The noise of the amusement park sounded in the distance as Nemo looked down at her phone. It was now or never, take the plunge or go skulking back to Lord Enorme. She held her thumb over Utena's contact number before gritting her teeth and hitting the call button.
Nemo's heart raced as she listened to the phone ring, her fingers trembling slightly as they gripped the device. The cheerful sounds of the amusement park faded into the background, drowned out by the pounding of her own pulse in her ears. Matama stood beside her, practically thrumming with nervous energy.
When Utena's voice came through the speaker, Nemo felt a jolt of recognition. It was strange to hear that familiar tone without the sultry undertones screaming fury of Baiser's persona.
"H-hello, Utena?" Nemo began, wincing at the slight quaver in her voice. She cleared her throat and tried again. "It's Nemo. We met at the karaoke parlor a while back, remember?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, then Utena's cautious reply. "Oh, yes. I remember. Is everything alright?"
Nemo's teal hair fell across her face as she ducked her head, trying to gather her thoughts. This was it, no going back now.
"Yeah, everything's... fine," Nemo lied, her pink eye darting to Matama for reassurance. "I just... I was wondering if we could talk? In person, I mean. There's something important I need to discuss with you."
She could almost hear the confusion in Utena's voice. "Um, sure. Is it urgent? I'm actually with some friends right now..."
Nemo took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "It's about Magia Baiser," she said, her voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "I know, Utena. I know you're her. I know you're Magia Baiser..."
The silence that followed was deafening. Nemo could hear the distant screams of people on roller coasters, the tinkling melody of a nearby carousel, but nothing from Utena's end of the line.
Finally, Utena spoke, her voice tight with tension. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Nemo closed her eyes, feeling the weight of her next words. "Please, Utena. We need your help. Matama and I... we want out of Enormita. We're at Sendai Dreamland right now, by the concert stage. Can you meet us here? It's important."
She held her breath, waiting for Utena's response. The seconds stretched out like hours, each one filled with the possibility of rejection or worse.
"I'll be there in twenty minutes," Utena said at last, her voice carefully neutral. "Don't do anything rash."
As the call ended, Nemo let out a shaky breath. She turned to Matama, whose turquoise eyes were wide with a mixture of fear and hope.
"She's coming," Nemo said, trying to inject confidence into her voice. "Twenty minutes."
Matama nodded, wringing her hands nervously. "Do you think she believed us? What if she doesn't show up? What if it's a trap?"
Nemo reached out and grasped Matama's hands, stilling their anxious movements. "Hey, breathe," she said softly. "We've come this far. All we can do now is wait and hope for the best."
—
Utena's heart raced as she ended the call, her golden eyes wide with a mixture of shock and apprehension. The cozy atmosphere of her bedroom suddenly felt stifling, the weight of her secret identity pressing down on her like a physical force.
"Utena?" Kiwi's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "What's wrong?"
"Nemo," Utena said, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's… She's from Enormita. She knows who I am."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Kiwi gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, while Korisu's eyes narrowed, her body tensing as if preparing for a fight.
"What do you mean she knows?" Kiwi demanded, her voice rising in pitch. "She's part of Enormita? Who the hell is she? Did she threaten you! I'll kill her!"
"Kiwi, calm down... I don't know. She could be anyone. We didn't even know about Enorme or anything until just a few days ago… Enormita could have a whole lot more members than we know" Utena interrupted, shaking her head. "But she wants to meet. She says... she says she and Matama want out of Enormita."
The room fell silent as the gravity of the situation sank in. Utena's gaze drifted to the window, where the late afternoon sun painted the sky in shades of gold and pink. The peaceful scene outside seemed at odds with the turmoil roiling within her.
Korisu pulled on Utena's arm, looking up at her with her large expressive eyes full of concern. Her long blonde hair shimmered in the fading sunlight as she leaned forward, her expression serious.
Utena nodded, running a hand through her violet hair. "Yeah, I know it could be a trap. But... what if it's not? What if they really do need help?"
Kiwi frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. "But why now? Why reach out to you like this?"
"I don't know," Utena admitted, her golden eyes clouded with uncertainty. "But I have to go. I have to see what this is about."
Utena stood, her golden eyes blazing. She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she focused her energy.
