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As much as Palis may have desired it to be, there weren’t quite nearly as many casualties as predicted. Certainly, there were those who wound up dead in the streets, but the combined efforts of Magical Girls had prevented what could have been a greater loss of life. By choice or chance, the long night had passed through the actions of both sides, be it by fun or duty. Even the Mascots had taken some notice in the chaos under night; how could they ignore such a mess?

Out of all the strange anomalies, what caught their interest the most were the appearance of Aegis and Palis; not to mention the impressive efforts laid out by the Black Knight for the dark girls and Angelite and Bastion for their light counterparts. There was no doubt they would be kept secured in the memory of the Mascots; though this was hardly the time for judgement of doubt. Not even a day had passed before Miso City had made a public announcement.

The result that no one had wanted came to pass; Miso City High would be cutting short its Winter Break in the attempt to horde students back to school quicker. The logic of keeping students safe within the walls of education and under the watchful gaze of actual authority was none too pleasing, especially for the Detention Club President. Indeed, even now as Touka entered the classroom, a mildly annoyed expression was left painted on her face.

Sure, New Year’s was only a day away and they had no school during that time, but as soon as that period ended it was right back to the classroom. Just thinking about it had Touka rolling her eyes. It wasn’t like cutting their break short was going to enlighten the humans on those mysterious deaths. Nor would it bring back the dead to the world of the living. What was most concerning, however, was that neither Aegis or Palis had been sighted since that night.

The President had figured that maybe at least one of them had been playing disguise in their school but so far her hunt had turned up short. Though it wasn’t a hasty deduction; after all, more than half of the Magical Girls within Miso City all went to Miso City High anyway. Even now Touka waved at a few of her club members in the shared class, taking her seat and staring out at the snow outside. Was she supposed to just treat the day like any other?

No. No, of course not. As soon as the day ended, and the Detention Club met, there would be many discussions to be had. Her eyes continuing to stare blankly at the icy landscape outside, Touka’s mind briefly flashed to Chiaki and she wondered what the former President was doing right about now. Then she cast those thoughts aside once her arm throbbed in a smidget of pain. She looked none the worse for wear since that fight with Aegis but the bitch’s blade still stung. At least New Year’s was less than twenty-four hours away…

---

---

The former Detention Club President acknowledged this with a tilt of her head, body turned and facing the window away from Rania. Her partner's words did affirm the strange presence in Miso City tonight, as well the random spike in Nightmares running rampant. However, that didn't concern her right now; both because she had no interest in helping and because of Rania's words. "So you met with my sister's murderer then. What did you do next when she told you all of this," was Chiaki's simple question.

Rania took the glass of wine which she had filled and brought into the room with her, sipping some of it as she crossed her leg over her other one, resting her head on her free hand. A favourite position of hers. "We fought." she elt out as if it had been a natural thing "There was someone else there. One of our sisters with a more inclined...positive way of seeing the world. I thought she was going to die...and I wanted to test this newcomer for myself. I like you Chiaki and I owe you some - but not enough to lay my life down for your dead sister." Another sip of wine.

"I let her go. Well, not like I could have stopped her anyway." she said, raising her shoulders and letting them fall down, with a sigh "You still feel her, don't you. If I do, then so do you." She stood up, with her cup, and walked over to the window. Also staring out."That Light Magical Girl I talked about? She was literally corrupted and became one of ours. Which might be good news if it did not speak so much of that Aegis level of power. What will you do?"

[color=ba2259]"I'm not concerned about your actions," was Chiaki's reply, not reacting as the other girl stood beside her. "Naturally you would have attacked an intruder in the city. No, that's not what I'm asking Rania. It might be more accurate for me to ask, what did you speak with this newcomer about." Saying this earned Rania a slow turn from Chiaki, expression unreadable behind her glasses. "It sounds like you've come into contact with a Demon walking among us. Devils spin with them all sorts of soothing lies so I'm curious. What did you speak to this Demon about."

Rania felt the eyes of her companion, but she only smiled and looked down inside her glass"Chiaki, Chiaki...if the 'soothing words' had reached me, would I stand here and tell you all this? You know me, you know what I am." she walked off a bit before continuing "Power. It is the only thing that matters in this world and it is what I seek. You have it, and I gave you my loyalty - but she also has power. Maybe more. Her presence in this city, at the very least, means more opportunity for growing in strength." She finally did look back at Chiaki

"She did say some very interesting things, I'll not lie to you...So, I ask again: What are you going to do?"

Even as Rania walked about, Chiaki's gaze did not leave her form. A couple of moments were spent musing upon the words offered though. "You lost to the Demon. I cannot blame you for failing to bring down my sister's murderer. Wishing for that is unfair. Even so, you should bear to remember that for all your attraction to power, you still lack it." Chiaki barely blinked as she took a step forward to position herself, facing Rania more clearly now. "Don't forget that you're only chasing the end trails. You're nowhere near your ideal version of power," the former president spoke in a near hiss.

"If you find yourself doubting loyalty to me, I'll will personally be the one to remind you of my power, Rania. I owe that much to you as your partner."

All pretention of smiles had left Rania's face at this answer, and she was contemplating her partner in a thoughtful manner. Thinking. Truly pondering the words exchanged. Then, as if nothing had happened, her constant permanent smirk made it's way back before she spoke again "I know my place, President. You need not remind me of our previous duel...and this discussion alone reminds me why I chose to follow you in the first place."

"Remember that, one day, I will reach this ideal Power of mine, partner. Until that day, if I ever were to lose my way...please do remind me of it." She offered her class of wine to Chiaki.

A pause as Chiaki stared at the glass. "Yes. Until then." Despite what she said, she didn't take her eyes off Rania. She had caught that falter in the smirk; if there was anyone who knew Rania best in this city, it was her. That was why she accepted the offered glass, pressing the sharp tasting drink to her lips.

-----



After her escapade through the city streets to try and help as many as she possibly could as well as her encounter with Touka and her blue haired friend, Gaia had been quick to fly back to her friends. Upon arriving, she had noticed that things calmed down around them...thanks to Soma and Tama, no doubt. Just as she was about to get to Soma, some other girl came from the sky to get her...another one of them, Gaia felt. She turned to Tama. "I'm afraid not. I was hoping she would be with you..." Her stare raised to the top of the building where she had been at the very beginning of this whole story - and snow kept on falling.

---

Time passed, and Alara was still missing. Yui did look for her, but found nothing much to her dismay. Nor could she feel her presence anymore...but she refused to believe that the worst had happened. Surely, she was out there somewhere. It was a certainty.

