexes yet.

"Well, if you've already called them, we'd better not keep them waiting," I say.

"Also, I recommend we try breakfast at the cafeteria. It's actually pretty good," Inui adds. "That's on the ground floor."

"Cool, we can eat after the meeting, then."

We don our feather robes, and Inui leads the way to the lounge in question. Everyone in my feather team is waiting for us there, even Kirika.

"So… I'll make this quick," I say. "Is there anyone who can't take a shift today?"

"Um, I have something to do today," Tomomi says. "Can I take a shift tomorrow instead?"

"Anyone else?" I ask. No-one says anything, so I continue. "Is there anyone who can't take a shift tomorrow?" A round of headshakes ensues. "Okay… is there anyone who'd like to take a specific shift?"

"Can I take the afternoon shift tomorrow?" Chiyoko says.

"Sure… any other requests?"

"I already have the evening shift tomorrow," Hikari says. "So…"

I nod. "Yeah, I won't give anyone two shifts on the same day… unless that's what you're asking for?"

"Well… no, I was hoping you wouldn't," Hikari says.

"Okay, so let's go with Miss Chiyoko and Miss Tomomi tomorrow afternoon," I say. "I'll take tomorrow morning with Inui…"

"U-um… m-m-my plans for… today are… not um… l-location-dependent?" Tamura says. "S-so I… could t-take all three shifts… today…"

"Are you sure?" I ask. "That's kind of a lot."

"If she needs a break for the afternoon, I can swap with her," Hikari suggests.

"Alright," I say. "So morning shift today will be Miss Tamura and Kirika, and for the afternoon… Miss Tamura and uhh… how about Miss Chiyoko? Is that okay?"

"Um… yeah, that's fine," Chiyoko says. "I do have one question for you, though…"

"Sure, if it's something I can answer."

"Um… I think it's better if everyone else doesn't hear it," Chiyoko says.

"Alright," I say. "Does everyone know their shifts this weekend?" There's a round of nods. "Then you're dismissed."

Everyone except Inui and Chiyoko disperses. Chiyoko looks at Inui.

"Um, I said…"

"Is it something you don't want Inui to hear?" I ask. "Even if I ask her to leave, there's a good chance I'll just tell her later…"

"Um… even so… I'd rather she didn't hear it directly," Chiyoko says.

I sigh. "Is that alright, Inui?"

Inui nods. "Sure, I don't mind. I'll wait for you in the ground floor lounge."

She heads out, making for the stairs, and I turn to Chiyoko.

"So… what is it that you want to ask that no-one else can hear?"

"Um… it might be more than one question, is that okay?" Chiyoko says.

"Probably, but I'll only answer what I can," I say.

"So um… why are you never at Fendt Hope?" she asks. "It makes it look like you don't really care about the Wings of the Magius…"

"You think so?" I say. "What about it? I happen to be very busy, so there's not a lot of time for me to stop by."

"Um… I want you to tell me honestly what you think about the Wings of the Magius," Chiyoko says. "Do you believe in the cause? I know you said you did before, but… do you think it's even possible? Can the Magius pull it off? It's just… I've been hearing things lately, and… I'm worried. Some of the rumours are… downright scary…"

"I'm quite curious about that," I say. "What kinds of rumours have you heard?"

"J-just, to be clear, these are only things I heard," Chiyoko says. "I don't know if there's any truth to them… I heard something about a witch that's coming to Kamihama… and there was this one girl who was terrified and ran away, who said girls who disobey are being fed to witches… I heard some of the rumours we're guarding have killed or seriously injured people… and I heard that the reason witches are so abundant here is because the Magius are drawing them to Kamihama…"

"Well, that last one is true, at least," I say. "I can't say whether there's truth to any of the others… I don't think Alina or the Instructor are the type of people who'd throw someone to a witch, but I can't rule it out… it's also possible someone else did that. I am certain that Mifuyu would never do that, though. And there is a terrible witch coming to Kamihama. I happen to know a magical girl who can predict the future, who told me about it."

"I'm just… starting to question… whether joining was… right…" Chiyoko mutters.

"I don't think it's a question of right or wrong," I say. "I don't think the Magius can pull off their plan under the current circumstances, in the current environment… but the plan is pretty well thought out, and with a few changes, I think it can be a success. However… it might be a bit late to tell that to the Magius. But I'm not here to support the Magius… I'm here to do damage control when Walpurgisnacht arrives. The Magius want to… use her for something, but my goal is to defeat her."

"How can they… how can they save everyone… when their actions… doom so many…?"

"They may be geniuses, but they're only eleven years old," I say. "And rather self-centred to boot. As far as I can tell, it was never their goal to save everyone… they just wanted to save the people they care about. I'm sure they didn't mean any harm to the girls of Futatsugi… they simply didn't think of what the consequences of summoning witches to one place would be for magical girls outside Kamihama."

"Why didn't you try to stop them?" Chiyoko asks. "If you thought of it, you should've told them."

"Maybe you're right," I say. "And yet… I think it's good for them to fail a few times. It's not like I'm just sitting on my heels doing nothing, either. I did attempt to send someone to Futatsugi who'd be able to compensate for the lack of witches, though I don't know if she actually took my suggestion, and I've been doing everything I can to save the people I can save."

"Huh?" Chiyoko says. "Are you talking about that woman who gave out grief seeds?"

"Yeah, probably."

"You sent her to Futatsugi…? Why?"

"Because I thought there might be a shortage of witches there and had no free time to do anything about it myself. And I wouldn't say I sent her… I made a suggestion, and apparently she decided to take it."

"I see," Chiyoko says. "Um… thanks for the talk, Lita… you've given me a lot to think about."

"No problem," I say. "Was that all you wanted?"

"Y-yeah… see you later."

I watch her hurry to the stairs and head up. Did I make a favourable impression? I'm not quite sure… but it's too early to think about that, really. I head downstairs to join Inui.

"So what was that all about?" Inui asks.

"To make a long story short, she's, uhh… questioning," I say. "She wanted to know what I think of the Magius."

"I see," Inui says. "Well, I guess there's no need for me to hear all the details then…"

"Yeah, probably not," I say. "I'm not sure I said anything you haven't already heard… alright, so where was the cafeteria exactly?"

Inui led the way to a large room at the back of the building, almost directly behind the lounge, from which came a host of heavenly smells.

"If it tastes as good as it smells, I'm sure I won't regret this…"

"It does!" Inui says. "I've been eating here most mornings ever since it opened!"

We enter and join the line. The black feather in front of us turns and blinks.

"Oh, it's you!" she says.

"Ah! Maimai!" Inui says.

"Ah yes, I remember meeting you the day you joined," I say. "You can call me Lita."

"That's me, Maimai!" she says cheerfully. "Course it's a nickname, cause it's taboo to give your real name around here, right?"

"You could say that… have you got in touch with anyone back home since joining?"

"No, not really," Maimai says. "I bet they didn't even notice I was gone, honestly…"

"I can't believe that's true…"

Maimai shrugs. "Maimai doesn't really have much of a presence, y'know," she says. "People miss me all the time. Sometimes it's almost like I'm invisible… it's almost a wonder I managed to graduate from elementary school like that…"

"So you're in middle school, right?"

"I guess it's safe to confirm that," she says.

"I guess asking the name of the school is too much," I muse.

"Probably!" Maimai says.

"Inui tells me you know a bunch more magical girls in your hometown," I say.

"Ah, that's true," Maimai says. "There's quite a few actually…"

"How many?" I ask.

She frowns a little, counting up on her fingers.

"If you include Epi-chan, who comes and goes… I can think of eight? That's not including myself. Oh, and there's also a giant German woman who's stopped by like once or twice ever… so she doesn't really count, but she's huuuuuge, so she really makes an impression. I don't remember her name though…"

"Oh, that's a lot…" Inui says. "Although maybe it's a normal number for a smaller town like that… but what I mean is it's a lot to be acquainted with… plus you even know an adult magical girl…"

"My favourite's the cat sempai," Maimai says. "She's really nice, if a bit forgetful. She never forgets my name though, or her boyfriend's name… only the unimportant things, like where she lives."

"T-that seems pretty important to me!?" Inui gasps.

"You think so?" Maimai says. "I guess it depends on the person. It's important to me, but not to her…"

"I think I understand what you mean," I say. "I guess she didn't have a very good home life… but still, to outright forget where she lives is pretty weird… is she actually a catgirl?"

Maimai shakes her head. "No, she just looks a bit like one when transformed, so I call her that."

"Having a boyfriend is also pretty unusual, for a magical girl," Inui says. "I mean, I'm not really one to talk, since I had one too, but…"

"Yeah, that's a bit unusual," I agree. "But I think it's probably fairly common if you consider magical girls worldwide. After all, Kyuubey itself said that love is a common wish."

"I guess," Inui says.

"Oh, we're finally up!" Maimai says. "I can't wait to try today's special!"

She steps forward to place her order, and once she's finished, Inui and I follow her example. Though there's quite a lot to choose from, I decide to keep things simple and just have a rice omelette. We then follow Maimai to a table. She chooses one that's occupied by two other magical girls, one of whom I recognize – the idol of the maid café, Makino Ikumi.

"Oh, Yumi-chan," Inui says. "Didn't expect to run into you this early in the morning…"

The girl I don't know looks at her.

"Oh, I just felt like eating here for a change," she says. "After…" She glances at Ikumi. "…my friend kept telling me how good the food is, I figured I had to try it at least once."

"I see," I say. "So the two of you are friends…?"

"U-um, it's not like that," Ikumi says hurriedly. "W-we already knew each other from before we joined…"

"Oh, is that how it is…"

We settle down to eat. Yumi and Ikumi don't seem to be all that talkative, so I decide not to press them. They finish eating before we do and hurry off to whatever they need to take care of.

Once I'm finished eating, while Inui finishes up I decide to check what the Magius are up to, particularly wondering about Alina's reaction to Karin yesterday. Although it's still fairly early in the day, they're apparently down in the chapel.

"By the way, how is Tomoe Mami doing?" Alina asks. "Her friends were asking for her so I just made something up, but…"

"She's gained significant power via mixing her magical girl magic with rumour magic," Nemu says. "It was a most fortuitous idea to robe her in the rumour itself."

"Though she still isn't fully stable," Touka says.

"Well, she's a powerful magical girl," Alina says. "I suppose controlling her is not that easy…"

"But it's only a matter of time," Nemu says. "I've already used up a lifetime's worth of energy, after all…"

"Well, I, Alina, only need her to lead all the magical girls," Alina says. "I ask for nothing more."

"I'm not especially worried about Miss Tomoe," Touka says. "But are you okay, Alina?"

"Me?" Alina says. "I have no recollection of dressing up in a rumour like she has."

"That's not what I mean!" Touka says. "You've been in a lousy mood lately, right? But you seem to be back to your old self today."

"Yes, because I solved the issue at its root," Alina says. "Well, perhaps 'solved' is going too far…"

"I can't exactly relate to your circumstances, but I'm glad you've calmed down," Nemu says. "I was starting to worry you might take out your anger on the Wings of the Magius…"

"'Take out my anger', you say… just what sort of girl do you think I am?" Alina retorts. "Besides, I was sincerely concerned about something!"

"Your normal behaviour sets a precedent," Nemu says.

"And we don't know what you were up to, so it's only natural that we don't understand," Touka says.

"You'd still have no idea even if I told you," Alina retorts.

"That's not true," Touka says. "Right, Nemu?"

"I don't feel any pressing urge to ask about it anyway," Nemu says.

"Oh, but I'm interested!" Touka says. "I don't think of Alina as the type to worry."

"You little…!" Alina says. "Ugh, fine. If you insist on mocking me then I will tell you all of it, from the beginning."

Alina was in the art room with Karin after school, pondering her issues, and the supervising teacher of the art club was also there, yattering on about something. She sighed and glared at him.

"Pardon?"

"How could you not hear me!?" the teacher exclaimed. "I'm only one metre away from you! You definitely heard me! Don't you 'pardon' me!"

"I'm sorry," Alina retorted. "Your words reached my ears, but apparently failed to reach my mind."

"I swear…" the man muttered. "Alright, I'll ask you one more time. Are you planning to submit anything to the next International High School Art Exhibit?"

Alina sighed and looked away from him.

"Ignoring me again…" he grumbled.

"Isn't it obvious from my behaviour?" Alina asked. "Come hell or high water, the answer is still no."

The teacher groaned. "But it's an exhibition where students all over the world can showcase their work," he said. "It's a chance for you to have your artwork seen by countless people. What's more, I bet there are people out there dying to see more of your work. At that one exhibit recently… you showed off 'Ode to the Psychedelic Youth' and got rave reviews, right?"

Alina sighed. "Even so, I don't wish to take part," she said. "Anyway, you. Don't pretend like you're doing me a favour. You just want to get your hands on my work. As for that international art exhibition… I don't know how involved with them you are, but I can tell when an adult is trying to use my name for their own gain. I'm not impressed. I would like you to get out of my sight now."

The man sort of stared at her, and Karin apparently decided it was time to speak up.

"Um…"

But before she had a chance to say anything, the teacher spoke.

"You're right!" he said.

"Huh!?" Karin gasped.

"Alina, with your artwork, they can bet on way more interest from visitors!" he said.

"Um…" Karin said.

"I'm a social studies teacher, but for some reason I'm responsible for the art club," the man said. "So I want to contribute somehow."

"He's not even trying to hide it anymore," Karin marvelled.

"But it's also because I'm thinking about what's best for you!" the man added. "You need this kind of opportunity to get recognition. It's the same for everyone."

"But I, Alina, am already famous," Alina retorted.

"W-well, yes, but…" the man said.

"Now leave!" Alina said. "Back to your little teacher nest, to grade all of your history papers."

The man sighed. "I knew there was no getting through to her…"

"Oh, sir!" Karin said. "That's because nothing you try will work today!"

"Karin…?" he said.

"I'd really like to help you out," Karin said. "But Alina-sempai is in a bad mood today."

"So I've gathered," the man said. "Her fuse is about five times shorter today than usual."

"So it's better you just go!" Karin said. "You can ask her again when she's in a better mood, that way—"

Suddenly Alina reached out and seized Karin's juicebox, draining the remainder of it.

"Hey!" Karin protested. "My strawberry milk! Awww… Alina-sempai, you're so mean!"

Aline glared at her. After all, she was the reason Alina was in a bad mood in the first place.

"Y-you're scaring me…" Karin said.

For what must be the hundredth time that day, Alina cast her thoughts back to what Karin had said the week before.

"Mirrors are not the only thing capable of reflecting light," Alina had been saying. "Anything you can see with your eyes is reflecting light… the one exception is true darkness. So what you should be doing is…"

Karin had blinked at her in confusion.

"Are you even listening?" Alina had asked testily.

"Oh um, I was just thinking, you seem to be in a better mood these days, Alina-sempai," Karin had said.

"You know we're currently going over your work, right?" Alina had said.

"Sure," Karin had said. "So, what happened? Did you get your wish granted?"

"Listen to— huh?"

Alina had been about to get angry, but was caught off guard by the mention of a wish. Indeed, she had recently had a wish granted and become a magical girl.

"Something good must have happened!" Karin had said.

Alina had gotten up and made for the door.

"I'm leaving," she'd said. "Bye-bye."

"W-wait, I'm sorry!" Karin had protested.

She'd jumped up to grab Alina's arm, preventing her from leaving.

"Let go of my arm," Alina had said.

"I just want to know what's going on with you!" Karin had said.

Alina had sighed and decided to say enough to satisfy the other girl.

"I, Alina, have found my theme," she'd said. "And indeed, I have also found the materials necessary to give it form. I'm excited to be raising those materials to full ripeness. Understand?"

"Huh?" Karin had said. "Like looking after the class gerbil?"

"What?" Alina had said.

"Is your theme animal husbandry?" Karin had asked.

"I, Alina, make my own art, thank you very much," Alina had retorted.

"But you're not!" Karin had said. "You're raising it! Is this theme of yours like owning a pet, Alina-sempai!?"

Alina had gasped at that point, before shaking her arm free of Karin and running out of the room.

"What's wrong, Alina-sempai?" Karin asked, startling her from her memories. "You were in such a good mood last week… it doesn't make any sense! Your brush hasn't moved at all!"

"It's nothing," Alina said. "You'd better finish up your work from yesterday."

"Okay," Karin said.

"I guess I should give up this time," that teacher finally said. "I'll let the other teachers know."

"Yes, do that," Alina said. "You'll get nothing more from me no matter how long you pester me."

"Then I'll tell you one last thing before I go," the man said.

"Hmm?"

"You're failing world history," he said. "You'd better get ready for some supplementary exams."

"What a drag…"

"That's all," he said. "Goodbye."

And with that, he left the room.

"Um, Alina-sempai?" Karin said.

"You should consider your panelling structure when you draw," Alina said. "If you wish to write simple manga then that's fine. But if you're trying to emulate your beloved Magical Kirin… you should train so that your panels are more dynamic and action-packed."

"What!? Huh? W-where'd that come from!?" Karin gasped.

"I'm leaving," Alina said. "Seeya."

Alina got up and swept out of the room.

"What!?" Karin said. "Alina-sempai…?"

She wandered around town for several hours, pondering her dilemma. Eventually she ended up in a side alleyway next to a dumpster.

"Ugh, this is so vile," she muttered. "So vile! But I am so excited… why? Is there a reason why I, Alina, am raising these witches? My theme is 'Alina's Beauty'… I, Alina, can create whatever I like with my own senses… so there should be no problem with raising witches… and yet, ugh, this twisted feeling persists!"

Suddenly she let out a scream of frustration and gave the dumpster a shove powerful enough to tip it over on its side. It crashed down, the contents spilling out, and she panted from the exertion.

"I need to uncover it," she muttered. "The meaning behind my theme… until then, there is no way that I can proceed as Alina!"

She left the alleyway and continued her wanderings, eventually ending up at the Mirror Mansion.

"Ugh… since I'm here, I guess I can gather a few more copies…"

She transformed and entered the labyrinth, hunting down duplicates of herself and other girls she knew, such as Touka, Nemu, and Mifuyu. Whenever she found a duplicate, she sucked it into her labyrinth. The familiars tried to get in her way, but she smashed through them with her fists. She was just capturing another copy of herself when a completely unexpected voice rang out.

"Alina-sempai!" Karin exclaimed.

Alina turned, startled. It was indeed the idiot Karin, all dressed up like a witch and accompanied by two other magical girls, one of whom seemed to be about her own age while the other was closer to Karin's age.

"Huh? Karin!? Since when were you a magical girl?"

Karin blinked. "Huh!? You didn't even notice? I've been a magical girl way longer than you have, Alina-sempai!"

"Is that so…?" Alina said.

"Um, so… is this one the real one?" the younger girl asked.

"I… think she might be?" Karin said.

"Oh, have you run across a copy already…?" Alina asked.

"A whole bunch of them, in fact," Karin said.

"Hmm… that's too bad," Alina said. "I could've used a few more for my collection…"

Karin blinked. "Huh? You're collecting… copies…?"

"Well, of course," Alina said. "Why else would I be here?"

"Any other reason but that," the younger girl said. "Are you touched in the head or something…?"

"Forget it," Alina retorted. "I'm done here, so I'm leaving. I've got other things to do too."

She turned to stride past the three of them, but Karin grabbed one of her hands in both her own.

"Alina-sempai, wait!" Karin said.

Alina paused to look back.

"Why should I?"

"I'm here because I'm worried about you!" Karin said. "What's going on with you lately!? You barely even come to club anymore, and when you do, you're twice as irritable as usual!"

"So what?" Alina retorted. "I can be as irritable as I want… what's it to you? Didn't you hate having me around, anyway?"

"W-what!? No! You helped me out a lot!" Karin said. "Of course I didn't hate having you around!"