"Trans Magia," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
A swirl of dark violet energy engulfed her, transforming her cozy pajamas into Baiser's provocative attire.
When she opened her eyes, they gleamed with the star-shaped pupils of Magia Baiser.
Baiser's gaze swept the room, landing on a collection of scented candles on her dresser. With fluid grace, she strode over and selected three. She willed her riding crop to materialize in her hand, its leather surface gleaming in the late afternoon light.
"Ute-Baiser? What are you doing?" Kiwi asked, her wine-red eyes wide with curiosity.
Baiser's eyes gleamed with mischievous intent as she arranged the three candles on her desk. With a flourish, she raised her riding crop, its leather surface gleaming in the fading sunlight. The air in the room seemed to thicken with anticipation, crackling with unseen energy.
Baiser spoke, her voice low and sultry. "Just watch, you recognize this one, don't you?"
With a swift, graceful motion, she brought the riding crop down on the first candle. The impact sent a shockwave of dark energy rippling through the air. The candle began to melt, but instead of pooling on the desk, the wax flowed upward, defying gravity. It twisted and stretched, taking on a vaguely humanoid shape.
Kiwi and Korisu watched in wide-eyed amazement as Baiser struck the second candle, then the third. Each time, the wax responded to her magic, rising and merging with the growing form. The scent of lavender and vanilla filled the room as the candles' fragrances mingled in the air.
The wax figure continued to grow and refine itself, details emerging with each passing second. Delicate fingers formed, followed by the curve of a waist, the sweep of violet hair. It was like watching a sculptor work in fast-forward, only the sculptor was magic itself, guided by Baiser's will.
As the transformation neared completion, Baiser leaned in close to the wax figure. She whispered something inaudible, her breath causing the still-soft surface of the wax to ripple slightly.
With a final, dramatic flourish of her riding crop, Baiser stepped back. The wax figure shimmered, its surface hardening and taking on the appearance of skin. In the blink of an eye, what had once been three simple candles was now a perfect replica of Utena, down to the last detail.
The wax clone blinked, its golden eyes focusing on the room around it. It was dressed in the same cozy pajamas Utena had been wearing earlier, the fabric indistinguishable from the real thing. The clone tilted its head, a perfect imitation of Utena's shy smile gracing its lips.
"Ooohhhh I get it," Kiwi breathed, her wine-red eyes wide with wonder. She circled the clone, marveling at the accuracy of every detail. "It looks exactly like you, Utena!"
Korisu nodded in silent agreement, her bright red eyes studying the wax clone with intense curiosity. She reached out hesitantly, her fingers brushing against the clone's arm. The texture was warm and lifelike, betraying no hint of its waxy origins.
Baiser smirked, clearly pleased with her handiwork. "This should fool my mom if she comes to check on me," she said, her voice a mix of Utena's soft tone and Baisers sultry pride.
Kiwi's wine-red eyes were as wide as saucers, her mouth hanging open in astonishment. She reached out as well to tentatively touch the Utena Clone, marveling at how real the skin felt under her fingertips. She sighed and blushed happily.
"Ahhh, two Utenas!" Kiwi exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder. She turned to Baiser, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Hey, do you think you could make me one to take home? You know, for... research purposes?"
Baiser raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Research purposes, hm? I wonder what kind you have in mind." The succubus chuckled before sighing. "Sadly I think we have more important issues."
Her expression grew serious as she turned to face both Kiwi and Korisu. "I need you two to stay here and keep an eye on things. Make sure my mom doesn't suspect anything is amiss."
"Oh no, you don't!" Kiwi exclaimed, her wine-red eyes blazing with intensity. "There's no way we're staying behind while you go off to face potential danger alone!"
She strode over to Baiser, her ash-blonde twin buns bobbing with each determined step until she was standing toe-to-toe with the taller girl, Kiwi jabbed a finger at Baiser's chest, her voice rising with passion.
"We're a team, remember? Through thick and thin, danger and safety, sex and violence! You can't just leave us here twiddling our thumbs while you're out there risking your life!"
Korisu rose silently from the bed. She moved to stand beside Kiwi, her bright red eyes fixed on Baiser with an intensity that spoke volumes. Though she didn't say a word, she crossed her arms and stuck out her chin - she was with Kiwi on this and wasn't going to budge.
