A miko dances to the rhythmic music played by hichiriki flute and zither with shakubyōshi clappers keeping the time. She moves her arms gracefully, turning, moving her hands, taking a moment to stop on the ball of one foot. She shakes her Kagura suzu, a ceremonial rod with bells attached. She contributes to the music floating through the air during the festival with taiko drums occasionally struck.The audience watches with big smiles and great appreciation. She dances alone, her hair floating in the air as she turns, moving slowly, shaking the Kagura suzu periodically. Ah, they’re all staring at me… it’s my first time dancing the Kagura at the festival… oh Kami-sama! Please don’t allow my steps to falter! Guide me and help me with my prayer! she beseeches silently.
The mournful beeping of vital-monitoring machinery echoes through a quiet room. In the hospital room there is only one occupied bed. Suddenly the door opens and a crowd of people file in, their expressions somber. Men, women, children, some looking ragged. Many look hopeless as they quietly surround the bed. Many of the women present put gentle hands on the prone unconscious body in the bed, and they look back and forth amongst themselves, shedding tears.“We will remember you forever…” a soft trembling voice sobs. “You brought so much happiness to our lives… you are…”
The beeping of machinery drones into the silence of the room. Kozuke stands nearby, arms crossed. He stares bitterly out the window, reminiscing. Kiyomi hugs Madoka tightly, and Madoka stares blankly at nothing, her cheeks stained by the tears she has shed until no more can come. The door opens suddenly. Madoka turns mutely, seeing that it’s the girl she has never met until recently, Riri. She sees that Tatsuo stands next to her, looking anxious.Riri gently steps to Madoka and passes her a cold can of coffee. Madoka stares down at it for a long moment and nods with a weak smile, accepting it.
“Um… I don’t want to make things worse, but Emi-chan hasn’t shown up.” Riri sighs. Moments after, Harue steps into the room. She sighs as she examines the faces of the people inside.
Her lips twist in an expression of bitterness. Kiyomi looks at Riri with a warm encouraging smile. Tatsuo looks at Harue with an astonished expression.
“If you’re so amazing, Kiyomi, why don’t you go looking for Emi-chan?” Harue suggests. “Madoka has plenty of support here. An extra hug will not make much of a difference here.” She turns her attention to Tatsuo, noticing the expression on his face. “What? Is there something on my face?” she asks.
“Oh, no… I remember you from Harajuku a little while back, with Emi-chan and…” Tatsuo blinks.
“I do have resources. I do not want to assume that she perished in the fire.” Kiyomi shakes her head. “She hasn’t been particularly kind towards me, but she is a cherished friend. I will do my best to find out where she may have gone.” She chews her lip and finally relinquishes her grip on Madoka, looking to her with a questioning expression.
Madoka shakes her head and sighs. “I’m fine, Kiyomi. Ah, yes… Harue is that girl...”
“Alright, Madoka-chan. I’ll be back as soon as possible.” She gently touches Madoka’s cheek and steps away.
“Do you need any help?” Tatsuo offers.
“I’m grateful for the offer, but you would slow my efforts. I know you worry for your girlfriend, but do what you are able on your own,” Kiyomi gently states as she hurries out. Everyone except for Kozuke watches her go, but finally he grits his teeth, turning towards Madoka.
“W-why don’t you go too, Kozy?” Madoka suggests.
“We’ve seen what has happened when you’ve been left unattended. You are at your weakest at the moment. I cannot risk your coming to further harm due to my negligence.”
“So why? Are there yakuza after her family?” Riri asks, awed.
“No, it’s nothing like that… I mean… I don’t think we can really explain,” Tatsuo murmurs.
The door opens again and a doctor steps in. She smiles comfortingly towards the visitors. “If you’d all be so kind as to step outside the room… I need to speak with his daughter.” She gestures to Madoka. “Unless you consent their hearing what I have to say.”
“I-I don’t mind it. They’re my dear friends… I barely know Riri, but she’s very kind,” Madoka replies.
