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[ ♫ ]

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In Miso City, the winters were cold, the hearts were colder…but somehow, the comradery of close friends and family persisted ever warm during the holiday cheer. A week had passed since the Detention Club’s hasty attempts in deciding who should be heaping real responsibility for their Christmas party. In the end, the President ruled that it was difficult to decide any real winner; both because of the disorganized fights and for the intervention of their light counterparts.

It was a draw, so to speak, a decision that of course had many eyes rolling. Luckily, before too much venom could be spat, the solution came in the most unlikely of places. At the last moment, Ami had somehow found an empty restaurant on Christmas day, no doubt its owners having packed up shop to celebrate the cold festivities. Touka chose to look the other way seeing as their magic wasn’t exposed and in the end, it was decided the Detention Club’s Christmas party would be held in the relatively abandoned restaurant.

And so the dark girls would gather one by one, ready to exchange gifts and celebrate in the name of mischief. As expected of the President, Touka was one of the first to arrive at the restaurant. Snow crunching under her boots, she entered the place with nary a care for alarm and the like. Clearly those in Miso City had no concern for strange encounters and phenomenon. After all, the city’s citizens were still agape at the sudden and unexpected “forest fire” that had decimated their park in a single night. In the dead of December. Many were still blaming the incident on aliens and it earned Touka a low sneer to herself.

Not expecting anyone else to arrive yet, the President made herself comfortable in one of the long family booths. From there she’d stare idly at the snow falling outside, glad that this place was at least out in the boonies enough to go unnoticed. The restaurant’s owner was, ironically, just as untraceable as anything else. Because it was very doubtful Luna was even aware the Detention Club had hijacked her family restaurant for their own needs.

Then again, she probably didn’t care; not on Christmas day. A week had given her plenty of time to become buddies with the new Magical Girls now in Miso City. Apparently, their friendship was strong enough to warrant a group celebration of their own sorts. Indeed, the Magical Girls would find their day spent at a fancy karaoke bar. Such was the ironic fate of those empowered by magic.

---

A week passed, and, whether due to cold weather or extreme efforts taken on her own part, Maiko had more or less simmered down after the colossal disappointment that was the Dark Magical Girls' attempt at a tournament arc. Finding out that Ami somehow lost to a mage-type magical girl was disappointing as well, and with no one to drink it due to being a tie, Maiko opted to drop the pack of durian juice at a local homeless shelter instead. How devious indeed, making the truly devious drink something as horrendously flavored as durian juice. Sometimes, she simply had to pat herself on the back about how truly, supremely evil she was.

Lightly dressed for such snow-white weather, Maiko had a small pile of snow on her head and earbuds hammering heavy metal in her skull as she crunched through unoccupied streets. It was calming, therapeutic even, to be so utterly cold from head to toe, but after a couple of sneezes shook her body (and some snow down her pale neck), she picked up the pace, ending the leisurely stroll and jogging the rest of the way towards the empty family restaurant that was to be their party house for the day. As always, she assigned herself with taking care of the drinks, and the many cans in her backpack swung up and down while she bounded to her destination.

Entering first (after Touka of course), Maiko grinned and waved, her cheeks and nose red from the cold. "Eyo, Prez, whatcha bring?" she asked, lowering her own backpack full of drinks. "Went through some pretty big efforts to do super Russian Roulette drinking mode, so here's to hoping no one has allergies, eh?"

“I’ll... try to find it out,” would be Luna’s reply to Soma’s very helpful description of her address, however, the unrepentant loner was already out of her sight when she even thought about it. Thankfully, Yui stuck around. Going back home on her own was the last thing that Luna wanted after what happened tonight.

“We did what we had to do and they did what they had to do. In the end, whoever is closest to true Justice shall prevail,” Luna replied in a bit of a convoluted way, uncertain of how to explain her beliefs to the other girl. At her age, Luna understood very well how to act on what she believed, but wasn’t nearly as good at putting it to words.

“Think of it like someone going through a deep, dark tunnel. It’s natural that you think that you are lost when you can’t see anything ahead of you even when you have a lantern. But, when you hear the whistle of a train coming from behind you, you’ll forget about that and try to run to the exit even if you don’t think you can see it yet.”

“It’s the same them and we. Or at least I believe so, since that’s what my sister used to believe into,” Luna said in an introspective voice. “Anyway, let’s put that aside,” she added a moment later, flashing a smile at Yui.

“Of course, we can meet again. I’ll try to show everything you wanna know, though I’ll warn you that we have a busy week before us, But, if you can endure it, I promise we’ll have the best Christmas to look forward to!” Luna said shortly before she parted ways with Yui.

“Yes, a nice and white Christmas just like back then...” Luna said to herself in a melancholy void as she made her way up the hills of Old Miso City accompanied by nothing but the monotone of snow being crushed under her steps.


The week to come would indeed be a packed one for Luna, and any of the other light magical girls that felt like joining her. The blonde worked hard on eliminating every single nightmare that she could find, almost launching a vigilantesque crusade against the monsters. She would spend time with the other girls and especially fulfill her promise to Yui, teaching her everything that she could — or not — wish to know about Miso City as long as Luna herself was aware of it along with some fighting lessons.

Given that the year was about to end and she had passed the last tests before the winter break, Luna skipped after-hours practice in the Kaname Academy Kendo Club for the upcoming days. Instead, she focused on her magical girl duties, going out of her way to get Soma to join them.

However, even after she parted ways with the girls every day and went back home, Luna still continued to fight. It was a fact that, even if it was a time of the year supposed to be full of joy and celebration, the last week of December was also full of depression, dark thoughts, and uncertainty creeping on people’s minds. Seeing the happiness in others’ lives while faking your own for the sake of not dragging everyone down was a sure fire way to spiral down the darkest corners of one’s mind.

And for this reason, the number of Nightmares at this time of the year was incredibly higher than normal, even for Miso City. The newcomers wouldn’t be able to notice anything during their patrols, however, since Luna fought day and night, so that the normalcy of the city could be preserved, even if for one single night.

She had something to look forward to after all, not only a party with her new friends — or so Luna hoped — but also something more. Something that made all of her efforts worth of it, Luna thought as she checked her watch one last time before getting into the karaoke bar where the light magical girls were supposed to celebrate their first Christmas as a true team…

---

---

After the events at the Park, things went back to 'normal' for Yui. She took her training with Luna very seriously, however. She could learn a whole lot more about what it was to be a magical girl. At the very least, from Luna's perspective and quite possibly Soma if and when she was with them during such discussions. While it was helpful to have her insight on such things, Yui made sure to build her own understanding of things as she built up her strength.

On more occasions than one, Yui accompanied Luna and others on the hunts for Nightmares. Which she went at very seriously. it did not matter how hard she fought, though. Luna always seemed to fight a bit harder. It was not so much the actual fighting as it was...the way of going at it. Yui was not blind. She noticed that after each hunts, when they split up, her 'mentor' was going back in for some more. Part of the reason may have been that she truly was fighting for her Justice, but Yui could feel that she was contemplating things. Such things could be felt, although...she dared not ask or even bring up the subject. The young Magical Girl hoped that her presence alone, with a bit of help from her magical aura, was enough to brighten up the blond girl if even just a little.

During the day and the rest of her free time Yui was just as busy as during the nights. With Christmas coming along, sadly, the orphanage received quite a few new children to take care of. Working her side job at a grocery store and helping around the orphanage took Yui most of her time - but it was well worth it. This is why she was not prepared to the news she received on the eve of her meetings at the Karaoke...

---

---

The light magical girl awoke the next day at the same time as the day before, and again every day. A pleasant surprise to find the other girls working with such gusto, she had to promise herself to put in the extra effort herself. She didn't have much going on at home; so she was able to spend the time without it being in conflict with anything else. Though her parents noticed her absence more, they were glad their daughter was able to make friends so easily. It was weird to her how behind their backs this felt, but what could she say?

Even on the first day Yurei met with the other light girls, she was able to integrate fairly easily. She made quick work any scrapes and bruises that even came close to striking her comrades, and was even able to cleanse a few nightmares herself as the opportunity presented itself. Even with all the extra work they did, Yurei was able to keep them in top shape during each of the nights; making sure they were even ready for more by the time she had to call it in and return home.