"Well, too bad," Alina said. "Because I don't have time for your little petty struggles anymore. I've got far more momentous things to attend to… my best artwork should soon be completed."

"Your artwork…?" Karin said. "What kind of art is it this time…?"

"That is none of your business," Alina retorted. "My art is mine and mine alone."

She shook herself free of Karin's grasp and stalked off, but Karin and her companions ran after her.

"That's not true!" Karin said. "I saw your exhibition, you know! Why'd you destroy all that beautiful artwork? What was the point? How could you think that horrible photo was worthy of the title of art!?"

"That was to be my final masterpiece, the documentation of my end," Alina retorted, without even looking back.

"N-no… I can't believe it!" Karin gasped.

"But as it turned out, my magical girl body was more resilient than I anticipated," Alina said. "So now, I'm faced with the need to top even that."

"Um… what's this about a photo?" the younger girl asked.

"It's so horrible I don't even want to say it," Karin said.

"Ah… I saw that…" the older girl said. "The photo of Alina Gray's broken body in a bed of flowers…?"

"Y-yeah, that one…" Karin said. "I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it there…"

"It doesn't matter if you don't appreciate my artwork," Alina said. "No matter what, I must create something even bigger and better."

"Hey, Alina-sempai… why don't you just take a break instead?" Karin suggested. "You've been pushing yourself to the limits all this time… I bet if you just took a break for while, inspiration would hit!"

"There's no time for that!" Alina shouted, rounding on them. "I don't have time to waste! It must be finished as soon as possible!"

"W-w-why the rush!?" Karin gasped.

Alina turned and continued walking.

"That's none of your business," she retorted. "You don't even know anything, so you wouldn't understand. Leave me alone."

"T-that's so mean!" Karin protested.

At that moment, they exited the labyrinth, startling Mitama who was apparently waiting in the Mirror Mansion lobby.

"Oh my, Alina!" she said. "And Karin-chan too…"

"Out of my way!" Alina shouted.

"Ah, sure…"

Alina ran out of the Mirror Mansion and powered down, grumbling under her breath. Then her phone rang and she grabbed it and answered it.

"This better be important!" she shouted.

The voice on the other end was either Tsukasa or Tsukuyo – Alina couldn't tell them apart.

"My apologies, but I called to inform you that the trap has been sprung," she said. "Miss Tamaki Iroha has entered Endless Solitude."

"Ohh… some good news for a change," Alina said. "Then I'll be there right away. You make sure they don't escape before I get there."

"Very well, we will await your arrival!"

Alina hung up and made for the radio tower. The confrontation with the others almost managed to take her mind off her still-unresolved art problems… almost. But then, just as the battle was about to start, that damned idiot Karin showed up again, this time riding her scythe like a broomstick. She could even fly!? That was so unfair!

"I fiiiiiiinally found you!"

Karin zoomed down to the heliport from above, all her attention on Alina, who she glomped, sending the two of them careening right up to the edge of the building.

"Gyaaack!" Alina screeched, attempting to halt their progress towards the edge. "Enough is enough, Karin! Will you just leave me alone already!?"

"No can do!" Karin said. "You're not acting yourself, Alina-sempai! Snap out of it! Is it the Mirror Witch? Or something you ate? What on earth happened to you, Alina-sempai…?"

The two of them tumbled off the edge and began to fall.

"You're delusional!" Alina said. "I'm the same Alina I always was!"

"You're not!" Karin said. "I'm been with you for almost a whole year now, so I can tell! You've changed recently! What happened to you? Why are you acting this way!? Please, let me help you, Alina-sempai!"

"You can start by letting me go!" Alina retorted. "And I don't mean in mid-air!"

"You know that's not what I mean," Karin retorted. "You helped me with my manga last time, didn't you? Can't I have a chance to help you in the same way?"

"Ugh, what a pain," Alina muttered.

"Don't call it a pain when someone wants to help you!" Karin protested.

"I'll call it like it is," Alina retorted.

"You can be really mean sometimes, Alina-sempai," Karin said. "But I know you're a kind person at heart! You helped me with my manga, and my life as a magical girl… even though you didn't know I was a magical girl back then… so I know there's a nugget of kindness inside of you! So that's why… I'm worried about you, Alina-sempai…"

"Whatever," Alina grumbled.

They fell silent for a minute or so as Karin managed to gain control of their fall, dragging Alina astride the scythe and swooping upwards.

"If you don't want to talk, maybe there's somewhere you'd like to go?" Karin suggested.

"There was one place… back then, it was like a bolt of inspiration hit me," Alina mused. "So maybe, if I go back to the same place…"

"Where is that place?" Karin asked.

"The roof I jumped off of…"

"W-what!? Alina-sempai!" Karin protested. "You're not planning to jump again, are you!? You're giving out similar vibes as the last time you jumped, come to think of it…"

"I'm not jumping off anything," Alina retorted.

"You're lying!" Karin said. "What other reason would you have to go there!?"

"It doesn't matter," Alina said. "I can't die, anyway."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Karin said. "W-wait, is that… something to do with your wish as a magical girl?"

"Perhaps," Alina said. "Anyway, I was just hoping to recapture some old inspiration."

"Well… if you're sure, I can take you there," Karin said.

She zoomed off towards the distant hospital, and they reached the place in record time. Karin landed on the roof and let Alina off. Alina took a few steps towards the edge, gazing at the city. Eventually, Karin spoke up.

"So… do you regret becoming a magical girl, Alina-sempai?" Karin asked. "Is that why you're so irritable lately?"

"Regret!?" Alina said, spinning to face her. "No, I could never regret learning about this world… the delicious eccentricity of witches has been an inspiration to me."

"O-oh, is that so…?" Karin said. "I… I see… so you're actually… inspired by those creepy things… but… I guess… that's just like you, Alina-sempai."

"Still… I haven't yet figured out where to channel that inspiration," Alina sighed.

Karin took out a book and shoved it in her face. It was a volume of Phantom Thief Magical Kirin.

"Then you need to read this!" she said.

"This…?" Alina said. "What are you getting at?"

"It's the latest volume of Phantom Thief Magical Kirin!" Karin said. "You read the whole series while you were in the hospital, right? But this one just came out today!"

"Yes, I'm aware," Alina said. "But—"

"Read this and you'll feel better!" Karin said. "You shouldn't just keep worrying about things."

Alina giggled. "What's your point? This is just a manga, yet you treat it like some kind of cure-all. But fine. I shall read it."

She swiped the book from Karin and turned to head down to street level. Karin followed her as far as the street, at which point they split up, and Alina headed back to the helipad.

But once the whole battle was over and done with it, she went home, and suddenly remembered the manga still in her bag. Wanting something to take her mind off the recent defeat, she really did sit down to read it.

"They ensnare and manipulate people's weaknesses to enact their revenge," Alina mused. "This is really too villainous…"

It was also pretty predictable. Alina could tell what was going to happen in the story before she got to it, and not once was her prediction off… at least, when she had a prediction at all.

"Huh, her transmission capacities were blocked… that means Kirin can't steal the crucial item they took from her, correct!?"

And then, just as she expected, it turned out exactly like every other volume of Magical Kirin. She closed the book and set it aside.

"Hmm… you can always tell how it's going to end, but still… what makes it so compelling…? So enjoyable? At its core it's just a simple product for entertainment, but its themes run deep… that must be it… it's strongly aware of its core… so then my work… it must have its own core, inside the general theme of 'Alina's beauty'. That would lend meaning even to my work as a breeder… aha, how unexpected. You may be a cure-all after all, Phantom Thief Magical Kirin! My theme… I feel like I caught a glimpse of it!"

The next day, she was on her way to school to pick up a textbook that she'd forgotten, when she ran into Karin. Having anticipated the possibility of such an encounter, she had a little something ready.

"Good morning," she said.

"Oh, Alina-sempai," Karin said.

"What are you so worried about?" Alina asked. "As I told you yesterday, I have no suicidal feelings whatsoever."

"It's just you have a history, so…"

"Okay, well, think whatever you want," Alina said, shrugging.

"Grr…"

"Here you are."

Alina handed her a box of strawberry milk.

"Strawberry milk!?" Karin gasped.

She grabbed it and held it close, protectively.

"Is this for me?" she asked.

"Why didn't you ask that before you took it?" Alina said. "Well, whatever. Just call it simple present to say 'thank you'."

"Thanks!" Karin said.

She unwrapped the straw and stuck it in, slurping the drink up happily. Alina watched her for a bit. It was fine at first, but then the straw slipped all the way inside.

"Oh, the straw… it fell through the hole…"

"Well, I don't have another one," Alina said. "Just drink it the best you can."

"Alright… oh, anyway!"

"Huh?"

"What did you think of Magical Kirin!? You must've liked it if you're thanking me for it!"

"Oh, that," Alina said. "I found out that it mostly just repeats the same exact story. That alone made it worth my time."

"Its beauty is in its formulaic approach!" Karin said.

Alina blinked. "The idiot is using complicated words out of nowhere…"

Karin beamed at her. "The bad guy appears, and Kirin steals something that would help beat them. She's a 'Phantom Thief Magical Girl', you know? It makes sense! And anyway, that's the stuff everyone looks forward to the most when they read it! Of course, there's the progression of Kirin's blossoming love story too, and—"

"Stop," Alina said.

"What!?"

"It seemed like you were just going to ramble on and on without end," Alina said. "But yes, it is as you say. It's enjoyable despite how repetitive it is. And I, Alina, saw through that repetition to the core of the work. As such, I owe both you and Magical Kirin my gratitude."

"I seeeeee…"

"Really?"

"Uh, actually, I don't get it at all. Sorry…"

"It's repetitive, but it can get away with it," Alina said. "Because at its core, it has an element that entertains its readers. I, Alina, am exactly the same. All of my artwork so far that has gripped people's hearts… they symbolized that instant between life and death, where emotions combust… they all contain that same theme."

"So that's the 'core' of your work?" Karin said.

"No," Alina said.

"Huh?"

"It's as you said," Alina said. "I'm presently taking care of the class gerbil, no?"

"What? No, you're an artist, Alina-sempai!"

"Did you forget what you told me?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Idiot… but yes, you're quite right. I, Alina, am an artist. So even if I were to raise some gerbils, there is meaning to it. And that meaning goes deeper than the theme of 'sentiment, life, and death'. I think the core of my work exerts its influence from a much deeper level…"

"Hmm," Touka says. "The 'core' that powers your work…"

"Yes," Alina says. "I want to know what lies at the heart of my art, beyond the theme."

"I've never read this manga that brought you to this realization," Nemu says. "But… it must be something that reaches you on a deeper level than human consciousness."

"Yeah," Touka says. "If it was just about how emotions occur, I can explain how the amygdala works… but when it comes to why you feel those emotions in the first place… we need to think of the origin of emotions itself. It could be something that got etched into our DNA over countless generations… like the cells that make our heart continue beating even without a brain. It could be difficult to find a clear answer to this one…"

Alina blinks. "You actually understood what I said…?"

"Don't underestimate a child prodigy," Touka retorts.

"I have an adequate enough understanding as well," Nemu says.

"I apologize," Alina says. "In that case, I'm glad I told you. I would love to hear any guidance you may have."

"Well… I would consider it from the angle that all individuals find enjoyment in the same way," Nemu says. "The theory of a 'collective unconscious' combines all perspectives in this way, too."

"What's that?" Alina asks.

"A universal concept that resides not in the mind of the individual, but of the masses," Nemu says. "A good example is how the sun is deified by peoples from different nations worldwide. They had no way of sharing their ideas, but each viewed the sun as divine organically. It is a shared mode of unconscious thought that traverses the vast borders of humanity. You could consider that line of thought too."

"So you are saying that fascination with death, as a concept, is shared unconsciously by humans?"

"It's not out of the realm of possibility," Nemu says.

"Then that means when I, Alina, create my artwork… and everyone is entranced by them… when they evaluate them, they're really…"

"Oh!" Touka says.

"Huh?"

"I know the perfect word for you, Alina!"

"And what is that?"

"Destrudo!"

"What?"

"A death drive… a self-destructive urge," Touka says, giggling.

"A self-destructive urge…?"

"Yes, an urge," Touka says. "Like a craving. Like when you're hungry or tired. These unconscious urges occur all the time as humans go about their lives. This 'death drive' is an urge that draws you closer to death. Perhaps it's because of that very urge, Alina. That's what's unconsciously affecting your artwork."

"So the core of my work would be… a craving towards death?"

"It's possible!" Touka says.

"I agree," Nemu says. "It seems like a very plausible analysis."

After that, Alina falls silent, no doubt pondering everything they and Karin have said. Since it doesn't seem like the conversation is going to continue, I shut off the vision after waiting a bit, just in case.

"Ah, you're back, Ashley," Inui says.

I blink at her. "How is your timing so perfect…?"

"I could tell you were using your magic," she says. "So as soon as you stopped using it, I spoke up."

"I see…"

"So," she says. "Shall we go meet up with… who was it again?"

"Miss Tokiwa and Honoka-chan," I say.

"Right, them," Inui says. "Let's go!"

On our way out of the cafeteria, a black feather hurries in and trips over her robe, startling Inui. The fall reveals a hint of her brown hair. I think she must be Megumi Moka… so that's the last named member of the Wings of the Magius, confirmed to exist. Although now that I think of it, I think Karin also mentioned her yesterday in a way that implied her to be a magical girl, so this only confirms she's a member of the Wings of the Magius.

"Are you okay!?" Inui gasps.

"Y-yeah, I'm… used to it," the girl says. "I fall down a lot, so it doesn't even hurt much."

"Oh, that sounds rough…" Inui says.

"It's… not that bad," the girl replies. "But thank you for worrying about me!"

Without further ado, she joins the line for food. We leave Fendt Hope and banish our feather robes, then head for the address Honoka sent us. It turns out to be the Hozumi café, though Shizuku herself appears to be out. Instead I find Honoka together with Nanaka's team, like she'd said in her message.

"Ashley-chan, over here!" Honoka says, waving.

Inui and I join them at the table.

"Good morning, Miss Taylor," Nanaka says. "We were just discussing whether the situation has been fully resolved yet…"

"I'd be interested in hearing what happened," I say.

"Um, maybe we should introduce ourselves first?" Akira suggests. "Some of you know each other, but… anyway, I'm Shinobu Akira, nice to meet you."

"Right," I say. "I'm Ashley Taylor."

"I'm Itsumi Inui! Nice to meet you, Akira-chi!"

Akira blinks. "Huh? Have you met Emily?"

"Who?" Inui asks, tilting her head.

"Uh… just someone else who also calls me that…"

"U-um, I'm Natsume Kako," Kako speaks up.

"Nice to meet you too, Kako-tan," Inui says.

"O-ohhh, I get it," Akira says. "She's just like Emily in that way, isn't she…? Um, nice to meet you, Miss Inui."

"I am Tokiwa Nanaka."

"I am Chun Meiyui."

"And I guess everyone already knows, but… I'm Kanami Honoka."

"The other Hohzuki girls aren't here?" I ask.

"Well, they are the subject of this conversation," Nanaka says. "Specifically, the two twins who share the same body. I did not get the impression that Miss Kagari had given up on her revenge."

"The main reason I stayed in Kamihama last night was to avoid an encounter with Kagari-chan," Honoka adds. "I didn't want her to wipe my memories or anything…"

"So basically, Miss Matsuri has forgotten about her again, is that correct?" I say.

"It would appear so," Nanaka says. "We were able to avoid the memory wipe ourselves thanks to Meiyui erasing our presence with her magic, but the girls of Chuo Academy have also forgotten what happened."

"And I suppose Miss Utsuho doesn't remember either…?" I say.

"You knew she was involved in this?" Nanaka asks. "Yes, I believe she too has lost her memories of the events, though I have not spoken with her on the subject…"

"So you asked me to come because… I know the most about the situation there?"

"Correct," Nanaka says.

"What even happened yesterday?"

"Well… I got caught up in the rumour," Honoka says. "Together with Aimi-chan and two other magical girls from Chuo Academy, and also the twins and Suzune-chan. And there was one other person as well…"

"What were you even doing in Kamihama in the first place?" I ask.

"Ah, right, that's because…"

Honoka had been paying close attention to the Hinata twins all day. Matsuri had been her normal self until lunchtime, but after lunch, she had been brooding and ignoring anyone who addressed her. Even the teacher had to say her name three times before she responded. So when she got up and left the room the moment the bell rang for the end of school, Honoka was pretty sure there was something up.

"Suzune-chan, come with me," Honoka said. "Let's follow her."

"Huh? Why should I do that?" Suzune asked.

"Because she's acting strange, and I'd feel safer if I'm not alone," Honoka said. "Plus, you have stealth magic, right? So she'd never even know we were there."

"Unfortunately, I have things to do," Suzune said.

"Like?"

"Like… um…"

"You don't actually have anything to do then," Honoka said. "Great! Let's go! Or should I tell Haruka-sempai the truth about you…?"

Suzune blinked. "Even if you did, it wouldn't end well for you…"

"You couldn't catch me last time," Honoka retorted.

Suzune sighed.

"Whatever… fine, if you insist," she said.

They left the classroom together, but were unexpectedly accosted before they could even leave the school.

"Oy, nee-san!"

A trio of boys appeared, one of whom shared Honoka's brilliant red hair. She blinked at them.

"Oh, Hotaka, is something up?" she asked.

"I'm gonna be in the shopping district anyway, so I figured I'd ask if you need any ingredients for dinner…"

"Oh, dinner," Honoka said. "Um… I'm sorry, but could you ask Dad to do the cooking tonight? I might be home late, and I don't want everyone to have to wait…"

"Ah… in that case, I guess I'll ask Dad that question," Hotaka said. "Seeya later, then, nee-san."

"Yeah!"

Suzune waited patiently without a word, then followed Honoka out of the school in complete silence. Once outside, they started following the twins' magical signature, tracking them towards the station. Along the way they found a place where they wouldn't be seen, where they transformed, and Suzune cast her Heat Haze spell to conceal them. They then drew closer to the twins, following as whoever was in control hopped on a train to Kamihama.

Once off the train, the twins meandered through the streets, tracking a magical signature with one of their soul gems out. The trail eventually led to the roof of Chuo Academy. At that point, Kagari transformed and looked around wildly for the source of the magic.

"It should be somewhere around here," she muttered. "Huh? What's that scent of flowers…?"

The scent was accompanied by the sound of a bell, just like the ripper girl's bell, and moments later, they were all sucked into the illusion.

It was morning, and her twin brother had apparently crawled into bed with her and was clinging tightly to her. She squirmed, trying to get free.

"Hotaka!" she said. "Wake up! It's time to go to school!"

"Five more minutes," he slurred.

"Ugh…"

Honoka looked around and found the clock. It was earlier than she thought, so she relaxed a bit and gave him the five minutes. Then she shook him.

"Mwuh?" he said.

"Time to wake up!" Honoka said.

She squirmed a bit more, this time managing to loosen his hold on her. With a bit more effort, she managed to wriggle free.

"Onee-chan… don't leave…" he muttered.

But she ignored him, getting changed into her uniform. The uniform seemed somehow different from what she remembered, though. Didn't her school have a blue tie? But she had little time to ponder such things, for she had to prepare breakfast for everyone.

After breakfast, she went to school, holding hands with her brother. Upon reaching the school gate, several girls called out to her.

"Good morning, Honoka-chan!" Awane Kokoro called.

"You're with your brother as usual!" Eri Aimi said. "You two are so close!"

"Huh?" Honoka said. "As usual…?"

"Yeah, you're always together, right?" Kokoro said.

"Um… we are?" Honoka said.

"At least, whenever I see you," Kokoro said.

"Yeah, same here," Aimi said.

"Kokoro and Miss Aimi are correct," Masara said.

At that moment, a few more girls showed up and called out.

"Good morning, everyone!" Matsuri called.