“That’s sweet. You don’t have to include me.” Riri smiles.
Tatsuo looks at her then. “Riri-chan… don’t you have practice? Why are you still here four hours later?” he inquires.
Riri shakes her head. “I… I’m worried about Emi-chan, but Madoka is a dear friend of Emi-chan’s. I’d be a terrible friend if I didn’t offer comfort while I’m able.”
“You’re an amazing girl.” Tatsuo smiles.
“Don’t go hitting on your girlfriend’s bestie at a time like this.” She laughs.
“I’m not doing that. I appreciate kindness.” Tatsuo shrugs.
“Yes, I know,” she responds.
Harue sighs and nods. “I have not known Emi-chan for long, but she is wonderful to Madoka-chan, and I adore her sense of humor. There isn’t much I can do, but we can all pray for Emi, and for Madoka’s father… and, by the way, the sensei is here to discuss a matter concerning him. We should probably let her speak.” She gestures to Madoka’s father on the hospital bed. Their eyes usually have avoided him, but their eyes are drawn to him like iron filings to a magnet.
Madoka sniffles and sobs softly. Nobuo, her father, is wrapped in bandages from head to toes. The bandages are bloody in places.
Kozuke snarls and turns his back to the bed.
“Your father will likely live,” the doctor allows herself a sigh. ”He is stable for now, however… his full recovery will take a long time. We are doing all we can, but we expect he’ll be able to communicate in a month or so. I understand you’re without a home. Do you have any other family members you can stay with?” she asks softly. She steps forward and places a comforting hand on Madoka’s shoulder.
“I… n-no… no other family.” Madoka bawls softly. “They’re all I’ve had… I… h-h-he…” Madoka screams.
“Oh, Madoka-chan…” Harue steps to her side and embraces her gently. “Pray for a miracle, I’m certain that you will receive one.”
Riri hugs her from the other side. “If you need a place to stay, you can stay with me. It’s a wonderful apartment. Emi-chan would do the same for you. You are not friendless, Madoka! I don’t know you, but I trust someone Emi came to deeply like. She’s very choosy with friends.” She smiles softly.
Madoka stares at Riri with a blank expression. “I-I appreciate it… I’m so glad I have options.”
“I recommend you take her up on the offer, Mistress. You must. If you ended up homeless I would figure something out for you, and I’m certain the… Kiyomi… would as well. At the last, there is your friend Tatsuo. But don’t worry. Kiyomi will see to it that things are put to right where she can. I have to grudgingly give her some of my respect.” He shakes his head.
Madoka looks to Kozuke with a blank expression, and Tatsuo’s silly smile is somewhat reassuring despite the fact that it ill fits the mood.
“Ahem… Madoka,” the Doctor murmurs. “If things go poorly, and your father were to suddenly lose his life, you would have to be registered with Social Services. There is a man who may be able to place you in a nice home. We will not assume that everything will go poorly, but just in case, I will inform him and he will stand by for the nonce.”
“I-I… I don’t want to think about that! He’ll be fine! Don’t worry about it.” Madoka sobs.
“You clearly require mental assistance. Your mother is deceased, and your father… I highly recommend taking advantage of the social worker’s assistance. Regardless of the result of our treatments, you should,” the doctor states.
“We don’t know that Mama’s dead for certain! She could be alive! She didn’t have to be there, Mama… there isn’t any evidence…” Madoka screams.
“Shhhh… don’t take it out on Sensei,” Harue murmurs gently.
“This is so terrible…” Kozuke murmurs, his tone husky.
“Pray for her!” Harue squeezes Madoka’s shoulder. “For all of them. What kind of a failure of a Kami would allow this!?” Harue bites her lip.
“No, not a failure,” Kozuke responds gently, his back turned to all still. “It’s in our own hands to act. Kami will bless you. That will help, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.”
Harue nods mutely, and Riri echoes the nod.