Baiser opened her mouth to protest, but Kiwi wasn't finished. She began pacing the room, her hands gesticulating wildly as she spoke.
"What if it's a trap? What if you need backup? What if... what if you need someone to hold your hand?"
She spun around, her eyes locking with Baiser's star-shaped pupils. "We've been through too much together to let you face this alone."
Korisu nodded emphatically, stepping forward to place a gentle hand on Baiser's arm. Her touch was soft, but her grip was firm.
Baiser looked between Kiwi and Korisu, taking in their determined expressions and the unwavering loyalty shining in their eyes. A warmth bloomed in her chest, spreading through her body like liquid sunshine.
A smile tugged at Baiser's lips, transforming her face from the sultry seductress to something softer, more vulnerable. It was a smile that belonged more to Utena than to Baiser, full of warmth and genuine affection.
"You're right," Baiser said softly, her voice losing its husky edge for a moment. "We are a team. More than that, we're... we're family."
The word hung in the air between them, heavy with meaning. Kiwi's eyes widened, a fresh sheen of tears making them sparkle in the fading sunlight. Korisu's grip on Baiser's arm tightened slightly.
Baiser reached out, pulling both girls into a tight embrace. She inhaled deeply, letting their familiar scents wash over her - Kiwi's fruity perfume, Korisu's subtle floral fragrance. The warmth of their bodies against hers, the softness of their hair brushing her cheek, the gentle rise and fall of their breathing - it all served to ground her, reminding her of what truly mattered.
"Thank you," Baiser murmured, her voice thick with emotion.
She pulled back slightly, meeting each of their gazes in turn. Her star-shaped pupils seemed to glow with an inner light as she spoke. "You're right, I shouldn't face this alone. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
Kiwi beamed, her entire face lighting up with joy. She bounced on her toes, unable to contain her excitement as she pumped a fist into the air. "Hell yeah! Team Baiser, ready for action!"
Baiser's eyes gleamed with newfound determination as she stepped back from the embrace. She raised her riding crop, its leather surface shimmering with an otherworldly energy.
With a graceful flourish, she brought the crop down in a sweeping arc. The very fabric of reality seemed to ripple and tear at its touch, creating a shimmering oval of dark mist in the middle of Utena's bedroom. The portal pulsed with an eerie violet light, tendrils of shadow writhing at its edges like living smoke.
Kiwi looked at the portal and brought an oversized sleeve to her mouth to hide a smirk. "Bais, I know you don't have to be so dramatic about making portals."
Baiser twitched and scratched her cheek. "Ehehe... Well, I thought being more dramatic would make it more fun and villain-like."
The demoness coughed through the judging stairs of her girlfriends before turning to Kiwi and Korisu. "I need to sneak out. Can you go out the front? My clone will say goodbye while I come out elsewhere. We'll meet up at the amusement park, okay?"
Kiwi nodded eagerly, her wine-red eyes sparkling with excitement. "Got it! We'll be there faster than you can say 'magical girl transformation sequence'!"
With a final glance at her friends, Baiser stepped towards the portal. The shadows seemed to reach out to her, caressing her skin like eager lovers. She paused at the threshold, looking back over her shoulder.
"I'll see you soon," she said softly before slipping into the portal.
—
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the entrance to Sendai Dreamland, painting the wrought-iron gates in hues of burnished gold. The air thrummed with excitement, a palpable energy that seemed to pulse in time with the distant music and laughter drifting from within the park.
Utena stood just outside the gates, her violet hair gently tousled by the warm breeze. Her golden eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces among the throng of families, couples, and groups of friends eagerly queuing up for admission.
The scent of buttered popcorn and cotton candy wafted on the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of nearby flower beds. Colorful balloons bobbed above the heads of excited children, their strings tangled around tiny wrists. The cheerful melody of the park's theme song played softly from hidden speakers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
"Utena!"
The familiar voice cut through her reverie. Utena turned to see Kiwi bounding towards her, ash-blonde twin buns bouncing with each energetic step. Korisu followed close behind, her eyes looking at the amusement park with obvious excitement.