Before she knew it, a week had passed; and she, with the rest of the girls, were invited to celebrate. Naturally, she accepted as quickly as she could. It took some convincing of her parents, but they let her go; as a test run for any and all future outings. She'd have to be extra careful to return home promptly, but she wasn't concerned. And there Alara stood. The entrance to the bar just before her as she eagerly hurried in.

---

---

"Achu…" Jin sniffed, alone in her empty apartment. It was obviously cold outside, and it was invading her paid for space. At least she wasn't sick, not yet. She turned on the heater and snuggled up close wrapped in a huge blanket. It was going to be a long week. Any time she felt like punching someone in the face, she'd look outside just to see the light magical girls cleaning up the town.

"Tch, why are they hogging all the fun.... EH, its too cold anyways." Her free time mostly consisted of huddling under a blanket with a book in her hands. So much time, so little to do. Oh, and she went shopping. It'd be rood to come completely empty handed, after all.

@TheWindel @ERode

"Merry Christmas."

Ayumu stood alone in the cemetery, head bowed, eyes cast towards the snow-covered stone that marked her brother's resting place. In the background, from distant streets, she could hear the laughter and chatter of families, brought closer by the festive season. She tried to ignore them. For her, Christmas had never been a time of bonding and merriment. More like a time of verbal lashings, of tears, of shattered wine glasses once the guests had left and all pretense could be dropped. This year, even with that jerk of a stepdad kicked out, Christmas was even worse. It was her first one as an only child.

Her hands, numb from the weather despite her gloves, clenched as she recalled the past few hours. That attempt at a holiday dinner with her mom. The stress. The breakdown. Those words. If we hadn't had to focus so much on you, if you'd been there for him instead of always out doing fuck knows what, he might still be with us. The comment rang through her mind, biting into her much deeper than the cold. Surely her mom hadn't meant it. She knew what it was like to get the blame. Yet maybe she was right.

"I'm sorry..." Her trembling whisper contrasted with her usual confident facade. "Thank you for protecting me... I'm sorry I couldn't do the same for you."

Her eyes stung at the memories of the times he'd cheered her up, eased her pain while hiding his own. "You always wanted me to be happy. You wanted me to live for myself instead of caring what others thought. And I will... I promise I will."

She turned and trudged down the path, two words carrying through the chill air.

"I promise."

This was one last thing she could do for him, even if it wasn't in the way he'd imagined.

...

Stopping in front of the abandoned restaurant, Ayumu gripped the handle of the gift bag and took a deep breath. After a quick glance to make sure there were no passers-by, she let red and black energy streams flow from the mark on her shoulder. They seeped through her coat, turning her winter clothes into her magician regalia.

Phantasmagoria put on a smile, forcing a spring into her step. What better way to put up an act than to spend the day as her stage persona?

"The party magician has arrived," she announced, grinning at Touka and Maiko as she strode into the building. Jin wasn't anywhere to be seen, but would likely turn up soon, she wouldn't want to miss out on anything else. "Hmm..." Phantasmagoria looked around the plain, mostly empty room. "This place could do with some decorating."

At the click of her fingers, images filled the room. Christmas trees sprang up in the corners - rather unconventional ones, making the place look more like a haunted forest than a party venue. Warped, goblin-like Christmas elves danced through raggedy branches, some pairs of eyes gleaming scarlet, others purple, others sickly green or yellow to create a myriad of fairy lights. Wintry mist swirled, blurring the furthest end of the hall. What appeared to be a disembodied human hand rose up in the middle of each table, flames flickering at the tips of the fingers, a pine needle and holly bracelet around the wrist like the wreath of a candle.

Taking a seat, Phantasmagoria leaned back and observed the decor. Some might find the effect disconcerting, but it had certainly brightened up the restaurant. "Gotta get into the Christmas spirit," she said, hoping her chirpy tone disguised the way she tried to convince herself of her words. She was here to have fun. To be happy.

Like she'd promised.

---

Touka sensed Maiko before seeing her and even when the girl entered the restaurant, her gaze lingered onto the snow outside for a second more. Slowly, she turned to bring that stare onto her fellow clumb member. Then her expression wobbled into a smile. "O-Oh, hi Maiko-Chan! It's good to see you so e-early, eheh..." The President eyed the heavy bag Maiko was carrying, raising her curiosities higher. "Allergies? N-No, I don't think anyone here has some. O-Oh, but I brought some sweets for the party! Hopefully it sits well with the d-drinks, eheh...."

The guttural roar of a motor cycle engine drew close to the restaurant, only to choke out into blissful silence parked out back. Seconds ticked by before the door was shouldered open and a ray of sunshine with blue hair waltzed in with arms laden by three wide boxes of brightly colored cardboard. Their tops had transparent sheets of plastic, revealing the delectably sweet ice cream cakes there in. "Hiyo! I've brought cake~" Kanbaru greeted the room before scampering past Touka and Maiko to stuff them into a freezer so they could enjoy a treat later.

Speaking of sweats, Touka flicked her eyes to the boxes Kanbaru burst in with. There was no time for introductions, not when the ice-user was balancing three different boxes all at once. The freezer wasn't so far from the bar counter, of which two bowls rested on either side. One was filled with green spearmint candies while the other was loaded with red peppermints; each of which provided by the President. Though Touka felt they could all figure that out.

There wasn't time to muse on it, not when the next party guest was arriving. "Oh, h-hi Ayumaaah!" A small squeak escaped Touka's voice as the entire diner began to change. What resulted was a rather nightmarish display of Christmas cheer, one that'd make any purist have a heart attack in their throat. Still, as the leading show woman of Team Fantasia made her mark, there was a different sort of magic that underlied Ayuma's. Touka narrowed her eyes, feeling the resonance pulse just under the surface. She hadn't felt that since....

"Er, Ayuma? T-This isn't exactly a....this is more Halloween than Christmas, d-don't you think?" The President was trembling just a little from the spooky incarnations and illusions surrounding them, holding in another yelp as she just now noticed the hands. And the new presence too. It was definitely magical in property, one familiar and-without waiting for anyone else, Touka crept towards the front door and opened. What she saw waiting for her was a girl as short as she was munching on a bag of warm taiyaki. If she was concerned about barging into a party for Dark Magical Girls, she didn't look the part.

"N-No way...Senpai!?"

---

Ami staggered into the restaurant from the back, carrying several boxes haphazardly wrapped in colorful papers and bows. "Sorry I'm late, it's was kinda hard to carry all these from my place. We don't all have motorcycles after all!" She let out a cheery laugh for a moment, stopping as she scrambled to keep her tower of presents from falling. "Anyways, where the hell am I supposed to put all this? You guys brought way too many Christmas trees!"

Eventually she just settled for dumping the various presents on a random unoccupied table, patting it twice and loudly proclaiming it as "The Offering Table." It was then that Ami finally noticed the new girl, one who had an uncanny appearance to herself strangely enough. Brushing it off as a mere coincidence, she rushed over to the new girl and offered her hand for a handshake. "I don't really know who you are, but Ms. Prez seems to know who you are so I guess that means you're cool! I'm Ami, it's nice to meetcha!"

Before Touka could have a moment to process the newcomer at their party, Ami was already rushing up to greet her. Hand extended, the new girl kept chewing on her snack, looking down at Ami's palm for a few seconds. Then, something warm would be slapped into her grip, another fresh taiyaki handed over to her from the large paper bag the new girl was carrying. In hindsight, the newcomer probably didn't speak due to the fact she was still chewing on her food.

"E-Er, everyone. This is Chiaki Tsukuyomi," Touka said with a sigh. Somehow, she knew she was to be the one in charge of introductions. "S-She's a few years above us a-and used to be P-President of the Club. I guess y-you could say, she's your S-S-Senpai." Chiaki only grunted to confirm this, munching on her pastry without a pause in her bites. Behind those red-framed glasses, she looked at Ami now, expecting her to taste the gift.

There was a veritable sparkle in Ami's eyes as she stared at the taiyaki, then back at Chiaki. Then back at the taiyaki. Then to Chiaki once more. Chiaki, taiyaki, Chiaki, taiyaki. Two seconds later the taiyaki was in Ami's mouth, chewing vigorously as she sidled up next to Chiaki. She swallowed her first bite then looked at Touka with a dead serious steel in her eyes. "This is my new best friend now." Ami nodded resolutely and then took another bite of her taiyaki, tears practically brimming in her eyes as she praised the kami for her new snack buddy. Truly, a Christmas miracle.