She arrived hand in hand with Kagari, who waved half-heartedly but didn't say anything.

"Good morning," Suzune said.

"Good morning, you three!" Aimi said.

"Oh, it's Aimi-chan and the others!" Matsuri said. "Good morning!"

"Huh?" Honoka said. "Um… what… huh?"

"Is something wrong, Honoka-chan?" Matsuri asked.

"She probably ate something that didn't agree with her," Kagari said.

"No, um… it's… nothing, I think," Honoka said.

"Have you gotten used to the new school yet?" Kokoro asked.

"Yeah, every day is fun!" Matsuri said.

"But Tsubaki is so overprotective," Kagari complained. "We're already in middle school…"

"You say that, but I know you're actually super happy," Matsuri said. "Onee-chan, you really love Tsubaki, don't you?"

Kagari sighed and turned to head into the school, pulling her hand free from Matsuri's grasp.

"I'm going to class," she said.

"She actually left," Masara said.

"Don't worry," Suzune said. "I'm pretty sure she's just trying to hide her embarrassment…"

"Let's get to class too!" Kokoro said.

"We'll get in trouble if we're late!" Aimi said.

So the six girls and one boy headed into school and made for their classroom, where they found Kagari already settled in. There was no time to speak with her though, because class was about to start.

After school, Honoka shook off her brother by asking him to do the shopping, and then all the girls headed out together. As they left the school building, Honoka noticed a strangely fragrant smell, like some sort of flower.

"Hey," Aimi said. "Doesn't something smell… kind of fragrant?"

"Hmm," Matsuri said. "Now that you mention it, I think you're right…?"

"A scent of flowers…?" Suzune said.

"It's really strong, but I don't see any flowers," Kokoro said. "Do you?"

"No," Masara said. "No flowers anywhere."

"Where could it be coming from…?" Honoka wondered.

The sound of a bell drew their attention to a woman loitering nearby, with black hair tied into a side tail with a small charm bearing a bell. The bell jingled as she looked around, frowning slightly. It was identical to the charm in Suzune's hair.

"Oh!" Kagari exclaimed.

"Tsubaki!" Matsuri said.

Tsubaki blinked at them, as if she'd only just noticed they were there.

"Oh… it's nice to see you," she said.

"Hello, Miss Tsubaki!" Kokoro said.

"Hello!" Aimi said.

"Good afternoon," Masara said.

"Hello," Honoka said.

"Yes, hello to all of you as well," Tsubaki said.

"Why are you here, Miss Tsubaki?" Aimi asked.

"Did you come to pick us up?" Matsuri asked.

"We're not in elementary school," Suzune said. "You don't have to come pick us up."

"That's not it," Tsubaki said. "I'm here because I sensed the presence of a witch nearby."

"A witch!" Suzune gasped.

"Oh no!" Matsuri said. "We have to stop it before anyone gets hurt!"

"Then we'll help you too," Kokoro said.

"We're magical girls, after all," Aimi said.

"Yeah…" Masara said.

"I can't just let this pass," Honoka said.

"Thank you very much," Tsubaki said. "The magical reaction is close by. Please keep your guard up."

Everyone transformed, starting with Kagari.

"I know, I know," Kagari said.

"Let's go!" Tsubaki said.

They entered the labyrinth and fought their way through the familiars until they reached the witch's central chamber, where the witch had surrounded herself with a bunch more familiars.

"There it is," Tsubaki said.

"But there's also a lot of familiars," Matsuri said.

"We'll handle the familiars," Masara said.

"Can we ask you to deal with the witch?" Aimi asked.

"Very well," Tsubaki said. "Please take care of the familiars. Matsuri, Kagari, cover me."

"Okay!" Kagari said.

"Yeah, we're on it!" Matsuri said.

"Suzune, you and I will take the front!" Tsubaki said.

"Alright!" Suzune said.

So the group split in half, with Honoka joining the Kamihama girls to take down the familiars.

"Even though our opponents are familiars, we can't underestimate them," Kokoro said. "I'll go ahead and draw their attention…"

"Okay, I'll give you long-ranged support!" Aimi said.

"Masara and Honoka, please finish them off from their blind spots," Kokoro said.

"Got it," Masara said.

"Understood," Honoka said.

"Now, let's go!" Tsubaki said.

With eight magical girls against the one witch, she didn't even stand a chance. They brought her down quickly and claimed the grief seed.

"We won!" Matsuri said.

"Well, it wasn't much of a challenge for us," Kagari said.

"Is everyone alright?" Tsubaki asked. "Are any of your soul gems cloudy…?"

"We're fine," Suzune said. "We didn't use much magic."

"We're safe, too," Kokoro said.

"It wasn't a big deal," Masara said. "All they had were numbers."

"That's a relief," Tsubaki said.

"Wow, no matter how many times I see that finishing move, it's still super cool!" Aimi said. "The one where Suzune-chan and Miss Tsubaki use the same magic together, like bam!"

"I wish I could do that," Kagari sighed. "Using magic, together with Tsubaki…"

"I know!" Matsuri said. "I wish I could do that too! Onee-chan, let's try doing it with each other!"

"We can't," Kagari said. "Our magic isn't the same. How many times have I said this…?"

"Aww, I wish we could do something," Matsuri said. "If we put our heads together I bet we could come up with something… our magics are sorta opposite, right? That's gotta be a clue…"

Tsubaki chuckled, then noticed that Masara was frowning slightly.

"Masara? What's wrong?"

"The scent of flowers seems to be getting stronger," she said.

"The scent of flowers?" Tsubaki said. "I don't smell anything in particular…"

Honoka blinked. "You don't smell that!? It's so strong…"

"We were talking about it right before we bumped into you," Matsuri said.

"We couldn't spot any flowers," Suzune said.

"But the smell is closer and stronger than before," Kokoro said.

"I wouldn't say it's strong though," Aimi mused. "It's more like it's very distinct…?"

"Huh?" Kokoro said.

She pointed at a pale blue flower growing by Tsubaki's feet, a single stalk with bell-shaped flowers arrayed up it.

"Is that it?" Kokoro asked.

"Oh!" Aimi gasped.

"What?" Tsubaki said, looking down. "Oh, you're right… I didn't notice that at all."

"Are these May Bells?" Matsuri wondered.

"Is this really what May Bells smell like…?" Kokoro asked.

"Are they even supposed to bloom at this time of year…?" Suzune asked.

"Maybe it's one of those fruitless varieties that bloom out of season?" Kagari suggested. "Oh, but it's almost May, so it's probably just a warmer year again… why don't we just leave it alone?"

"That's right!" Aimi said. "We've already figured out what the smell is!"

"I'm so hungry after defeating that witch," Matsuri said.

"Let's go home and have a little snack," Tsubaki said. "I cooked something new today."

"Yay!" Matsuri said.

"Would the rest of you like to come too?" Tsubaki asked.

"Absolutely!" Aimi said. "I'd love to hear more about your love life!"

"Me too, can I ask you more about cooking?" Kokoro asked. "The stew you taught me last time was delicious."

Tsubaki chuckled. "Of course. How about you, Masara? And Honoka?"

"I'll come over today," Masara said.

"Sure…" Honoka said.

"Then, shall we head off?" Tsubaki said.

A couple of days later, Honoka was invited to go shopping with Matsuri, Aimi, and Tsubaki. They had picked out some clothes and were about to go looking for shoes when Aimi suddenly stopped in mid-sentence, blinking.

"Aimi-chan…?" Matsuri said.

"Is something the matter?" Tsubaki asked.

"Just now, I thought I heard someone calling me," Aimi said.

"Perhaps there's an acquaintance of yours around here?" Tsubaki suggested.

"Well, it's the shopping mall," Matsuri said. "I wouldn't be surprised if other kids from school are here."

"That makes sense," Honoka said.

Looking around, they did indeed spot a few others wearing the Chuo uniform, both boys and girls.

"Hmmmm… I don't think that's it," Aimi said.

Suddenly she looked around.

"Huh? It smells like… flowers…? Is this the same scent we smelled by the gates of school the other day…?"

"Huh…?" Matsuri said.

"Yeah, I think it's the same," Honoka said.

"Oh, you're right!" Matsuri said. "There's a sweet smell of flowers!"

"I… don't smell anything," Tsubaki said.

"Huh…?" Matsuri said. "It's really distinct, isn't it…?"

"I don't know how you could miss it," Honoka said.

"Yeah," Aimi said. "I can't believe I didn't notice it until just now…"

"Would you like to go search for its source?" Tsubaki asked.

"You believe us?" Matsuri asked.

"I know you girls well enough to understand that you wouldn't lie," Tsubaki said.

"Yeah!" Matsuri said.

"Okay! Then let's look for it!" Aimi said.

They wandered through the mall for awhile, chasing the scent of flowers, until they located the place where it was strongest, near the escalators up to the second floor. However, though there was a planter full of greenery there, they couldn't see any flowers.

"The smell of the flowers… seems to be coming from around here," Aimi said. "But, well…"

"I don't see anything," Honoka said.

"Yeah, there's nothing that looks like a flower," Matsuri said.

Suddenly, a labyrinth appeared before them, and Tsubaki gasped.

"A labyrinth…!?"

"Looks like we have to put our search on hold," Matsuri said.

"Yeah, beating the witch is more important," Aimi said.

"Let's go!" Honoka said.

"Yes, let's go," Tsubaki agreed.

The four of them transformed and entered the labyrinth. Using Matsuri's search ability, they located the central chamber quickly, avoiding most of the familiars.

"It's coming from up there!" Matsuri said, pointing.

"Okay!" Aimi said. "As long as I know which direction it's coming from, then…!"

She pulled a revolver in each hand and fired at the witch until she ran out of ammo.

"And as a bonus… I'll throw in a few more rounds!" she shouted.

She pulled the trigger again, refilling the ammo from her magic and firing several more rounds.

"Thank you, Aimi," Tsubaki said. "You drew its attention well."

"Time to go in for the kill!" Honoka said.

"This ends here!" Tsubaki said.

Honoka teleported in to wound the witch with her knives, then teleported out of the way as Tsubaki finished it off with her fire magic. The labyrinth collapsed, and everyone powered down. Aimi let out a sigh of relief.

"It's over!" she said.

"Good job!" Matsuri said.

"Yes, well done," Tsubaki said.

"I didn't really do much," Honoka said.

"It doesn't look like anyone is injured," Tsubaki said.

"Hey, look at this!" Aimi said.

She pointed at a pale blue flower that was now in the nearby planter. It hadn't been there before, but it was the same one they'd seen outside the school.

"Oh! It looks like May Bells!" Matsuri said.

"We saw that near the gates of the school as well," Tsubaki said. "Why is it here…?"

"I'm pretty sure it wasn't there a moment ago," Honoka said. "Before we fought the witch, I mean…"

"Yeah, it's weird," Aimi said.

She reached out to touch it and gasped.

"W-whoa!? It withered as soon as I touched it!"

"What…?" Tsubaki said. "But it hasn't withered…?"

"Yeah, it looks fine to me?" Matsuri said.

"Me too…" Honoka said.

"Look," Matsuri said.

She reached out to poke the flower too, and gasped.

"Whoa…! I barely touched it and it withered!" she said.

"Let me try," Honoka said.

She poked the flower and blinked. Just as Aimi and Matsuri had said, the petals instantly fell off and the stalk drooped.

"Whoa… you're right," Honoka said. "This is really weird…"

"Hmm," Tsubaki said. "To me, who hasn't touched the flower, it looks like it's in full bloom. However, to those who have touched the flower, it looks withered."

"Yeah, it looks like a withered flower to me," Matsuri said.

"That's how it looks to me too," Aimi said.

"And me too," Honoka said.

"I'll give it a try," Tsubaki said.

She reached out and touched the withered flower and gasped.

"Just a light touch, and the flower…" she said.

Suddenly, they all heard a girl's voice calling Aimi's name. She was saying something else as well, but it was indistinct – the only clear part they could make out was Aimi's name. For a moment they also glimpse the outline of a girl standing in front of them, right in the middle of the planter.

"Oh… Natsuki…" Aimi said. "Huh… she's… gone? Or, I guess I should say… it feels like… I only saw her for a second…?"

"Did I just hear someone's voice…?" Matsuri asked.

"Yeah, I heard it too," Honoka said.

"It's Natsuki," Aimi said. "You both know her, right? Matsuri-chan, Honoka-chan?"

"Oh, Natsuki-chan…!" Matsuri said. "Natsuki-chan is…" She blinked several times. "Huh? What were we talking about?"

"About Natsuki…" Aimi said.

Then Matsuri blinked a few more times. "Oh, that's right… Natsuki…chan… huh…?"

"Earlier, it was also Natsuki calling me," Aimi said. "At the time, I didn't even recognize she was Natsuki… but now I can tell… what is this? What's going on…?"

"I don't know," Matsuri said. "Hey, Tsubaki… Tsubaki…?"

Tsubaki blinked, startled out of her thoughts.

"Oh, I apologize," she said. "I thought I heard someone's voice…"

"You, too?" Matsuri said.

"Could you three also hear that…?" she asked. "A child crying and calling my name…"

"Yeah, I heard it," Honoka said.

"Yeah," Matsuri said.

"It was Natsuki… my friend's voice," Aimi said.

"Huh? Wait, was Miss Natsuki crying?" Honoka said.

"Huh? No, she was just calling my name," Aimi said.

"Your name… not Miss Tsubaki's name, right?"

"Yeah…"

"Then the voice Miss Tsubaki heard… is someone else…?" Honoka said.

"If something strange is going on, then we must get to the bottom of this," Tsubaki said. "Let's invite Kokoro and Masara over, too. We'll discuss it at my place… is that okay?"

"I'll call them," Aimi said, nodding.

"Yeah, sure," Honoka said.

After Aimi made the call, the four of them headed to Tsubaki's house, where they were greeted by Kagari. The girl's face brightened for a moment, but then fell as she noticed how grim everyone looked. Kokoro and Masara showed up a few minutes later, and everyone gathered in the living room. Tsubaki summarized everything they knew – the suspicious flower that looked like May Bells, the witch showing up, the wilting, and lastly, the voices they heard.

"In other words," Suzune said. "When you followed the scent of flowers… you encountered a witch's labyrinth, and after defeating it… there was a flower resembling May Bells…"

"When you touched it, it withered," Kokoro said.

"And you heard a voice," Masara said.

"Yes," Tsubaki said. "That about sums it up."

"But, until I touched the flower, I couldn't tell who was calling me," Aimi said.

"Something's definitely wrong, right?" Matsuri said.

"It's not just that, though," Honoka mused. "Hotaka's too clingy… he's never been like that before…"

"As far as I know, he was always like that, ever since we met you…?" Kokoro said.

"That's just the thing," Honoka said. "I remember that too, but… I'm sure he was never like that… in fact, when did we even meet? I can't seem to remember that…"

"It was the day you transferred to our school, right?" Kokoro said.

"And when was that?" Honoka asked. "How many days ago? What was the date? And why can't I remember that day? And why is Hotaka so clingy?"

"I… I don't know," Kokoro said.

"Who was the person calling to you?" Suzune asked.

"It was Natsuki," Aimi said.

Suzune seemed to space out, and Aimi blinked at her.

"Huh? Suzune-chan?" she said. "What? Hey, are you okay? Can you hear me? Hey!"

"Oh…" Suzune said, blinking. "Uh, yeah, we were talking about something definitely being wrong."

"Huh? Are you really okay?" Aimi asked.

"Weren't we talking about who called out to Aimi-chan?" Matsuri said.

"Yeah, we were," Honoka said.

"Oh, sorry about that," Suzune said. "Weird, I even asked you that myself…"

"Kokoro, Miss Masara, you guys know, right?" Aimi said. "About Natsuki."

The two of them just stare blankly at her.

"Wha…!?" Aimi gasped. "Hold on, neither of you know!?"

"Huh?" Kokoro said.

"About what?" Masara said.

"What…?" Aimi said. "Geez, pull yourselves together!"

«Something strange is going on here,» Tsubaki said, transmitting into Honoka's mind.

«Hmm?» Matsuri responded.

«When Aimi tried to tell them the name of her friend, it appears that their thoughts stagnated,» Tsubaki said.

«Oh,» Aimi said.

«Now that you mention it, I think you're right,» Matsuri said.

«Yeah, I agree,» Honoka said. «Both times, they spaced out just as Miss Natsuki's name was mentioned…»

«This is just a guess,» Tsubaki said. "But perhaps, for those who haven't been exposed to the flower, some sort of magic comes into effect.»

«Eh? I don't really get it…?» Honoka said.

«What do you mean?» Matsuri asked.

«To put it simply, there's a force that blocks their 'perception',» Tsubaki said. «When we discuss a particular topic, their thoughts are forcibly interrupted and they become dazed. They may be under some sort of spell…»

«Ah, then we should ask Chisato… oh but wait… she's not here…» Matsuri said. «So um, it blocks our 'perception'… hey, is that also why you can't smell the flower, Tsubaki?»

«Yes, it's possible the same force is preventing me from perceiving it,» Tsubaki said.

«If it's messing with our perception, does that mean there's something it wants to hide?» Aimi asked. «Huh? But wait… why would it hide Natsuki…?»

«Who could do something like this in the first place…?» Matsuri asked. «Could it be onee-chan?»

Tsubaki blinked. «Huh? How could you accuse Kagari of something like that?» she asked.

«Oh, um… there's a reason, but… I seem to have forgotten it,» Matsuri said.

«Well, I don't know who could have done it,» Tsubaki said. «It's true that it would be within Kagari's power, but I don't think she would do this to us…» She sighed. «But… when we made contact with that flower… I'm almost certain that broke the spell on us. Therefore…»

She forsook telepathy and spoke up out loud, for everyone to hear.

"I intend to investigate that suspicious flower," she announced.

"Yeah, there's something really strange about that flower," Aimi said.

"I agree!" Matsuri said. "If there's a witch involved, we could be in big trouble!"

"If that's the case, you can count me in too," Suzune said.

"Same here!" Kokoro said. "I'll help too!"

"Well…" Masara said hesitantly. "I also want to understand what's happening."

"How about you, Kagari?" Tsubaki asked.

"For some reason, I have a bad feeling about this," Kagari said. "Like we shouldn't be exposed to it, and that there'll be no going back once we're aware of it… that kind of bad feeling…"

"So Kagari doesn't seem very keen on the idea," Tsubaki said. "But, in order to protect our peaceful and happy days… I think we need to investigate."

"I don't want to leave it unchecked, and have our precious life fall apart before we know it," Matsuri said.

"A witch got in your way at the mall, too," Kagari said. "Let's be careful, alright?"

"Kagari… you're right, let's remain vigilant," Tsubaki said.

"To start with, why don't we let everyone look at the flower in the mall?" Matsuri suggested.

"Yeah, it would be easier to understand if everyone touched it," Aimi said.

Everyone transformed, and they all headed back to the shopping mall. Aimi looked around, noticing something odd.

"Huh…?" she said. "Everyone I can see is wearing a Chuo Academy uniform…?"

"That boy," Tsubaki said. "Wasn't he here earlier? And that girl… as well as that other boy over there…"

"Now that you mention it," Matsuri said. "Doesn't it feel like we see the same people all the time? I think I've seen that boy several times over the past few days… and he's not even in our class…"

"I didn't realize it until now, but it's strange, isn't it…?" Tsubaki said.

"So… where did you find the flower?" Suzune asked.

"I'll lead you there," Tsubaki said.

She showed them to the planter where they found the flower earlier. It was still there, still withered.

"To us, it looks like a withered flower," Tsubaki said. "How does it look to all of you?"

"It's in bloom," Suzune said.

"It's blooming," Kokoro said.

"Same here," Masara said.

"It looks that way to me, too," Kagari said.