“Keep my offer in mind, Madoka-chan,” Riri says. “If you don’t have anywhere else to go, you have my place, and you have a bright future ahead of you. Please consider it. I’ll see to it that you have one.” She smiles.“Riri-chan is so kind.” Tatsuo smiles warmly towards Riri. “It’s true that if you were to stay at my place again, it would be pretty awkward. When Emi-chan resurfaces, if she found out about it, she’d give me the silent treatment for a month, I think,” he laughs.
“Oh, I don’t think so. I think Emi-chan would be jealous, but she would appreciate your helping your friend more, but yes, that should probably be a last resort.” Riri laughs.
“I-I will think about it. But for tonight, I want to stay by my father’s side…” Madoka claps the palms of her hands to her face as she she takes a long deep breath.
I don’t know what to do now! Mama, where are you? I want to go through the wreckage of our home… but I don’t want to find Mama’s dead body! What do I do? I-I want to find IT and destroy it! Madoka screams mentally.
M-Madoka-chan… Aoi-chan’s voice responds gently.
I will help you in the hunt, Goshujinsama… Eiji chimes in. You don’t know what to do, but you should take revenge on that cursed Oni!
I think chasing him foolishly isn’t as important as finding her mama! It’s her mama, and Emi-chan! We have to find her too! Kanna cries out.
Emi is a wonderful friend, Aoi adds. She can be there, able to do for her what we can’t, that is if she’s alright. Madoka, take us to your home. If you have the energy, you can call us out and we’ll go through the wreck of your home… we’ll tell you what we find!
I agree with that suggestion! Finding them is what we should do! Eiji adds.
“She’s having one of those conversations with the voices in her head,” Tatsuo jokes.
“She’s mentally unstable?” Riri blinks. “Oh no, I don’t blame her after what happened to her family!”
“Oh no, it’s not what it sounds like, I shouldn’t have said anything. She just reasons her way in pretty major detail through her problems.” Tatsuo laughs, scratching his head.
“That’s a little insensitive. It makes her sound insane still,” Harue suggests.
“I’m not so sure about it, but laughter is the only answer sometimes,” Tatsuo replies.
“There’s a time for laughter and smiles, and there are times when it’s insensitive,” Harue comes back at him.
“That’s true, but Madoka needs to find reasons to smile.” He sighs and looks at Madoka, noticing her sagging.
“I can’t leave his side… not when something might happen… I have to stay here.” Madoka sniffles. “H-he’s all that’s left of my only family, maybe. Oh, Mama…” Madoka mewls and turns around, rubbing her eyes.
“I have to go for now, but I’ll bring you supper.” Riri gently pats Madoka’s back. “Tatsuo is clumsy, but he’s right! Cheer up. We’ll do everything we can to help you, Madoka.”
Later that night, Kozuke sits in a nearby chair. The lights in the hospital room are dimmed. His nose wrinkles as he takes in the scents filling the air. The odor of disinfectant thick in the air discomfits him. He focuses on the more pleasant odors emanating still from the large bento box Ruri has brought, containing a pleasant meal of yaki udon. It sits mostly eaten on a nearby table.Kami-sama, what will we do? Her will to fight seems severely damaged. That evil oni threatened to do something horrible, and he has! All I can do is protect her. I want to find her mother for her, as well as her friend. I dare not move from here. He sniffs at the air. Perhaps its his imagination that he can smell the fetid scent of the oni. I would not put it past that evil monster to stalk Madoka at the point of her greatest weakness. That is what he wanted. I will not allow him to have his way! He idly taps his foot on the floor of the hospital room and looks to the chair on the other side of the bed where Mistress Madoka is wrapped up in a blanket. Her soft breathing is audible as well as the weaker breathing of her father.
As soon as she reappears, we can ask for little Sari’s assistance. She’s surely weakened from the earlier healing she offered. I don’t know how long it will be before she would be able to take on such a major project, but healing Madoka’s father is absolutely imperative!
You are quite correct, my faithful hound. You must be especially vigilant while Madoka is weakened. I don’t have many resources available to me at the moment, but I will look after you and her, Kami responds.