"U-Um...well... I guess?" In hindsight, Touka should have seen this coming. But the President felt a lack of words building up from the sudden camaraderie among them. "N-Not that I ever doubted you w-wouldn't be welcome, S-Senpai!" she said, making way to close the door behind her so as not to let any more frigid air in.

Chiaki barely reacted to Ami's excitement, though she did nod as the other girl consumed her treat. Once she had finished eating her own, she placed the paper bag on a side table, leaving enough for anyone else. "It looks like you didn't need me to stick around, Touka," remarked the dark senpai, eyeing up the other occupants in the room. Then she turned her stoic gaze back on Ami. "Hello Miss....Ami was it."

A few moments after Chiaki made her appearnace, yet another newcomer followed in her footsteps. Once inside, she folded in an umbrella which was clearly intended to fend off the falling snow. "I will never learn to like snow. Never." The girl said before turning towards the rest of the persons present.

She was one head taller than most here, and her darker skin betrayed her foreign origin. Her Japanese, however, was flawless. "This, however...I can work with this." she said once her eyes fell upon Touka and the rest of the present club members. Some sort of desire sparkled in her eyes. Curiosity? Malice? It was unclear. "You must be Touka." she simply said, looking down at the president briefly before slowly walking further in the restaurant, slowly as she was looking at the improvised decorations. She barely acknowledged the rest for now as well as leaving Chiaki the honor of presenting her to her former pupil.

Another ring and the door cracked open. Not wanting to let more cold in than nessisary; a girl covered in a winter hat, dark glasses, scarf, sweatpants, snowboots, and a thick, puffy coat, squeezed into the small opening. Although, actually pushing the door open further due to her extra size. Once through, Jin closed the door tightly behind her. Carefull not to pinch her coat. She glanced around, giving a small wave to the crowd with mitten covered hands before waddling over next to an empty table and pulling at her zipper burried beneath her scarf.

Ziii-iii-iipp. Jin heaved, presenting forth a couple of gallons worth of hot tea and coffee in despencers from her coat onto the empty table. Promptly re-zipping her coat before any extra heat could excape. Honestly it was a pain carrying around so much extra weight, but the added warmth on the trip over was a welcome bonus. Not one to stand around, she found herself a place opposite of the door to sit and relax. The others seemed busy in pre-emptive small talk, so she just brought out her book instead. It was good to get a couple pages further before the party actually started.

---

As she was walking through the snowy streets, Yui was walking a bit faster than her usual. That is to say, in her life up until now it had been hard to have, and keep, friends of her age. That is why she was more than just a little excited at the thought of having a Karaoke party with the other light magical girls.

The sound of bells ringing announced the arrival of the magical girl at the bar. Taking off her winter ear covers, she could ear the very faint sound of other customers in the place. After removing the snow from under her boots, storing them away and putting on a clean pair of Uwabaki Yui walked up to the counter. Soon enough, she was first arrived in the reserved room. Yui put down a box of cookies she had cooked for the occasion on the small table, and quietly sat down on the couch waiting for her friends to arrive. On her knees rested a letter of which she could not keep her eyes off of.

After fumbling around for quite some time, Alara finally made it into the reserved room for all of the light magical girls. She was quite anxious tonight as, being a mute, singing wasn't her forte. But she dared not ruin the festivites for everyone else. Of course, it was truely nice to get to be there with everyone else; but she kept an idea to excuse herself for a night on the town if things didn't go well. Surely there were still nightmares to tend to even on tonight of all nights. She didn't have much in the way to actually contribute to the party itself, but she was going to at least pick up the drink tab should they order anything durring their stay. It was the least she could do.

One girl had already arrived, waiting inside with a letter on her lap. Rather than to force a conversation, Alara quickly smiled and waved. Sitting next to the girl taking her by the hand for a friendly shake. A buisnesscard handed over introducing herself with her full name and a friendly greeting.

Yui was lost in thoughts, but she startled a bit and looked up as soon as the door opened. She gave a warm smile at Alara. They had met during this week, but had no opportunity to truly get to know one another. Putting the letter on the table, Yui refused the business card.

"No need." she said, as she also motioned the word in Sign language. "A child at my orphanage was deaf, so I learned sign language so that we could talk. I can understand you!" she said warmly.

"Oh, you guys are here already?" Luna said as she came back into their room, after taking a short trip to the lobby and paying for their expenses during the whole night. "I wasn't expecting anyone so early. But that's not an issue, you can go ahead and get started while I, erm... deal with something," she said while taking intermittent glances at her watch.

"Oh and, please reserve something classic for me, I'm feeling like tonight will be really a blast!" Luna had a faint, bittersweet smile in her face as she spoke, almost as if she were anticipating something that would relieve her mind of some invisible burden. "By the way, thank you. I'm sorry to have troubled you for the last few days, Yui. I really appreciate that you are worried about me, but everything will be alright after tonight, trust me. And to show how thankful I'm, I'll make your training from tomorrow onwards. You'd better get ready to take responsibility for what you have done, girl!" She added after getting close enough and laying a hand on Yui's shoulder while flashing her legitimate beaming grin, to show that the other girl's efforts hadn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

"Anyway, I have to get going for a while, but I'll be back as soon as I'm done my business. And, if I'm lucky enough, I may even bring someone else along with me!" She added in an excited voice while practically storming her way out of the room.

Maybe miracles could really happen on Christmas, after all. Or so, Luna thought as she skipped steps in the snowy streets towards an unknown destination...

---

“You’re late, Rania.” Chiaki blinked her eyes in the direction of the dark-skinned girl. Before Touka could make a fuss about yet another newcomer crashing their party, she adjusted her glasses and sighed. “Relax. This is Misturi Rania. Another former Detention Club member and my partner.” Then her eyes scanned the faces in front of her before finally settling on Kanbaru. “As well as the previous Code Keeper of the Club. She’s here to attend the festivities. Just like me.”

“A-Ah, well it’s nice to have you b-both here, S-Senpais,” Touka said, mentally kicking herself. Had she known there were more girls showing up, she might have invested in another candy bowl. “E-Er, is there anyone else we should be expecting…Senpai?” Chiaki was paying her no mind. Instead, the former President was looking at the restaurant clock.

“No. It’s just us for now,” Chiaki finally responded, taking a taiyaki from the bag and wrapping it in a paper towel. “The rest are no longer with us, if that’s what you’re wondering.” Another glance at the clock, only this time Chiaki was moving her body towards the door. “Apologies. I intend to stay longer, but there’s something I have to do right now. Make yourself comfortable in my restaurant, Rania.”

“H-Hey wait, you just got here. D-Don’t you want to-huh? Your restaurant?” Touka blinked, looking around at the space that had become their party room. The furniture and Chiaki’s words sparked memory in her eyes. “O-Oh yeah, Senpai. I wanted to talk to you about the other night when I-” Though Chiaki was already walking out the door, hurry present in her step. Whatever she had to do was apparently something that needed her full attention. “Ah…I can mention her sister later….”

Outside, the snow had slowed into a small trickle of flakes. Soft to the touch, the scenery could almost count as beautiful or perhaps even nostalgic. Nevertheless, Chiaki wasted no time from taking in the sights or the sensations. Rather, her gaze brought her forward to the gathered meeting spot. In the decrepit portions of Old Miso City, she spotted schools and playgrounds, relics of the past to her. She gave these thoughts and sights only a moment of consideration before moving on.

It wasn’t very long before she had reached their meeting ground, though she kept glancing about, as if to check the time on a clock that wasn’t present. Or perhaps she was self-conscious about being late. Whatever the case, it was just another corner before she entered into the alleyway of choice.

A sectioned off segment leading from the older parts of the city into the newer portions, it was a place of solitude and one where she could speak freely. No one was around, but Chiaki knew full well who would be waiting for her around the corner, waiting in the shadows of the alleyway. The taiyaki had since started to lose its warmth in her papered palm, but perhaps her guest would overlook it? It was a token, as small as it was, to something much greater. Something that couldn’t be retained or given back, now and forever.

Because when Chiaki rounded the corner, what she expected to find wasn’t there. What little warmth she would have found refuge in had been snuffed out and extinguished. Chiaki’s blank expression twitched a little, her eyes widening a fraction behind her glasses. Luna’s lifeless eyes stared back at her.