"The flower still looks like it's withered to the people who touched it," Matsuri said. "But to someone who hasn't, it looks like it's blooming…"

"That's right," Aimi said.

"Let's touch it," Suzune said.

"Yeah, I guess," Kagari said.

"All together now!" Kokoro said.

The four of them reached out to touch the flower, and blinked.

"It withered," Masara said.

"I'm hearing a voice again," Aimi said. "Can you…?"

Kokoro closed her eyes for a moment.

"Yeah… I can hear her," she said.

The voice was indistinct, and only a few random words could be made out. Furthermore, they could almost see the outline of a person once more, as if the world was a slightly transparent screen with someone on the other side.

"She's hazy," Suzune said. "But there's someone that I couldn't see before… it looked like she was right there…"

Suzune pointed at the indistinct outline just as it faded away again.

"That was Miss Natsuki," Kokoro said. "It sounded like she was talking to someone else though… I wonder where they are…?"

"Kokoro, you recognize Natsuki now?" Aimi said.

"Huh…?" Kokoro said. "She's your friend, Utsuho Natsuki from Sankyoin Academy, isn't she? I've also talked to her a few times. I wouldn't fail to recognize her."

"When we talked about her at home, you were acting strange," Matsuri said. "It was like you suddenly couldn't hear us…"

"I remember," Masara says. "It was like I was tuning you out. I didn't mean to, though…"

"Somehow, my mind started getting all hazy," Suzune said.

"Like you couldn't perceive anything?" Matsuri said.

"Yeah…"

"Seeing, but not seeing," Tsubaki mused. "Hearing, but not hearing… as I suspected, it's interfering with our perception…"

"But if this is caused by someone's magic… why are they trying to hide Natsuki?" Aimi asked.

"There may be other things being hidden as well," Tsubaki said.

"Then, if we can find and touch other flowers…" Suzune said.

"Oh! We might be able to see things we couldn't!" Matsuri said.

"We should split up and search for them," Tsubaki said.

Kagari sighed, but didn't say anything.

"Kagari, if you're worried, would you like me to hold your hand?" Tsubaki asked.

"You're treating me like a kid again," Kagari grumbled.

"I'm sorry," Tsubaki said.

Kagari stared at Tsubaki's hand for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes…"

"Hm?"

"You'll hold my hand, won't you?" Kagari said.

She reached for Tsubaki's hand, and they joined hands.

"Yes," Tsubaki said.

"Then I'll hold your other hand!" Matsuri said.

She took Tsubaki's hand as well.

"Oh, come on now," Kagari protested.

"I guess their team is decided," Kokoro said.

"Looks like it," Suzune said. "However, we haven't been here long enough to familiarize ourselves with the area… could one of you accompany them?"

"Well then, I'll do it!" Kokoro said.

"So the other team is me, Miss Masara, Honoka-chan, and Suzune-chan!" Aimi said.

"Yeah," Masara said.

"Looks like it," Honoka said.

"Nice working with you," Suzune said.

"Being flanked by two cool beauties makes me look a little bit cooler too!" Aimi said. "This new side of me would make Isesaki-kun melt!"

"Don't forget about me, now," Honoka retorted.

"Let's go investigate in reality, not an imaginary world," Masara said.

"T-that's right!" Aimi gasped.

The two teams split up, and they went around Chuo Ward searching for the flowers. Each time they found one, a witch showed up, and then the flower withered when they touched it. Each time they touched a flower, the voices they were hearing became a little more distinct. After about five or six of them, Aimi sighed.

"Just how many have there been?" she asked.

"I didn't count them," Masara said.

"I think that was about five or six?" Honoka said. "I wasn't really counting either, but I think it's been around that many…"

They spotted the flower from the witch they'd just defeated.

"There it is," Suzune said.

"Let's touch it," Masara said.

They all reached out to touch the flower, and it withered as usual. Aimi closed her eyes for a moment.

"I can hear the voices of Natsuki and the others a little clearer now," she said.

"Yeah, it sounds like there's someone else with her," Masara said.

"It's… still not clear enough to make out what they're talking about," Suzune said.

"Let's search for another," Masara said.

"Oh!" Aimi exclaimed.

"What's the matter?" Suzune asked.

"There was one at school, right?" Aimi said.

"Oh, I remember!" Honoka gasped.

"School… the one by the gate?" Suzune said.

"Yeah, that one!" Aimi said. "We didn't touch that one, did we?"

"Now that you mention it, no, we didn't," Masara said. "We're close by. Do you want to head over there?"

"Yeah," Suzune said.

They made for Chuo Academy, where the scent of the flower was so overwhelming that Aimi even commented on it.

"Ugh… the scent of flowers here is so strong…!" she said.

"You're right," Masara said. "The scent is more intense than the last time we were here."

Suddenly a portal appeared.

"Huh? A labyrinth?" Suzune said. "But it should've been defeated…"

"It's even the same one we fought here before?" Honoka said.

"The scent is strong, but I don't see any flowers," Aimi said.

"For now, let's just deal with this witch," Masara said.

"I agree," Suzune said.

They headed into the labyrinth, taking down as many familiars as they could on the way to the witch's chamber. Once there, Aimi drew its attention by firing on it with her revolver, while the other three snuck up on the witch and attacked from behind, all at once. The strategy was successful, bringing the witch down quickly, and Aimi let out a relieved sigh as she spotted the flower.

"That was tiring!" she said. "Oh, there's the flower!"

Masara stared at it, prompting a question from Suzune.

"Did you notice something?" she asked.

"Whenever we approach a flower, witches and familiars always interfere," Masara said. "It's like they're guarding them…"

"It sure looks that way," Suzune said.

"I was thinking the same thing," Honoka agreed. "Isn't it really weird?"

"Despite that, when we went to touch the flower at the mall, we didn't encounter any witch," Masara said. "I thought it was because you and Miss Honoka and the others defeated it, but…"

"But, now there's a witch here," Suzune mused. "The same witch we fought here last time… is that what's worrying you?"

"It's not that I'm worried," Masara said. "I just think it means something."

"If there's any difference between this one and the one at the mall… it's that no-one has touched this one?" Suzune suggested.

"Yeah, that's the only thing I can think of," Masara said. "We don't have enough information, though…"

"Maybe it's not actually a witch at all?" Honoka suggested.

"Maybe," Suzune said. "Let's talk to the others about it when we get back home."

Suddenly Aimi gasped. She'd just reached out and touched the flower. Wondering what she'd seen, Honoka also reached out to touch it. As the flower wilted, she blinked in surprise. There was a new voice, saying that Tsubaki is… dead? Seriously!?

"W-what? Y-you gotta be kidding!" Aimi said.

"Miss Aimi…?" Masara said.

"You touched the flower, didn't you?" Suzune said. "What's going on?"

She reached for the flower, but Aimi stopped her.

"Don't touch it!" Aimi shouted. "This flower… we shouldn't touch it… especially not…"

She glanced at Suzune as she trailed off.

"What do you mean?" Masara asked.

"Sorry… it's just… really hard to say," Aimi said.

"Miss Aimi…" Masara said.

"I'm sorry," Aimi said.

"Shall we head back for now?" Masara suggested.

"Yeah, let's meet up with Tsubaki's group," Suzune said.

They reunited with the others at Tsubaki's house, and Kokoro gasped at the expression on Aimi's face. Aimi gazed fretfully at Tsubaki, fidgeting a little.

"She's… not okay, is she…?" Tsubaki said.

"Yeah, this isn't like her," Masara said.

"She hasn't told you what's going on…?" Matsuri asked.

"Nope," Suzune said.

"But it seems like she has something she wants to tell Tsubaki," Kagari said.

"I'll talk to her," Tsubaki said. "Aimi."

"Tsubaki…"

"If you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you," Tsubaki said. "But, if there's anything you can tell me, please let me know. I may be able to help you in some way."

Aimi fell silent for a bit, then nodded.

"There's something I'd like us to talk about, alone," she said.

"With me?" Tsubaki said.

"Um… mind if I sit in too?" Honoka said. "I touched that flower too, and probably heard the same thing you did…"

"Um… that's okay," Aimi said. "Yes… could we talk in the hallway or something?"

"Okay, I understand," Tsubaki said.

They left the living room and closed the door, and Aimi turned to face Tsubaki, a grim expression on her face.

"Tsubaki… I heard that you're…"

But when she tried to say it, her voice became garbled, and then she became transparent and indistinct.

"What… Aimi!?" Tsubaki gasped. "What's happening to you…!?"

"Y-you can't say it!?" Honoka gasped.

"Huh…?" Aimi gasped.

"What's going on?" Suzune asked, coming into the hall with the others.

"Huh?" Matsuri said.

"Aimi!?" Kokoro gasped.

"She's disappearing…?" Masara said.

And then she vanished entirely.

"N-no way…!" Kokoro gasped.

"Miss Aimi…?" Masara said.

"Is she… gone…?" Matsuri asked.

"What just happened…?" Suzune asked.

"Aimi… why…?" Tsubaki asked.

"I guess… something doesn't want you to know what she was about to tell you…?" Honoka said. "I think I know what she was going to say, but I bet I'd disappear too if I tried to say it…"

They returned to the living room and sat down. Kokoro sighed, starting to cry a little.

"Aimi… why did Aimi… she's okay, right?" she said anxiously. "She's definitely safe, right…?"

"I can't assure you that she's okay," Masara said. "We don't know what happened, after all…"

"Aimi…" Kokoro said.

"We need to go over the information piece by piece," Tsubaki said. "Let's figure out why Aimi disappeared and how we can help her."

"Yes," Masara said.

Kokoro wiped her tears away and nodded.

"It's times like these that we have to take action, yeah," she agreed.

"That's right," Kagari said. "We can't just sit around while our friends disappear right in front of our eyes."

Matsuri slapped her cheeks and nodded.

"Yeah…!" she said. "Me too, I'm okay now!"

"Can you tell us what you and Aimi were talking about, Tsubaki?" Suzune asked.

"About that… we were just getting started," Tsubaki said. "She didn't have the chance to say more than a few words…"

"Then, you haven't heard anything from Miss Aimi?" Masara said.

"No… I could tell that she was trying to tell me something, but…"

"What could she want to tell you?" Matsuri wondered.

"Then… Honoka, you said you know what she was going to say, right?" Suzune said.

"Yes, I think I know, but… I'm scared to say it," Honoka said. "What if I disappear too…? It's something about Tsubaki, though…"

"Aimi started acting strange," Kokoro said. "That was after she touched the flower at school, right…?"

"Yeah," Masara said.

"That's definitely the cause," Honoka said. "I touched it too… the voices became more distinct, and we were able to make out more of what they were talking about."

"It's rare for her to raise her voice like that," Masara said.

"What about you two?" Kagari asked. "Did you touch it?"

"No, we couldn't exactly touch it in that situation," Suzune said.

"Well then, let's go," Kagari said. "So far, the only clues we have are that incident and the flowers."

"You're right," Masara said. "I was thinking the same thing."

"I'll go with you, too," Suzune said.

"Me too," Honoka said.

"Okay, in that case, let's all go together," Tsubaki said.

"No," Kagari said. "Could you look for more clues with Kokoro and Matsuri?"

"Why…?" Tsubaki asked.

"Because, if the flower at school doesn't give us any information, we'd be in trouble, wouldn't we?" Kagari said. "The more information we have, the better."

"That's right," Tsubaki said. "Then I'll try to find more flowers. Will you two come with me, Matsuri, Kokoro?"

"Okay!" Matsuri said.

"Yes, I'll come," Kokoro said.

Honoka, Kagari, Masara, and Suzune returned to the school and found another witch's portal where the flower should be.

"There's another labyrinth…?" Masara said.

"And there was one the last time you were here," Kagari said.

"Yeah," Suzune said.

"Doesn't seem like they'll stop showing up if someone touches the flower," Masara said.

"Let's take it down first," Suzune said.

Once again, they stepped into the labyrinth to take down the witch. This time, Kagari forced the witch to stop moving with her magic while the others attacked and brought it down. Then the three of them reached out to touch the flower, which immediately withered, and the voices became more clear. As they listened closely, trying to make out as much as they could, Kagari and Suzune started to cry. Of course they would… among other things, the voices were discussing the fate of Mikoto Tsubaki.

"Suzune… how could this be…?" Kagari asked.

"A lie," Suzune said. "This sort of thing has to be a lie… otherwise, who's with us…!?"

"Hmmm," Masara said.

While she pondered something, Honoka spoke up.

"Let's return," she said. "Let's go back to Miss Tsubaki's place."

"Yeah…" Suzune said.

Masara however didn't respond, lost in thought as she was. After trying and failing to get a response from her, the other three decided to leave without her. When they arrived back at Tsubaki's place, they found the others were already back, except for Kokoro.

"Welcome back," Tsubaki said. "Did you find anything?"

She blinked at the morose expressions on Kagari's and Suzune's faces.

"Suzune…?" she asked. "Is everything alright…?"

"Tsubaki… can we… go for a little walk?" Suzune asked.

"A walk, you say?" Tsubaki said. "Why, out of nowhere…?"

"Can't we…?" Suzune asked.

"It's fine," Tsubaki said. "Shall we head out?"

The two of them left, and Matsuri watched them go in confusion.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked.

"Well, Matsuri… are you happy with our lives?" Kagari asked.

"Huh…?" Matsuri said.

"Well?"

"Huh… yeah… I just hope that this strange situation is resolved… and that Aimi-chan comes back safely…"

"I see," Kagari said.

"Why are you asking me that out of the blue…?" Matsuri asked.

"If you're happy, then stay out of my way," Kagari said fiercely. "Now then, I'm heading out too."

Kagari turned to leave, and Matsuri called out to her.

"Ah! Hold on, onee-chan…!"

But Kagari didn't stop, and Matsuri didn't follow her. She and Honoka powered down with a sigh.

"What on earth is going on…?" Matsuri asked.

"It's… about what Kagari-chan asked you," Honoka said. "This happiness… how did it come about? How did we get into this situation? Can you remember?"

Matsuri blinked. "Huh? Well, um… now that you mention it… I remember begging Tsubaki to let us live with her when I heard she was moving, but… why would Dad agree to that…?"

"It's like Miss Tsubaki said," Honoka said. "Something's messing with our perception… and not only that, but our memories as well… I swear, Hotaka really isn't clingy like that normally…"

"So his personality has been altered?" Matsuri asked.

"Well… I think it's… a little different," Honoka said. "I'm not sure that he's even real…"

"He's… not real?" Matsuri said. "Then… what about Kokoro-chan and Masara-chan and Aimi-chan? Are they real? What about onee-chan and Suzune-chan? What about Tsubaki?"

"I'm not sure," Honoka said. "I think most of them are real… if anything, the one I have my doubts about is… Miss Tsubaki…"

"That can't be right," Matsuri said. "I'm sure Tsubaki is real!"

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

"Coming!" Matsuri said.

She hopped up to answer it. It was Masara and Kokoro, also no longer transformed.

"Sorry for the rush, but are Miss Suzune and Miss Kagari here…?" Kokoro asked.

"Suzune went for a walk with Tsubaki," Matsuri said. "Onee-chan went out too."

"Do you have any idea where they went?" Masara asked.

"Huh…?" Matsuri said. "I have no idea about onee-chan… but if the other two went for a walk, maybe they're along the river?"

"Thank you, that's very helpful," Masara said.

The two of them turned away, and Matsuri called after them.

"Ah, wait!" she said. "What's happening…?"

Kokoro looked sadly at her, eliciting a protest.

"Kokoro-chan…!"

"Nothing yet," Kokoro said. "It's just… something might happen soon…"

"In that case, I'll go with you," Matsuri said. "I can't just wait here with Honoka-chan!"

"Wait, but… it could turn out to be a false alarm," Kokoro said.

"All the more reason I should go," Matsuri said. "I'll be relieved if it turns out to be just a false alarm… right? So please…!"

"Alright, let's go together," Kokoro said.

"In that case, I'll come too," Honoka said.

They left the house and hurried to the river, where they found Tsubaki and Suzune transformed and fighting.

"What…!?" Matsuri gasped.

"What on earth…?" Honoka said.

"Why are they fighting…?" Kokoro asked.

"They both look like they're fighting seriously," Masara said.

"And Miss Tsubaki's winning…?" Honoka said.

Matsuri gasped and transformed as Tsubaki knocked Suzune to the ground and raised her sword.

"It seems like you can't move anymore," Tsubaki said grimly. "If you won't tell me where the real Suzune is… then this is the end…!"

As Tsubaki brought the sword down, Matsuri jumped in front and caught it with her gauntlets, grunting from exertion. Tsubaki gasped.

"Matsuri…!? Why did you do that!?" she asked.

"Because… if you and Suzune-chan are fighting… of course I would stop you!"

Kokoro knelt to check on Suzune.

"Are you alright…?"

"Yeah, I'll manage," Suzune said.

"Don't be fooled!" Tsubaki said. "That's an imposter pretending to be Suzune…!"

"You're wrong…!" Matsuri said. "This is the real Suzune-chan! Look closer, Tsubaki…!"

Tsubaki gasped.

"Tsubaki…" Suzune said.

"Huh?" Tsubaki said. "Suzune…?"

"It's Suzune-chan, see?" Matsuri said.

"Why would you think she's an imposter…?" Honoka wondered.

"Then… I did this… to Suzune… with my own hands?" Tsubaki said.

She gasped and turned to leave.

"Tsubaki!? Where are you going…!?" Matsuri asked.

"Please… just leave me alone for now…!" Tsubaki said.

Tsubaki left the scene, and Matsuri turned to Suzune.

"Suzune-chan… what happened?" she asked.

"I thought I felt some familiar magic…" Honoka said.

"Suzune…!" Kagari called, running over.

She couldn't quite explain why, but Honoka tensed up at the sight of her, watching warily.

"Kagari…" Suzune said.

"Are you okay…?" Kagari asked.

"I wasn't able to convince Tsubaki… I'm just trying to protect Tsubaki, but she couldn't understand… and while we were talking… Tsubaki seemed convinced that I was an imposter…"

"It's okay, Suzune," Kagari said. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"But…"

"I'm sure Tsubaki was shown an evil illusion by a witch. That witch tried to take Tsubaki away from us. You protected Tsubaki from an evil illusion. You're not wrong, Suzune. Everything's fine, right?"

"Yeah…"

"Suzune, we'll save Tsubaki, together!" Kagari said.

"Yeah…"

"Hey, onee-chan, Suzune-chan," Matsuri said. "Do you know what's going on…?"

"Don't worry, Matsuri," Suzune said. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

"That's right," Kagari said. "Suzune and I will do something about it. Just stay put."

"But…!"

"Haven't I already told you?" Kagari retorted. "Stay out of my way. Let's go, Suzune."

"I'm sorry, Matsuri-chan," Suzune said.

The two of them headed off in the same direction Tsubaki disappeared in. Honoka relaxed once they were out of sight.

"No way…" Matsuri said. "There's definitely… something bad happening, but… I'm the only one who doesn't know what's going on… I… don't want it to be this way…"

"Matsuri…" Kokoro said.

"I don't know why those two are doing this," Matsuri said. "You three know more than me, right?"

"Yeah… but we still don't know everything," Honoka said.

"You might regret it if you find out," Masara said.

"But I still want to know!" Matsuri said. "I don't know anything… I don't want to be told about it after everything's over… that's why I want to know, and decide for myself what to do. No matter what it is, I'll handle it. Please, tell me!"

"I… think it's okay to tell her," Kokoro said.

"Okay," Masara said. "I'll tell you what we know. And that includes what's happening 'over there'…"

"Over there…?" Matsuri said.

"Yeah… on the other side," Honoka said.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting," Nanaka said.

"Miss Tokiwa…!" Natsuki said.

"Sorry for the short notice, but this is an emergency," Akira said.