We must hunt down that oni, Kamisama! He is a merciless enemy. He will usurp everything. Eliminating him is…
That is the duty of my Shrine Maiden. It’s a far more daunting duty than many others have, but she is not ready for that task. When she finds the fourth, perhaps then. I hope she won’t crumble. A blade tempers under the right temperatures. This may yet backfire in his face.
I should eliminate him as soon as possible! That wily fox is far more capable than I would have thought. I always respected Kiyomi’s deviousness, but I do respect her power. She seeks to steal Madoka’s heart, but she is subtle.
Power she does have, my faithful hound, but I wouldn’t rely on her. She has a jealous heart. Her desires border on obsession. Protect Madoka’s heart. We’ll see how Kiyomi conducts herself.
Yoshimaru’s lips twist and his fangs gleam as he peers into the third-floor window. He chuckles softly with self-satisfaction. The form of the watchdog stirs and Yoshimaru smirks; his tongue licks his lips as though anticipating a rich feast. It is nearly done! Her power erodes. He laughs as shadows lick across his form like black flames and his body, standing on air outside the window, disappears.Kozuke wakes the next morning, snorting. When he looks around, he sees that Madoka is gone! He growls loudly and leaps to his feet, coursing through the room. He sighs as he turns to look towards her still unconscious father. Where has she gone? He follows her scent to the door and out.I didn’t smell anyone else in the room. No one else has recently… perhaps she…
He walks along the hallway past clustered orderlies at a station. A few of the younger nurses smile at him shyly. He has no time for such nonsense, but he returns the smiles casually. Kozuke continues up the hallway towards an elevator bank and the door opens. Tatsuo and the the new girl, seemingly always wearing sunglasses, step out. Kozuke blinks, looking from one to the other. “Good morning,” he mutters tersely.
“Good morning, butler-san.” Riri smiles warmly.
“Are you heading out for a hearty breakfast?” Tatsuo inquires. “How is Madoka doing?”
“She has disappeared,” Kozuke responds with a bitter expression. “She continually makes my job to protect her extremely difficult at times.”
“Your job? Someone pays you as a bodyguard? Are you a multiskilled man?” Riri grins. “I wish I could hire you, but where I live…” she trails off.
“Where you live?” Tatsuo blinks. “Wait… he just said Madoka is gone again. Was she kidnapped again?” He panics.
“I’m uncertain of it. I think she was alone when she left me behind. I’m trailing her,” Kozuke responds in a terse manner. “I don’t have time for niceties. I must be on my way before her trail goes cold.”
“Her trail?” Riri blinks and as Kozuke steps into the elevator, the two others sneak in after him.
Kozuke presses the first floor button quickly and they wait as it descends.
“Maybe she’s at the hospital cafe? It’s the right time for breakfast, so maybe she’s just eating?” Tatsuo suggests.
“Perhaps…” Kozuke frowns as he paces impatiently. When the door opens, he bolts out and runs up and down the hallway before finding a whiff of Madoka’s scent. He gestures up the hallway and bolts in that direction. Riri and Tatsuo follow with blank expressions.
Finally Tatsuo lets out a short laugh. “I can’t say much about his behavior, but Kozuke has a talent for trailing people, I think. He’s an odd man, but he’s pretty amazing.”
“Really? He sounds even more interesting.” They continue to run after him as Kozuke follows the scent of Madoka to the lobby doors and outside.
“So much for the breakfast theory, unless she’s eating out,” Riri comments.
“I don’t much care for hospital food, either.” Tatsuo chuckles.
“And I, as well,” Kozuke growls over his shoulder, increasing his pace. The other two force their paces faster to keep up.
“If we have to go a long distance, maybe we should take my car?” Riri suggests as she follows. Tatsuo is the first to flag despite her words.
“I appreciate the offer, but I… could not follow the trail from the inside of a car. You may follow in a vehicle if you prefer.
“Oh, I’m fine… but Tatty might need the help?” Riri grins, seeming invigorated. Tatsuo looks at her with a indecipherable expression. She giggles.