A large, red wound crept from the body's right shoulder down to Luna's midsection. The tattoo mark that had once symbolized Luna’s Emblem was faded, barely recognized under the layer of red. The girl’s body had been left where it had fallen, cold and abandoned like the rest of the alleyway’s trash. “Luna….” Chiaki approached the body with slow, shaky steps, before collapsing to her knees.

In Miso City, the winters were cold and the hearts were ever colder. Among the values of love and friendship, miracles and wishes, there were always despair and spite. There would always be curses. And for every wish, those curses were traded in equal place. Perhaps for all on Christmas day, the city had gotten just that much colder.

---

---

The two had not had a lot of time to know one another, but Yui was glad she and Yurei were getting along fine. Or, at least, she thought they were? "Oh! Hey, Luna...!" she said as Luna mad her entrance in the nick of time. While she felt sad to see her go, it was only temporary. Yui clutched the letter in hands, bearer of good news, even harder - it could wait until Luna's return.

Yurei was quite ecstatic to find someone who knew how to sign. It was a luxury she couldn't expect everywhere she went; but was plesently surprised that there was atleast a magical girl she could comunicte with. A warm smile spread across her face, though pausing as Luna made her way into the room. She seemed verry full of energy, and rightful so if she had a special gust to bring back. With Luna gone, Yurei turned her attention back to Yui. 'Shall we start?' she signed with a half smile. She wasn't sure when others would arrive or when Luna would return, but there was no sense in counting down the clock doing nothing.

"Of course!" she answered to Yurei while grabbing the control and starting to shuffle through the musics titles. "I just wish the others were here... Oh!" she let out, both hands over her mouth "N-not that you are boring or anything, Yurei...o-of course. You know what I meant, right?"

"How about...this?" Yui proposed to her friend, handing over a mic, all smiles. Between last week's conflict and the hard week they had, it was great that things were finally looking up.

The door creaked open, giving way to the white death that whistled outside now fighting its way in past the door frame, a dark figure stood out in the cold blocking some of the wind from whipping all the way through like a guardian. Slowly it stepped into the bar allowing the figure to be bathed by the fluorescent light reveal its body to be feminine. She wore a pitch-black trench coat that covered from the top of her nose, then stretched all the way down to her knees where a pair of dark pants continued from there finally finishing the journey with an equally as dark pair of winter boots. Those boots were worn unlike the rest of her clothes with recent use, with a mixture of snow and mud painted across the sides matched only by the dirt that clung to her gloves. A beanie worn at the crown could barely contain the golden locks that spilled from underneath.

“Sorry I’m late guys” Soma spoke out closing the door behind her and peeling off her gloves as she walked forward leaving a small trail of fresh mud behind her.

Moments later, the door swung open again, another girl joining the party. A rather unamused-looking bluenette, hands in her coat pockets as she trudged down the hallway to the bar.

"I can't believe I actually agreed to this..." Tama muttered, taking a seat and hunching over from the cold. Karaoke. Karaoke of all things. Next thing she knew, the other girls would probably ask her to transform and be a human disco ball. Maybe they were right, though, maybe she did need a break. Especially after all the "Christmas overtime", which her body still ached from. Especially after that near slip-up the exhaustion from the extra hunts had led to. She shuddered, trying to focus on the here and now, although she remained tense as if keeping alert for Nightmares - and alert against the temptation to absorb one.

"Sorry I took a while," she mumbled. "Family being... family, again, as always. Or anything but." She glanced around the room, a slight frown creasing her forehead. "Where's Luna?"

Yui was incredibly glad to see the others finally make their arrival...but she was shocked. Not at Tama's attitude or whatever. Her eyes were riveted on the floor following Soma's arrival.

"S-Soma...!" Yui said as she sprung up from her seat and, walking up to her, grabbed her by both shoulders and led them back through the room's door. All the while, she tried to answer Tama as best she could seeing how Yurei was...ill-equipped to keep her updated. "...Oh! Luna is euhm...she was here a moment ago. She just left. She'll be back, though...! Come on Soma, you can't keep your boots indoor..." and with this, she led her friend back to the entrance.

There, Yui gave her a pair of Uwabaki quickly before going to the counter and losing herself in a myriad of excuses, apologies and respectful bows. Explaining that her friend was not accustomed to traditions, she even went as far as proposing to help clean right away if the proprietor was inclined to let them stay.

Tama resisted the urge to facepalm at the trail of mud. Not that she blamed somebody used to living in a construct of her own making, but this wouldn't go down well with the proprietor. What better way to spend Christmas than thrown out into the snow with all our money eaten by fines, Tama thought as she followed Yui, her sense of duty kicking in even now.

"Uhh, Soma... Good to see you, but please, careful there. Boots and venues don't mix," she sighed, before turning and bowing to the owner. "I'll help too," she offered. It was only the polite thing to do, although she hoped the way she and Yui had reacted hadn't made Soma feel too guilty.

At least Luna was easygoing enough that she'd stay reasonably calm when she got back. Luna - Now there was someone who knew how to hold a team together, fix up a situation no matter how out of control. If she hadn't intervened during that hunt gone awry... Tama didn't want to think about it.

---

"Ohh?" At Touka's reaction to her decorating, Ayumu did her best puppy dog eyes. "What's wrong with cute little Christmas elves?" The illusory goblins cackled and grinned, gnashing sharp yellow teeth.

Before Ayumu could continue defending her aesthetic, she turned at a presence. A dark one, but one she didn't recognise. She watched as the stranger entered, followed by another, both people only Touka seemed to know. Right after them, a familiar face made her appearance.

"Heyyy!" She skipped over to her teammate, who looked utterly unlike her battle-ready self, bundled in layers upon layers of thick winter clothing and hunched over a book. Some members of the Detention Club may be unused to this side of Jin, but to Ayumu it was no surprise. "I have just the thing for you!"

She reached into the gift bag and frowned. "Hm? Oh dear," she said, holding up the bag so Jin could see it was empty. "I seem to have left it at home. Let me just take another look..." As she searched through it again, her eyes widened. "Ahh, silly me! I wasn't looking hard enough just now, here you go!" Producing a neatly wrapped book, she handed it to Jin.

It had just been a simple mundane trick, no actual use of magic required, but hopefully it would amuse her battle partner. Good thing the slight shaking of her hands, not just from the cold, hadn't messed it up. "Wait..." She rattled the bag. "Now, what could this be...? Aha!" Her Cheshire cat smile spread across her face again as she pulled out a box of assorted Chiroru chocolates, strode through the venue and placed it on a table with an exaggerated flourish. "Help yourselves, everyone! Just no fighting over them, let's not have the restaurant end up like the park."

She glanced from guest to guest, but it turned out one of the newcomers had to leave early instead of staying for snacks. At least the girl had enough taiyaki to last her a while, and little by little the venue was starting to fill. Maybe, Ayumu thought, this would be the first Christmas she'd get to enjoy. The Detention Club was her family now.

Just for today, all burdens could be cast aside for a few hours of carefree merriment. And surely nothing would dampen the festivities.

"They were hardly worth the attention, if we are to be frank." Rania added to Chiaki's comment about previous club members. With one graceful twirl of her wrist, Rania summoned forth her magic. A sort of black dust formed around at her feet until it grouped together and formed two skeletons with black bones. They moved close to the table with whatever food had been brought and one of them went on all four as the other one knelt down, forming some sort of grotesque chair. All the while, Rania grabbed a cup from the restaurant's supplies, along with hot water, before walking back to the table and sitting down on the bones amalgam.

After serving herself some of the tea brought by the sick girl, she sat back in her 'chair', one leg crossed over the other one.
"Not that I am expecting any Club members to, but I would not worry over Chiaki. She is more than capable of taking care of herself." she then took a sip of tea before adding "Now...curiosity begs me to ask: who among you bears the honor of succeeding me in the role of Code Keeper?"

"That would be me!" Piped up the bluenette from the kitchen, the closing of the freezer heralding her return to a room that had gotten rather cozy with magical girls in the past few minutes. She quirked out a hip and set a hand upon it while she addressed Rania, her affable smile standing in stark contrast to her biting night time persona. "Are you foggy on the rules, or are you looking for embarrassing stories of our glorious leader and company? 'Cause it's Christmas and I got both aplenty."

Kanbaru's gaze flickered from the seated girl, scanning the room and drinking in the festive cheer, only to alight upon a bag of takoyaki. Holding up a finger in refrain she trotted over and opened it, instantly being assailed by a familiar aroma. Her lips curled in a wolfish fashion and snatched two of fluffy treats for herself, tearing the head off one as she ambled back to Rania. "The Old Prez had some really choice tastes in snacks, for starters. Mmm, you should get some too."