Kiwi skidded to a stop in front of Utena, slightly out of breath but grinning from ear to ear. Her wine-red eyes sparkled with excitement as she grabbed Utena's hands.
"We made it!" Kiwi exclaimed, bouncing on her toes. "Your mom totally bought the clone thing. She even asked it if it wanted a snack! I still want one by the way."
Utena couldn't help but smile at Kiwi's enthusiasm. "That's great," she said, relief evident in her voice. "I'm glad it worked."
Korisu stepped forward, her bright red eyes widening as she took in the sights and sounds of Sendai Dreamland. The usually reserved girl seemed to come alive, her gaze darting from one wonder to the next with barely contained excitement.
The massive steel structure of a roller coaster loomed in the distance, its tracks twisting and turning against the sky like a giant metal serpent. The screams of delighted riders echoed across the park, mingling with the cheerful music and laughter. Korisu's fingers twitched at her sides, as if itching to reach out and touch the fantastical world before her.
Korisu pointed at the ticket booth, eyes sparkling with barely controlled excitement.
"Right," Utena said, squeezing Kiwi's hands before letting go. "Let's get our tickets and head inside. It's too bad this is a business visit."
"Uhh, Utena, I think you forgot something." Kiwi said as she looked Utena up and down.
The golden eye's girl blushed and looked away, trying to ignore the comment and the fact that she had been in such a rush to go that she had neglected to change into her day clothes and still wore the oversized hoodie and pajama pants. "I... uhhh... L-Look, I was in a hurry okay..."
Kiwi giggled and hugged onto Utena. "Ahh flustered Utena is the best Utena."
Utena grumbled.
Once free of the hug, the trio made their way to the ticket booth, joining the queue of eager park goers. As they waited, Utena found herself hyper-aware of their surroundings. Every laugh seemed too loud, every movement too sudden. Her eyes darted from face to face, searching for any sign of a threat.
Kiwi seemed to sense Utena's tension. She slipped her hand back into Utena's, intertwining their fingers. "Hey," she said softly, "it's okay. We're here with you."
Utena smiled and squeezed Kiwi's hand. "Thanks. I'm glad you came.
The trio passed through the turnstiles after getting their tickets. Once inside Kiwi started bouncing on her toes, practically vibrating with excitement. "Oh my gosh, we're really here!" she squealed, clutching her ticket to her chest like a precious treasure. "I haven't been to an amusement park in ages!"
Korisu nodded in agreement, her bright red eyes wide as she took in the sights around them. The entrance plaza was a riot of color and motion. Mascot characters in oversized costumes wandered about, posing for pictures with delighted children. A troupe of street performers juggled and danced, their lively music adding to the festive atmosphere.
Utena took a deep breath, letting the excitement of her friends wash over her. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget about the reason for their visit, to simply be a normal girl on a fun outing with her friends.
"We should come back here when there isn't work to do. I'd just like a nice afternoon of fun." Utena sighed as she pulled out her phone to text Nemo. She tapped out a quick message
Utena: "We're here. Where are you?"
Nemo: "Meet us at the concert amphitheater. It's near the back of the park, past the haunted house."
Utena pocketed her phone and turned to her friends. "They're at the concert amphitheater near the back of the park. Let's go."
The trio set off, weaving their way through the bustling crowds. As they walked, the sights, sounds, and smells of Sendai Dreamland enveloped them in a whirlwind of sensory delights.
They passed by a row of colorful game booths, their barkers calling out challenges and promises of oversized plush prizes. The air was thick with the scent of caramel apples and freshly spun cotton candy, to which Utena bought a couple treats for the three of them.
A magnificent carousel spun lazily to their left, its hand-painted horses bobbing up and down to the tinkling melody of an old-fashioned organ.
To their right, a splashy log flume ride sent boats careening down a steep drop, eliciting screams of delight from its riders. Mist from the splash zone drifted on the breeze, providing a refreshing coolness in the warm late spring air.
As they ventured deeper into the park, the paths became less crowded. They found themselves in a whimsical area themed after a fairytale forest. Towering toadstools sprouted from the ground, their spotted caps providing shade for benches shaped like fallen logs. Twinkling lights were strung between cartoonishly large flowers, creating a magical atmosphere even in the daylight.