Despite all of the negativity that plagued the Holidays, there was one positive thing that happened on the magic of Christmas: she had finally been adopted. By Yuri, the head mistress of the Orphanage and the woman who raised her. Though she wanted to keep helping at the orphanage, Yuri made it clear that she did this so Yui could go back to school and live the proper life of a teenager, without the responsibility of an adult. For this, of course, she was happy and thankful beyond words or tears.

Now that she was standing in front of Miso High, however, anxiety took over. She looked one last time to make sure she had her bags, books and that her uniform was well adjusted then, with a deep breath, she walked in. After changing for indoor shoes and taking only the books she'd be needing, and her lunch, Yui left for class. Since she came in so early, she had to wait for almost an hour before the teacher came to bring her to the class. She walked in first and sought the class attention before announcing a new transfer student and asking Yui to come in. Once in front of the class, she bowed respectfully. "Greetings and thank you for welcoming me. My name is Murata Yui, I am glad to meet you all."

Then, as she took a closer look to her classmates-to-be her blood almost froze once her eyes spotted what she recognized as being none other than the Detention Club President herself...Touka, looking out the window. She also spotted her blue haired companion. While vastly different out of their magical girls attire, she still recognized and felt them.
Nonetheless, she kept her smile as she walked up to an empty desk, at the front of the class and sat down. She was glad to be back in school...but so far it looked like it would not be relaxing...

---

A whistling echoed throughout the strange store as the owner polished glasses, only putting one down once he could see his own reflection. A bird chirps from a nearby perch, a crow lands on his shoulder as he picks up the next glass. Nothing is said, a pile of breadcrumbs appears from seemingly nothing and lands on a nearby countertop. A swarm of birds flies towards the food, he just chuckles as he continues polishing the glasses. Yes, Henry could conclude that today was a very good day, albeit boring by his normal standards. He hadn't even decapitated anyone, despite the fact that it's already 12 o'clock.

"Hm?" His head swivels towards the door, something catching his attention. The glass is put down, the reflection briefly showing a scowl as he tries to pinpoint that smell. That smell, so familiar, yet somehow slightly off. The store is silent, even the birds feel the tension in the air. "Hmmm." The man is on edge, this is a dangerous smell. Well, not that dangerous, but dangerous for his cover at the very least. This was a convenient little store in the end, he would rather not have to abandon it because a fight broke out in the middle of the day where everyone could see.

Hopefully whatever lay on the other side of his door felt the same. Well, might as well be polite and invite the maybe customer in. "Come on in!"

And come in the newcomer did. There was no hesitation in their step as Palis entered the front door of the shop. She had returned once more to her more normal attire, concealing her presence as what these people would call a, "Mahou Shojo". The moment her boots stepped into the shop, all hell immediately broke loose. The animals, who were once docile and tensed, began screeching in a panicked frenzy as she stepped closer, walking up to the front desk. If she was bothered by the pets' reaction to her, she wasn't showing it.

"My, my. I know I call myself a "demon" but I never thought I'd be speaking to the real deal," she said, eying Henry with a cool gaze and a smirk. "But this city does love to attract all the weirdos, doesn't it? I knew I smelled something wrenching of Hell around here..." As if to articulate her point, Palis sniffed at the air, only to wince as the sound of a dog barking blasted by her side. "Wait, no. That's just the animals..."

Despite the roar of animals all around, seemingly all tension was gone as Henry groaned. "It's gonna take forever to calm all these fuckers down... I knew I should've stuck with a bar, but nooooo, I miss my dogs so I get fancy and double down. Fucking hell." He rubs his forehead with one hand, sliding it through his hair as he looks Palis over. Yeah, this was the smell alright. She looks a bit familiar too, not quite sure from where though.

"Well I feel like I'm at a bit of a loss to be quite honest. You seem to know who I am, or at least what I am, but I don't know anything about you kiddo. Well, other than the fact that you reek of... something. Still trying to put my finger on it. Definitely not Angel, not the angels I'm used to anyways." He shakes his head and shrugs. "Whatever. A customer is a customer in the end, no matter how weird they smell. Looking for a pet or a drink?" Henry asks as he picks up a glass, shooing away a bird that was trying to peck him. "No alcohol though, I don't serve kids the hard stuff."

"I'm probably older than you anyway." Palis made no effort to conceal her tone or her voice, eyeing up the glass of drunken stupor the demon held. "But no, I'm not here for a drink or pet. I doubt they'd like me anyway." Another glance at a snake coiling up and hissing erratically inside their cage proved that point. "What I'm looking for is a residence to stay. Somewhere to bide my time. I didn't think I'd be wasting daylight in this city but it's caught my interest. So I want a room; give me whatever you can, price isn't a problem," she said grinning.

"Don't suppose you have an ID to prove that?" The demon smirked as he swished around the booze, before setting it back down and shrugging. A room huh? Not exactly something he advertised, but everything has a price. And if price isn't a problem, that means he gets to go wild. "Alright then, price isn't a problem. Let's talk price then, since this isn't your usual bed and breakfast you aren't going to be paying with your usual cash..." He let that statement hang in the air for a moment before laughing, seemingly at a joke only he knew of. "I finally recognized your smell. You smell like the weird shadow monster things all over town right?" He nodded to himself resolutely before continuing.

"Keep me updated on fun stuff to do around the city. And I don't mean some lame nightclub or whatever, I mean real fun. The type of fun a demon likes to have. You do that and you got yourself a room."

"Oh my Mister Demon. Would you really ravish a girl like me?" Palis said with half-lid eyes, poking at his open-ended remark. "When you know I'm so young...dear, what would the animals think! Unless...no, you don't mean to have them watch do you!" Palis placed a hand on her chest and sighed openly, dramatic flair punctuating the air. "Ahh...but alas, what would the law think of that." She went right back to smirking, letting Henry have his laugh. "Well, I'm not opposed to relaying information to you. But I don't see why you can't do that yourself. You've been here longer than me, right? Surely you know the ins and outs of Miso City."

She tilted her head as her expression lit up. "Oh...unless this city's secrets elude even you, Mister Demon. Mayhapt, that might be the case?"

Henry waved his hand in the air in a so-so motion, leaning on the countertop as he waved away that same bird. "It's one thing to know of the local businesses and buildings. It's another entirely to have a live feed of the whole city and anything interesting that might be happening at any given moment. I can't be everywhere at once after all, but I suspect you might be able to." He then shrugged, closing his eyes and sighing. "Then again, I could be completely off base. In which case we have to negotiate a completely alternate form of payment, which would really just be a hassle. Unless you have some sort of legendary sword on hand, in which case it would be exceedingly easy. But I digress."