Ami quickly plucked a chocolate from the box as she sat near to Ayumu, giggling as she popped it into her mouth. "We all know how good you are at magic ya know? No need to make everything a show~" She commented as she swallowed the chocolate, plucking another out of the box and popping it into her mouth. "You know, as much as I love candy I gotta ask. Did anyone bring any actual food? You know, like dinner food?" She swallowed yet another chocolate, propping her feet up on the table as she looked around. Her eyes quickly settled on Jin in the corner, trying to do her best to hide as she read her book.

"Jin! What are you doing over there? This is a Christmas party, not a book club!" Ami waved Jin over, scooting over a little to make space for her as she poured herself some coffee, with plenty of sugar. More than healthy really. Way more than healthy.

---

---

Jin looked up, smiling at her partner beneath her layers of clothes. Her book was set aside, keeping her pinky between the closed covers to mark her place, while she remained a good audience. "Aw, you didn't have to, you street genie. But here." Before she took her present, she produced a book of her own. Not as neatly wraped, in fact, not really wrapped at all. Just tied up with loose string in a plastic sack that it probably came from. "Its not much, but this was one of my favorite stories." She felt cheesy talking about how much she loved her copy of the book and how she adored the two protagonists's bond. Trailing off at the end of her sentence as she quickly exhanged the two gifts, trying to hide her light blush.

Before she realized it, her bookmark was gone and she sighed slightly as she rummaged back to where she was. Her partner had bagan offering chocolate to everyone; and, despite the ones who left, everyone seemd to really kick up thhe festivities. She closed her book once more and put it away with her present. Ami had called her over and she wasn't going to spend all night alone at the party. She walked over and took the seat offered to her with a nod. "Sweet enough~?" She poured herself a cup as well. She felt obligated to put some in, given the girl next to her, but she barely put in a fourth of a teaspoon. Sticking safe to her preference of black coffee.

Taking two takoyaki and sitting down, Ayumu chuckled. "But parties are a magician's natural environment!" she replied to Ami's remark. She had to keep up the act, after all. "Talking of such," she commented, staring in fascination at Rania's summoned skeletons, "that's one impressive trick right there. Fits the decor to a T." She handed one takoyaki to Jin and nibbled at the batter of her own, although she wasn't all that hungry. Her stomach still roiled with a sick feeling from earlier.

Wearing her smile like a mask, she looked over at Jin. "Coffee, warm snacks and a living heater," she said, with a glance at Ami. "Just what we could do with right now. And..." The playful glint in her eyes turned mellow as she rested her hand on the gift bag, which now contained her own Christmas present. "Thanks for the book, I hope you like yours."

As someone who'd always loved to get lost in make believe, a book was the perfect gift for her too, her own tastes often matching Jin's. Stories where things turned out alright in the end, with characters whose bonds held fast no matter what... This time, Ayumu didn't have to fake her smile, a hint of a blush spreading over her face.

With one raised hand, Rania refused the treat. "Thank you, but no thanks. I have seen...enough of those for a life time. As you may imagine." Changing position in the chair, she rested her cheek against her hand, elbow on the makeshift skeletal chair arm.

"Oh?" The perspective of juicy stories about the current President was interesting. "I wonder how such stories would contrast with the ones I have heard up until now." she said, playfully, as her eyes shifted briefly to Touka. "Alas, keep your stories for another time." Rania stood up, her skeletons standing up as well and eerily dancing, mimicking the multitude of Ayumu's Goblins, before slowly vanishing into dark dust as she walked towards the door. "It was a pleasure to meet you all, I suppose. I am not half as disappointed as I thought I would be."

Chiaki was gone longer than her usual. Rania did not worry, per say, for her companion but...it was unusual of her. They also were together for a long time - she felt something was wrong. "Well, President, thank you for having us as briefly as it was. I wish you all Happy Holdiday and Good Luck." With this, she opened her Umbrella and was out the door.

"You'd be surprised how many of the skeletons buried in past president's closets are less of the 'mortal peril' variety and more 'pants-on-head stupid' variety. Some nights the Detention Club acted more like a college fraternity. Mmmm, good times..." Kanbaru purred, lost in the bliss of waxing poetic about past glory. At last her eyes snapped open, only to find her audience both uninterested and shortly thereafter absent all together.

Thinking that could have gone better and now craving some social interaction, she went back to the kitchen and starting rooting around in the fridge. She triumphantly cried out as she returned, two jugs of spiced egg nog held up high before setting them on a counter and rummaging for glasses. Pouring the thick delicasy liberally among a dozen glasses, she raised one into the air and declared for all to hear, "Everyone, a toast to the end of a good year with even better friends, and a greater year to come!"

Elina arrived somewhat late for the party, her entire evening was mostly simply getting here. The busses were slow and arrived late and her walking speed wasn't all that swift with all this snow under her feet. She walked up to the place and took a quick glance around to perhaps spot her partner in the cold but like she much expected she wasn't there yet. She clicked with her tongue as she took the oppertunity to move into the restaurant instead of the cold. Elina stamped the snow of her boots before making her way inside immediatly being meeted with a handfull of girls she had never seen before. Her cheeks reddend while her eyes turned to the ground. This was quite awkward, especially when she was carrying this giant bento box with food. Elina took a quick gulp before she tried to introduce herself to the rest.



Yes quite awkwardly but it did do. Elina glanced over all the girls and was able to discover that nobody else supposidly wore a christmas outfit unlike her. On her head was a nice cozy christmas hat and a whole outfit under her jacket but her jacket was still on so nobody was able to see it yet, she wore a full red christmass dress with socks.



She was a little nervous just because of her clothing decision this evening.

---

Alara sat and smiled as the other girls entered the bar one by one. Greeting each girl that entered with a wave and beckoning them inside. Though really, she had to give it to everyone for quickly correcting Soma's mistake. It was nice that everyone was looking out for another. Sometime in the midst of it though, Alara went ahead and took it upon herself to slip away. She left a bit of her savings in the room for the team to do as they pleased. Transforming into her magical girl self and phasing out before anyone could stop her. She wasn't going to ruin everyone's time afterall, and surely there were some nightmares out and about even on today of all days.

Thankfully, the apologies and cleaning meant a crisis averted. Now to relax... To the extent that Tama ever relaxed. As she headed back towards the reserved room, a pulsing sensation between her shoulder blades nagged at her. It was as if her magic had other ideas, wanted to be used instead of caged in a crystal while Nightmares roamed the city. Tama slowed her footsteps, glancing towards the exit. No, she was here for a reason, she reminded herself. Overwork led to burnout, which led to desperation, which led... nowhere good. It was a wonder the other light girls still trusted her. Shaking her head, she turned away from the lobby and hurried to the karaoke bar.

At first, she stayed seated next to Yurei, sipping a cup of the green tea she'd brought along and trying - hoping - to leave the singing to others. She'd only just gotten out of an unwanted spotlight, away from her parents bragging about what a charming young lady they'd raised, by deliberately failing when they'd demanded she sing. As bad as she felt about having shown them up, at least she'd succeeded in getting kicked out of the Christmas gathering and fulfilling her promise to Luna. Even if she'd done her best, they'd have picked apart the slightest of mistakes once the dinner ended, as well as a whole host of other things about her. Better to spend time with friends who valued each other, than be put on display like some precious but useless trinket.

As the night went on, though, encouragements wore at her. She sighed and stood up. "Alright, alright. Seems unwavering determination really is a core magical girl trait." Despite her reluctance, getting up on stage for her friends was nothing like facing the scrutinising stares of her family. As she sang the first lines, in tune this time, her body started to ease from its rigid posture. Maybe taking some time out was worth it after all...

Her voice faltered as she noticed the empty chair. Of course. Trust Yurei to sneak out and about as usual... With good reason. For all the festivities, there could be more Nightmares around than on any other night. Would an evening of fun for the group mean one of tragedy for others? Trying to push away the thought, Tama resumed the song, but the lines kept evading her. The more duty weighed on her mind, the more the tingle in her upper back intensified. "Ah!" The yelp, amplified by the microphone, echoed through the room as she doubled over. The flesh around her gem had started searing with pain, the buildup of power almost too much to bear.