A gentle stream meandered alongside the path, its crystal-clear waters bubbling over colorful stones. Tiny bridges arched over the water at regular intervals, their railings adorned with intricate carvings of woodland creatures.
The group paused at one such bridge, leaning against the railing to take in the enchanting scene. Fish of various hues glided gracefully beneath the surface, their scales flashing like living jewels in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy of leaves above.
"It's beautiful," Utena murmured, her golden eyes reflecting the dancing light on the water.
Kiwi nodded enthusiastically, her wine-red eyes wide with wonder. "I feel like we've stepped into another world!"
Korisu said nothing, but her bright red eyes sparkled with delight as she watched a particularly large koi swim lazy circles beneath the bridge. The small teen was practically vibrating with excitement from all the sights and sounds of this place.
Reluctantly, they moved on, following the winding path deeper into the park. The fairytale forest gradually gave way to a more mysterious atmosphere as they approached the haunted house attraction.
The imposing structure loomed before them, its Victorian architecture a stark contrast to the whimsy of the previous area. Faux lightning flashed in the windows, accompanied by recorded thunder that rumbled ominously through hidden speakers.
As they passed the haunted house, the path curved sharply to the right, leading them into a roped off area of the park. "Guess it's closed off when there is no performance…" Utena muttered as she looked around. Once she was sure no one was looking she stepped over and headed down the path with Kiwi and Korisu flanking her.
Kiwi turned to Utena as they went, her expression serious. "Are you sure we shouldn't go in transformed?" she asked, her voice low and urgent. "You know, guns blazing and all that? We don't know what we're walking into here."
Utena shook her head, her violet hair catching the golden light of the setting sun. "No, I don't think that's necessary," she said softly. "We don't know how Nemo found out about me, but that doesn't mean she's a threat. For all we know, she could have just been lucky and managed to see us transform or something. Though… It is possible she knows about us through Enorme and her underlings."
As the trio reached the entrance to the outdoor stage they crept up to the archway that would lead down the stairs and into the seating. They pressed their backs against the wall and peeked around the corner. Utena's golden eyes scanned the amphitheater, searching for any sign of Nemo or Matama. "Let's approach this cautiously, but not aggressively. I want to believe that they are acting in good faith."
As Utena, Kiwi, and Korisu peered around the corner into the amphitheater, they spotted two figures sitting on the edge of the stage. One had teal hair that fell in around her head with two bangs that stuck out like a perpetual bead head, while the other's maroon hair was accented with cyan highlights. They appeared to be deep in conversation, their heads bent close together.
Utena took a deep breath, steadying herself. "That's them," she whispered to Kiwi and Korisu. "Nemo and Matama. They don't seem to have noticed us yet."
Kiwi's wine-red eyes narrowed as she studied the two girls. "They look nervous," she observed. "See how Matama keeps fidgeting?"
Korisu nodded in agreement, her bright red eyes alert and watchful.
"Okay," Utena said softly, "let's approach slowly. Just in case, I want you both to transform and hide, keep watch on us. I'll call for you if I need you, okay. I want to hear them out."
Utena took a deep breath, steeling herself for the confrontation ahead. She gave Kiwi and Korisu a quick nod before stepping out from behind the archway.
As she walked down the aisle towards the stage, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the empty amphitheater, Nemo and Matama's heads snapped up. Their eyes widened as they spotted her, a mixture of relief and apprehension crossing their faces.
"Utena," Nemo called out, her voice wavering slightly. "You came."
Utena stopped a few feet away from the stage, her golden eyes moving between the two girls. Up close, she could see the dark circles under Nemo's eyes and the nervous way Matama's fingers twisted in the fabric of her skirt.
"I did," Utena replied, keeping her voice calm and neutral. "You said you wanted to talk. So, let's talk."
The tension in the air was palpable as Utena stood before the stage, her golden eyes steady as she regarded Nemo and Matama. The setting sun cast long shadows across the amphitheatre, painting everything in hues of amber and deep purple. A gentle breeze rustled through nearby trees, carrying with it the distant sounds of the amusement park – cheerful music and laughter that seemed oddly out of place in this tense moment.
Nemo cleared her throat, her fingers nervously playing with the wireless headphones around her neck. "Thank you for coming," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We... we weren't sure you would."