To this, Palis shrugged. "If it's information you want, fine. But you probably won't like it. Well...unless little girls wearing cute uniforms and getting torn up is your kind of past time, Mister Demon. If you wanna know more...that'll be a tv in my room." One particular puppy, whose barking was nearly right against her ear, earned itself a sharp glare from her. Immediately the dog turned its barks to soft whimpers as it crawled deeper into hiding in its cage. "And maybe a complementary snack to go with it too..." she mused, turning back to Henry, eyes gleaming briefly. They too seemed demonic as his though there was something else. "You said I smelled like the Nightmares out there? I guess that's not too far from the truth," she chuckled

"Done and done. Anything to get rid of this perpetual boredom I've been stuck with since I got here. And the girls aren't all that interesting I find, only way I would get any fun out of them is if they all ganged up on me." A thoughtful look crossed Henry's face as he said that, as if he had considered the idea for a brief moment. But the idea was tossed away just as quickly, there was no reason to believe some pathetic humans could offer even a minute of fun. "Also is that what they're called? Bit uninspired if you ask me, but nobody does. I would've gone with something like Fleshrenders or Black Pudding monsters." Another shrug, another chuckle. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, before opening them back up. "Room is ready, head past the cat section to the back room and head up the stairs. First door on your left, hope the TV is to your liking. Didn't know what type of snack you would like, so I went with a fruit basket. Everyone loves fruit baskets."

With that he straightened up and flourished his coat, grabbing a big bag of dog food as every single door on the dog cages opened simulataneously. "Speaking of snacks, time to feed the dogs." With a single arm he tossed the twenty pound bag into the air, not even a second later dog food was raining all over the place as the tatters of the bag floated down gently to the floor. It was absolute pandemonium at this point, dogs of all sizes and breeds running about, some barking at Palis, others just trying to eat as much as possible while free from their cages, entropy reigned in this place. "Oh yeah, you'll probably be dealing with some barking occasionally. The room is pretty soundproof, but these guys really seem to hate you."

The succesful obtainment of a room to stay in was all that concerned Palis. At least, until the dog food began raining down like a storm of swords. She stared unamused as kibble bounced off her head, some getting tangled into her hair. All the same, the dogs didn't dare get near her to lick it off, though they did keep barking incessantly. "Great. Fun," she muttered, eagerly heading to the back room where the demon had directed her. "These dogs are all dying in a night. Two nights at the most," she grumbled to herself, trudging to her space.

"Hmm, that would suck." Henry muttered to himself as his new guest trudged to her room. "Oh yeah, I completely forgot to ask. What's your name? I'm Henry if you care at all."

"I don't care. At all," came the reply of his newfound tenant. "It's Palis. Short for Palisade. Now leave me alone." The words were followed by a door slam.

"Harsh." Henry itched his nose as he walked over to the doors, opening them and watching as all the dogs ran outside, along with several birds taking flight. "I still feel like I know you from somewhere though..."

---

The school day couldn’t have gone faster even if Touka wanted it to. But at least there was some interest laced in what was to come. Be it by chance or choice, there was a new scent wafting in the class room, one that would very definitely catch the attention of every Dark Magical Girl in the room. Touka cast a sideways glance at the front of the class where Yui was being introduced. To think one of their enemies would be so bold as to waltz in, no, the nerve of her to do so…

But at least she knew she was outnumbered. Touka almost felt like grinning to think the other girl was but a guppy trapped in a pond of sharks. As soon as Yui sat down, Touka placed her eyes on the back of her head, watching her movements like a predator. Yet she wouldn’t strike; in fact, she doubted Yui even felt her right now. All the same, Touka only shifted her sight when the final bell for Miso City High rang and class would officially begin. Reluctantly, she moved her eyes up to pay attention to the class at hand.

“Good morning children! It’s so nice to see you again,” came the words of Miss Tamashi. Their home-room teacher seemed spunkier than usual and frankly, it was annoying Touka. Everyone had their break cut short, including the staff. There was no need to flaunt any sort of positivity. Still, the teacher was all smiles, brightening up the mood with her demeanor. “As we all know, we have a new student joining us for the remainder of the school year. Let’s all do our best to give Murata-Chan a warm welcome!”

Miss Tamashi ended that off with a bend of her hip and her fingers curled in the victory pose over her eye. It earned a couple of snickers from some of the students while Touka mentally groaned. Adults trying to act cool was the worst thing ever and it only made her want to slam Yui’s head into a desk for inadvertently causing this commotion.

“Right then, I know we’re all looking forward to the New Year tonight so let’s begin our last day of this one with some fun! Why don’t we go around the class and tell everyone what we did over the Winter Break,” Miss Tamashi said. Finger outstretched, she counted off each student to make sure everyone was actually in attendance before setting her sights on three girls. “Murota-Chan, Murata-Chan, Harasawa-Chan, why don’t you three decide who gets to go first among you?”

Touka cast her eyes right back to the window, only to blink as she saw a Mascot staring right back at her. Perched on a nearby tree, its televised head flickered what looked like a thumbs-up emoticon on its screen. As if that was supposed to be some form of encouragement. Yet it did accomplish one task. It distracted Touka from one of the other students watching her from their seat.

---

---

Time passes, lives come and go away, but the world of the humans remains largely the same on the bigger scale no matter how many eons elapse. She should have known it. No, she knew it but chose to ignore nonetheless because… “Maybe, just maybe I thought I could have made a difference. To prevent something like this from happening. But no, I failed to do even the simplest things. To keep my own word,” she thought as she stood before a small unmarked grave. Unmarked, yes, because no one knew the name of the one who now rested in it forever and ever.

“I should have known that something like this could -- no, would -- happen. What good is this power that I have if I couldn’t protect even a small smile. Much less...” Aegis kept her introspection to herself as she looked around, seeing all the fresh graves and and all those crying for those they lost in the eve of a time of new beginnings. “But this is will change from now on. I’ll end this… no matter the cost. But first, there’s one thing I must do,” she finished her thoughts, left an offering of a freshly-bought yakisoba bread as well as some flowers on the nameless grave before walking away from the crowded cemetery to track the sole reason of why she came to this world beginning by the place she could feel the greatest concentration of corruption in the whole city: Miso City High School.

---

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The buxom bluenette stifled a yawn before returning to her reposed position, both hands cupping her cheeks as she struggled to rouse her usual enthusiasm for the coming day. It just wasn't natural to be back in class before New Years and that was inevitably going to be reflected in the lessons for the day, but both teacher and student had to suffer through the panicked declarations of their seniors.