"Meiyui and Kako will be here shortly," Nanaka said. "I also sent Miss Misono a message, but she appears to be otherwise engaged, so she will not be coming."

The three of them were in magical girl form at the rooftop sports field of Chuo Academy, just outside a small magical barrier within which a large number of students were peacefully sleeping. It was similar to a witch's labyrinth in appearance, but open, not concealed in an alternate dimension accessible only through a portal. Kokoro, Masara, and Aimi were among the students, as well as Honoka, Suzune, and the Hinata twins, none of whom were transformed. There were a large number of ordinary students as well, and at least one teacher.

"It certainly does not appear to be a simple matter," Nanaka agreed. "May I ask you to explain to us what you know?"

"Y-yes!" Natsuki said. "Well, uhh…"

"Calm down," Akira said. "Just take your time and start from the beginning."

"After school… I was supposed to hang out with Aimi," Natsuki explained. "But she never showed up… I didn't hear from her, so I got worried and came looking for her. When I got here, I noticed that even though school was over, nobody was coming out. And then… it didn't feel like a witch, but I sensed magic power, so decided to check it out. That's when I discovered this situation… I tried pulling Aimi out, but she was so heavy I couldn't even budge her. Then I tried calling out to her… for a moment, she responded, but then after that she wouldn't respond no matter how much I called. I didn't know what to do on my own, so I contacted Akira."

"Right, you said there was an emergency and something weird was happening, so I came running as fast as I could," Akira said. "Then I contacted you and the others, and reassured Natsuki."

"I understand the situation," Nanaka said. "Miss Utsuho, please continue calling out."

"To Aimi…?"

"Yes. If she reacted to it once, then it must be having some sort of effect on her."

"Oh, I see… got it…! I'll keep calling out to her!"

As she got started on that, the other two discussed the situation.

"This isn't the work of a witch, is it?" Akira asked.

"I cannot be certain at this point," Nanaka said. "But recently, there have been magical entities distinct from witches throughout Kamihama. I have heard rumours of them inflicting harm to people."

"Right… supposedly we even got caught up in one, though I don't remember it," Akira said.

Nanaka nodded. "We must consider the possibility that something other than a witch is involved here."

"There's also…"

Akira indicated Suzune in particular, and also the girl who was both Matsuri and Kagari.

"Amano Suzune… a magical girl who targets other magical girls," Nanaka said. "And the current target of our investigations, Hinata Kagari… for now, pay them no mind. There are civilians involved, so our focus should be on getting the situation under control."

"Yeah, you're right," Akira agreed.

"Wait…!" Aimi suddenly exclaimed. "Don't disappear…! Miss Tsubaki! Everyone…!"

Then her eyes snapped open.

"Aimi…?" Natsuki said.

"Huh…?" Aimi said. "Ugh… am I at school…? How…?"

"Aimi!"

"Natsuki… huh? I can see you so clearly…"

"Thank goodness…!" Natsuki said. "You woke up…!"

"Or perhaps… it would be more accurate to say, 'she has returned'?" Nanaka suggested.

"Returned?" Akira said.

"It did not appear to be a mere state of sleep," Nanaka said. "It felt as though her consciousness was taken elsewhere… however, that is simply my theory… no, perhaps nothing more than a hunch."

"Umm… you're from Natsuki's school," Aimi said. "Miss Tokiwa, and uhh… Natsuki's friend who loves girly stuff… Miss Akira…?"

"You didn't have to add such an embarrassing description," Akira protested.

"Oh, yeah," Aimi said. "Anyway, why are you two here…? I mean, I was supposed to be at Miss Tsubaki's house, but… where is everyone…?"

"The others are over there," Nanaka said.

Aimi turned around and gasped, transforming. "What the heck!? Is it a witch's labyrinth…?"

"You were like that just a minute ago," Natsuki said. "But you can relax, it's not showing any signs of hostile intent… not yet at least…"

"Seriously…?"

"We called out to you, but you barely reacted," Akira said.

"Would you mind explaining to us what happened?" Nanaka asked.

"We were just… living a normal, peaceful life," Aimi said. "Or, so we thought."

"You thought?" Natsuki said. "What do you mean…?"

"Well… there were some magical girls who had just moved to Kamihama," Aimi said. "Um… those three that are wearing a different uniform… and that one also had a twin sister who was a magical girl… and their guardian was even an adult magical girl. We were just… living with them… and then I heard Natsuki's voice… after that, we smelled some sweet flowers, and followed the scent. It was something like May Bells, but it wilted when I touched it… that's when I heard your voice the second time…"

"So you were living with magical girls who aren't supposed to be in Kamihama," Akira said.

"But my voice made you feel something was wrong," Natsuki said. "And by following the smell of flowers… you found a flower that seemed like May Bells, and when you touched it… you started to perceive my voice and appearance, little by little."

"So you perceived things in a distorted manner," Nanaka noted. "However, you are currently able to perceive your surroundings properly. Is that correct?"

"Yeah, something like that!" Aimi said.

"And then, when you made contact with the flower at the gates of Chuo Academy…"

"Yeah," Aimi said. "I found out that Miss Tsubaki… is already dead… and there was a girl's voice saying that was the only place they could be together… 'Tsubaki's gone,' the voice said… 'She's not coming back… Tsubaki died a long time ago… so now, this is the only place we can be together.' I felt like I had to talk to Miss Tsubaki about it. But when I tried to, everything disappeared…"

"Perhaps… you were removed due to realizing something you were not meant to," Nanaka said. "Or perhaps for drawing attention to it."

"The fact that a person named Mikoto Tsubaki is dead," Akira said.

"I get it," Aimi said. "But I'm glad that everyone didn't actually disappear…" Then she blinked "Huh? Wait, was that Miss Tsubaki's surname…? Where did you hear that from…? And come to think of it… where's Kagari-chan? There's Suzune-chan, Honoka-chan, Matsuri-chan, and of course Kokoro and Miss Masara, but I don't see Kagari-chan anywhere…?"

"I don't really understand the details," Akira said. "But apparently Miss Kagari and Miss Matsuri are two people in one body, somehow…?"

"Huh? But they were clearly two separate people… wait, have you actually met them before?"

"Sort of," Akira said.

Aimi gazed at the barrier and all the people inside, and suddenly gasped.

"Ohhh, I see!"

"What's the matter?" Natsuki asked.

"I felt like I kept seeing the same people all around town," Aimi said. "I've been wondering what was wrong. I guess it's because there's only a limited number of people trapped in there…"

"I suppose they merely serve as extras to maintain a sense of reality," Nanaka mused.

"Huh?" Aimi said. "Where's Miss Tsubaki…? She's missing too…"

"So, she's not here?" Natsuki said.

"I don't see her," Aimi said.

"If she has already died, then it would be natural that she is not present here," Nanaka said.

"Then, Miss Tsubaki is an illusion…?" Aimi asked. "No, a ghost…!?"

"That is a possibility," Nanaka said. "Or perhaps… an individual brought forth from the past…"

"Huh…? What do you mean…?"

"This location is currently subject to a strong magical influence, much like a witch's labyrinth," Nanaka explained. "Through a certain form of magic, it may be possible that… the consciousness of that woman has been brought to that space, from across time…"

"So you're saying her body was left in the past, and only her mind came to the present?" Akira said.

"Yes, that is what I believe," Nanaka said.

"What makes you think that?" Aimi asked.

"You heard someone say the following: 'Tsubaki's gone… she's not coming back… Tsubaki died a long time ago… so now, this is the only place we can be together.' That is to say, you 'perceived' those thoughts of theirs, thereby learning of Miss Tsubaki's death, correct?"

"Yeah…"

"I believe those thoughts induced by the flower have a connection to the cause of this incident," Nanaka said. "Therefore, the person who had those thoughts is likely to be at the centre of this incident. And… what does that individual consider necessary?"

"Oh, I see," Aimi said. "What that person wants is the real Miss Tsubaki…"

"Yes," Nanaka said. "The real Mikoto Tsubaki, before her death. This is merely my speculation, but I believe it is a strong possibility."

"How do you know her surname, anyway?" Aimi asked. "I didn't even know it…"

"By chance, we happened to be investigating her ourselves, after hearing about her from someone else," Nanaka said. "That is how we know her surname."

"I see," Aimi said.

"Then… does that mean if other people point out Miss Tsubaki's death… they'll be able to come back…?" Akira asked.

"That seems very likely," Nanaka said. "But it will be difficult to save everyone that way…"

"Do you think we can communicate with the people over there…?" Natsuki asked.

"I could hear your voices while I was there," Aimi said. "If they realize this side is reality, maybe we'll have a chance…? I think Honoka-chan is closest to realizing it…"

"Oh, you did react after I kept calling out to you for awhile," Natsuki said.

"Okay!" Aimi said. "I'll call out to them! Heeey! Can you hear me? Kokoro, Miss Masara! Honoka-chan!"

There's no response from any of them. Worse, it seemed like they were starting to become slightly transparent, especially Suzune and Matsuri. There was even some force that seemed to be attempting to divert her attention from them, meaning it took effort to actually look at them. Aimi sighed.

"Well, I guess it didn't work… hmm… if only I could talk to them…"

Suddenly Kokoro spoke, though her eyes remained closed.

"Aimi, are you there?"

"Are you alright…?" Masara asked.

"No way!" Aimi gasped. "They spoke to me…!"

"Aimi…?" Kokoro said. "It's Aimi! I can hear her voice!"

"I'm doing just fine out here!" Aimi said.

"What do you mean by 'out there'?" Masara asked.

"Um, well…"

Aimi explained everything Nanaka and the others had told her since she woke up. Masara and sometimes Kokoro chimed in with a question now and then.

"Okay," Masara said finally. "We understand the situation on your side."

"And as for where we need to go from here," Kokoro said. "I've got a pretty good idea…"

"If we're aware of it, we can 'perceive' it," Masara said. "So tell us if you discover something."

"And we'll let you know as soon as we learn anything, too," Kokoro said.

"Yeah… we don't quite know what's going on though, so be careful," Aimi said. "And please take care of Kagari-chan and Suzune-chan… I don't know what happened between them, but… I don't want them to be sad…"

"Yeah, I don't want that either," Kokoro said.

"There is one more thing that I must inform you of," Nanaka spoke up. "Regarding Miss Suzune and Miss Kagari… and also Miss Matsuri… it has become particularly difficult to perceive them from our side."

"What do you mean…?" Kokoro asked.

"Do you mean they're like Miss Aimi when she disappeared?" Masara asked.

"As far as I can determine… unless we make a conscious effort to focus on them, it is as if they have vanished from sight."

"Compared to when we first saw them," Akira said. "It feels like everyone's presence is gradually fading…"

"This is also purely my speculation," Nanaka said. "But… if you continue to remain over on that side for too long… you may become imperceptible to people in reality."

"Which means… we got really lucky that Natsuki noticed us before that happened," Aimi said.

"I'll take that as a warning," Masara said.

"Thank you," Kokoro said. "We'll see you later."

"Yes, please take care," Nanaka said. "And finally, please make your way to Chuo Academy's campus. Considering the fact that all of you are located here in reality, I believe it is safe to assume that there may be some important clues there."

"Thank goodness Aimi-chan is safe!" Matsuri said.

"Yeah, I was worried about her," Honoka agreed.

"Yeah," Kokoro said.

"And I was sharing a body with onee-chan?" Matsuri said. "I wonder how that happened…? Did something happen to her? Or to me?"

"I don't know," Kokoro said. "It didn't seem like Aimi-chan knew anything about that either… I guess Miss Tokiwa knows something, so you'd have to ask her?"

"But now I'm worried about Matsuri-chan and the others," Honoka said. "If they're disappearing even faster…"

Masara nodded. "It's our side that will be in danger if we don't do something."

"Then I'll help you too," Matsuri said. "We have to save everyone…! And if we could get onee-chan's body back somehow, that would be nice too."

Masara and Kokoro fell silent for a bit, and based on Kokoro's changing expressions, it was obvious they were conversing telepathically.

"There's still something you haven't told me, isn't there?" Matsuri said.

"I'm sorry," Kokoro said.

"Like I said earlier," Matsuri said. "I don't know anything. I don't want to be told about it after everything's over. No matter what it is, I'll handle it."

"If I were in your position, I don't think I'd be able to handle it," Masara said. "Do you still want to…?"

"I still want to know!" Matsuri said. "Because, I… no matter how difficult things get, I won't give up! I'll face it head-on!"

Kokoro sighed. "I guess we can't stop you," she said.

"There's nothing we can tell you," Masara said.

"You really can't?" Matsuri said.

"Follow us," Masara said. "You need to see for yourself."

"Okay," Matsuri said.

"So… we're going to the school, right?" Honoka said.

"Right," Kokoro said.

They headed for Chuo Academy, where they fought the witch once again and revealed the May Bells flower.

"So, I just have to touch this, right?" Matsuri said.

She reached out to touch it and blinked, starting to cry a little.

"Oh… that's right," she said. "This… this can't be real… Tsubaki is here, and yet… yes, I remember now… that time, that… was the last time… there wasn't a 'tomorrow'… and not long after, Tsubaki was reported missing… how could I forget that…? And onee-chan…"

"Matsuri-chan…" Kokoro said hesitantly.

"Don't worry, I won't ever give up," Matsuri said. "But… but… I just… need a minute…"

"Alright," Masara said.

"Take as many minutes as you need," Honoka said.

"Yeah," Kokoro said.

Matsuri closed her eyes for a minute or so, letting the tears flow, but then she took a few deep breaths and wiped her eyes.

"Those words that Tsubaki left me," she said. "They've been in my heart ever since… though I couldn't properly remember them until just now… but they've been there the whole time…"

She forced a smile through the tears.

"No matter how painful the truth is, I can face it," she said. "I couldn't see her back then, but I'm sure Tsubaki believed in my future with a gentle smile on her face… with the same kind voice and smile that she always gave to me and everyone else…"

"Yeah!" Kokoro said.

Matsuri blinked.

"Ah… come to think of it… I didn't even know what Tsubaki looked like back then," she said. "I'm so glad I got to see her…"

Honoka blinked. "Huh? You didn't know what she looked like?"

"I used to be blind," Matsuri said. "Until I became a magical girl, I relied entirely on sounds and smells to experience the world."

"Ohhh…"

"Anyway, we have to save everyone!" Matsuri said. "I understand now… Aimi-chan and Natsuki-chan are on the other side… in reality… and none of this is real…"

"You may never see Tsubaki again," Masara said. "Are you fine with that?"

"I'm not," Matsuri said. "But, if I don't try to help someone who needs help, I'm sure Tsubaki would get mad at me. No matter how painful it is, we need to live in the present. Tsubaki wanted me to have that kind of strength. I think that's what she was trying to tell me."

"I'm sure you're right," Kokoro said.

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you," Masara said.

"No, thank you for being considerate of me," Matsuri said.

"Don't mention it," Masara said.

"But, I still don't know the whole truth," Matsuri said.

"We don't know yet, either," Masara said.

"Then let's go!" Matsuri said. "I'm ready to face it!"

At that moment, Tsubaki showed up from behind them.

"Please wait," Tsubaki said.

"Tsubaki!" Matsuri said.

"Were you listening?" Masara asked.

"No, I didn't hear your conversation," Tsubaki said. "However, I can see that you're much closer to the truth than I am. I'd like to know, too. I can't simply… run away."

"Yeah," Matsuri said. "I… won't stop you."

At that moment, the witch protecting the flower made itself known again, and Tsubaki gasped.

"A witch's presence!"

"There it is again," Kokoro said.

"Is this really a witch…?" Honoka wondered.

Masara frowned, and Kokoro blinked at her.

"Huh? Masara, is something wrong?"

«The reason witches appear… must be to hide the flowers from Tsubaki,» Masara said.

«Eh? You think so?» Honoka said. «So it really isn't an actual witch…?»

«So you mean, they're to keep Miss Tsubaki from realizing this isn't real?» Kokoro asked.

«So… to stop her from realizing that she's already dead… a witch tries to interfere,» Matsuri said.

«No, as Honoka suggested, maybe we simply 'perceive' something as witches,» Masara said. «Perhaps, they're actually something else…»

«Something else?» Matsuri asked.

«Our 'perception' isn't reliable in this place,» Masara explained. «We may just be seeing something that we consider 'a threat'… or at least, that's what I just thought of. I don't know for sure.»

«Oh, I see,» Kokoro said. «There haven't been any witches appearing in reality…»

«So what we were fighting was something else…» Honoka said.

"I don't really get the complicated stuff, but…I'm gonna help!" Matsuri said.

"Thank you very much," Tsubaki said. "Let's go."

Once again, everyone entered the labyrinth to defeat the witch. For some reason, this time it was a bit tougher than last time, despite having more people – the familiars were stronger and more numerous. And then, when they reached the witch's chamber, they found Kagari and Suzune blocking the way.

"So, you came," Suzune said.

"There's no way I'm letting you go," Kagari said.

"Suzune, Kagari… will you please let us through?" Tsubaki asked.

"We can't let you touch the flower here," Suzune said.

"I apologize," Tsubaki said. "But I can't turn back either."

"You won't turn back no matter what…?" Suzune said.

"I can't just keep turning away from the truth," Tsubaki said.

"Suzune, we have to stop Tsubaki… right?" Kagari said.

"I'm sorry… Tsubaki!" Suzune said.

With that, Suzune attacked Tsubaki. When Matsuri called their names and attempted to jump in to stop them, Kagari blocked the way.

"Hey," Kagari said. "Didn't I tell you to stay out of my way?"

She drew her sword and slashed at Matsuri, who responded with a scream.

"Why are you always getting in my way, Matsuri?" Kagari asked.

"Onee-chan… but, I can't back down," Matsuri said. "Even Tsubaki has the right to know and make her own choices."

"You're always like this," Kagari grumbled. "Always acting like a good girl and saying stupid things…! Don't you know what will happen if Tsubaki finds out about this!?"

"Even so!" Matsuri said. "I know I shouldn't back down!"

"Enough already!" Kagari shouted. "I'll make sure you can't get in my way anymore!"

Honoka, Masara, and Kokoro watched as the conflict got started.

"I knew they'd be our enemies," Masara said.

"I had a feeling too," Honoka said.

"What do you mean…?" Kokoro asked.

"This illusion is the only place where they can meet Miss Tsubaki," Masara said. "Once they realize that… they might try to keep her here by force. That's what I was expecting."

"Then, Suzune-chan and Kagari-chan don't want Miss Tsubaki to realize the truth…?" Kokoro said.

"Yes," Masara said. "That means we're enemies."

"No way…"

"I think I… already knew that," Honoka said. "Before we were caught in this illusion… I think she used her magic on Suzune-chan…"

Masara nodded. "From the looks of it, Miss Suzune is being manipulated by Miss Kagari even now," she said.

"But regardless of the reason, Suzune-chan is powerful," Kokoro said. "If we don't stop her… then, Miss Tsubaki will be…"

"Yeah," Masara said. "While Miss Kagari's attention is on Miss Matsuri, we need to keep Miss Suzune occupied."

"And then Miss Tsubaki can head towards the witch," Kokoro said. "Okay!"

"All our powers are pretty well-suited to serving as a distraction, too," Honoka noted. "Let's do this!"

The three of them jumped in between Suzune and Tsubaki, allowing Tsubaki to enter the witch's chamber while they held Suzune off. Soon afterwards, the labyrinth collapsed and the flower appeared. As Tsubaki approached it, Suzune called out to her.

"No, you can't! Tsubaki!" she shouted desperately.

But Kokoro, Masara, and Honoka got in her way as she attempted to move towards Tsubaki.

"Sorry," Kokoro said.

"We won't let you interfere," Masara said.

"Matsuri!" Kagari shouted. "Out of my way!"

Matsuri refused to budge either, saying nothing. Then Tsubaki touched the wilted flower and gasped.

