Leberblume phased out of the shadows in a deserted alleyway a few blocks from Baiser's hideout, her form shimmering and wavering like heat haze as she materialized. The transition from shadow to solid form was normally easy and smooth, but this time the sensations were amplified tenfold by the emotional turmoil roiling within her.
As her body solidified, Leberblume stumbled, her legs suddenly weak and unsteady. She slumped against the grimy brick wall, sliding down until she sat on the cold, damp pavement. Her chest heaved as she gulped in great lungfuls of the crisp night air, trying to ground herself in the physical sensations around her - the rough texture of the bricks against her back, the acrid smell of garbage from a nearby dumpster, the distant sound of traffic.
With a shimmer of turquoise light, Leber's villainous form melted away, leaving Nemo Anemo huddled in the alley. Her short, teal hair was disheveled, sticking up in odd angles as if she'd been running her fingers through it repeatedly. Her pink eyes were wide and unfocused, staring blankly at the opposite wall as her mind raced to process everything she had just witnessed.
Not a soul had known that she had been riding in Leopard's shadow since the battle in Nacht base. She had made sure not to do anything to tip Leopard off, just watch and listen. And now she had so much to think about.
Nemo pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them as she tried to consider everything she had seen and heard, to consider her options for the future. In such a short span of time several bombshells had been dropped on her.
The first was that Baiser was alive and well on the mend already, despite how badly wounded she had been. Nemo's mind reeled as she recalled the sight of the succubus, battered and broken in that magical hospital bed. The extent of her injuries had been horrific - shattered bones, ruptured organs, skin mottled with bruises and lacerations. By all rights, Baiser should have been dead or at the very least comatose for weeks.
Yet within hours of getting hurt, thanks to the combined efforts of Tres Magia and that strange reality-warping doctor, the succubus had been awake, alert, and already plotting her revenge.
The second bombshell was that Baiser had Tres Magia on speed dial, so to speak. Nemo's mind whirled as she recalled the ease with which Leopard had summoned the magical girls to Baiser's aid. There had been no hesitation, no negotiation , a little shouting yes, but no threats - just an immediate response to a call for help. It spoke of a level of trust and cooperation that went far beyond a mere truce or temporary alliance.
Nemo's fingers dug into her arms as she remembered the way Tres Magia had rushed to Baiser's side, their faces etched with genuine concern and fear for her well-being. These were the same girls who had supposedly fought tooth and nail against Baiser for almost two months, who had been bested by her time and time again each time humiliating them. Yet here they were, pouring their magic into healing their sworn enemy without a second thought.
That thought brought the third revelation: the magical girls were totally in love with Baiser. She had watched, stunned, as Sulfur, Magenta, and Azul had fawned over the succubus, with Sulfur shamelessly kissing her right there. Baiser had them wrapped around her fingers without so much as a single threat.
It was so different from what Nemo had come to expect from Enormita. Lord Enorme ruled with an iron fist, demanding absolute loyalty and obedience through fear and intimidation. But Baiser... Baiser had somehow inspired genuine love and devotion in these girls who should have been her enemies, creating a bond that seemed unbreakable.
All the months she had been in Enormita, she had never felt such acceptance, such warmth. That kind of comradery was totally absent from Lord's Legion, save for the close friendship she and Matama gave each other. It was that very reason that she had silently hoped that Baiser could have taken Enorme down in that battle.
She slapped an empty can on the ground next to her in frustration. "Fuck… We could have gotten rid of her. I should have jumped from Leopard into Gigant or Enorme or something. If I could have tripped them up even for a second or two, maybe that would have made all the difference." It was far too much to hope that Enorme had been taken out by Leopard's attack, Enorme was too strong to be taken out by a single three star like Leopard.
Nemo sulked alone in the alley for a moment as she ruminated on the missed opportunity. She leaned back her head against the cool brick of the wall and wondered how Matama was doing. She hoped that her friend was alright. She was pretty sure Leopard had not been aiming at her with that freaky all out attack.
The sleep deprived girl ran a hand through her tousled teal hair as she contemplated her next move. The information she had gathered was explosive - Baiser's survival, her alliance with Tres Magia, the depth of their devotion to her. Lord Enorme would be furious to learn of Baiser's survival. Then again, the intel was very valuable and Enorme would almost certainly reward her for gathering it. She knew she should report back immediately, if she were gone too long Enorme may start to suspect her.
But something held her back. The memory of Baiser's broken body, of the tender care shown by Tres Magia, of the fierce loyalty displayed by Leopard and Alice - it all stood in stark contrast to the cold cruelty she was used too.
"I'm tired…" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the distant sounds of the city. "I don't want to go back there, but..."
Nemo's heart clenched painfully. Matama was still there, still stuck in Nacht Base. There was no way she could make a move without Matama by her side. "Matama…"
But then another thought struck her, and Nemo's eyes widened as the idea took root in her mind, a plan beginning to form.