Kanbaru's eyes flicked towards her ex-partner and a flash of empathy went across her features. She found it difficult at times to consider Touka her ex-partner given all she knew, but it was a necessity with Chie's birth. They functioned as pairs, not trios, and leaving Chie with a fresh faced riddled with aggression and a flippant disdain for social norms was asking for exposure that none of them cared to invite. There was only so much to be done that could curtail Black Shot's aggression, an outlet of Touka's own darker desires, and after that short Christmas massacre Kanbaru felt a little too haggard for the colliding fates to follow.

Case in point, a Light Girl walked into class mere minutes before the bell rang, condemning them to the presence of yet another murder hobo. Kanbaru could think this with near certainty because she knew at a glance this was the one who nearly drove Touka into an apocalyptic fury with her attempt on Touka's life.

A glance two seats to her left told her all she needed to know about how the Detention Club president thought about this development, and with that came a jolt of mental anguish upon Kanbaru's creased brows. The inevitable sniping and grating on one another's nerves was already clear in her mind's eye and it was all she could do not to excuse herself to the washroom before a dazzling peppy teacher walked in.

"Nice to see someone has energy in the morning." Kanbaru chirped, some of her tension bleeding away as she folded her arms across the desk and lowered herself onto the waiting nest while she was of the few who appreciated the older woman's attempts to be vivacious. Were she only so blessed to be the same at Ms. Tamashi.

---

---

Suffice it to say, she was playing hookie. Tsuruga refused to be corralled back into the schools so soon knowing full well what the talk of the day would be. Either everyone would be begrudging the cancellation of their break or they would be whispering about the disaster she partook in.

No thank you, she got enough of that trying and failing to sleep. A better use of her time, and one that had no risk of being caught playing truant, was to take to the city in her transformed state and fly low between the buildings. Passing well clear over semi trucks, but still capable of window shopping in passing.

The joys of casual flight were still strong for her, even with the dreary weather and niggling worm of doubt that screamed at her to rush to class. Perhaps that was why she flew near the school area, supporting the fleeting aspiration of attendance yet knowing she'd likely not follow through.

"Hmm?" It was when her meandering parabolas drew closest to the school that she detected an alarmingly malignant force to her kind, in the form of a determined youth marching towards the direction of the school. Even at a distance she could tell by the squaring of her shoulders and the nigh palpable determination radiating from her that this was magical and dangerous.

And marching towards a school dominated by Dark Magical Girls and the uninformed masses. A veritable powder keg. Seeing a threat for what it was and knowing her kind weren't in the best of states at the moment, the only course of action was painfully clear. Banking towards her target, Tsuruga glided in slow and smooth, alighting before Aegis after her arrival was well and truly telegraphed for anyone with a bit of magical mojo.

"You don't want to go this way. My people aren't in the best of states this holiday season and you....you would start some fires."

The night that had devastated the city was over, but its aftereffects continued.

Tama did her best to lessen those aftereffects, to little avail. Grief and paranoia manifested in great swathes once evening fell, the kinds of Nightmares she was used to, but fending off that many was still no easy feat. The fact that the light girl team had lost yet another member didn't help matters.

For three days, there had been no sign of Alara. Not even during hunts. It wasn't like Alara to ignore Nightmares, but every time Tama held out hope of picking up on that familiar aura, she'd return home disappointed. That sick feeling of dread grew with every fruitless search. If anything had happened to her, a mascot would let us know, she'd tell herself, but even if Alara was still alive, her disappearance could only be due to something bad.

Worries whispered in Tama's mind, day and night, yet what she couldn't do was let them consume her. She had to hold on to enough light to stave off darkness, whether it took the form of shadow creatures or whether it threatened to take over from within. Soma was safe, for one, thanks to the timely intervention of the robotic magical girl. Then there was the other new girl, Honoka, accompanying the group during nocturnal battles, that relentless peppiness and determination bolstering their spirits. And of course, Tama and the others had to stay strong for somebody else. Luna. No longer near them, but no less someone to respect.

Tama traced the fraying cord bracelet under the fabric of her sleeve as she trailed beside Honoka towards the school building, her plodding steps contrasting with the redhead's springing gait. For the remaining light girls, it was a matter of clinging to their solidarity for as long as they could.

"Great way to help people affected by all this, pile school pressures on them early," she muttered to Honoka, catching sight of a certain dark-haired student and turning away. That last meeting with her former ally played through her mind.

...

Besides the newcomer in futuristic armour, Tama sensed another light presence, accompanied by one that felt all too familiar but wrong. She turned to see a scarlet haired girl in blue and white, the guitar strapped over her shoulder swinging as she stormed away from... Tama winced. She'd never get used to seeing her formed friend like that. Even if Ayumu had every reason to go that way.

"How can you just... just act like all this is no big deal?" the redhead yelled over her shoulder, fists clenched, visibly trembling all over. Various cuts and bruises peppered her skin, blood streaming down her side from claw marks.

Ayumu grinned, a twisted version of that uplifting smile. "Hey, I thought you light girls were all about positivity. Look on the bright side, it was a golden opportunity for me and Kiru to feed. And if anything like this happens again, it could be for you too. Things you can't do shit about won't bother you so much that way-Oww!" The new girl had whirled round, raised a hand and slapped Ayumu across the face. "Aw, c'mon!" the magician continued, putting on an exaggerated pout. "Don't diss it till you try it."

With a shaky breath and a steely glare, Tama advanced. "I think," she said, resting a hand on the newcomer's shoulder as she faced up to the dark girl, "she's made it clear enough this isn't what she needs right now."

Unfazed, Ayumu simply skipped over like in old times. "Ahh, Miyara, long time no see," she chirped. Up close, a hint of unease showed through the facade, face pallid, eyes haunted. "Look, I was just trying to help, is that such a crime? But since helping is the domain of you goody-goodies, I guess I'd better leave her to you." With that, she sauntered back to the ringblade-wielding girl.

Maybe it was the nature of bonds to break. Which meant new ones had to be treasured and nurtured while they lasted.

...

Looking up at the building instead, Tama sighed. On the surface, this all seemed so normal. The early start could be to settle people back into routine, give them something to focus on, as well as for protection. Yet after this Christmas break, things could never go back to how they'd been.