There was no way her reaction had gone unnoticed, but how would she explain it without guilt tripping her teammates?

Yui sat down on the couch, letting a deep breathe out of satisfaction after all this work they had just done over at the front of the bar. Soma really was something...but even as she thought this, never once did she even consider blaming, looking douwn on or being even slightly angry - it was not her fault. Also, friends sticked for one another! "I-I'll have some too, then!" Yui announced as Tama and Yurei served themselves some tea. It was not to last though, as she was first on the stage.

Her face quite red and hesitant, she nevertheless managed to choose a songand sing it through. Apparently, Yui had a voice that was more...surprising than most could have thought. There was something about Karaoke with friends...it took away most of her shyness faster than she could have imagined and without it, her voice surprised even herself. Now, she did miss quite a couple notes, but all in all she was pretty happy just having been able to go along with such a fast paced song. The song itself was qite good, and Yui thought she might actually keep it in mind...

Not surprising though was the speed with which she jumped off of the stage to go hide back beside Yurei. "Tama, your turn ! Show us how it's done!" she clamoured with the others, pushing her onward. "Th-that is...if you feel like it...! Of course..."

Her stare glued to Tama and the scene in general, Yui missed Yurei's departure. Something which she would be mad at herself at a later date, to be sure. However, the reason why she was staring was not only for the skills of her friend in singing but also because she thought to have noticed Tama feeling unwell. The more the song went on, the more she seemed out of it. Upon hearing her yelp, Yui stood up with a "Tama!" and ran to her friend.

"A-are you fine, Tama?"

>:3

Something small, warm and furry was brushing up against Tama's leg. By the sensation alone, it would have been easy for the Magical Girl to recognize the shape and form of a Mascot. Were it not for the televised head, it might have provided some semblance of comfort in Tama's time of apparent anguish; but that was what her friends were for after all. Noting Yui rushing to help her, the Mascot backed off from its nuzzling to sit patiently a way's away, tail curled over its paws.

>.>

Soma didn’t even think about the fact she was tracking mud even though she was just out in the fields, digging holes and refilling them for the better part of the evening and only just remembered about the party with no time to change. She didn’t resist, nor did she care much when she had to leave her boots, they were of no use here and the replacements were comfortable a good change in her already sore and aching feet. She also remembered to check her coat in at the door on the rack before heading back to the other making note to take her prize from the coat pocket; a tattered book that looked like it could turn to dust at any moment. Walking back down the hall to the rest of the girls and taking a seat at whatever was closest to the exit and sat down and began to look through the thing that had given her so much trouble to find.

“Fuckin cypher text, ” she said under her breath

"Ugh..." Her mind racing for an excuse, Tama spoke through gritted teeth. "Y-Yeah, I'll be ok, it's just, uh... The heating. Sitting by the radiator was a bad idea. I-I might need a moment to get some air..." She cringed at her pathetic attempt at a lie. The room's temperature was just fine, but she needed some reason to slip out without bringing down the mood for the others. They deserved to take it easy, whereas she had a responsibility to put right past wrongs.

Before she could leave the stage, she felt something rub against her leg. Something equal parts soft fuzz and hard angles. Wincing at the TV knocking against her ankle, she looked down and groaned at the sight of the mascot, which distanced itself as Yui drew closer.

"Well, I take it you're not here to join in the celebrations," Tama muttered, steely eyes fixed on the cat. No need for her to worry about killing the festive joy, this little critter would surely do so all by itself, if the appearance of a mascot meant what it usually meant. "Or to be the bearer of glad tidings. Are we needed somewhere? Yurei... Luna... Are they in trouble?"

Luna had certainly been gone a long time. Probably fighting Nightmares, with Yurei at her side, but if there was anything the rest of the team could do to help...

---

Touka barely glanced away from her spot to the acknowledgement Rania gave her. Though she did nod as the older girl gave her blessings, leaving to go hunting for her Senpai. She too had wondered what was taking Chiaki so long but figured it was nothing to be concerned for; or to care for. As the other girls sifted about in their own activities, Touka found herself staring back outside where the snow was. Her gaze lingered on Rania's departing form through the frost and ice before she suddenly blinked away, turning her head around.

^-^

The large flashing symbol reflected an eerie light on her face, one that caused Touka to "tsk". Mascots were annoying in general, but having them sprout out of nowhere was doubly so. "You things have a good track record of shooting the mood," Touka mused lowly, knowing no one else was bothering to hear her. Though it was only a matter of time before everyone else would notice the cat with a television for a head lounging around. "So what do you want."

<.<

"Welcome!" Ayumu beamed at the new girl, who'd introduced herself as Elina. "Call me Phantasmagoria, or Ayumu if that's easier. Ooh, food isn't gonna go amiss, Ami here was just asking about it." In an attempt to ease Elina's nervousness - presumably at being the only one with a Christmas hat - Ayumu took off her headband. "And don't ya worry, I can whip up some fancy headwear of my own." She passed a white-gloved hand over the headband, an illusion of black, purple-outlined antlers sprouting next to the top hat, like those of her shadow jackalopes, right down to the raggedy bunny ears that rose up on either side. "Ehh, closest to reindeer horns I could manage." Donning the accessory, she glanced around at the group.

"So! Who's up for some games?" she asked. "Card games anyone? It's ok, I won't cheat... much. Though if any of you want to learn how..."

She trailed off as her attention settled first on Touka, then in the direction the green-haired girl stared. "Ah, another new arrival," she said, the cheer in her voice wavering, to the TV-headed cat curled on the floor. She wasn't sure she fully trusted the mascots, considering how the life one of them had promised her had turned out, but this one had to be here for a reason. "What's up kitty?"

Ami sipped her coffee with a cheerful grin, responding to Jin's taunt with a simple [color-crimson]"Nope~"[/color] As she poured even more sugar in. As Ayumu commented on Ami's use as a living heater, that cheerful grin turned mischevious when Ami batted her eyes at the dark magician girl. "If you really think I'm that hot, why not come closer. Get the chill out of your bones, if you know what I mean." She licked her lips, staring at Ayumu with her sultry eyes for a solid three seconds.

She then started giggling with eyes closed, taking another sip of her coffee and waving her hand in Ayumu's general direction. "Kidding! You can't handle me at my hottest anyways~' Ami raised her glass as everyone cheered alongside Kanbaru, immediately proceeding to down the rest of it as she got ready for eggnog.

A newcomer arrived shortly afterward, finally bringing some real food for everyone to eat in a bento box. She was also dressed in full Christmas attire, making Ami wonder why she hadn't done that. What a wasted opportunity. "Alright, when we get together for New Year's Eve we all have to dress up! No exceptions!"

Some time passed, enough for Ami to stuff her face and consume even more sugar via all the sweets she had brought with her along with whatever everyone else had brought. The only time she had more fun was on Halloween, which this practically was considering the decor. She was right in the middle of bugging Kanbaru with the ever present prospect of sleepovers when she heard the magic words, those words that are sure to either kill or kickstart a party.

"No no no, we aren't doing some lame card games! Hold on now, I got something way better!" Ami rushed off to the kitchen, several loud crashes of metal against metal, along with glassware rattling as she searched for what she needed. "Aha!" And so it was found. A few seconds later a lot of liquid was emptied into the sink, with Ami strutting into the cafe with a smile and an empty bottle of sake in hand.

"A party classic. Truth or Dare! Or Spin the Bottle if you're feeling adventurous~"

The cheer wasn't as widely received as she would have liked, but there was enough that she could slam back her nog without a care and laugh with her cohorts. They were an odd bunch by nature, as being brought together by similar circumstance only would be bound to do, but there was still a warmth to be found that wasn't wholly formed by the tempermental nature of the season.

They ate, they laughed, and they did their level best to make fools of themselves without care for repercussions. It was the sort of carefree revelry that only existed in good company, and Kanbaru was delighted to take part in it. As the evening wound down Ami made the bold declaration of breaking out Truth or Dare, and Kanbaru masked a flinch behind a swig of her third glass of the evening. "Maybe next time."

She'd be a poor Oath Keeper to play along with that, and a kill joy to refuse mid-game. Feigning a case of the munchies she wandered off for more Takoyaki, determined to enjoy this party to the fullest. It wasn't often a Magical Girl got a quiet holiday, and the peace was well worth savoring while it lasted.