"Wait…wait wait wait…"Her lips curved into a shark-toothed grin, her pink eyes glimmering with a mix of mischief and determination.
"Hold the phone, who says I have to report back the truth?"
If Baiser and Tres Magia were truly uniting against Enormita, then perhaps this was the best chance to free Matama after all.
The gears in her mind whirred into action, puzzling together half-truths and deceptions. It would be so easy to simply tell Enorme that Baiser had either perished from her wounds, or perhaps was crippled beyond use. It wasn't as if Enorme or Gigant had seen what she had seen after the battle.
It would be a simple matter to describe how she had watched the life fade from the succubi's golden eyes, and how Leopard had howled with grief and rage.
"Hmm… Need something else. Something to get us out of the base…" Nemo snapped her fingers as an idea came to mind.
"The hideout… Yeah just let it slip that Baiser revealed that has a secret base with a bunch of intel and plans to Leopard before she kicked the bucket." Nemo's grin widened as she imagined Enorme's reaction to this tidbit of false information.
Enorme would surely be chomping at the bit for vengeance and any advantage she could get on the rebels after what happened. She and Matama could go out on a mission to retrieve this non-existent intelligence. They would be granted the freedom to leave Nacht Base, to venture out into the world under the guise of hunting down the remnants of Baiser's operation.
And once they were away from Enorme's watchful eye, they could defect. They could seek out Baiser and join her side of the fight. The thought sent a thrill of excitement coursing through Nemo's veins.
The lean girl got up off the ground, a renewed sense of hope burning in her heart.
There was still a chance.
But as she made a move to take a walk and think things over, another thought struck her, a little detail nearly passed over. "Wait… Didn't Leopard call Baiser, Utena… Could she be… Aagghh, damn it, my head…"
—
In the cold, battle scarred depths of Nacht Base, an eerie stillness hung heavy in the air, broken only by the faint crackle of torches and the soft, pained breaths of the wounded. The cavernous throne room stood silent and foreboding, the shadows clinging to every corner.
At the center of the room, Lord Enorme sat upon her dark throne, her posture rigid and her expression thunderous. The once immaculate white kimono she wore was tattered and stained with soot and blood, the navy military jacket hanging off one shoulder. Her long, dark hair lay tangled and matted against her back, a far cry from the sleek, regality she usually favored. But it was her eyes that truly betrayed the depths of her fury - twin pools of molten gold that smoldered with barely contained rage.
Beside the throne, Sister Gigant sat on the ground, her imposing figure diminished by the bandages that swathed her battered body. Her lilac hair, normally voluminous and flowing, was now lank and singed, falling limply around her. The once pristine nun's habit she wore was charred and tattered, exposing even more skin than it usually did. A stark white bandage covered her left eye, a grim reminder of the crescent of dark magic that Baiser had unleashed upon her.
Loco Musica flitted nervously around the two injured women, in her hands, she clutched a tray laden with medical supplies taken from Leber's room - rolls of gauze, scissors, and an assortment of salves and disinfectants. The white and black jacket and turquoise pencil skirt she wore were both spattered with blood from treating Gigant's wounds.
"Hold still, Sister," Loco murmured, her usually bubbly voice subdued as she carefully peeled away a blood-soaked bandage from Gigant's arm. The giantess winced, her teeth gritting against the pain as the fabric tugged at the raw, blistered skin beneath. Leopard's battleship artillery had ravaged Gigant's flesh, leaving behind a patchwork of burns and shrapnel wounds that wept blood with every movement.
Loco worked with shaking hands, cleaning the injuries with a pungent antiseptic that made Gigant hiss through her teeth. The girl's turquoise eyes were nervous and worried as she applied a soothing salve to the angry red flesh, her fingers gentle despite the urgency of her task. Slowly, methodically, she re-wrapped the wounds in clean, white gauze.
As Loco tended to Sister Gigant's wounds, the towering woman's one undamaged eye fixed on the seething form of Lord Enorme. The dark lord rose from her seat and began to pace the throne room like a caged beast, her tattered kimono billowing behind her with each furious step. The air crackled with barely restrained power, the stars on Enorme's forehead pulsing with an ominous light in a reflection of her fury.
"My Lord," Gigant began, her voice wavering slightly as she struggled to sit up, ignoring Loco's frantic attempts to keep her still. "I have failed you. Baiser and Leopard, they were far stronger than I anticipated. I believed Leopard to be starless and weak, I didn't expect—"
"Silence!" Enorme's voice echoed through the chamber and made Gigant flinch. The dark lord whirled to face Gigant, her golden eyes blazing with fury. "I do not tolerate excuses, Sister. You had one task: to crush those meddlesome traitors and bring me their stars. And yet, here you are, broken and defeated, while they remain a thorn in my side."