---

@SimpleWriter


Despite her parents' increased protectiveness, Honoka had been just as busy as the others, sneaking out at night to join them. She could still barely believe it, so many magical girls in one place - Maybe this was what gave her hope after such a disastrous event. As eagerness to prevent further tragedy spurred her onwards, she did her utmost to spread that positivity to the team, all the while keeping her own fears and doubts to herself.

What if she wasn't strong enough? What if she wasn't a help to her new friends, but a hindrance?

No. She couldn't think like that. They could train her, after all - provided the early end to the holidays left them enough spare time.

Bouncing alongside Tama, she leaned and whispered in her ear. "Think about it this way. These people all around... students, teachers... You could be the reason many of them are still here. The reason they're able to go to school as usual. You, Soma and Yui, you did more than you think."

This earned the slightest hint of a smile from the teal-haired girl, but something about her still seemed doubtful. Honoka hadn't expected such pessimism from a fellow light girl - was it due to the massacre she'd witnessed, or had she been like that for a long time, for other reasons? Either way, all Honoka could do was be as uplifting as possible, even if thinking back to that night made her ribs clench the breath out of her.

"Well, gotta get to class, so later!" she called, heading into the building. "I'll go check on Yui."

She hurried down the hallway a little too fast, wincing and clutching her side. The jolt of pain, the bandage she could feel through her shirt, reminded her why she needed to get stronger. She wouldn't be too much of a nuisance if she asked Yui and the others for a training session... would she?

Spotting Yui standing by the classroom, she put on a brave face, bounding over and clapping her on the shoulder. "Hey! You'll do fine, I know you will," she said, with what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Let me know how it goes!"

As she left for class, she thought over the New Year's resolution she'd make - be a valuable team member.

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@SimpleWriter @TheWindel @floodtalon


Typical. Just as the fun had started, Miso City High had to go and ruin it all, Ayumu thought as she woke up that morning. Fun. That was how she had to think of the mutant Nightmare incident. If she viewed it any other way... She shook her head, shuddering. That was exactly why she couldn't. No point in self-inflicted torment. She needed to make the best of bad situations, quit dwelling on things she couldn't change, live for herself.

"I promise," she whispered.

On the way to school, she reminded herself the cancelled break didn't necessarily spoil everything. Surely the Detention Club would have plans for a New Year celebration. She suppressed a smirk as she made her way along the snowy path to the building, sending a quick text to Touka. "So!" she tapped. "What shenanigans are we going to be up to later on?"

It was when she put her phone away that she spotted two people who sent an unexpected pang through her. Turning her head, she inwardly chided herself for being silly. Why should a glimpse of Tama or that wannabe rock star even affect her? If that killjoy wanted to deal with shit every night and drag the newcomer through the mire with her, that was her choice. They just couldn't expect to come out of it squeaky clean. Nobody did. Hopefully these two and the other light girls would learn this with minimal drama, willingly cast off their ideals instead of having them ripped away.

She might have to talk some sense into them later, but not right now, she decided. Being late would tarnish her good girl act. She headed inside, towards the classroom - then stopped.

"Huh. Can't say I expected to run into you here," she commented, strolling over to the little green-haired nuisance, noting her awkward pose. "No need to be so nervous, it's not like you don't already know some of your classmates. Who knows, if you wanted, you could fit right in with us."

To any ordinary student, she'd sound friendly, encouraging. Only Gaia would pick up on the underlying taunt - and piece of advice. Advice she probably wouldn't listen to. Yet.

Taking a seat, she raised her head as the teacher strode in, exuding cringe-worthy cheer. Ayumu resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Sure, she was partial to theatrics herself, but she pulled them off much better. Of course, to make matters worse, the first thing Miss Too-Much-Caffeine did was stick her and Ami into a group activity with that Murata girl of all people.

Ayumu bowed her head. Best to get this over with. "I'll go first," she offered, pretending to have enjoyed Christmas time more than she actually had. "Winter break was a great chance to hang out with friends, and to put on magic shows at parties." Like at the Detention Club get-together, and during the regular 'parties' the dark girls had every night... just not the kinds of magic shows most students would have in mind. "I got to try out some new tricks. I'll bet nobody expected me to pull off this fully mechanised Drill of Death illusion! Nahhh, just kidding." Or so the ordinary people would think. That Nightmare had made a most amusing assistant for that little display.

She turned to the other two, eyes flicking between her friend and her enemy. "Ok, which of you wants to go next?"

---

“And who are you to give me orders without even knowing what are my intentions?” Aegis said to the girl that had intercepted her. The blonde brought one of her hands to her hips while the other held her book bag over her shoulder with a strong grip. If these signs of her displeasure after being interrupted by a corrupted magical girl weren’t enough for the other girl to notice Aegis’ state of mind, certainly the piercing glare coming off the blonde’s honey-colored eyes would be.

“If you do not want what happened yesterday to repeat itself, you’d better stand aside,” Aegis threatened in a less than amicable voice. whether or not the other girl got her idea right, was none of Aegis’ business.

---

---

Anyone who saw the state of Chie’s body as well as her amok behavior in the last few days could be understandably confused by the red-haired girl’s current self. After all, Chie had reverted to her reserved persona as soon as she stepped inside the sacred halls of education of Miso City High.

However, if someone wished to discuss anything with Chie, they would have to find her at the Nurse’s office, which was where she headed just before the classes were about to begin. It would be much better to stand the day feigning that she had some lingering injuries than taking classes at the risk of one of the light magical girls (who infested the school right now) forcing her into an improper mindset. Especially when there were much greater forces at work right now.

---

Just like that it was over, no sooner than she arrived the danger had begun to slowly level itself out and quickly dropped over the course of the remaining night, with having only saved one-person Rose took to inspecting the rest of the city looking for the highest concentration of malefic energy she could, the result being Miso high. It wasn’t necessarily difficult to procure the necessary tools needed to attend school without attracting attention. Slipping her backpack on and heading towards the school in a half-transformed state her expanding mind on as usual constantly feeding her information mostly about her surrounding being that she had never been on the side of the world before now.

The walk was uneventful until her Dragoon system’s HUD overlaid with real life giving her a better understanding of the information currently around her. The cause of the alarm was two girls in the middle of the street leading to the school having a civilized discussion. Rose peered closer calling up an overlay for them in specific, under both girls were a set of green and blue bars representing health and mana and then under that were two boxes one red the other blue. The blue box was under the obviously dark girl with a note saying, \\This fight is a fair toss-up// while the unknown girl that even her system couldn’t identify was red and read \\What would you like your tombstone to say?//

One way or the other Rose had to get past them in order to attend her first day of school and the dark girl was clearly the one stopping them, so she just strolled up beside the actual threat who only wanted to move forward.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything, but are you going to stop me too?” She asked butting her head into their conversation with a smug smile, “I’m sure me and my new friend here only want to peacefully attend class with the complete innocent intention of learning” she continued her words being directly translated via the Dragoon system of which otherwise communication was impossible.