---

---

[ ♫ ]

---

Three days had passed since Christmas time cheer and festivities in Miso City. Three days since the coldest day of the year. Three days since Luna’s untimely and gruesome murder. The news had, as one would expect, been delivered by the ever-faithful companions of Magical Girls; Mascots. It took some time to decipher what those symbols meant, but it became clear through physical evidence of the deed that had been done. For the dark girls, Chiaki’s face was more than enough proof; for Luna’s fleeting companions, it was her mangled corpse in the snow.

Naturally, each girl went about their lives as one should expect. But the lingering shadow of doubt had been cast over those Magical Girls in Miso City. The reality could not be denied. One of their own had been murdered. To those of the light, it meant someone was suspect of tainted ideals. To their darker halves, it meant someone had broken the most sacred code of the Detention Club. There was no ignoring the implications Luna’s death had left behind, implications that had persisted for three days now.

There were those in suspect; those who had entered their parties late, or perhaps chosen to leave early. Enemies lay on both sides, be it light or dark. Yet all could feel that there was something strange and new now laying dormant in the city. An overwhelming presence was walking among the streets, undisturbed and unreported amongst the flurrying icy weather of Miso City. Whatever it was, it brought with it winds of change for the inhabitants of the city.

Still, the Nightmares were not concerned by the machinations of man. If anything, the grief Luna’s death had left behind spurned them onwards, causing erratic behavior among them. More and more attacks were mounting up and the Nightmares were becoming bolder and bolder in their patterns, feasting on humans from even before nightfall. It would mean more work for the Magical Girls of Miso City, both light and dark.

On this evening in particular, a heavy spike of Nightmares was hitting the populace. School was still out for the citizens, allowing more freedom for now to the Magical Girls. Although Touka did not publicly announce the order, it was expected for the Detention Club to sweep over the masses of creatures and further bolster themselves. Likewise, it was a light girl’s duty to protect the city from such insatiable hunger. Business as usual.

Still, there was the inkling of fowl play sifting through the air. The new presence that had entered the city was dormant for now, but it was anyone’s guess when they would spark activity of their own. Furthermore, there was no telling who Luna’s killer was, despite theories and pointed fingers. All that could be done was to fulfill their duties in the only way Magical Girls knew how. With the Mascots watching their backs.

---

It was late in the day. The rays of the setting sun only slightly pierced the cloud. Just enough of them came in from the room's window where Yui sat, alone, on a couch along the wall. It was Old Nanny's office. On her office; an opened letter. Yui's adoption's notice, as well as her legal papers. On any other days, it would be a source of tremendous joy...and it was. Although, that sun was clouded by other, darker clouds.

Her friends death. Luna was gone.
She did not know her for that long of a time, and yet...her absence left behind a bigger hole than Yui could ever have expected. To someone to whom all lives are precious, to lose a precious friend - her first, ever - was devastating. The grieving was only made worst by the what if's and the feeling of guilt. That evening had been perfect. Singing, Laughing while she had been...out there. Alone near the grave, after most had been gone, she wiped away tears from her eyes. Her mind had drifted back to Luna, on their last meeting at the Karaoke. "I will...I will uphold my justice. Just you watch, Luna. And...I will do my best to maintain yours..." The words broke on the end of her sentence, but the promise was there all the same.

Once all were gone, a blossom tree sprouted and grew to full size - and to full bloom, it's petals among the snowflakes. Magically maintained to life by Yui's magic, it would be the only plant she'd infuse strong enough to live through the winter on itself. A token of her promise...and to something more than even Yui may not have had time to realize.

---

Back into the Orphanage's office, the tears were long gone. For now. Yui was instead staring into thing air, thinking about so many things. Mostly, she was stressed out to meet her new adoptive parent or parents. She had read the papers and had only a name to go with...Tamashi Pandoria. The name was unusual...but it only led to more curiosity.

On this particular thought, the door opened and the orphaned girl heard the old lady invite their guest in the room. Yui immediately sprung up, trying to look on her best behavior...but obviously very tense. Both hands joined at her hips, looking slightly down.

Stepping slowly down the high-street towards the orphanage. A woman wearing a pristine attire. Casual but always with a flair for business. Hair a peculair shade of blue. To which it maintained the same colouration no matter the lighting upon it. Strange but not as strange as the fact that she was feeling quite... happy? it was strange but she felt ecstatic at this concept. Even if she origianlly had done this to logically fit in with the society better, it would not be a lie to say her better half had gotten the best of her. Just this once.

Arriving on the outside of the orphanage her mind was flooded with images of a daughter once lost. It was an old life. She wouldn't make the same mistake twice. Clutching her hand. The one that had been injured attempting to glean information from that strange girl she had incountered in the allyway. The wounds had certainly healed but it still felt itchy. Such was a byproduct of her healing magic, She'd get used to it, It wasn't like she had to regrow an entire limb. She slowly stepped forward. Feet making tapping noises on the cobblestones as she walked towards the decrypt, but still barely standing building. As if it only stood due to constant repairs. To call the allegory to herself slight. She could certainly feel a kinship with such a building.

Stepping up to the door she knocked twice. Certainly a good thing she had learnt. She couldn't just walk into someones home or even a public building without announcing her entrance. She was greeted by such a youthful child... She shook her head for a moment. No she was greated by what this society called an old lady. Still they seemed nice as they lead her towards the guest room. Pandoria smiling softly and calmly at them. Feigning normalcy. Watching the Nanny turn the turnknob she slowly walked inside the room. Moving into the office.

Her eyes softly glancing around looking at the ornaments on display. Curious artifacts, of bygone memories that people held attachment to and yet she didn't care for the bygone memories as her eyes softly moved again gently pacing the room before glancing down at Yui. Almost immediately. Any stony inquesitive look was replaced with a soft look of care. She wouldn't make the same mistake again. She wouldn't fail to be a mother again...



"Hello there Yui." Pandoria said smiling gently. Her voice calm, and her mannerisms gentle.

Yui was barely done straightening her clothes - an attempt to look pristine, possibly due to accumulating stress - when the pair got inside the room. The girl's eyes locked with Pandoria's at about the same moment...and at the same moment, her stress seemed to have dispersed into thin air. There was some sort of aura around the woman that had presented herself, yet Yui could not put a finger on what it was, nor what it meant. All she knew was what was before her; a woman who looked down on her like she never had been looked at before.

This thought alone may have brought some tears up to her eyes, but Yui fought it."Hello, Miss Tamashi." the girl managed to say, bowing down politely, but still too shy to walk forward. The orphanage lady, as for her, waited at some respectable distance knowing full well what it meant to Yui, and not wanted to force things nor accelerate a first encounter.

Yui was bright red, not directly looking at Pandoria.

Pandoria's eyes focused on Yui's expression, looking at her gently as she felt something well up within her, she wanted to hug the girl close and she wanted to protect them. Call it a motherly instinct amplified by what her existance had become. She couldn't put a finger on just how erratic her emotions were feeling. "Oh come now Yui, you don't need to be so formal. We're family." Pandoria said softly , taking a step forward towards the girl, gently and slowly of course to as to not intimadate them. She then reached out a hand, and gently placed it on Yui's head softly combing her fingers through their hair.

"Now come on, keep your chin up. Your Nanny has told me just how much you dreamed of this." Pandoria said smiling at the girl. She wanted them to feel comfortable to approach her. Nothing hurt her more then to see a child recoil away from her in disgust. Thus she was being extra gentle with the girl. She wanted to be the best possible mother for them after all.

Seeing other kids at the orphanage being picked off by their adopted parents. Imagining the day that she would...Yui never imagined it to be like this. She always pictured herself happily running into the loving arms of the ones who would accept her. She was wondering why she was not, and what was stopping her...shyness? Surely. Emotions were...complicated. As she felt Pandoria's hand through her air, a strange feeling rocketed through her body. It was like a shiver, but...warm. Recomforting. It might be due to Pandoria's magic - of which the girl was unaware - but it just as well might be something more pure.

After what Pandoria teased her with, Yui wanted to look away yet again but she did not. Briefly looking up at Pandoria, tears finally rolled down her cheek yet she was not sad. At the breaking point, when she burst in tears, she took the remaining step forward and properly hugged her new Mother, closely clinging to her. While it was awkward, to some degree, the good far outweighed the rest and Yui abandoned herself to it.