"I'm… dead…?" she said. "What in the world… how could that be…?"

"Get out of the way!" Suzune shouted.

She barged through, knocking Kokoro off her feet, and ran over to Tsubaki.

"Tsubaki's still here…!" she said. "That's good enough! Tsubaki!"

Tsubaki shook her head as she spoke. "This can't be true… because… I'm still alive…"

"Please, Tsubaki… just pretend that you didn't notice…!" Suzune pleaded.

"Tsubaki…" Kagari said.

"H-huh…?" Tsubaki said. "Come to think of it, the three of you are a little taller than I remember…"

"Tsubaki…" Suzune said.

"I'm sorry, Suzune," Tsubaki said. "I want to learn the truth. And, as a magical girl… I have to determine what I must do to protect people."

"I won't let you…!" Suzune said.

As she tried to attack Tsubaki, Kokoro jumped between them and took the blow.

"Kokoro…" Tsubaki said.

"Please go!" Kokoro said. "Masara! Honoka-chan! Take Miss Tsubaki to another flower!"

"Over here…!" Masara said.

"Thank you…!" Tsubaki said.

"Get out of the way!" Suzune shouted. "To me, Tsubaki is…"

"Yeah, I know she's very important to you," Kokoro said. "I understand… what it's like to be separated from someone you care about."

"Then…!"

"Sorry," Kokoro said. "But there are other people caught up in this. I can't let it continue like this."

"Thank you, you've been a tremendous help," Tsubaki said. "Since I can't smell the flowers myself…"

"I'm just trying to help everyone," Masara said.

"Everyone…?" Honoka said.

"There's no way I'm letting you go!" Kagari shouted.

Having somehow gotten past Matsuri, she leapt in to attack Masara and Honoka. They both raised their blades to block hers, but Kagari threw all her strength into the blow. Masara and Honoka grunted in exertion as they pushed back.

"You don't need to know anymore, Tsubaki!" Kagari said. "You—"

But then Matsuri jumped in and grabbed Kagari with those massive gauntlets of hers, pulling her sister back.

"Matsuri…!"

"Go!" Matsuri shouted.

"Let's join hands!" Honoka said.

"Huh… a-alright!" Tsubaki said.

"Of course," Masara said.

Honoka grabbed Masara's and Tsubaki's hands, and Masara used her magic to conceal them. Kagari gasped.

"They're gone…!"

"It's Masara's magic," Kokoro said. "It's going to be hard for you to—"

Kokoro's voice was cut off as Honoka teleported beyond earshot, along with Masara and Tsubaki.

"This way," Masara said. "There's another flower in the classroom."

"In the classroom!?" Honoka said.

Masara led the way into the school, and soon they discovered a witch. After defeating it, there was indeed a flower right there in the classroom.

"Here it is," Tsubaki said.

She reached out and touched the flower. Honoka did the same thing, since she hadn't yet touched this flower. As usual, it instantly withered, and then she heard Kagari's voice in her head.

«I want revenge on Suzune, who killed Tsubaki, and on Tsubaki, who chose Suzune over us. I want to make her feel the same agony Tsubaki felt. Ahhh… I just can't wait to see the look on Suzune's face… when she realizes the truth, and despairs…»

"Ah!" Honoka gasped. "I remember now! Ashley Taylor… she told me about everything… and Tokiwa Nanaka was helping out too…"

"Miss Tokiwa is with Miss Natsuki and Miss Aimi, helping us out from the other side," Masara said. "You were working with her?"

Honoka nodded. "Only very recently, but yes."

"So this… is the sort of wish… that Kagari made… to become a magical girl…?" Tsubaki said.

They fell silent again as the sound of an argument between the twins could be heard, echoing from somewhere.

"…Papa is lying!" Kagari's voice finished. "Because Tsubaki would never abandon us!"

"…I didn't even get to say goodbye to them…?" Tsubaki said.

Kagari's voice continued echoing through the classroom.

"Tsubaki chose that girl, then? She chose her over us!?"

"According to my data, it seems so," a cool, reasonable voice said.

"Kyuubey…!?" Honoka gasped.

"That's wrong…" Tsubaki said. "That's completely wrong! I care about those two just as much as Suzune! They're equally important to me… that's why… I didn't want to get them involved…"

"So… she didn't want to… involve us?" Kagari's voice continued. She guffawed. "How stupid! It still just means she chose that girl over us! Hearing that pitiful sob story… means nothing to me… after all… Tsubaki's gone… she's… never coming back…"

"Kagari…" Tsubaki said, tears leaking from her eyes.

Suddenly Suzune barged into the room and attacked Masara with her sword. Masara gasped and turned to face her.

"Found you!" Suzune said.

"Come to think of it, you were pretty good at masking your presence too," Masara said.

"Tsubaki? Are you crying?" Suzune asked.

"I'm not," Tsubaki said.

"If you still want to learn the truth, I'll handle things here," Masara said. "Honoka-chan can help you get away fast."

"Please do," Tsubaki said. "I'm sure that this is something I need to know."

"Then head to the school roof," Masara said.

"The roof…?" Tsubaki said.

"That's where we are in 'reality'," Masara said. "That's where we were originally heading, hoping to find a clue."

"I understand!" Tsubaki said.

"Let's go out the window," Honoka said, taking her hand.

"Wait, Tsubaki!" Suzune said.

"I won't let you through," Masara said.

"Why are you interfering…?" Suzune asked.

"I suppose it's because it's what magical girls should do," Masara said. "Though, I'm not really one to speak… since I became a magical girl to break free from boredom… but what about you?"

Honoka climbed out the window and gazed up towards the roof.

"Yes, I should be able to teleport that far," she said. "You ready, Miss Tsubaki?"

"Yes!"

Honoka focused for a moment, and then they were up on the roof. Tsubaki gasped.

"Ah! The scent of flowers!"

"Yeah… it's even stronger up here than ever before…" Honoka said.

"And for the first time, I can smell it too," Tsubaki said. "It seems to be coming from over there."

There was a sports field atop the roof, and they headed for the centre of the field. There was another witch's labyrinth there, which they defeated quickly to reveal another flower. Tsubaki and Honoka reached out to touch the flower at the same time, and it withered as usual. They heard Kagari's voice again.

"Ah… this is what happened just before we were sucked in here," Honoka said. "I was nearby when Kagari-chan said that…"

"But what about Matsuri?" Tsubaki asked. "Is she there too?"

"Um… from what I heard, the two of them are somehow sharing a body…?" Honoka said. "I don't really understand it…"

«I'll share my happiness with you, who is not-so-happy,» a new voice said. «I'll use the bells of my flowers to bring you everything you need to feel happy. Now, tell me… what do you need?»

Then Kagari's voice could be heard.

"I'm lonely," she said. "Why… why did she abandon me! Tsubaki! Tsubaki, why! Why didn't you choose us!"

«The happiness that you've lost is a little far away, but that's okay,» the unknown voice said. «The power of you and I, together… and most importantly, your desire, will bring it back. What we lack, we'll make up for by luring in those nearby with my scent. Here! From the happy me, to the not-so-happy you… a gift of happiness!»

"So… that was when Kagari and everyone became involved in this incident?" Tsubaki said.

"Yeah… Suzune was there too," Honoka said. "So other than you, that's everyone not from Kamihama who got sucked in… I guess Kokoro-chan and Miss Masara were still at school or something…"

"So… it brought my consciousness from the past…?" Tsubaki said. "That would explain how I don't remember some of the things we've heard from Kagari's memories… as far as I remember, I'm still the nanny of those two, although I had been planning to resign to look after Suzune… Kagari… surely she's much more lonely than I thought… she's been lonely for a long time, because of me…"

"Yeah!" another voice piped up. "Yeah, I think that's how it works!"

"That voice!" Tsubaki gasped.

"Aimi-chan!?" Honoka gasped.

"The others are only getting a little harder to perceive," Natsuki said.

"But, those two… Miss Kagari and Miss Suzune," Akira said. "It's very obvious with them. They're much harder to perceive than before."

"Why are these two the only ones…?" Natsuki wondered.

"Maybe it's because they don't want Miss Tsubaki to disappear," Aimi suggested. "Since they think that world is better than our world… maybe they're trying to disappear from reality…?"

"That is a strong possibility," Nanaka said.

At that moment, Kako and Meiyui joined them.

"I'm sorry we're late," Kako said.

"However, we aren't simply late," Meiyui said. "We've acquired some information."

"Thank you," Nanaka said. "I greatly appreciate it. I apologize for the haste, but could you please share with us what you have learned?"

"We encountered an odd creature," Meiyui said.

And without further ado, she recited the entire text of the Rumour of the May Bells of Happiness.

"I felt a strange type of power, different from witches and familiars," Kako explained.

"I've heard there has been similar trouble in Kamihama lately involving those creatures," Meiyui said. "Does that give you any clues?"

"Maybe," Aimi said. "There's a flower on that side that looks like May Bells, but it's a little different… that flower gave off a scent… if you touched it, the flower would wither and the scent would fade."

"That is to say, each time one of the flowers withered, the aroma of the flowers weakened," Nanaka said. "And you gradually became more aware of reality…"

"Yeah!" Aimi said. "Yeah, I think that's how it works!"

That was when Tsubaki's voice was heard.

"That voice… is that Aimi…!?"

"Huh!?" Aimi gasped. "Miss Tsubaki!? W-where are you…!?"

"Um, was that a woman's voice just now?" Natsuki asked.

"I heard it as well," Nanaka said.

"Same here," Akira said.

"Ditto," Meiyui said.

"Me, too," Kako said.

"I'm here too!" Honoka chimed in, though her eyes remained closed.

"Miss Kanami…" Nanaka said.

"I can't see you, Aimi, but… you're there, correct?" Tsubaki's voice said. "You're safe, I hope?"

"Yes! I'm fine!" Aimi said. "In fact, you're the one I'm worried about…"

"Yes, I can see that now," Tsubaki's voice said. "This isn't real, right? I wasn't able to watch Suzune, Kagari, or Matsuri grow up… and I'm sure this happened because I left Kagari feeling lonely…"

"Tsubaki…" Aimi said.

"I apologize for interrupting your reunion," Nanaka said. "But there appears to be a difference in the information we have, compared to Miss Mikoto's. There is no time to spare, so let us exchange information quickly. There is a barrier of sorts here which is containing the people who were sucked into the illusion, excluding you. They appear to be asleep, but they do not respond to stimuli and will not budge if we attempt to move them. Furthermore, they are gradually becoming harder to perceive. Unless we make a conscious effort to focus on them, it is as if they have vanished from sight. Miss Kagari and Miss Suzune are especially hard to perceive."

"As for the information on my side," Tsubaki's voice said. "The following is a summary of what I've learned from making contact with the flowers. First, I apparently died awhile ago. I don't know all the details, but Kagari believed that Suzune was the cause of my death… and wants to take revenge on Suzune… but, her desire for revenge was born out of the loneliness that she felt after my death. Second, this incident was caused by an… entity… creating commotions in Kamihama by taking advantage of Kagari's feelings of loneliness… and, in light of what I've learned from the school grounds… the thing responsible for this incident, Kagari's power, and most of all, her desire to see me… came together to bring my consciousness from the past, from a time before I died, to the present day. That's what I heard."

"Yes, I believe your account of the matter is close to the truth," Nanaka said. "We have heard the story of Miss Kagari's revenge from another party already."

"Huh? You have!?" Aimi gasped.

"And your story appears to line up, which lends additional credence to both of you," Nanaka continued. "Furthermore, if the happiness that Miss Kagari longed for was to be reunited with you… then if you can persuade her to return you to the past… I believe that the illusionary world will collapse."

"What if I stay here…?" Tsubaki's voice asked.

"As I mentioned, Miss Suzune, Miss Kagari, and the others who have yet to wake up… are gradually fading from our perception," Nanaka said. "Therefore, I speculate… that if they continue to remain in that illusionary world… they will never wake up on this side again. And, those of us in reality will no longer be able to perceive them. In other words… they will essentially disappear."

"I see," Tsubaki's voice said. "Then there's only one thing to do. I'll convince Kagari to return me to the past, where I belong."

"Tsubaki, doesn't that mean that… you'll…" Aimi began.

"Please don't be so sad," Tsubaki's voice said. "I'll be fine. After all—"

Suddenly her voice cut off with a gasp.

"W-what is this…!?" she asked.

"O-oh!" Honoka said. "It's her! The entity we encountered yesterday! It's the rumour, Suzu!"

As she said that, the labyrinthine space containing Suzune and the others suddenly expanded to encompass the entire roof.

"W-what's going on!?" Aimi gasped. "Why is the weird space expanding!?"

"Since Miss Tsubaki has refused to stay in that world…" Nanaka said.

"It's angry!" Honoka said. "It's just like yesterday… it's trying to force the rumour to come true!"

Nanaka nodded. "It appears that it intends to keep Miss Tsubaki there by force."

A dark-haired woman loomed behind the captured students, wearing a crown of bluebells and a matching blue dress. The bluebells jingled as she shook her head, as if they were actual bells, and she gripped a katana in one hand, glaring at Nanaka and the others, though she herself made no move to attack. Instead, the black mist shrouding her expanded, spawning several familiars, which each seemed to be cartoonish miniatures of herself. It was the familiars that leapt at Nanaka and the others, brandishing their katanas. Kako shrieked, and Natsuki jumped in front of her, holding one of her batons ready to ward off the strike.

"Something's coming!" Natsuki said.

"Those look dangerous!" Akira said.

"It seems intent on eliminating us for assisting her," Meiyui said.

"Doesn't that mean we're in trouble…?" Kako asked.

"It is unfortunate that Miss Misono was unable to make it today," Nanaka mused. "However, this is also an opportunity. It is down to its final throes, so I believe we shall be able to manage without her. Meiyui…" She switched to telepathy. «You remember the plan, right?»

«Yes,» Meiyui said. «I will use my power to ensure that Miss Kagari and Miss Suzune do not perceive us.»

"Excellent," Nanaka said. "Let us take them out!"

"Okay!" Natsuki said. "We'll handle things on this side!"

She wielded her baton like a staff, fending off two chibi-Suzu familiars at once, and the others leapt into action as well.

"Miss Tsubaki! Honoka-chan!" Aimi said.

"I'm here!" Tsubaki's voice said. "Please don't worry about me!"

"We're fine over here!" Honoka said, eyes still shut tight. "Suzu is no match for Miss Tsubaki!"

"Indeed!" Tsubaki's voice said. "If this is the turning point, then I'll overcome it!"

"Tsubaki!"

Suzune and one of the Hinata twins suddenly called out her name. Since they were in the same body, it was impossible for Nanaka to be certain which was speaking, though she suspected Kagari.

"Suzune, Kagari," Tsubaki said.

Not long after Suzu herself appeared before the two of them, Kagari and Suzune somehow managed to catch up and called out to Tsubaki.

"Tsubaki!" Kagari said. "Have you found out everything…?"

"Yes," Tsubaki said. "And I can't stay here."

"Why not…?" Suzune asked. "If you just pretend that you didn't notice the painful reality… can't we just stay here together forever?"

"I'm sorry," Tsubaki. "But you should know as well as I do that that's not possible, Suzune."

"Huh?" Suzune said.

"W-why?" Kagari asked. "I've been so lonely… I've missed you so much…"

"So you're still determined to leave," Suzune said.

"Yes," Tsubaki said. "I've been hearing a child's voice all this time, calling for me… and I've finally realized who it is. Suzune… that child is the you from the past."

Suzune gasped.

"Do you remember the time I suddenly collapsed and you kept calling my name?" Tsubaki asked. "I have to go back to that time. It's not a matter of whether I want to… there is simply no other option. I have to do it, because it's what I've already done."

"You can't," Kagari said desperately.

"B-but we finally got to meet you…!" Suzune said.

"I will not back down," Tsubaki said.

"Then we'll make you stay!" Kagari said.

"Do you want some help…?" Honoka asked.

"No… I can handle the two of them myself," Tsubaki said.

"Okay then…"

Kagari and Suzune attacked her together, but their mere year of experience was no match for Tsubaki, who Honoka figured must have been a magical girl for close to ten years before she died. In what seemed like no time flat, both of them were on the ground, Suzune panting and Kagari groaning.

"I believe the outcome is clear," Tsubaki said firmly.

"N-not yet…" Suzune said.

"Please, Tsubaki!" Kagari pleaded.

"I cannot," Tsubaki said firmly.

"Why…!?" Suzune pleaded.

"I believe I explained it already," Tsubaki said. "But I believe in you, Suzune, and in you, Kagari. You don't have to rely on false happiness. I know you can achieve real happiness even on your own, without me by your side. I believe in you… and in Matsuri too. You should treasure her more, both of you."

"Apparently Suzune-chan and Matsuri-chan were friends for a little while… or so I heard," Honoka said. "That was before Kagari-chan became a magical girl… but after Matsuri-chan did…"

"I'm glad to hear it," Tsubaki said. "You can lean on her, instead of me."

"T-that's unfair," Suzune said. "If you say that… t-then I can't tell you… how badly I want you to stay here…"

"Ugh," Kagari grumbled. "You're a useless piece of trash, Suzune… even though Tsubaki is gone because of you…"

"Actually, I don't think that's quite true…?" Honoka said. "At least, Ashley Taylor said it was more like an accident…"

"That's the second time you've said that name…" Tsubaki said.

"Don't tell me you've heard of her…?" Honoka said.

"Huh? No, it doesn't ring a bell," Tsubaki said. "I just wondered what role she played in all this… since it sounds like she knows an awful lot about my circumstances and those of the twins and Suzune… could it be she met…? No, surely not…"

"I'm not sure myself," Honoka said.

Suddenly, Suzu stepped forward, and with a smile, she transformed into a perfect duplicate of Tsubaki.

"W-what…!?" Tsubaki gasped.

"Tsubaki's… form…?" Suzune said.

"I seeee…" Kagari said. "So that's how it is. You know, Tsubaki… the being who lent me its strength has told me… the reason it's taken on your form… is because you're what I need the most to be happy. That's what it's saying."

"Kagari…" Tsubaki said.

"It's pretty embarrassing," Kagari said. "It knows everything in my mind… so then, won't you stay, Tsubaki?"

Suddenly the scent of flowers grew stronger, emanating from the fake Tsubaki.

"That scent…!?" Tsubaki gasped.

"I'm… feeling dizzy…" Suzune muttered.

"Surrender yourself to the fragrance of flowers," the fake Tsubaki said. "Let's continue our happy life."

"We can't be trapped here," the real Tsubaki said. "Even if I'm not here, they'll be able to find real happiness. That's what I believe."

She attacked the fake with her katana, and after a groan it attacked back. They locked blades for a moment, and then Tsubaki hopped back. As the fake pressed the attack, Tsubaki raised her katana for a downward strike.

"This is the end…!" she said.

As the blow landed, throwing the fake to the ground, Kagari spoke up.

"Are you abandoning me again?" Kagari asked. "Tsubaki, don't abandon me. If you abandon me here, I'll never find happiness…"

"Kagari… that's not true. You can, with your own strength…"

"I've been so lonely…!" Kagari shouted. "Hey, Tsubaki… do you not want me? Am I worthless to you? Is that why you're abandoning me?"

"That's wrong…!" Tsubaki gasped. "It's not like that! I just… don't have a choice!"

"Then, stay here with me… together… forever!"

Suddenly, Suzune grabbed Kagari's arm.

"Kagari, let's stop this," she said.

"Suzune, just shut up!" Kagari shouted, shaking herself free and shoving Suzune to the ground.

That's when Matsuri, Masara, and Kokoro finally caught up.

"Tsubaki!" Matsuri called.

"What…?"

"Ow…" Matsuri said, stumbling a little.

"Are you really okay?" Kokoro asked.