Matama nodded vigorously, her maroon hair bouncing with the movement. "Yeah, we really appreciate it," she added, her teal eyes darting between Utena and the empty seats behind her.
An awkward silence fell over the group. The creaking of the stage as Nemo and Matama shifted their weight seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet amphitheater.
Utena crossed her arms as she watched the two. She understood that they were nervous, but the lack of conversation was growing oppressive. "So," she began, searching for something to say, "do you... come to Sendai Dreamland often?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she winced internally at how ridiculous they sounded. Here they were, on the brink of what could be a life-changing conversation, and she was making small talk like they were at a school dance.
Matama let out a nervous giggle, the sound high and slightly hysterical. "Oh, you know, just when we're not busy with... other things," she said, waving her hand vaguely.
Nemo shot her friend a warning look before turning back to Utena. "It's been a while," she admitted. "We don't get much free time these days."
Another uncomfortable silence descended. In the distance, the screams from a roller coaster pierced the air, making all three of them jump slightly.
Nemo's pink eyes scanned the area once more before she leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Is uhh...is Leopard here? Or Alice?"
Utena felt a flash of surprise at the question but she was grateful for the subject change. She kept her expression neutral as she replied, "Don't worry about Leopard or Alice. They're...around, but as long as things stay civil, it's just you and me."
She took a deep breath, deciding it was time to cut through the tension. "Nemo," she said, her voice gentle but firm, "how did you find out about my identity as Baiser? And why did you want to meet like this?"
Nemo and Matama exchanged a nervous glance, the weight of Utena's question hanging heavy in the air between them. A bead of sweat trickled down Nemo's temple, catching the golden light of the setting sun. Matama's fingers twisted anxiously in the fabric of her skirt. It felt like some giant potentially hungry serpent was staring at them.
Nemo took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling visibly beneath her teal cardigan. "It's... complicated," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "We've been part of Enormita for a while now, and we've learned things. Dangerous things."
Matama nodded vigorously, her maroon hair bouncing with the movement. "Yeah, like, super dangerous," she added, her teal eyes wide and earnest.
Nemo shot her friend a warning look before turning back to Utena. "We've been thinking about leaving for a while now," she continued, her pink eyes searching Utena's face for any sign of understanding or sympathy. "But it's not that simple, you can't just walk away. So we thought maybe we could defect to you."
Utena's eyes narrowed a fraction. 'Defect? Why are they so nervous… They look like they are going to pee themselves…' Slowly, a quiet anger built inside her as she looked at the two on stage. Something about them was pressing in on her calm and stoking her fury, something she couldn't put her finger on.
The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Matama's leg bounced nervously, her heel tapping a rapid rhythm against the wooden stage. Nemo's fingers played with the wireless headphones around her neck.
Matama looked between Nemo and Utena, the tension was getting to her. She wanted to scream with how nervous she was. Finally, she couldn't take it any more and spoke up. "Hey, Utena! How do you treat Leopard and Alice?"
Nemo's eyes widened in shock at her friend's outburst, and she quickly added, "What she means is... we've heard things. About how you operate. We just... we want to know what we might be getting into."
Utena felt a surge of anger at the implication behind their words. Her golden eyes flashed dangerously as she took a step closer to the stage, her voice low and intense.
"What exactly have you heard?" she demanded, her normally soft tone taking on a hard edge. "And more importantly, who are you? And why are you so afraid?"
Nemo and Matama recoiled slightly at Utena's sudden change in demeanor. The air around them seemed to crackle with tension as Utena's fury radiated outward.
Matama's leg stopped bouncing, and she leaned forward, her teal eyes searching Utena's face. "It's just... you seemed so nice when we met at the karaoke parlor," she said, her voice softening with the memory. "Remember? We sang together that night."
As she spoke, the tension in her shoulders eased slightly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "It was a lot of fun, actually. You have a really pretty voice, you know? And you were so kind to everyone there, even though you didn't know us well."
The memory seemed to wash over Matama, momentarily pushing aside her anxiety. Her eyes took on a dreamy quality as she continued, "The way the lights danced across the room, all those colors swirling around us as we sang... it felt magical, didn't it? Like for just a little while, we could forget about everything else and just be normal girls having a good time."