A few seconds after Rose made her impromptu introduction a second light girl Bastion as a matter of fact just strolled on by as if nothing were going on "Morning" she said dismissively without a single care in the world.

---

---

The Dark Girl flinched under the weight of Aegis' vitriolic stare while her words set Tsuruga's teeth on edge. She couldn't be certain what exactly this Light Girl was threatening as she doubted even the most zealous of these uptight murder hobos would threaten to massacre civilians, but it wasn't a secret the Club President was roughed up pretty bad as well. "I don't want to fight you, but you're as abrasiveness as- "

Only for Tsuruga to gape as two more Magical Girls joined the first. At a glance she could tell the first one, while unfamiliar, was at least within her range to go against without being totally crushed. No, Rose's cheek wasn't the problem but rather the one that rightfully decided to just walk past. "Oh damn it all are all of you enrolling in school now? What's next, did you stop living under bridges too!?"

"Look here!" Tsuruga shouted to mask the shakiness in her voice, wings spreading wide to give her greater presence before furling back behind her. "If you go in glaring daggers at every Dark Girl the schools going to look a lot like downtown, so just, I don't know, promise to pretend you aren't looking to murder us? Seriously we do not need all of you pissing in our cornflakes."

---

“Hah, all of us enrolling? That’s your problem with me?” Aegis replied to the Tsuruga’s worried plea with hearty laughter, more or less ignoring the arrival of the other two. What they did or not was none of her business but the blonde couldn’t happen but be amused by the source of this confusion.

“If that’s the problem, you needn’t be worried. First of all, I’m not with those two. My mission is mine alone. And second,” Aegis produced a student ID from one of her pockets before continuing, “I’m not a kid like you. In fact, I’m here at this time because I don’t have to bother with ‘special classes’ like you do.”

“As soon as I get what I’m looking for, I’ll get going. This you can be sure of, after all… I’m not looking forward to having ‘that’ happen again,” Aegis said in slightly less abrasive tone — especially the last part of her sentence — as she put her ID away and attempted to resume her walk past Tsuruga. “Just do a favor for your own selves and don’t get involved with what I’m doing here. All of you,” she said, turning to look at the recently arrived duo.

---

"I will." Yui said calmly as she pushed her chair back and stood up, looking only at the teacher and Ayumu. If the presence of at least three Dark Magical Girls unnerved her, Yui was not displaying it. Not on her face and not in her aura neither. Walking up to the front of the class, possibly looking pass any look Ayumu might have given her when she headed back to her own chair, Yui finally turned to the rest of the classroom.

"Hello." She did a small and respectful bow before rising again, now wearing a honest smile "As I mentioned before, my name is Murata Yui. While winter break was a great time to see friends and have a good time, it was also tragic...as I'm sure everyone knows." That last part was added to make it less personal, as everyone in the city were affected by the tragedy that had happened. While she more than likely meant it, only other Magical Girls knew the extent of the event Yui was talking about.

She had stopped for a few seconds. Soon, though, with renewed positivism Yui joined her two hands at her chest level excitedly "...but every tragedy is a reason to grow stronger...and learn to cherish what we still have." with this last sentence, her stare met each Dark Magical Girls present in this classroom. However, it fell on Ayumu as she delivered the end of it. There was no way Yui knew the depth of her loss, but she had felt the hole in her heart. Others had greed or anger, but in that one Yui felt only, deep inside, sadness...with a sliver of hope.

"This is why I am happy to be among you now and start my new life. Thank you all." She bowed yet again and went back to her chair, content.

The first thing Ami had done once she got into class, was she sat down and went back to sleep. She didn't want to be here, nobody else wanted to be here, but unlike everyone else she had no problem with showing her immense displeasure with the situation through active rebellion. Even once class started, Ami dreamt of much funner stuff she could be doing rather than this. She could be watching TV, or going to kill Nightmares. But no, she has to attend school because society says so. How absolutely tedious.

Ami's light snoring was quite audible throughout the class, her ignorance of the teacher and everyone a direct insult to the school which had forced her to cut her break short. Her head rested on her arms, face down onto the desk as she napped through class once again. For a brief moment the snoring stopped, right around the time when Miss Tamashi did her weird pose thing, but the snoring quickly resumed after the giggles died down. “Murota-Chan, Murata-Chan, Harasawa-Chan, why don’t you three decide who gets to go first among you?” Ami shifted in her seat slightly, awoken by someone addressing her but not bothering to raise her head and address them.

The light girl went up and did a big speech, probably staring at Ami as she did so. It made her want to vomit, that innocence on display. Which would shatter first Ami wondered, her purity or her skull? For her sake, Ami hoped it was the former instead of the latter. Finally she went to sit back down, meaning Ami had to go up next. Did she though?

Everyone in the class was staring at her now, someone was probably on the verge of trying to wake her up too. How annoying. Fine, time to get it over with. She raised her head just enough so that she was facing the front of the class, made the most annoyed expression she could, and spoke.

"For my winter break, I killed a bunch of goo monsters and ate candy. Just like I do every single week." With that blunt statement out of the way, Ami put her head back down and went back to sleep. What a waste of time this all was.

---

“Club meeting later. As always. Not much unless the others want to do something for New Year’s.”

Only now had Touka read over Ayumu’s text, ignoring much of the class to slip her phone free of her pocket. She could have cared less to whatever friendship scheme Miss Tamashi would induct on them and it wasn’t like anyone else would catch her act. Indeed, it only took a few moments to shoot the other dark girl a response before slipping her phone away; just in time for Ayumu to give her Winter Break report to the class.

When Ayumu finished, Miss Tamashi gasped with a hand held to her head with surprise. “Goodness me, the Drill of Death illusion! That sounds dreadful, oh!” At least her theatrics had somewhat roused the rest of the class, even if it was just the first row. The next up was Yui and despite her better judgement, Touka found herself turning on the edge of her knuckle to lay her gaze on the second green-haired girl. No doubt the one light girl in the class would give a speech that dripped down her spine with irritation.

And of course, it was exactly what Touka had expected. For the most part, she had tolerated the speak of the dead. The only death that affected them all as Magical Girls, light or dark, was Luna. Luna, whose passing had brought with it powerful forces to their city and a new underlying veil of tension they all felt. But as Yui continued, letting her gaze stare at every one of the dark girls, Touka narrowed her eyes. It could have been so easy to let a wire run loose and watch Yui’s head roll right off for all to see….