Enorme stalked closer, each step deliberate and menacing. She reached out, grasping Gigant's chin with bruising force, tilting the giantess's face up to meet her gaze. "Do you know what happens to those who fail me, Sister?"
Gigant swallowed hard, a tear beading at the edge of her one good eye. "M-My Lord, please, I beg your forgiveness. I underestimated them, but it will not happen again. I swear it."
Enorme's lips curved into a cruel smile, her grip tightening. "See that it doesn't, Sister Gigant. For your sake." She released the giantess roughly, turning her attention to her own injuries.
The dark lord's once pristine skin was marred with bruises and lacerations, a testament to the ferocity of the battle. Despite taking cover behind her monstrous slime creation, the blasts from Leopard's attack had left their mark. Enorme's skin bore angry red welts and cuts where her kimono was torn and burned. She wouldn't show weakness in front of her subordinates, but even she had to admit that she had been taken by surprise by Baiser and Leopard's power.
"Loco," Enorme snapped, causing the maroon-haired girl to jump. "Tend to my wounds. And be gentle, or you'll find yourself in a far worse state than Sister Gigant."
"Y-yes, my Lord," Loco stammered, scurrying to Enorme's side with a fresh set of bandages and ointments clutched in her trembling hands. As she began to delicately clean and dress the deep gashes marring Enorme's pale skin, Loco's mind raced.
She couldn't help but feel relief that Leopard, in her feral state, had deemed her less of a threat compared to Sister Gigant and Enorme. The image of those monstrous cannons, pulsing with raw, destructive energy, was seared into Loco's memory. She shuddered at the thought of being on the receiving end of such a devastating attack, her body reduced to a mangled, unrecognizable mess, or maybe a cloud of red mist.
As Loco's deft fingers worked to bandage Enorme's wounds, her thoughts drifted to Nemo. Worry gnawed at her heart as she realized that Leberblume had been conspicuously absent since the chaos of the battle had first erupted. It was unlike Nemo to disappear without a trace, especially during such a critical moment.
Loco's mind conjured up a myriad of unsettling scenarios. Had Nemo been caught in the crossfire, her slender frame ravaged by the apocalyptic detonation of Leopard's fury? Or had she seized the opportunity to flee, leaving behind the suffocating darkness of Enormita and the twisted machinations of Lord Enorme?
The thought of Nemo abandoning her, leaving her to face the cruel whims of their master alone, sent a chill down Loco's spine. She couldn't bear the idea of losing the one person who truly understood her, the one who had been by her side through every trial and tribulation.
As Loco finished tending to Enorme's injuries, her heart ached with a desperate longing to see Nemo's face, to hear her snarky remarks and feel the comfort of her presence. She silently prayed to whatever gods might be listening, pleading for Nemo's safety and swift return.
As she stepped back from Enorme, her task complete, Loco's eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of her beloved friend. The silence that greeted her was deafening, a grim testament to the uncertainty that plagued her heart.
Loco's mind wandered back to the fierce battle they had just fought, replaying every vivid detail in her mind's eye. Magia Baiser had been terrifyingly strong and had seemed to be a match for Enorme and Gigant, at least for a time. And Leopard, the unassuming girl Loco had dismissed as a starless weakling, had unleashed a ferocious onslaught that left no doubt about her true strength.
As Loco pondered this revelation, her thoughts turned to Leopard's form, trying to recall what she knew about the girl's appearance. She knew there were no stars on her face, her stomach, or on her lower back and butt. Perhaps they were secreted away under the boots, on her upper back, or nestled between the swells of her breasts.
Loco couldn't help but compare it all to the magic she had witnessed from Lord Enorme. She glanced surreptitiously at her leader, taking in the four small black stars that marched down the center of Enorme's forehead like a line of soldiers. Enorme's power was undeniable, a crushing force that demanded obedience and inspired fear in equal measure. And yet, even Enorme's impressive displays had been matched by the sheer, unrestrained might that had poured off of Baiser in those moments of pure, unadulterated rage.
Loco shuddered at the memory, a mixture of fear and awe coursing through her. She had always known that Baiser was strong considering how she was able to toy with Tres Magia so easily, but this display had been something else entirely. Her thoughts turned back to her missing friend and her totally absolutely hypothetical idea of someone else running Enormita after taking out Enorme.
She looked back to Enorme, somewhat unsure of what to do now that both her and Gigant had been settled.
Enorme settled back onto her obsidian throne, her golden eyes narrowed in contemplation.