Utena's expression softened, the hardness in her eyes melting away as she recalled the evening in question. The karaoke booth, with its plush seats and glittering lights, the warmth of shared laughter at shoddy performances and the thrill of perfectly harmonized choruses. For a moment, she allowed herself to be transported back to that simpler time.
"It was fun," Utena said softly, a wistful smile playing on her lips. Her golden eyes seemed to shimmer in the fading light, reflecting a mix of nostalgia and something deeper, more complex. "I remember thinking how nice it was to just... be. No responsibilities, no battles, just music and new friends."
The memory of that carefree afternoon at the karaoke parlor hung in the air between them, a fragile bubble of nostalgia in the tense atmosphere. As the last rays of sunlight painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, Nemo and Matama exchanged a meaningful glance.
Nemo took a deep breath, her fingers curling around something hidden beneath her teal cardigan. "Utena," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "there's something we need to show you. But please... Please believe that we don't mean any harm to you, we really just want to get out..."
With trembling hands, Nemo and Matama reached into their clothes and slowly pulled out two identical objects. The fading sunlight caught on the polished surface of the items, sending golden reflections dancing across the amphitheater.
Utena's eyes widened as she recognized the four-pointed gold stars nestled in their palms. The Stars of Enormita gleamed innocently enough, but the meaning of those stars were magnified tenfold by the pair's words.
"We are..." Nemo began, her voice catching in her throat.
"Leberblume and Loco Musica," Matama finished, her teal eyes fixed on Utena's face, searching for any sign of recognition or revulsion.
The revelation hung in the air like a lead weight as Utena tried to process this new knowledge. The distant sounds of the amusement park seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of their collective breathing and the soft metallic hum emanating from the stars.
Utena's golden eyes darted between the two girls and the stars in their hands, her mind frozen as she stared. Her heart began to pound in her chest, and she could hear the blood rushing through her ears, the sound all but deafening as she stared at these two girls.
"We want to defect," Nemo said, her voice growing stronger with each word. "We can't... we can't be part of Lord's group anymore. The things we've seen, the things we've been asked to do..."
Matama nodded vigorously, her maroon hair catching the last rays of sunlight. "It's too much," she added, her voice thick with emotion. "We thought we were joining something great, something powerful. But it's all twisted and wrong."
As Nemo and Matama's words hung in the air, Utena felt as if the world around her had suddenly fallen away. The setting sun seemed to dim, its golden rays fading to a dull, sickly yellow. The distant sounds of the amusement park - the cheerful music, the excited screams from roller coasters, the laughter of children - all warped and distorted, becoming a cacophonous roar in her ears.
Her vision narrowed, focusing solely on the glinting Stars of Enormita in Nemo and Matama's trembling hands. Those stars, those names. The names of her enemies, people that had ruined the lives of so many magical girls, people that had caused so much pain and suffering. And here they were, two girls who had sung and laughed with her, who had shared a moment of pure, uncomplicated joy in that karaoke booth. Two girls that had ended the joy of her magical girls.
The betrayal cut deep, a white-hot knife of rage and hurt slicing through her chest. Utena's mana surged within her, a tidal wave of power threatening to break free from her control. Her skin tingled with barely contained energy, making the hairs on her arms stand on end.
The air around Utena began to shimmer and distort, like heat waves rising from sun-baked asphalt. The wooden planks of the stage creaked and groaned, as if straining under an invisible weight. The leaves of nearby trees rustled violently, despite the sudden lack of wind.
Nemo and Matama's words became a distant buzz, drowned out by the roaring in Utena's ears. Their mouths moved, forming shapes that might have been pleas or explanations, but Utena couldn't hear them over the thundering of her own heartbeat.
At that moment, all Utena could see were enemies. Not scared girls looking for a way out, but agents of Enorme who had lied to her, who had pretended to be her friends while working for the very organization that threatened everything she held dear.
Utena's mouth split in a fanged snarl and star crossed eyes burned with incandescent light. With a primal scream that seemed to shake the amphitheater, Utena screamed, "ALICE!~"
The name tore from her throat, raw and filled with fury. In an instant, a small blue and white blur burst out from the bushes and streaked through the air to land beside her, Leopard close on her heels. Alice's eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light, her porcelain features set in a mask of cold determination.