"Don't strain yourself," Masara said. "You're hurt all over…"

"I'm fine," Matsuri said. "Because, I'm not the one who's actually in pain right now… onee-chan and Suzune-chan are the ones whose hearts are in pain… and Tsubaki needs help… which means I have to try and help her!"

"Matsuri…" Kokoro said.

"Tsubaki, I finally remembered!" Matsuri said. "The last time I saw you… you told me… 'There may come a time when things won't always be happy. But… no matter what happens, don't ever give up, okay?' Those words…"

"I said that…?" Tsubaki said.

"Or, I guess you haven't said it yet, right?" Honoka said.

"That's why, even if there are times when I'm not happy, I believe in the happiness that lies ahead," Matsuri said. "I won't ever give up!"

"Ahh, I see…" Tsubaki said. "Suzune… did I give you a proper goodbye?"

"No…" Suzune said. "You just… right in front of me…"

"Suzune," Tsubaki said. "Matsuri, Kagari… please. Show me that you can overcome your hardships without giving up. Show me that you can live for the future."

"Of course, that's what I plan to do!" Matsuri said.

Suzune sighed, but nodded. "Yeah, I understand," she said.

Kagari however just glared at her.

"Kagari, please," Tsubaki said.

"Is that what you want from me?" Kagari asked testily.

"Yes."

"I see," Kagari said. "Then, I guess I'll just have to live up to your expectations…" But as Tsubaki's face brightened, she continued. "Is that what you expect me to say!? There's no way I'm letting you go after coming all this way! Tsubaki… we're going to be together here, forever!"

The fake Tsubaki, who had apparently regained her feet at some point, spoke up once more.

"Surrender yourself… to the fragrance of flowers. Let's be happy… let's be happy here… let's be happy here… let's be happy let's be happy let's be happy…"

"Uhhh… I think she just broke…" Honoka said.

"I will hesitate no longer," Tsubaki said. "I will end it this time. To convey what must be conveyed…!"

Once again she attacked the fake, and again it fought back, but it didn't put up much of a better fight than last time. Before long, it was on the ground again, and then Tsubaki landed a final blow and it just disintegrated.

"It's gone!" Kokoro said.

"So it's finally over," Masara said.

But then Kagari suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream, startling everyone. Matsuri ran over to try and hug her.

"Onee-chan!" Matsuri called.

"Leave me alone!" Kagari screamed, shoving her away.

Then Tsubaki tried the same thing, causing Kagari to freeze up.

"Kagari, I love you," she said. "I care about you from the bottom of my heart."

"Liar," Kagari retorted.

"I'm not lying," Tsubaki said. "I'm telling the truth. Because I truly care about you. I want you to stay strong. I want you to be a child who can overcome whatever hardships come your way."

"Why…?" Kagari muttered. "Why didn't you… tell me this… earlier…"

"I'm really sorry," Tsubaki said.

Kagari burst into tears, hugging her back and sobbing into her chest.

"Suzune, Matsuri, why don't you come here too?" Tsubaki said.

The two of them also joined the huddle.

"I can't be with you. but… I will always be thinking of you," Tsubaki said.

With the host of the labyrinth gone, it was beginning to destabilize.

"The space is collapsing!" Kokoro said.

"No… it's going back to the way it was," Masara said. "The way it should be…"

"This is goodbye," Tsubaki said. "I'm sure your path will be full of obstacles. You may fall and struggle to get back up… but, don't ever give up."

"Yeah, I'll be fine!" Matsuri said.

Suzune and Kagari hesitated a few moments before both muttering a response at the same time.

"Okay…"

"I'm glad I got to meet you," Tsubaki said. "Farewell."

Honoka opened her eyes and quickly looked around, spotting both Suzune and the combined Hinata twins. Of course, Nanaka's team was present as well, along with Natsuki and Aimi, not to mention Masara and Kokoro. The other, non-magical students who had been captured appeared to still be asleep.

"Where are we…?" Suzune asked.

"Huh?" Matsuri said. "Where is this? A sports field? On top of a building? How on earth did I… get here… huh?"

"This is the school building of Chuo Academy," Masara said.

"Looks like we're back!" Kokoro said.

Aimi grabbed Kokoro and Masara in a hug.

"Everyone… thank goodness! You're awake…!" Aimi said.

"Wait, hold on," Masara protested.

Kokoro giggled. "We're okay now!"

"Looks like everyone is safe," Nanaka said.

"Thank goodness!" Akira said.

"Now we just need to make sure they don't cause a panic, yes?" Meiyui said.

"Yeah… that's right," Kako said.

"I will use my magic as we discussed," Meiyui said.

"I do wish to see how things develop, however," Nanaka said.

"That is no problem," Meiyui said. "We can watch while being protected by my magic."

"I'm sorry for all the trouble, Miss Tokiwa," Natsuki said.

"Please do not worry about it," Nanaka said. "We should help each other out in times of trouble."

"Suzune-chan!" Matsuri said.

"Yeah…" Suzune said.

"Huh…?" Matsuri said. "Argh… it's happening again… it feels like a lot happened, but… I can't really remember…"

"I do feel… a warmth inside my chest," Suzune muttered.

"Yeah… me too," Matsuri said.

"Um… is it just me or…?" Honoka said.

"If what you mean is that Miss Kagari is using her magic again, then you appear to be correct," Nanaka said.

"Indeed, she has transformed while concealing that fact from the watchers," Meiyui said. "But it appears she is allowing Miss Matsuri to do the talking…"

"Oh? You can see Miss Kagari in her magical girl form, Meiyui?" Nanaka asked.

"Not anymore," Meiyui said. "She just powered down."

"Well… we should head home," Matsuri said. "I'm sure the others will be worried about me…"

"Let's exchange numbers first," Kokoro said.

"Yeah!" Aimi said.

"I suppose we could," Masara said.

"I think it's a great idea!" Natsuki said.

They all whipped out their phones and tapped them together, mostly producing the beep indicating success. However… when Matsuri tapped her phone against Natsuki's and Aimi's, it produced a different beep than usual.

"Huh?" Matsuri said. "Why'd it sound different…?"

"Oh…" Aimi said. "I think that means we already had each other's contact info… but how…?"

"Huh… weird," Matsuri said. "Well, either way we have it, so it's fine, right?"

"Yeah!" Aimi said.

And then Matsuri and Suzune headed off. After a few more minutes, the other four followed suit, leaving Honoka alone with Nanaka's team.

"Miss Kanami," Meiyui said. "Would you like to stay the night at my family's place? We can discuss what to do about Miss Kagari tomorrow."

"Oh… sure," Honoka said. "I'll admit, I was a bit worried about going back and running into her again… especially since we're both in the same class…"

"Then let us meet tomorrow morning," Nanaka said. "And you may extend an invitation to Ashley Taylor, too."

"Got it!" Honoka said.

"So, that's about it," Honoka finishes.

"I see," I say. "So… you want to find a way to deal with Miss Kagari, correct?"

"If we can, I would like to resolve her situation, yes," Nanaka says. "At least sufficiently that she ceases troubling others."

"Hmm… I'm certain that Miss Matsuri is capable of dealing with her," I say. "But it seems that didn't work out last time, and I'm not sure why…"

"Could we fix everyone's memory?" Honoka suggests.

"It's possible, using Miss Shion's power," I say. "I don't know if that'll have any effect though."

"Do you have any other ideas?" Inui asks. "Just letting this girl continually go on a rampage… I can't allow that… if there's no other option, I'd prefer to end her."

"Yeah, I can't think of any other ideas," I say. "Unless…"

"Unless… did you just think of something?" Akira asks.

"Well… it's not an idea, exactly," I say. "I just remembered that I heard Miss Mikoto had a childhood friend who was also a magical girl… but I have no idea where she is or even if she's still alive. I'm pretty sure she didn't die before Miss Mikoto did, but she might've died since then…"

"Do you know anything about her at all?" Nanaka asked. "Meiyui's network might be able to track her down even with very little information to work from."

Meiyui nods. "My family is very good at finding people," she says.

"Um… I think her surname was… Ka…sumi…? And her given name was Ichi… Ichi… uhh… something beginning with Ichi. Also… I believe the two of them grew up in a town called… uhh, what was it now… Sa… Sazanka, I think it was?"

"Sazanka is a type of flower," Nanaka says. "A species of camellia native to Japan and China. Are you sure that was the name of the town?"

"I'm not sure, no," I say.

"Actually, there is a town by that name," Meiyui says. "A few years ago, they became well-known for that flower and renamed themselves after it."

"Ah, now that you mention it, I did hear about that," Nanaka says. "So Miss Mikoto is from that town…"

"But um… even if we found her, how would that help?" Kako asked.

"Well, that's the thing," I say. "I remembered that she exists, or at least existed, but I can't think of a way to use that information to solve the current problem… oh, but there's one other thing we could try. I know a girl named Shiina Remi who can speak with the dead."

"Ah, that sounds like it would be a great help," Nanaka says. "So, to summarize, we have three possible tools to effect a solution. The first is Miss Shion's power, which can restore everyone's memories. The second is Miss Shiina's power, which can connect us to Miss Mikoto. And the third is Miss Mikoto's childhood friend, if she still lives, who would know Miss Mikoto better than any of us and may be able to say something that would convince Miss Kagari to change her ways. However, even if she still lives, there is no guarantee that she would be willing to help…"

"Yeah, I think that about sums it up," I say.

"Very well," Nanaka says. "Before we decide on a plan, let us see if we can locate Miss Kasumi. Meiyui, how long do you think it is likely to take?"

"At least a day," Meiyui says. "But that is only if she still lives in Sazanka and can be located online. Otherwise, it could take weeks if she is hard to find."

"Where is this place called Sazanka, anyway?" Kako asks. "I've never heard of it…"

"If I am not mistaken, it is a small tourist trap town in the Kansai region," Nanaka says. "I do not know any more than that…"

"I believe it is in Shiga prefecture," Meiyui adds.

"So she's not from the island," I say. "That makes sense…"

"What do you mean?" Nanaka asks.

"Awhile back I asked Kyuubey if there are any adult magical girls around here – like, age twenty or above," I say. "It said there wasn't, and haven't been since Miss Tsubaki died."

"Ah, so you mean it lines up with what you heard from Sir Kyuubey," Nanaka says. "I see… but that said, can you truly trust Sir Kyuubey's words?"

"Of course not," I say. "Still… it rarely tells an outright lie. It'll omit information, but it doesn't usually spread falsehoods."

"Then, it seems we have decided on a course of action," Nanaka says. "Let us meet tomorrow to hear what Meiyui can learn in that time… shall we say, same place but around five o'clock in the afternoon?"

"Sounds good," I say. "I'm busy in the morning but I have the afternoon free."

"Yeah, I can manage that," Honoka says. "I'll head home so Dad doesn't worry, and come back tomorrow."

"It sounds good to me, too," Inui says.

"Um… I was going to meet with Ayame…" Kako says. "But I'll ask if we can meet earlier instead…"

"If you cannot make it, I will not fault you, Kako," Nanaka says.

"I do want to know how this all turns out, though," Kako says.

"Should I ask Miss Shiina to come by tomorrow too?" I ask. "Or is it a bit early for that?"

"I would say that should wait until the third meeting," Nanaka says. "Tomorrow is primarily to decide whether locating Miss Kasumi is viable, and to finalize the plan."

"Then, we'll see you later," I say.

Inui and I get up and leave Shizuku's café, coincidentally passing by Shizuku herself on our way out. She doesn't show any particular reaction to those present, simply heading straight into the back – likely she's used to Nanaka and her team stopping by.

On our way to the train station, I sense a witch, and we decide to check it out in case no-one else has noticed it yet. It's an instance of Teresa, the pendulum witch. After taking out a batch of familiars, I hear a voice further in.

"Oh, I know that voice!" Inui says. "It's Tsukasa-chan!"

"Eh?" I say. "The twins!?"

I scry on Tsukasa to hear what she's saying. She's with Tsukuyo too, of course. They appear to be addressing none other than Yui Tsuruno, but… she looks completely spaced out, just staring off into space and completely ignoring the two of them.

"I'll make you pay for the misery you put my dear Tsukuyo through!" Tsukasa proclaims.

"You managed to catch me off guard at school last time," Tsukuyo says. "But I shall not allow you to keep making a fool of me!"

"Yeah!" Tsukasa says.

Tsuruno sighs, still completely ignoring the two of them.

"Stop ignoring us!" Tsukasa says. But then she giggles. "You know, I think she's lost her edge."

"That means we have sealed our victory!" Tsukuyo says.

They raise their flutes to their lips.

"Flute Blossom Resonance!"

Tsuruno gasps, lets out a scream, and falls over.

"Now, Tsukuyo!" Tsukasa says.

"Yes!" Tsukuyo says. "Fall victim to our fierce sound waves!"

As Tsuruno half-heartedly attempts to get up, the follow-up attack hits her and knocks her over again. She rolls over and just lays on the ground with a groan.

"We did it!" Tsukuyo says. "We triumphed, Tsukasa!"

"Yeah, we did a great job, Tsukuyo!" Tsukasa says.

"For sure!" Tsukuyo says. "Well!? What do you think of our true… huh?"

At that moment, Inui and I round a corner and catch sight of them, so I shut off the vision.

"Um… what's going on here?" Inui asks.

"W-why is she lying still like that!?" Tsukuyo asks.

"She looks like she's out cold," Inui says.

Tsukasa blinks at her. "M-miss Itsumi… w-what do we do!?"

"Well… we can't just leave the witch, either," I say. "Why don't you two get her to the Coordinator's, and we'll take care of the witch?"

"R-right!" Tsukasa says. "We didn't intend to… we just wanted to…"

"I get it," I say.

"We should hurry!" Tsukuyo says. "I will carry her!"

"N-no! I should be the one to carry her!" Tsukasa says. "This was my idea, after all…"

"Then we shall take turns!" Tsukuyo says.

"Okay!"

Tsukuyo picks Tsuruno up and runs off, followed by Tsukasa.

"You're really not going to follow them?" Inui asks.

"Of course I am," I say. "After I bring down this witch. The central chamber should be over there… not too far…"

But as we head in the indicated direction, we're suddenly swarmed by familiars. Although I seem to be correct about the direction we need to go, I did not anticipate this level of resistance.

"We've gotta take out all these familiars first!" Inui says. "Heart-throbbing Passionate Inferno!"

For some reason, she leads with her ultimate attack, a pillar of pink flames spouting up from below the familiars ahead, sending many of them flying and disintegrating still more. We push ahead through the gap left by her flames, and she readies her flame whip as we approach the door to the central chamber.

But the familiars aren't finished yet. A fresh swarm lands around us just before we reach the door. We stand back-to-back for a minute or two, Inui taking down as many as she can with her whip while I slice and dice with my sword.

"This… this isn't working!" she says finally. "We need another… I'll use it again!"

"No… it should be my turn this time," I say.

"Alright, if you insist," Inui says.

I summon a swarm of Teddy Drones around us and call out the attack.

"Great Teddy's Ionic Bombardment!"

Although it doesn't take out all the remaining familiars, my attack destroys enough that we can actually reach the door to the witch's chamber. I kick it down… only to find a fresh swarm of familiars waiting on the other side, surrounding the witch like a protective barrier.

"Damn, this witch sure has a lot of familiars," Inui says. "Hey! Look at me!"

As she unleashes her charm, about a third of the familiars turn to stare at her. That means only two-thirds of the swarm are attacking, and those that aren't are getting in the way of those that are, which helps limit how many I have to fight off at once. I wade into them with my sword, surrounded by four or five Teddy Drones firing off their beams at any that try to interfere. Inui uses her flame whip and blasts of pink flame to strike first at the ones she hasn't charmed.

By the time the charm wears off, however, barely half of the familiars have been defeated. Although I've been using a fair amount of magic, my soul gem seems to be okay. On the other hand, Inui's soul gem is heavily clouded. Unlike me, her weapon requires her to expend magic, so that might be why she's in a worse state than I am.

"Are you okay, Inui?" I ask.

"I'm fine!" she says. "Don't worry about me!"

"Okay! I'm going to take out as many as possible… can you try to go for the witch?"

"You got it!"

I summon a swarm of Teddy Drones and charge them up for a few seconds before attacking.

"Great Teddy's Ionic Bombardment!"

As all the beams are unleashed upon the unsuspecting familiars, Inui darts through the storm, making for the witch. She stops in front of the pendulum witch, and as the witch raises herself up to swing down at Inui, she shouts out her charm.

"Look at me!"

The witch lowers her pendulum, hesitating, as Inui flicks her flame whip at the eye on the pendulum. That little flick however seems to be the last straw for her soul gem. The impurities are sucked out, forming a cloud around her for a moment before coalescing about her legs into the familiar form of Uhrmann, her head shrouded in a technicolour mist that probably blocks out her vision, if she's even still conscious.

Regardless of whether it's on a rampage or under Inui's conscious control, Uhrmann pounces on Teresa, pawing at her pendulum until it cracks and falls to pieces. As the witch disintegrates, I dart in to grab the grief seed, after which Uhrmann retreats into Inui's body and the labyrinth collapses. I catch Inui as she falls. She seems to be unconscious, so I carefully sling her over my back as I head towards the Coordinator's, intending to rejoin the twins. As I travel, I re-open a vision on them so I can see what's going on.

"This is an emergency, Coordinator!" Tsukuyo exclaims as they burst into the shop.

Mitama lets out a tiny shriek, then blinks at them.

"Oh my! Whatever is the problem, you two?"

"I think we hurt this girl way worse than we meant to," Tsukasa says. "Is she going to be okay?"

"Oh, if it isn't Tsuruno!" Mitama says. "Hmm…"

Tsukasa sets Tsuruno down on a couch, and Mitama examines her.

"Oh dear, her soul gem is far too clouded," she says.

"Huh?" Tsukuyo says. "How about her body?"

"Oh, that part of her is just fine!" Mitama says. "She is the mightiest, after all."

"That is such a relief," Tsukuyo says.

"Totally," Tsukasa says.

"Aren't you enemies?" Mitama asks.

"Yes," Tsukuyo says. "However…"

"Our intention isn't to kill her," Tsukasa says. "We want to save all magical girls!"

"Yeah!" Tsukuyo says.

"You really are good, noble girls," Mitama says. "Unlike… no, never mind."

Suddenly she glances at Tsuruno and gasps.

"Oh no! We have to get Tsuruno out of here immediately!"

"Why?" Tsukasa asks.

"Can't you tell?" Mitama says. "Look at her soul gem!"

Tsuruno's soul gem is almost completely clouded.

"O-oh, this is very bad!" Tsukuyo says. "We must hurry!"

They grab Tsuruno and drag her outside, just as I round the corner.

"Oh, Miss Taylor!" Tsukasa says, blinking. "Did you defeat the witch? Um… is Miss Itsumi okay?"

"Oh… yeah, the witch is defeated," I say. "Inui unleashed her doppel on it."

"Oh, so that's why she's unconscious…"

"We don't have time to be chatting!" Mitama says urgently, standing back a bit. "Set her down and get back!"

The twins carefully lay Tsuruno down on the ground and take a few steps back, just as the darkness drains from her soul gem and swirls into the form of a doppel, with witch runes spelling out the name, Yu Hong. I hop back and gently set Inui down against a wall, drawing my sword and summoning Teddy Mk II as the doppel takes on the form of a glowing hot-air balloon without a basket, with what looks like a roast pig embedded in the balloon portion. It rises up, even lifting Tsuruno a couple inches off the ground. Then the pig's head lifts up, pointing its snout at me, and a stream of boiling hot oil is emitted from its nostrils. I immediately interpose Teddy Mk II as a shield – that's why I summoned it in the first place.

"Oh my," Mitama says, giggling a bit. "This might be the funniest doppel yet…"

"Then how about I splash some of that oil on you with my power?" I retort. "I'm sure you won't be laughing then."

"I think I'll pass on that, thanks," Mitama says.