She was wounded, and the knowledge that Baiser had escaped truly set Enorme's blood boiling, a black mark on her record that the harlot had gotten away. Yet, even as the fires of her rage smoldered within her, a flicker of cold satisfaction began to take root in Enorme's heart. For though Baiser had escaped, she had not done so unscathed. The succubus had been grievously wounded in the fray. Enorme could still see it in her mind's eye - the sight of Baiser crumpling under Sister's fist, hear the crunch of bone against stone as Baiser's body was sent hurtling through the outer wall of the base by Gigant's titanic blow.
She would have her revenge, but for now, at least, the playing field had been leveled. Both sides had lost their most formidable warriors, their mightiest champions laid low by the savagery of battle. Sister Gigant needed time to recover, while Baiser, ravaged by the nun's herculean blow, had been spirited away to lick her own wounds in secret.
It was a temporary reprieve, a fleeting moment of calm before the storm. For Enorme knew that this was far from over. Baiser would return, her hunger for vengeance stoked to a fever pitch by the humiliation of her defeat. And when she did, Enorme would be ready, her own thirst for retribution tempered by the icy certainty of her purpose.
As the oppressive silence of Nacht Base stretched on, a sudden disturbance rippled through the cavernous throne room. Lord Enorme's head snapped up, her golden eyes narrowing as she felt dark magic move.
Beside her, Sister Gigant struggled to rise, her form trembling with the effort as she braced herself against the cold stone floor. Loco Musica hovered nearby, her gaze darting nervously between the two injured women and the dark misty portal that coalesced at the far end of the chamber. Had the rebels come back for another round? Or was this something else?
The three dark magical girls were on alert, as ready as they could be in case another threat reared its head.
But as the portal stabilized, its edges solidifying into a circle of purple and black, a familiar figure stepped through the threshold. Leberblume's slender form materialized from the darkness.
For a moment, the throne room was silent, the only sound was the soft tap of Leberblume's boots as she stepped fully into the chamber. Her single visible pink eye scanned the room, taking in the battered and bruised forms of her comrades, the tension that hung heavy in the air. A flicker of relief passed over her delicate features as her gaze landed on Loco, the corners of her lips twitching upward in a shark toothed smile.
Loco's heart leapt in her chest, a wave of emotion crashing over her at the sight of her dearest friend unharmed. Before she could stop herself, she was moving, her long legs carrying her across the throne room in a blur of motion. She flung herself at Leberblume, her arms wrapping tightly around the other girl's slender frame as she buried her face in the crook of her neck.
"Nemo!" Loco cried, her voice muffled against Leberblume's skin. "I was so worried! I thought... I thought something terrible had happened to you after I couldn't find you after the battle!"
For a moment, Leberblume stood frozen, her body stiff in Loco's embrace. But slowly, tentatively, she raised her arms and wrapped them around the other girl, pulling her close. Loco's warmth seeped into her, chasing away the lingering chill of the night. The scent of Loco's hair, a mix of strawberries and something uniquely her, filled Leberblume's senses.
"I'm okay, Loco," Leberblume murmured in a quiet voice so only she could hear. "I was just doing some scouting, I'll tell you about it soon."
Loco's hands fisted in the fabric of Leberblume's open sided robe as she clung to her, her body trembling slightly. "Don't ever do that again," Loco whispered, ignoring her friend's words. "Don't ever leave me like that. I can't lose you, Nemo. I can't."
The raw emotion in Loco's voice made Leberblume's heart clench. She tightened her hold on the other girl, one hand coming up to stroke Loco's silky hair. "I won't," Leberblume promised. "I'll always come back to you, Loco. Always."
They stayed like that for a moment, just holding each other, basking in the reassurance of the other's presence. But slowly, awareness began to seep back in. Loco suddenly stiffened, realizing the intimate position they were in. A fierce blush stained her cheeks as she hastily pulled away, putting some distance between them.
Loco cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. She crossed her arms over her ample chest and huffed, tossing her head. "W-Well, it's about time you skulked back," she said haughtily. "We've been waiting for you, you know. Lord Enorme is not happy."
Leberblume felt a smirk tug at her lips. Even flustered and embarrassed, Loco was adorable. She couldn't resist needling her a bit. "Aww, did you miss me that much, Loco?" she purred, flashing a shark-toothed grin. "I'm touched."
Loco sputtered, her blush deepening. "As if!" she snapped. "I just didn't want to have to deal with Lord Enorme's temper if you had gone and gotten yourself killed or something. That's all!"
"Of course, of course," Leberblume said, her tone dripping with amused condescension. "Whatever you say, Loco."
A pointed throat clearing drew their attention. Lord Enorme stood there, her gold eyes hard as she regarded Leberblume. "Leberblume. So good of you to finally join us," she said, her voice deceptively mild. "I trust you have a good explanation for your absence."
Leberblume shrugged nonchalantly, a confident smirk playing across her lips. "Just doing my job, boss. Keeping tabs on the enemy, you know how it is." She waved a dismissive hand.