But in the end, she wasn’t even the target of her sight. Rather, Yui’s speech ended with her looking right at Ayumu. “Oh, yes…yes, you’re absolutely right dear,” said Miss Tamashi, who almost looked on the verge of tears with a light sniffle. “We have to remain strong in these dark times,” she said, clearing her eyes and this time letting her gaze linger on Yui. “All of us.” Touka rolled her eyes.

Well at least they were onto the last person in this stupid exercise. Much like most of the students, Touka turned to look at Ami now. Frankly she didn’t care if the other girl slept through class; that was just in her nature. But Miss Tamashi had other ideas on the matter, hand on her hip and sentiment gone as she glared at Ami. Once the dark girl had actually given her report, the teacher could only gasp in admonishment.

Touka stared as well…before holding down a dark snicker to herself. Leave it to Ami to be blunt about matters, to the point where she decided to ignore how the other girl could have just revealed their secrets to the world. Probably why she liked her. “M-Murota-Chan, I will not tolerate such brash behavior and crude, false remarks! Especially in this hour of need and right after Murata-Chan’s sweet speech too! Why, if it wasn’t for the New Year spirit, I’d give you a detention!”

Not like that mattered and Touka nodded in the most saccharine way she could when the teacher looked at her. Of course she’d “reprimand” Ami as the president of the rehabilitating Detention Club. Not likely though, but it was the thought that ultimately mattered anyway. Better to play along the good girl act they were so very fond of. Eventually every student had gone about their turns and reports. Lessons began and the day turned right back into a dulling state.

At some point the lunch hour had arrived, Miss Tamashi cheerfully stepping out of the room while the students were left to coerce with themselves. Having brought her lunch today, Touka remained in her seat and at her post, watching the faint ice of the outside window. It was a brief time to basically do whatever; it wasn’t like the school could very well stop the actions of a Magical Girl. Even so, the girl from earlier who had watched the Detention Club president continued to do so without her notice.

---

Rose smirked and stood her ground as the other girl gave herself a bigger body by spreading her wings out, crossing her arms and widening her stance not giving off a threatening aura but defiantly steadfast. “I don’t like to fight fellow magical girls dark or otherwise, but I won’t be bullied, let alone pushed back, ” Rose warned those smirking lips parting to give off a very shit eating grin before the blond girl began to talk and explain her motives.

//The unknown’s mission might line up with the users’, suggestion: Follow//

Her digital assistant that ran her expanded mind chirped away in her head about its suggestions from time to time and caused her to completely miss the blond girl’s speech, but thankfully her little helper gave her a play by play seconds later. “Well unlike her I actually am attending this school full-time soooo I’ll see you in class senpai,” she said in a nonchalant almost mocking tone before going around the angry dark one and closing the gap behind Aegis.

//That girl will remember this user//

//Unrelated note, the dark girl’s emblem is on her back near her neck and between the shoulder, the weapon you would receive would greatly assist in aerial combat//

“Hey, my name is Roselyna, don’t know you but I have a gooood feeling we are after the same thing” she explained folding her arms behind her back casually interlocking her fingers together

---

---

Meanwhile, Soma has managed to lazily scoot her lazy behind to class, she hated to be her and was feeling extra ornery from having to wake up so early. She had to discover the reason for last night and this school was the biggest concentration of energy in the city, which was amazing considering if anyone who could sense magic looked at her house it could be mistaken as a holy bonfire burning that dank holy. As Soma entered the class room with one backpack strap hanging lazily off her arm the girl wasted no time in taking her seat right next to Ami a dark girl and completely failed to notice as she didn’t give the girl much of a look over or a look over in general.

“Sorry, I’m late…being new means you get a lost….a lot” she explained to the teacher aloud in a tired deadpan voice.

“...” Aegis let out an audible sigh as she noticed that she was being followed. Did those girls not learn anything from what happened less than a week ago?

At first, she thought that if she remained quiet and ignored the other she would get the message and go away. When that didn’t work, Aegis turned around and said, “Oh, is that so? And what if I came here to borrow a book from your library? Or apply to an internship? Would that still be the same thing you are looking for?” while piercing the other girl with her characteristic dagger-like glare.

“At any rate, I have a feeling that trying to shoo you away won’t really work. Just be aware that, if you keep following me, I’m not responsible for whatever happens to you. You really don’t know what you are getting yourself into…”


“Excuse me,” a voice — a hesitant one — finally came from the desk behind Touka’s. Its owner had remained silent through the course of the whole first half of the school day, seemingly soaking in all the details of the classroom before making any actions of her own. “Would you like to have lunch together?” she said as she produced a lovingly-packed bentou box from within her desk.

“I brought my own as well. But, eating with company makes the food have a whole other taste, right?” she said. “By the way, I guess that we have been classmates for a pretty long time but I never got the chance to introduce myself. I’m Seyrun, it’s a pleasure meeting you,” she added, extending her hand to Touka in a definitely Western greeting.

---

The bluenette tried to pay attention to the front of class, but she couldn't help herself in keeping a wary eye upon the Club President. Touka wasn't so consumed by rage as to attack in the midst of class but better to err on the side of caution. Fortunately Touka had mellowed out enough that her worries were unfounded and Kanbaru could sag into her folded arms like a contented feline.

And Ms. Tamashi chewing out Ami just brought a smile to her lips as she idled through the rest of class. Finding no reason to tail her glorious leader she decided to take her lunch elsewhere. Wearing an ear to ear smile she brought out a large bento box courtesy of her adorable sister and trotted down to the Nurse's Office where she felt a mass of darkness stewing all through the school day. The nurse's desk was empty so she slipped inside unannounced and ducked past the curtains to where Chie feigned illness throughout the day.

"Hiyo Partner, fancy finding you in here. Everyone sends their well-wishes and hope you feel better!" Kanbaru chirped, bubbling with saccharine excitement as she sat herself down on the edge of the bed opened her packed lunch. Only for her face to freeze with an imperceptible twitch in her cheek as she found the meal her little sister promised was, in point of fact, cold Chinese takeout stuffed into her box straight from the fridge. Poking the rise and finding it stiffer then she'd dare to eat, Kanbaru's bubbly enthusiasm deflated. "And here I was going to share with my ill partner. Ugh..."