Pandoria stumbled back slightly at the sudden hug. It had caught her off guard this feeling, of the girl holding her close. Still she could only respond in kind as she wrapped her arms around them and hugged back. Quietly and succinctly to as to not break the moment. She knew this was likely exactly what Yui wanted, and who was she to trample on her daughters dreams. She smiled softly holding them. Certainly Pandoria even in her ancient wisdom... she couldn't help but feel a connection to the girl. Like that of a mother to a daughter. For a few minutes more of the hug, Pandoria held her.

"You really are sweet." Pandoria said softly. gently patting the head of the young girl.

"S-sorry..." she said as she finally let go, taking a step back. Then, Pandoria finally got to do the final paperwork needed while Yui was off to gather what few possessions she had. Those would fit entirely in about one suitcase only, as she only had some clothes to her name. Taking the suitcase back to the office, Yui arrived just as the adults were about done. She let the suit case by the door and walked up to Old Nan Yuri. She hugged her dearly, while also bowing and thanking her profusely for all the years and time she accorded to her. "I will come visit...! I promise !" Yui said as she finally gathered the necessary will power to walk over to the door, where Pandoria was waiting.

She grabbed her suit case and looked back at Yuri and the inside of the orphanage one last time before looking up at Pandoria and, slowly, grabbing her hand as they would walk out of the building.

“Tsk.”

The sound of a tongue clicking in displeasure was the only thing heard before a wave -- no, an avalanche -- of blinding, hot light swept through one of the many streets that were part of the cold, concrete maze of Miso City’s Downtown, ridding it of a whole horde of over-aggressive Nightmares in one fell swoop.

The one responsible for such an overreaction, which seemed to have been drawn by nothing but an unexplained annoyance, was none other than a certain well-endowed blonde that appeared to have a permanent frown glued to her face. Curiously, instead of magical girl’s idiosyncratic costume, she wore a uniform that distinguished her as a student of Miso City’s University. She stood alone at a barren crossroad as the last few rays of the sun disappeared behind the City’s impregnable skyline. While her eyes were focused on the miserable humans that were prey to the Nightmares not even a minute ago, no one seemed to be able to notice her presence, despite the apparent lack of any transformation that would allow the city’s magical girls as well as their dark counterparts to slip away unnoticed.

“Just look at what you did. These people are not your playthings,” she said under her breath in a voice that sounded as if she were chastising someone who wasn’t there, or perhaps, chastising herself for some perceived wrongdoing.

Before she had the time to go deeper into her introspection, another group of Nightmares captured her attention. The evil creatures fed on the negative feelings of a homeless group that gathered around a dying fire in one of the back alleys wallowing in bitter poverty in the otherwise richest part of the city.

While the disillusioned adults were completely oblivious to the ravenous masses of shadow that hovered over them, feeding on their dark emotions as their own power sucked the life out of the fire on which the humans depended, a small child seemed to notice everything happening with a terrorized look of shock in her face. She tried time and time again to get the adults to move, crying about the monsters in the shadow, only to be met with increasingly bitter responses until one of them knocked her aside, accusing the girl of trying to steal the fire only to herself, before hitting her in the face.

The blonde tried to look aside, forcing herself to ignore this situation which was out of her reach and take care of Nightmares. However, once the characteristic glow of an old CRT illuminated the alley as a mascot crawled out of the shadows toward the small girl, the blonde finally got fed up.

“Get away from her!” she shouted at the felonious feline in an angry voice, startling the girl who seemed to only now notice that someone else could see the monsters. “How many do you plan on making suffer? Get away from here now, and don’t ever try to trick this girl again, or else...” the blonde said before blasting the Nightmares with enough fury that she caused the fire to ignite again with renewed vigor.

“I’m sorry for that,” she said, approaching the girl who was too bewildered to reply with more than a nod. The adults were dazzled by the fire lighting itself up like that that they didn’t even notice the girl talking to someone that wasn’t there and certainly they didn’t notice as well when the blonde reached into her book bag and gave her a still-hot yakisoba bread that she bought not long ago. “Here, you can have this. I’m sorry that I can’t help you anymore at the moment,” she said before getting back to her feet. “If we ever meet again, I swear that I’ll do better than that. Please, take care of yourself in the meanwhile.”

The girl had finally snapped out of her shock after the blonde placed the hot sandwich in her tiny hands. The only thing she asked before the blonde continued on her way was the name of the girl who saved her since she was too worried about gobbling down her present before her “caretakers” noticed and stole it from her.

“Aegis.”

Was the reply she got.

---

---

It was supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Savoring the fruits of Christmas generosity as one lounged in the interim between the final holiday of one year and the beginning of another. They should have been bowled over at home, stuffed on left overs and enjoying the quiet of snowy days with kin and company. At least, that was what Kanbaru would have liked. Truly, she'd love nothing more then to be home, hold her sister in her arms and refuse to let her go.

Because someone had broken the tenuous rules shared between Dark Magical Girls, and when that last vestige of right and wrong is crossed, no one is left unscathed. Kanbaru was the keeper of the rules, and while that may not make her the de facto executioner of rule breakers, it meant she had to enforce them where she could.

So there she was, roaring across Miso City astride her motor cycle, her rear aching from being perched astride the seat in full magical regalia so long, she'd have made overtime pay from hunting since the discovery of Luna's death till then. The city didn't know it, but it was absent a staunch champion now, one who infuriated Kanbaru in the same way her partner did with her cavalier attitude towards their nightly work. That Luna had the ability to back up her brash ways only made the situation more worrisome, but that was neither here not there.

Riding atop a sheet of ice, her path across the rooftops was smoothed over beneath a wave of her magic that would melt without issue in her passing. The city was starting to drown in Nightmares, and even a Dark Magical girl could claim to not want every street corner to not be an all you can eat buffet of power if it meant blanketing the city in it.

They were selfish, true, but the city was where they lived. One didn't ruin the home they slept in and expect good things as a result.

---

---

Paranoia was a constant companion for Tsuruga, but even she found it novel to have it validated. After all, it's not a delusion when someone is out to harm you. Or at least, out harming Light Magical Girls, but even if they killer never laid a hand on the Dark Girls, it was inevitable the spill over would splash them in the face one way or another. Either the surviving victims would conclude the Dark Girls were somehow culpable and attack wildly, or the city would grow ponderously darker in their absence.

This of course assumed there would be more killings, but Tsuruga wasn't optimistic enough to think otherwise. Least of which reasons why being that she had no alibi for the night in question. Misanthropic tendencies made such social gatherings rather daunting a prospect for her.

However solitude was something she could ill afford for both safety, security, and the simple face that there were more Shadows then could be easily handled alone. A good thing then, to have a partner for such occasions as she needed help.

"...."

Except she'd been standing on Ami's doorstep for ten minutes now, hand raised towards the doorbell yet unwilling to take the final step. With a heavy sigh she retracted her hand and sat down on the snow dusted stoop, ignoring the cold creeping up through the stone in order to wrap her arms across her chest. "I can wait for her to be ready."

@I Need A Name


To most residents of Miso City, the evening was one of post-Christmas quiet. To some, it was a time of battle with no end in sight.

Street light blazed across crystal points that tore apart murky form after murky form. "Ugh... Geez..." Amidst the unknowing citizens trudging through the square, Angelite clenched her jaw as she slammed a spike-covered fist into one filthy creature. Spinning round just in time, she lashed a rocky wing across another, each storm of shards launched with even more vigour than usual.

Panting, dripping ooze that slowly evaporated, she looked up to see just what she'd expected. Countless more Nightmares slithered in from every street like a sea of black. "Y-You're really set on starting your evening meals earlier and earlier, aren't you?" she growled, fists still coated in stone armour as she charged towards one going for a man who sat slumped on a bench. "This... This city isn't your fucking buffet bar!"

Once she'd smashed through the monster, she sagged, shaking. When was the last time she'd had a decent sleep? A decent meal? She didn't know, or care. All that mattered was mustering enough strength to keep standing. To keep fighting. Fighting alongside Yurei, being strong for her and the others, relying only on her power as a light magical girl, with no assistance from the darkness she dispelled. She forced herself to turn away from the dissolving creature, despite the effort it took to move, let alone take on Nightmares.

She couldn't go against Luna's ideals. Especially not now.

Biting her lip and keeping tears at bay, Angelite staggered to Alara's side, the crystal shell spreading up her arms and sprouting more spikes as she prepared to assist her ally against the onslaught. They had to stick together. If only they'd all done so three nights ago... Things could have turned out differently.