"Oh really?" Enorme arched an elegant eyebrow, her gold eyes boring into Leberblume's soul, demanding the truth. "And what, pray tell, did you discover during this little...reconnaissance mission of yours?" Her fingers drummed impatiently against her thigh.
Leberblume's grin widened. She leaned back casually, affecting an air of smug satisfaction. "Well, let's just say Gigant did a real number on that pesky succubus. Baiser is basically out of commission for good, probably won't be causing us any trouble for a good long while."
She examined her gloved fingers in a pantomime of gazing at her own nails. "Honestly, I would've finished the job myself - but that creepy girl of theirs, Alice, she pulled Baiser into some kind of weird pocket dimension before I got the chance."
Loco Musica's eyes widened in surprise and she turned to Leberblume with a serious look. "No way! Gigant actually managed to take her down?"
Leberblume chuckled darkly and shook her head. "You should've seen her - Baiser was a heap of broken bones and bruised meat when they took her away."
She locked eyes with Enorme, her smirk turning predatory. "I wouldn't be surprised if the bitch was just a vegetable if she even wakes up. Or I would, if I hadn't watched her die. Should have seen it, Leopard was howling and sobbing with the loss. I wish I had been in more of a position to take the others out, but it was two on one and I knew you would want to know what happened to Baiser right away."
Enorme listened intently, long fingers steepled under her chin. A slow, wicked smile spread across her beautiful face, revealing perfect white teeth.
"Well done, Leberblume. This is excellent news indeed," she purred, voice dripping with dark satisfaction. "With Baiser out of the picture, even temporarily, we are afforded the time to recover and plan the destruction of the last two traitors and Tres Magia."
She rose to her feet, her imposing figure towering over them. The tiny black stars on her forehead seemed to glitter with malicious glee.
Leberblume took a deep breath, bracing herself for what she was about to say. "There's more," she interjected, causing Enorme to pause mid-step and turn her piercing gaze back on Leberblume.
"Oh?" Enorme's tone was curious, but there was an edge to it, as if daring Leberblume to test her patience further.
Leberblume maintained her confident facade, though her mind raced. She had to play this perfectly. "Before Baiser bit it," she began slowly, "she spilled some interesting information. Apparently, there's a secret cache of intel hidden away—notes about her operations, plans for the future, identities of the Tres Magia and details on how to best counter them. It's all stashed in a safehouse they thought we wouldn't find."
A tense silence filled the room as Enorme considered this new piece of information. Leberblume could almost hear Loco's heart pounding next to her; she knew her own was racing. This was a dangerous gambit, but if it worked, it could buy them crucial time.
"And you believe this information is accurate?" Enorme asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
Leberblume shrugged with calculated nonchalance. "It's not like she had anything left to lose by telling the truth. Desperation makes people surprisingly honest." She met Enorme's gaze head-on, willing her to take the bait.
Enorme's lips curled into a contemplative smile. "If what you say is true, this could save us a great deal of trouble." She began pacing again, slower this time, as if weighing her options. "Recovering that intel would indeed give us an advantage."
She pivoted sharply to face the others, hair and coat swishing dramatically. "Loco, I want you and Leber to scout the city. Locate this cache of intel, and if you find the remnants of Baiser's traitors, take care of them. We'll show them what happens to those who defy me."
Loco jumped to her feet and snapped a salute, eyes serious. "You got it, boss! I'll drag those bitches out of hiding and make them regret ever crossing us!"
A deep rumble passed through the room at that moment. Silence reigned for a few long seconds before Loco and Leber looked at Enorme and then at Gigant. Another growling rumble was heard as Enorme put her hands over her stomach and blushed. The imperious lord turned away and coughed. "You can go about your mission after we have regained some strength. I believe that food is in order. I don't want Gigant to move, lest her injuries reopen, so you both shall fetch some for us."
Leberblume's eyes glinted with calculation as she surveyed the battered forms of Lord Enorme and Sister Gigant. The battle had clearly taken its toll on the two most powerful members of Enormita, leaving them weakened and vulnerable in a way Leberblume had never witnessed before.
As her mind processed the state of Lord's Legion. Part of her wondered if she could take out Gigant and Enorme right here and now with a surprise attack, a quick starknife at close range. Perhaps she could take out Gigant's other eye with a thrown blade, or go for Enorme's throat. But the attack would have to be perfect, if Enorme didn't go down then both she and Loco were as good as dead. She shook the thought from her mind. If she was stronger, than maybe, but her skills were not suited for direct blow for blow battle.
Leberblume pushed the treacherous thoughts aside, schooling her features into a mask of concern and deference. It would not do to let even a hint of her true feelings show, not when Enorme's keen gaze was still fixed upon her with an intensity that made her skin prickle.