"Wooow…"

That's Inui's voice. I glance back and see that she's come to and is staring up at the pig balloon.

"So that's Miss Yui's doppel…"

"That's it," I say. "Please don't bring your fire near it, or we'll be in even bigger trouble."

Inui giggles. "Of course! I'm not that stupid!"

Suddenly Tsuruno splutters, her eyes flying open. She's still floating a bit above the ground, suspended from the balloon. Then she lets out a tiny squeal, blinking a bit and panting.

"I… had such a weird dream…" she says. "Can't remember what it was about though…"

"My, my," Mitama says.

"Huh… the Coordinator?" Tsuruno says, blinking.

"Unbelievable…" Tsukuyo says.

"My goodness," Tsukasa says.

"Whoa, it's the Amane sisters!" Tsuruno gasps. "What the heck are you doing here!?"

"They were worried about you, y'know," I retort.

"And… hmm… I don't know you…" Tsuruno says. "But… why's it so bright!? What even happened here!?"

"Your doppel happened," Mitama says.

"Me!?" Tsuruno gasps. "A doppel!? I got a new power!? At long last, Yui Tsuruno the mightiest magical girl has become yet mightier! Time to see my new… strength…"

She turns to look up at her doppel and blinks.

"Huh!? A p-p-p-pig!? It's shining! It's so bright it's blinding me!"

Mitama giggles. "It really is a pig!"

"Is it because you're a glutton?" Tsukasa asks.

"You really wish to be rich one day, is that not so?" Tsukuyo says.

"H-hey!" Tsuruno protests. "Don't be mean! And here I was so excited by it…"

"Well, it could be worse," Inui says.

"How exactly could it be worse!?" Tsuruno shouts. "I'll be way too embarrassed to use this thing in public…"

At that point, the doppel ceases spewing hot oil at me and retracts back into Tsuruno's body. She lands lightly on her feet with a sigh, and I banish Teddy and my sword and power down.

"Oh, it went back into you," Tsukasa says.

"I can't let the others see this thing," Tsuruno mutters. "Especially Yachiyo."

"Well, no matter," Tsukuyo says. "We are truly relieved that you are unhurt."

"Says the girl who was attacking her in the first place," I retort.

"T-that was that and this is this!" Tsukuyo protests.

"Unhurt…?" Tsuruno says. "Attacking me…? Huh?"

"Well, the twins here thought they might've overdone it, so they brought you here to me," Mitama explains.

"And Inui and I just happened to be there, so we tagged along," I say.

"Huh!" Tsuruno says. "Really?"

"Yeah!" Tsukasa says. "We don't want to get anyone killed."

"For sure!" Tsukuyo says.

"You're both good people, aren't you?" Tsuruno says.

"You're only noticing that just now?" I say.

"I was brought up properly, I suppose," Tsukuyo says.

"Yeah, and our work requires treating those we serve with politeness and compassion," Tsukasa says.

"For the time being… consider my grievance about my juice settled, since your doppel amused me," Tsukuyo says.

"D'awwww…" Tsuruno gasps.

Mitama giggles. "I've seen something wonderful today! Friendship between foes… truly lovely! Now, not to praise you or anything like that, but… "

Tsuruno blinks at her. "Hmm?"

"What is it?" Tsukuyo says.

"I suppose I could work on you for free, as a special favour," she says.

"You truly mean it!?" Tsukuyo gasps.

"That's great, isn't it, Tsukuyo!?" Tsukasa says.

"But all I did was get saved by you guys," Tsuruno says.

"I'm sure unleashing your doppel for the first time was hard on you, Tsuruno," Mitama says. "Remember how I tuned Iroha-chan after she first unleashed hers?"

"You didn't say you knew what it was back then, though…"

"And each of you needed to be here for me to see your doppel unleash," Mitama continues. "So, shall we get started?"

"Oh, I have to get back to my classes," Tsukuyo says.

"And I have to cook for the apprentices," Tsukasa says.

"Now, now, don't give me that," Mitama says. "It's so rare that I get the chance to adjust twins at the same time!"

"P-pardon me, but what does that mean!?" Tsukuyo gasps.

"I don't like how that sounds, Tsukuyo!" Tsukasa says.

"M-me neither," Tsukuyo says. "We shall be going now!"

"Come on, don't be shy!" Mitama says, grabbing them both by the collar. She looks at Inui and me too. "The offer's open for you two as well… I believe I haven't worked on either of you before."

Tsukuyo shrieks. "Let me go!"

"Huh? You've never seen her, Miss Itsumi?" Tsukasa asks. "Then you definitely should!"

"Um… thanks, but I'll pass," Inui says.

"Hmm?" Mitama says. "But you'll become stronger, you know?"

"I think I'll be fine," Inui says.

"Anyway, it's not like you're the only one capable of coordination, right?" I say.

"Huh? You saw someone else?" Mitama says. "Well… if you insist, I won't press the matter… you're not twins, after all…"

"Alright!" Tsuruno says, grabbing the twins by the hand and heading for the door. "C'mon! I'm in debt to you guys, so why don't we all have a session together?"

"Let go of me, Miss Tsuruno!" Tsukasa squeals.

"Okay!" Mitama says. "Let's get back to my place!"

"Yeah!" Tsuruno says.

The twins shriek as they're dragged inside, with Inui and I watching them.

"Well… uhh… should we follow, or…?" Inui says.

"I don't have anything better to do," I say. "If you'd like to chat with them, we can go inside… of course, I'm not getting a tune-up either."

"Alright!" Tsuruno announces out of the blue from within. "I'm gonna bring lasting happiness to all their lives!"

"You can start by letting us go!" Tsukuyo protests.

"I don't think we have anything to chat about," Inui says. "Let's find something else to do instead. How about we meet up with Rui-chan?"

"Huh? At such short notice?" I say.

"Well, I know where she'll be," Inui says. "At least, if she's still there… we talked about it yesterday at school, but she might've gone home already."

"Okay, sure," I say. "Why not! So… where are we going, exactly?"

"Someplace in Hokuyo Ward," Inui says. "A secluded mountain shrine or something?"

"…you're calling those mountains?" I say. "They're not even foothills…"

"Whatever," Inui says. "She heard about the place and thought it might be a nice place to… you know…"

"Right… her eight-grader syndrome," I say. "Well, you know how to get there, right?"

"No, but I can look it up," Inui says. "Just give me a minute…"

She whips out her phone and opens the maps app for a moment.

"Okay… we should take a train," Inui says. "But… hmm… do you think it's faster to head a few stops west and hop on the northern line, or head to city centre and transfer there?"

"Um… I honestly have no idea," I say.

"The app seems uncertain too… alright, let's just flip a coin," Inui says. "Let's say… heads we transfer at city centre?"

"Sure," I say.

Inui digs out a ten yen coin and flips it. It comes out heads, so when we reach the train station, we head east to the central station where we transfer to a line heading north. As we get off at the end of the line and make our way out of the shopping district there, I suddenly realize something.

"Come to think of it… isn't there an observatory somewhere around here?" I say.

"Um… yes, you're right!" Inui says, checking the map on her phone. "It's not the direction we're going in, but it's not that far off…"

"So… we might be getting pretty close to Fendt Hope…"

"Wait… wasn't Fendt Hope at the abandoned railway yard though?" Inui asks.

"Well… I'm not entirely sure how it works," I say. "But I don't think a hotel of that size would fit in the railway yard, do you?"

"True… but it is in a barrier," Inui says.

"True," I say. "I think it's certainly possible for Fendt Hope to truly be located there… but I don't think it is truly located there. Unless it's mobile…? I'm not even sure if that's possible…"

"Why don't you think it's actually at the railway yard?" Inui asks. "Is it another of your strange predictions?"

"Pretty much."

We leave the shopping district and follow a foot path leading up into the hills. It's quite a well-travelled path, wide enough for three or four to walk abreast with ease, and paved with stones. After about fifteen minutes, we turn off the paved path to follow a narrower path heading further uphill. It's still maintained – the steeper parts have wooden steps built into them – but other than that it's just a dirt path.

After climbing three flights of stairs, we hear a voice wafting down the final flight. I gaze up the stairs at the shrine gate posted at the top. Glancing at Inui, I shrug and take the first step.

"And with that, I have laid claim to this gateway to the other world! If anyone challenges this claim, let them speak now!"

"Yeah… that's Rui-chan alright," I say.

"Hmm?" Rui's voice says. "What's that you say?"

"And she's talking to an imaginary friend or something," Inui mutters.

"Aha! So there is one other who lays claim to this place!" Rui says. "Then, let us find this person and vanquish them!"

That's the moment when the two of us reach the top of the stairs.

"Heya, Rui-chan!" Inui says.

Rui gasps and spins to face us, but relaxes a little once she recognizes us.

"Y-y-you scared me…" she says. "D-don't do that!"

"Sorry about that," I say. "So who's this person you're gonna vanquish?"

Rui clears her throat.

"Rumours tell of a vampire who haunts this forest," she intones. "In the dead of night, she comes to prey on the rich blood of the living!"

Inui blinks. "A vampire!? Ah, no, wait, that's just the scenario, right…?"

"Actually… I've heard tell of this vampire too," I say. "They say she has silver hair, I believe?"

"Yes!" Rui says. "I see you have heard the rumour too! Come, comrade, let us find and vanquish the accursed creature!"

"Um… I don't mind playing along," I say. "But just a heads-up… I think the rumour is about a magical girl… and I don't think we'd want her to take your roleplay seriously…"

"Wait, so it's a real rumour after all…?" Inui asks.

Rui drops the act and nods.

"Um… yes, I heard students from St Lilliana's talking about it on my way here," Rui says. "Like your friend, they said she has silver hair… and comes out only at night… d-do you really think she could be another magical girl? I-I was just going to… find a witch, and pretend it was the vampire…"

"Well, coming out at night definitely fits the profile of a magical girl," Inui says. "But I wonder why they'd call her a vampire…?"

"I've heard there's a veteran magical girl somewhere around here," I say. "Miss Nemu mentioned her too, right? I think she could be the one."

"Oh, you're right," Inui says. "Um… Irina Kushu, I think it was?"

"As for why they'd call her a vampire… is her striking appearance not enough?"

"I guess you have a point," Inui says.

"Um… you seem… a bit different from last time," Rui says.

"Me?" I say. "Well, that was the other me, last time… sorry to disappoint you, but she seems to be busy right now. By the way, we never actually introduced ourselves, right? I'm Ashley Taylor… you can just call me Ashley."

"O-oh, right, I am… Mizuki Rui…" Rui says.

"So, do you think Miss Irina will actually come here?" Inui asks.

I shrug. "I have no idea where she lives, so that's kinda hard to predict. If you want to meet her, I guess what I'd recommend is to wait until nighttime and search for witches in this area? Although that could also give the wrong impression, I suppose…"

"By 'this area', you mean Hokuyo Ward?" Inui asks.

"I guess…"

"Um, actually… I'm… a little interested," Rui says. "If the rumours are real… I'd like to meet her…"

"I think it's a bit early though," I say. "Hmm… why don't we stop at Walnut's for dinner and then search for her?"

"What's Walnut's?" Rui asks.

"It's a restaurant somewhat close by that's run by a magical girl," I say. "I guess you're from the east, so you don't come over here that often, right?"

"Oh… yeah… other than the Coordinator, we're not supposed to head west of Chuo Ward on magical girl business," Rui says. "At least, that's what Miss Izumi warned me about not long after I became a magical girl… I don't really understand it…"

"I heard a bit about that from Mifuyumin," Inui says. "Apparently there was a lot of tension last year between the east and west sides, and Chuo Ward was caught in the middle… so they agreed on the divide to keep things civil. Magical girls are allowed to cross the boundary only to visit the Coordinator or the Mirror Witch – or on non-magical-girl business, since they might not be able to make up an excuse to get out of it – and Chuo Ward is sort of neutral territory."

"If you want, you can ask Miss Kurumi at Walnut's about it yourself," I say. "She was around back then too."

"I see," Rui says. "It sounds… complicated… but um, dinner sounds nice."

"Alright!" Inui says. "Then let's go!"

Magical Girl Corner

Whenever a new magical girl is introduced, I'll include a brief profile of her here. Some details may be redacted, or contain minor spoilers. You have been warned! The numeric ranking values are on a scale of 1 to 10.

Mikoto Tsubaki
美琴椿

Age: 21 (at death)
Eye Colour: Red
Hair Colour: Black
Origins: Sazanka, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Symbol: Red bell
Soul Gem: Circular red gemstone on the back of her left hand
Element: Fire
Weapon: Katana
Powers: Flame and heat manipulation
Wish: "I want the power to defeat them."

Speed: 5
Magical Stamina: 10
Offensive Power: 6
Defensive Power: 4
Initial Power Usability: 8
Learned Powers: 7

Yuuki Yumi
夜妃ゆみ

Age: 18
Eye Colour: Green
Hair Colour: Blue
Origins: Kosho Ward, Kamihama, Shinriku Prefecture, Japan
Symbol: Blue winged spade suit
Soul Gem: Blue inverse heart-shaped gemstone on her chest
Element: Light
Weapon: Boomerang
Powers: Phasing
Wish: "Please let Ikumi meet someone who sees how amazing she is, and who will open doors for her to become an idol."
Affiliation: Wings of the Magius (rank: Black Feather)

Speed: 6
Magical Stamina: 7
Offensive Power: 3
Defensive Power: 8
Initial Power Usability: 5
Learned Powers: 3

Megumi Moka
恵萌花

Age: 14
Eye Colour: Red
Hair Colour: Red
Origins: Sakae Ward, Kamihama, Shinriku Prefecture, Japan
Symbol: Red five-pointed star
Soul Gem: Red star-shaped gemstone on her chest
Element: Forest
Weapon: Battleaxe
Powers: Boosting, explosions, earth manipulation
Wish: "Please, give me the limited sweet that I really wanted to eat!"
Affiliation: Wings of the Magius (rank: Black Feather)

Speed: 4
Magical Stamina: 5
Offensive Power: 3
Defensive Power: 4
Initial Power Usability: 4
Learned Powers: 0 (unknown)

Doppel Corner

Whenever a new magical girl unleashes her doppel, I'll include a doppel description here. Note that most of these are direct quotes from the Magia Record game rather than being written by me; they are simply reproduced here for interest. I'll mark any original doppels with a dagger symbol (†).

Uhrmann (Itsumi Inui)

The Doppel of cravings. Its form is a dog. The master of this emotion craves love and attention, which the Doppel attempts in vain to attract from all they encounter, but somehow, she can only attract pity, not love. Even so, the Doppel continues to try, unwilling to admit that no-one does or ever will love its master.

Yu Hong (Yui Tsuruno)

The Doppel of harmony. Its form is ham. The master of this emotion is quite dissatisfied with both the appearance and behavior of her Doppel. In contrast to her own desires to achieve great deeds through her own hard work, this Doppel creates an endless stream of wealth to satisfy the never-ending desires of her close relatives in an attempt to preserve family peace. The truth is, however, that this is only a very fickle and short-lived harmony. The master believes that it exists in complete contrast to her own noble goals and prefers to keep its boorish existence hidden from the world. However, she may one day find that she needs this Doppel's powers to protect the harmony between her family members, no matter how fragile that harmony might be.

So… this took a whole lot longer than a week, probably in part because I started playing a certain game (not PMMM-related). Things are still progressing even beyond the current chapter though – I have parts of what will probably be chapters 81 and 87 written already, for example. It's also purely a coincence that I've posted the chapter just a few days after someone asked when the next update will be. The next chapter is planned out, but it might take awhile since it's based on an event that I don't have a full translation for, only a summary, so I have the choice of waiting for someone to translate it, or writing all the dialogue myself from scratch. I'll most likely choose the latter, but I may put it off and write the chapters that come after it first.

What one of the guest comments said on the last chapter is essentially correct. I already had a buffer of three or four chapters before I started posting anything, and up until now I mostly managed to maintain some amount of buffer (though the amount varied from one chapter to like, five or six or maybe even more). There was no buffer remaining after I posted chapter 75, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised it took longer.

What does this all mean for the next chapter? Basically, there is no ETA on when it will be posted. It might be a week from now, or two weeks, or six weeks. or even more. I will post it when it's ready. Furthermore, by that time I will have likely built up a buffer again, so updates will probably become weekly until at least chapter 87.

In addition to working on this chapter (and some future chapters), I've made some revisions and corrections to earlier chapters.

The official pronunciation was revealed for the name of Folklore of Zero's leader, so I've updated all references in past chapters to correct her name (from Rabi to Lavi).

I discovered (semi-)official stat profiles for the Holy Quintet on the wiki. I'd already used Pernelle's official stat profile (and plan to use the official stat profiles for two other characters yet to be introduced), so I figured I'd take a look at them and revise my profiles of these characters. All five characters (pre-ultimate Madoka only) have changed their numerical stats; their stats may be found in chapters 11, 15, 21, 23, and 32, if anyone is interested in taking a look at the changes. I'll also summarize the changes below, for the interested. There are still a few differences from the (semi-)official stats.

I also had a chance to watch a translation of Hotaru's magical girl story, which proved in no uncertain terms that she is a high school student. Although I'd implicated that she's Karin's classmate, this was never outright stated, and the plot I devised doesn't actually depend on it, so I've revised the relevant chapters (mostly 71, a bit in 75) to account for the fact that she is a high school student.

Also, several chapters back I mentioned I didn't yet have a name for Ashley's future faction, and was open to suggestions. I have now come up with a name, so I'm no longer open for suggestions. I can't stop anyone from sending suggestions anyway, but I won't be using any of them. It'll be awhile before the name is revealed in the story though (probably around chapter 100).

I'm really trying to keep conventions of address consistent, but with so many characters it's quite likely I've made a mistake somewhere. The rules I've attempted to follow for the May Bells event are:

• Matsuri uses chan with everyone except Tsubaki and Kagari (who she calls onee-chan).
• Everyone other than Matsuri, Kagari, and Suzune uses Miss with Tsubaki.
• Aimi uses chan with most people, but refers to Kokoro and Natsuki without honorific and uses Miss with Masara, as well as Nanaka and Akira.
• Masara uses Miss with everyone except Kokoro.
• Kokoro refers to the Chuo girls without honorific, the Hohzuki girls with chan, and uses Miss with everyone else.
• Honoka uses chan with everyone caught in the illusion (except Tsubaki of course, and also Masara) and Miss for those outside (including Natsuki and Nanaka), plus Masara.
• Nanaka uses Miss with everyone except her teammates, and usually uses the surname instead of the given name.
• Natsuki … I didn't even think about. She doesn't really call anyone by name anyway.

I'm not even sure those rules are entirely correct, but I at least tried to be consistent.

The details of the stat changes for the Holy Quintet:

Madoka
Speed 4 → 5
Magical Stamina 10 → 5
Offensive Power 6 → 7
Defensive Power 8 → 6
Initial Power Usability 6 → 2
Learned Powers unchanged

Sayaka
Speed unchanged
Magical Stamina 8 → 2
Offensive Power 9 → 6 (to be the same as Kyouko)
Defensive Power 2 → 1
Initial Power Usability 8 → 5
Learned Powers 2 → 0

Mami
Speed 4 → 6
Magical Stamina 7 → 5
Offensive Power 8 → 9
Defensive Power 4 → 2
Initial Power Usability 3 → 7
Learned Powers 6 → 8

Kyouko
Speed unchanged
Magical Stamina unchanged
Offensive Power 9 → 6
Defensive power unchanged
Initial Power Usability 6 → 1
Learned Powers 4 → 7

Homura
Speed 10 - 0 (time stop no longer considered an aspect of speed)
Magical Stamina 10 - 5
Offensive Power 1 - 0
Defensive Power unchanged
Initial Power Usability 2 - 14 (time stop is actually quite useful)