Changing tact she set aside the 'meal' and leveled a stern gaze onto her partner. "So Chie, are we going to talk about you're actions recently? I seem to recall we're having a bit of a crisis over one dead girl, and you tried you're hardest to at least add another to that. And with how hurt Touka got I can tell you aren't emotionally settled either so don't blow me off."

---

Very briefly did Touka drag her gaze away from the exciting imagery of the outside window to look at the voice addressing her. "And what makes you think I want to start talking to you now?" was what she'd have liked to say. But the Detention Club President had an image to maintain. Only faintly did she stare evilly before taking Seyrun's hand in her own with light shakes. "O-Oh, hello Seyrun. No, we haven't really m-met yet? Let alone talked...u-um, was there any reason to or did you just want to e-eat together?" Touka said, nervously glancing at her own takoyaki lunch.

"Well, hmm..." Seyrun hesitated for a moment, thinking what would be the best way to explain her reasons. "Well, my friends didn't come to the class today, probably because of all this chaos. So, I thought that maybe I could talk with someone else? You know, make new friendships. That's one of the things we are supposed to do at school, right?" she said while trying smile, even though something deep inside of her felt pained, not only because of her friends possibly being hurt, or dead, but also because Touka just felt... different. Somehow.

"O-Oh, I see. It s-sucks not having friends..." The more Touka spoke to this Seyrun, the more she felt herself drawn by her. There was an aspect laying hidden here, just beyond her sight; but what was it? It felt all too familiar... "Well, I g-guess I can be your friend? If you'd think I can b-be..." Yes, that's what it was. In this close proximity between girls, there was no denying the strong magical energy that was almost leaking out of Seyrun. This girl had potential, one that Touka almost felt like grasping in her own hold. This Seyrun person had the potential to become a powerful Magical Girl for either the Light or the Darkness. "S-So, how have you've been g-getting along all year?"

"Yeah, i— it sure does," Seyrun replied in a bit of a downcast tone before realizing that Touka agreed to having lunch with her, causing the blue-haired girl's mood to raise once again.

"Excuse me," she said as she dragged her desk closer to Touka's. "My year? Well, it hasn't been anything special. Outside of regular and cram school, I don't have much free time, so I guess I can't do anything that exciting? Then again, that's supposed to be like any other students... I think so?" She added. Seyrun unwrapped the delicate cloth that covered her lunch and took a moment to make a short prayer or something like this before asking, "But, anyway, why did you ask that? I don't think we can be that different in how we spend our time, can we?"

Touka nodded along, wondering at what point this girl would shut up. While she spoke, there were more pressing matters to consider; such as why the hell had she never noticed this girl before. Her magical output was high enough to catch any dark girl's attention so why only now? Maybe it was only recently she had developed such nature. All the same, Touka blinked in confusion as Seyrun pushed their desks together, getting too close to comfort without the dark girl strangling her. "Yeah. I was just wondering that's all. W-We've never spoken before, right? It's only n-natural I should know about a new f-friend, ehehe...."

"Yes, I guess so. I— I shouldn't be that reserved when I'm the one who's imposing on you, I'm sorry," Seyrun answered just as her cheeks got red with either shame, or embarrassment. "Anyway, I believe this is the first time we talk in any substantial way ever since the beginning of the year. That said, you have a bit of name for yourself in the school, while I'm just another everyday girl. It's expected that something like this would happen," she said, trying to consider everything in a realist manner.

Touka observed Seyrun's cheeks with some disregard; what was this girl, thin-skinned? But power didn't need to talk, dark girl leader still nodding along in good fashion. "I-It's not a problem. We should get to know each other b-better, right? That's what friends do..." Inwardly, she smirked, no, snickered at the other girl's foolery. Corruption would be too easy for her but it would give their ranks a handy tool of destruction if need be. Yes...and when she crossed Aegis again, they would have new power rather than numbers on their side. She could already see the Angel's pathetic defeat, the image making her clench her hands slowly.

"I think so," Seyrun said as she concentrated at the important things, that is, eating. However, before she began to have her lunch Seyrun faced Touka while smiling and said, "You know? I'm trully glad I got to talk to you today. By the way, what are you having for lunch?"

---

The teacher's gaze did not escape Yui, though she had no reason to think anything of it other than her apparent overflow of emotion at the speech. Lady Tamashi really seemed like a character and Yui did not know how to deal with such a personality. Furthermore, her reaction to Ami's outburst - that is what it seemed to Yui - comforted the girl. In a class where she was surrounded by Darkness, the Teacher seemed like an additional source of light.

When Lunch arrived, Yui took her prepared meal and also left the classroom in order to seek out her friends and, at the same time, explore the school somewhat. She could not help but notice how a girl came in to talk to Touka as Yui got out. They did not seem very familiar to one another, and it incited Yui's curiosity...but there was no reason to incite the president's ire by forcing herself on her or any other Dark Girls so soon.

After walking for a few minutes, and before the break was over, Yui found some place with no one around to sit down, right beside a window. As she got her things out, she noticed some people she recognized, outside, down below at the school's entrance. The new light girl with wings, and more importantly...that blond girl from the other night: Aegis. What was she doing here?

School days promised to be anything but normal or relaxing...Though now was not the time for any kind of confrontation, friendly or otherwise. Curiosity could wait, she thought as she got to eating her Lunch in peace.

Ami didn't really care about being chewed out, it was only the fact that she was too tired to be sassy that kept her from sniping back at Ms. Tamashi about her forced cheer and how stupid both Yui and Yui's speech was. Then halfway through class, what could only be described as the most intense and irritating aura of light sat down right next to her. An audible groan rumbled from her throat as she buried her head further into her arms, all hopes of sleep dashed from existence as she had to suffer even more. Finally lunch rolled around and the final straw was drawn. Ami forgot her lunch. She was in such a rush to get to class, the class she never wanted to go to, that she never packed herself a lunch this morning.

Her chair scraped across the ground as she got up from her seat, silently moving past Soma and out of the classroom to go take care of business. About five minutes later she came back in, only noticeable to the other magical girls. Why was she only noticeable to the other magical girls? Because she was fully transformed and headed straight for Soma.

No time was given to react, one second the door was opened, the next Soma was on the ground after a strong right from Ami. Her backpack contents were likely all over the ground, including whatever she may have had for lunch as Ami stepped all over it. "You Light Girls think you're hot shit dontcha? You just walk into our territory, claim you're better than us, then ya just establish yourselves like we were never here in the first place. I'm real sick of it. Sick of all your holier than thou attitudes, sick of your dumb aura constantly making me want to vomit from just being around you, and sick of you. So it's time you get the hell out of here, or I'm going to break every single bone in that pretty little face of yours."