"Of course, my lord," Leberblume said smoothly, dipping into a slight bow. "Loco and I will get you and Sister Gigant something to eat right away. Is there anything in particular you would prefer? I know a lovely little cafe that makes pretty good sandwiches and pastries."
Enorme waved a dismissive hand, her attention already turning inward as she pondered her next move. "I care not for the specifics. Just make it quick and bring enough to sate our hunger. We have much to discuss and plan once our strength is restored."
Leberblume nodded, a shark toothed grin spreading across her face. "As you wish, boss. We'll be back before you know it." She turned to Loco Musica, her single pink eye sparkling with mischief. She hooked a thumb towards the massive hole in the wall where Gigant had gone through earlier. "Come on, Loco. Let's go on a little food run, just you and me."
Loco returned the grin and fell into step beside Leberblume. "Heck yeah I'm starving!"
As the two girls made their way out of the throne room Leberblume couldn't help but feel a sprout of hope grow in her chest. Enorme and Gigant were weakened after the disastrous battle with Baiser and her allies. If ever there was a time to make a move, to set her plans for rebellion and liberation into motion, it was now.
But she still had to be careful. One wrong step, one careless word, and everything could come crumbling down around her. She needed to bide her time just a little longer and get Loco onboard.
"Hey, Nemo," Loco said softly, using Leberblume's real name. "Is everything okay? You seem kind of... I don't know, distracted or something."
Leberblume's head snapped up, her pink eye widening slightly before she schooled her features back into a neutral expression. "It's nothing, Loco," she said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eye. "Just thinking about the battle, that's all."
But Loco wasn't convinced. She'd known Nemo long enough to recognize when something was truly bothering her. "Come on, Nemo," she pressed, taking a step closer. "I know you better than that. What's really going on?"
"I'm fine," she said finally, her voice steady and controlled. "Just tired, that's all. It's been a long day."
Loco studied her face for a moment, her maroon eyes searching for any hint of deception. But Leberblume held her gaze, her expression carefully neutral, and after a few seconds, Loco nodded slowly, seemingly satisfied with her answer.
"If you say so," she said, skepticism clear in her tone. "But you know you can always talk to me, right? No matter what."
Leberblume felt a lump form in her throat, and she swallowed hard, fighting back the sudden surge of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. "I know," she said softly, reaching out to give Loco's hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you."
The two girls continued on in silence, the tension between them palpable as they made their way towards the lounge. As they entered the room, Leberblume couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The lounge was one of the few places in the base where they could relax and let their guard down.
Leberblume moved towards the kitchenette, rummaging through the cupboards as Loco plopped down on the worn leather couch with a sigh. "I'm starving," Loco whined, her stomach growling audibly. "Please tell me there's something edible in there."
"Let's see..." Leberblume muttered, pushing aside various cans and packages. "We've got some granola bars, jerky, and sports drinks. Oh, and a bunch of canned soup." She grabbed an armful of supplies and carried them over to the counter.
Loco perked up. "Ooh, soup sounds perfect! Here, I'll get the hot plate going." She hopped up and fiddled with the appliance until it hummed to life.
As Loco busied herself heating up the soup, Leberblume nibbled pensively on a granola bar. She knew she needed to broach the subject weighing on her mind, but she wasn't sure how to begin. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face her friend.
"Hey Loco... I need to tell you something," Leberblume began hesitantly. "I think we might have a chance to turn things around here."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Loco asked, glancing up from the simmering pot.
Leberblume lowered her voice and leaned closer. "I lied to Enorme. About Baiser. She's okay, Loco. Her injuries weren't as bad as I let on. "
Loco's eyes widened. "What? But why would you-"
"Don't you see?" Leberblume cut in urgently. "This is our chance. With Baiser on the mend, Gigant down for the count, and Enrome is weakened. If we play our cards right, we might be able to break free of her control."
Loco's eyes darted to the doorway, checking for any sign of eavesdroppers, before she leaned in close to Leberblume. "Are you serious about this?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the base's machinery. "Actually rebelling against Lord Enorme?"
Leberblume nodded, her expression grave. "I've never been more serious about anything in my life, Matama. When I snuck into Leopard's shadow after the battle, I saw something that changed everything."
She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I followed Leopard and Alice back to their hideout. Leopard took Baiser's phone and called Tres Magia. You know, at first, I thought Baiser was just toying with them, but then I saw the way they looked at her when she was on death's door. They rushed to her side to heal her... it was like nothing I'd ever seen from before."
Loco's brows furrowed in disbelief. "Seriously? They healed her, they are supposed to be enemies, but…Baiser has been trying to seduce them. I guess she really did it."
Leberblume leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You should have seen it, Loco. When Leopard called Tres Magia, they didn't even hesitate. Within minutes, they were at the hideout, rushing to Baiser's side."