Nemo and Matama's eyes widened in terror as they realized what was happening. They scrambled to their feet, but it was too late. Alice raised her hands, her fingers reaching out towards the two as she called upon her power.
The air around Nemo and Matama began to warp and twist, reality itself seeming to fold in on itself. The two girls cried out in panic, their voices quickly fading as Alice's magic enveloped them. Colors bled and swirled, sounds distorted into an otherworldly cacophony. For a moment that felt like an eternity, they were suspended in a void of impossible geometries and fractured light.
"Wait, wai-!"
Then, with a sudden lurch, they found themselves in an entirely new environment. The first sensation that hit them was the cold - a bone-chilling, penetrating cold that seemed to seep into their very cores. As their vision cleared, they realized they were sitting in hard metal chairs, their wrists bound to a table in front of them by sturdy handcuffs.
A harsh, bright light shone directly into their faces, making them squint and turning the rest of the room into deep, impenetrable shadows. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and something else, something old and musty.
As their eyes adjusted to the glare, three figures emerged from the darkness beyond the pool of light. Nemo and Matama's jaws dropped as they took in the sight before them.
Baiser, Leopard, and Alice stood on the other side of the table, but not as they had ever seen them before. Each was clad in a provocative take on a police uniform - all short skirts, tight shirts, and gleaming badges that caught the light with every movement.
Baiser's violet hair was longer than the last time they saw her and was pulled back into a severe bun, a few loose strands framing her face in a way that was both commanding and alluring. Her uniform was a masterpiece of seductive authority - a crisp white blouse unbuttoned dangerously low, revealing tantalizing glimpses of black lace underneath. The shirt was tucked into a short navy skirt that hugged her curves, the hem riding high on her thighs.
Thigh-high black boots with wicked stiletto heels completed the ensemble, the polished leather gleaming under the interrogation room lights. Baiser's golden eyes, with their star-shaped pupils, gleamed with predatory intensity as she regarded Nemo and Matama. Her full lips were painted a deep, dark purple, curled into a cruel smirk. In one hand, she held her signature riding crop, tapping it rhythmically against her hand as she gazed at her prisoners.
To her right stood Leopard, her top open down the first several buttons to show a valley of pale cleavage and display the three star tattoos running across the top of her chest. Her wine-red eyes sparkled with eager excitement, like a cat toying with its prey. She twirled a pair of handcuffs around one finger, while the other hand held her derringer pointed at the two cuffed girls.
On Baiser's left was Alice, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders in stark contrast to her dark uniform. Her bright red eyes were hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses as she regarded Nemo and Matama coldly with arms crossed over her chest. Behind her loomed the form of her cheshire cat doll, towering at almost ten feet tall. It mimicked it's master, arms crossed and wearing a giant pair of matching sunglasses.
The trio loomed over the table, their presence filling the small, shadowy room with an almost palpable aura of power and authority. The contrast between the bright light on Nemo and Matama and the darkness surrounding their captors made the scene feel surreal, like a fever dream brought to life.
Nemo tugged futilely at her restraints, the cold metal of the handcuffs biting into her wrists. Beside her, Matama trembled visibly, her eyes wide with fear as they darted between the three imposing figures.
Baiser leaned forward, her hands planted firmly on the cold metal table. The movement caused her badge to catch the harsh light, sending a brief flash across Nemo and Matama's faces. A smile spread across Baiser's lips, revealing a row of sharp, gleaming fangs that seemed to elongate as she spoke. The smile of a predator, hungry and vicious.
"Well, well," Baiser purred, her voice a low, seductive growl that sent shivers down the spines of her captives. "It seems we have some very interesting guests tonight, don't we, girls?"
Leopard and Alice nodded in unison.
Leo slams her hand with the cuffs down on the table. "A couple of rotten little Lord's Legion bitches, that's what."
"Now then," Baiser continued, her golden eyes with their star-shaped pupils boring into Nemo and Matama. She raised a hand and brought her star tipped riding crop down with a crack against the palm of her other hand. "I believe we have some questions for the two of you."
As Baiser's fanged smile widened, Nemo and Matama realized that their ordeal was only just beginning.