She described the scene vividly, painting a picture of the magical girls gathered around Baiser's prone form. Sulfur beside her, hands glowing with a soft, healing light as she poured her energy into Baiser's weakened body.
Magenta and Azul stood next to her with their hands on her shoulders to pour their magic into her, their faces etched with concern and fear.
"It was like something out of a romance novel," Leberblume continued, her own voice wistful. "The way they looked at her, the gentle touches, the whispered words of encouragement... Baiser has them completely under her spell."
Loco's eyes widened as she listened, trying to reconcile this information with everything she knew about their supposed enemies. "But how? I mean, from what we saw from all those videos Baiser is good at seduction, but Tres Magia? They've always seemed so... so righteous."
Leberblume shrugged, a slight smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Looks like even the mighty Tres Magia isn't immune to Baiser's charms. And from what I saw, it's not just a one-way street. Baiser seems to have genuine feelings for them too."
She leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest as she continued. "And that's not all. After they were done healing Baiser, I heard them talking about teaming up against Enorme."
Loco's mouth fell open in shock. "You're kidding me. Tres Magia and Baiser, working together? Against Enorme? That's... that's huge!"
Leberblume nodded, her expression turning serious. "It is." She reached out, taking Loco's hand in her own, her eyes searching her friend's face. "Don't you see, Loco? This could be our chance."
Loco's brow furrowed as she processed Leberblume's words, her hand tightening around her friend's. "Our chance for what exactly, Nemo? To betray Enorme and join up with Tres Magia instead? That's... that's crazy talk."
Leberblume shook her head, her pink eyes blazing with intensity. "No, not to join Tres Magia. To reshape Enormita into something better, less cruel and twisted. With Baiser and Tres Magia's help, we could take down Enorme and rebuild the organization from the ground up."
She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Think about it, Loco. No more living in fear of Enorme's punishments, no more being forced to do terrible things in her name. We could create a new Enormita, maybe one with Baiser at the lead, she seems to treat Leopard and Alice well."
Loco bit her lip, her mind racing with the possibilities. She had to admit, the idea was tempting. She was tired of being Enorme's pawn, tired of the constant threats and abuse. But still, the thought of betraying their leader made her stomach twist with anxiety.
"I don't know, Leber," she said hesitantly. "It's a huge risk. If Enorme found out, she'd actually kill us both without a second thought."
Leberblume squeezed her hand reassuringly, her expression softening. "I know it's scary, but we have to try. We can't keep living like this, Matama. We deserve better."
She glanced around the room, making sure they were still alone before continuing. "Here's what I'm thinking. We wait for the right moment, when we go out on this scouting mission away from the base. We meet up with Baiser, at their hideout where we can talk without being overheard."
Matama took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach. She knew it wouldn't be easy, that they were risking everything by even considering this. But the thought of a life free from Enorme's tyranny, a life where she and Nemo didn't have to be afraid anymore. It was too good to pass up."
"Okay," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let's do it. Let's take that bitch down and build something better in her place."
—
As dark forces moved in places beyond reality, Vatzalia perched on the edge of a building as she looked out over the cityscape of Fukushima. She looked around pensively as she reached out with her senses, trying to find traces of magic in the air. The white and pink rabbit-like mascot was on a mission.
Over the years she had granted power to many young girls, giving them Magia Hearts and putting them on the righteous path of being a magical girl that defended humanity from dark magic and monsters. These days however there are precious few of them left now in Japan. Someone had been eliminating them group by group.
The mascot felt shame as she thought about it. She had been far too preoccupied with managing the public relations of her magical girls, spread herself too thin and been unable to help or advise any of them. Now Tres Magia could be some of the only magical girls left in the country.
Vatz let out a sigh. "I should really report this to the Magia Guild. They should know just how dire the situation is with Enormita."
Her thoughts turned to her only hope, Tres Magia. A quick glance through a small portal showed her the sight of them finishing their training for the day. They have been working so hard recently. It was a sudden change, but a welcome one that made her proud of them. If they grow in strength then surely they will be able at last to overcome their nemesis, Magia Baiser.
Vatzalia closed the portal and took a deep breath, her plush form rising gently into the air. The cool evening breeze ruffled her soft fur as she ascended. The city lights twinkled below, a sea of neon and fluorescence that painted the urban landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors.
As she drifted higher, the mascot's blank white eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any telltale glimmers of magical energy. As she searched her thoughts turned to Cute Creamery, the magical girl team she'd lost contact with almost a week ago, and a pang of worry shot through her. The news had broken earlier that week of a massive battle in Sapporo, leaving a whole city block in ruins. In the aftermath, Cute Creamery had vanished without a trace.
"Could it be Enormita again? Or is it something else?" Vatzalia mused to herself, her voice barely audible above the gentle whoosh of air around her.
Vatzalia closed her eyes, focusing intently as she drifted through the evening sky.
She strained her supernatural senses, reaching out with tendrils of awareness that probed every corner of the sprawling metropolis below.
The city was a tapestry of energy signatures - the dull hum of electricity coursing through power lines, the frenetic buzz of countless electronic devices, the warm glow of life emanating from the citizens going about their evening routines. But none of these were what Vatz sought. She was searching for something far more elusive and precious - the distinct sparkle of a Magia Heart.
Hours passed as the mascot floated from district to district. The neon-drenched entertainment quarter gave way to quiet residential neighborhoods, then to the stark geometry of the financial district with its towering skyscrapers. Vatzalia's normally blank eyes began to droop with fatigue, her plushy body sagging as disappointment set in.
Just as she was about to abandon her search for the night, a faint glimmer caught her attention. It was so subtle she almost missed it - a tiny spark of magic, barely perceptible against the background noise of the city. Vatzalia's ears perked up, her whole body tensing with anticipation.
She honed in on the source, descending rapidly towards a modest apartment complex on the outskirts of town. The magical signature pulsed weakly, like the faltering heartbeat of a wounded animal. As Vatzalia drew closer, she could sense the unmistakable aura of a Magia Heart - but one that was damaged, its power nearly depleted.
Vatzalia descended into the shadowy alleyways, her small form gliding silently between towering walls of concrete and brick. The magical signature grew stronger, pulsing with a feeble rhythm that echoed the mascot's own mounting anxiety. As she rounded a corner, the sight that greeted her made her gasp softly.
There, illuminated by a single flickering streetlight, stood a figure that seemed more apparition than girl. Her pure white uniform, once pristine and proud, now hung in tatters from her frail frame. Long, pale pink hair hung limp, tangled and unkempt down to her waist. The girl's skin was so pale it seemed almost translucent in the harsh light, stretched taut over prominent bones.
Vatz recognized her immediately - Magia Blanc, far from the strongest magical girl she had recruited, but still a shining beacon of hope and purity. Now, she was a ghost of her former self, wandering the alleyways with a vacant, haunted expression. Her movements were listless, each step seemingly requiring monumental effort. The girl's light pink eyes, once sparkling with determination, now appeared dull and unfocused, staring at nothing as she stumbled forward.
The mascot's heart clenched as she took in the full extent of Magia Blanc's condition. Her cheeks were hollow, her collarbones jutting out sharply beneath her tattered collar - clear signs of malnutrition.
As Vatz watched, Magia Blanc stumbled, her trembling legs finally giving out. She collapsed against a grimy wall, sliding down to sit on the cold, damp pavement. The girl didn't even seem to register the fall, her blank gaze fixed on some distant point only she could see.
Vatzalia floated closer, her heart breaking at the sight of this once-proud magical girl reduced to such a pitiful state. She could sense the damaged Magia Heart on the girl's chest, its power flickering like a candle in a storm. It was a miracle the transformation hadn't given out entirely, leaving her exposed and vulnerable in her civilian form.
As the mascot drew near, Blanc's head lolled to the side, her gaze finally focusing on Vatzalia.
"Don't worry Blanc, I'm here now. Let's get you somewhere safe." Vatz said softly before opening a portal.
Magia Blanc's eyes widened slightly at the sight of Vatzalia, a flicker of recognition sparking in their pale pink depths. Her cracked lips parted, but no sound emerged save for a faint, raspy exhale.
Vatzalia gently nudged the girl's shoulder with her plush paw. "Come on, Blanc. We need to move."
With agonizing slowness, Blanc pushed herself to her feet, leaning heavily against the wall for support. Her legs trembled beneath her, threatening to give way at any moment. Vatzalia hovered anxiously nearby, ready to catch her if she fell.
The portal shimmered before them, a swirling vortex of soft pastel light that stood in stark contrast to the grimy alleyway. Blanc stumbled towards it, her movements jerky and uncoordinated. As she reached the threshold, she paused, turning her haunted gaze back to Vatzalia.
"I... failed them," she whispered, her voice a dry, cracking whisper. "My team... they're all gone. Hehe… All gone…"
Vatzalia's heart clenched at the raw pain in Blanc's voice. "It's not your fault," she said softly. "Please, let me help you."
Blanc's eyes clouded with tears, but she allowed Vatzalia to guide her through the portal. They emerged in a small, cozy room bathed in warm, golden light. Soft cushions and blankets were piled high on a plush bed, and the air was filled with a soothing scent.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, Blanc's transformation flickered and died. The tattered white uniform dissolved into motes of light, revealing the girl's true form. Randa Tada stood before Vatzalia, swaying on her feet, her gaunt frame even more apparent without the transformation.
Vatzalia guided Randa to the bed, helping her settle among the pillows. "Rest now," she murmured. "You're safe here."