They follow to a nearby subway station and downstairs. When they reach the ticket taking stands, he removes a card from his pocket and the two take a moment to remove their own magnetic cards. Tatsuo unpockets his wallet, sliding his card free. Riri rumages briefly through her purse. Riri swipes her card and dashes after Kozuke like a champion marathon runner. Tatsuo follows, with a great deal less zeal as he gasps and puffs.
When they reach the platform, Kozuke stops, snarling. “It will be impossible to follow her trail from here!” He turns to look at the two. Tatsuo wipes a slick of greasy sweat from his forehead.
“What now?” Riri asks cooly. “Calm down and consider the situation. Where might Madoka go?” She looks to the other two.
“I-I don’t know…” Tatsuo coughs. “Maybe she’s going home? I mean, to her burned-down house… but why would she leave her father alone? Why don’t I try calling her?”
“That’s not a bad idea!” Riri smiles broadly. “Do it, Tatty!”
“Tatty, really…” Tatsuo shakes his head. “That’s such a horrible nickname.”
“You’re stuck with it now,” she giggles in reply. “Once you have a nickname, you wear it forever.”
“That’s not… oh fine…” Tatsuo slips his phone from his pocket and dials up Madoka’s number. He waits a long moment and it starts ringing. He waits for six rings and it switches to voicemail. “MADOKA! Pick up the PHONE!” He grimaces.
“She’s pretty disturbed at the moment. I don’t blame her, but we’re just trying to help her,” Kozuke snarls. “Very well, let’s go to her most likely destination. We need to go to the closest station to her home,” Kozuke points out, and at that moment the train noisily barrels down the tunnel into the station. It comes slowly to a stop at the right platform. Kozuke examines the two. “You don’t have to come, but going there seems to be the best plan for the moment.” He dashes into the train car after a crowd of people. The other two squeeze in after.
They ride for several stops and disembark to transfer to another train. They board a Chuo line train bound for Higashi-Nakano. When they arrive, Kozuke darts outside the car first and courses up and down along the platform as the other two disembark more casually. Tatsuo, now cooled off somewhat, watches Kozuke. Riri moves quickly towards a vending machine nearby. She removes a small coin pouch from her purse and inserts a series of yen coins. She carefully crouches and retrieves three drinks from where they have dropped. She carries them in her arm as she steps around a group of salarymen. When she reaches Tatsuo, she offers him one of the drinks with a caring smile.“You’re looking better, but you should work on improving your stamina. Maybe you don’t take your physical education seriously?” she suggests.
Tatsuo rolls his eyes. “As much as the next young high schooler does. I do very well. Not all of us are athletes.” He rolls his eyes.
“Well, I don’t mind it if you think I’m an athlete.” She grins.
“And that means you’re not an athlete? What exactly are you?” Tatsuo asks as he accepts the drink.
“Oh, that… athlete sounds fine. Lots of exercise every day, you know.” She giggles.
“Oh… it sounds like you are an athlete.” Tatsuo smiles.
He’s such an adorable dope, really… Emi-chan! She laughs and Tatsuo smiles even more.
Kozuke draws close to them after a while and snorts. “I think I smelled her for a moment here, but there are too many unwashed types going in and out through the station…”
“Smell?” Riri delicately sniffs the air. “It… smells like a train station, I mean… it’s not like they sell a perfume with that smell, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“Oh! The always popular ‘new train station’ smell! It probably drives the train enthusiasts up a wall!” Tatsuo laughs.
“That’s a good one!” Riri grins, chortling.
“That’s… okay. So she might have been here. We need to move along if you’re still tagging along.” Kozuke rolls his eyes.
“Kozuke-san? I got this for you! You’re working really hard looking for that girl! Please enjoy it!” She smiles warmly as she extends him a Pocari Sweat.
“Thank you, young lady,” he murmurs as he accepts the bottle. “Let’s hurry along.” He gestures and leads the way to a nearby stairwell and up from the tracks. They hurry along and through the proper station and onto the street. Kozuke casts around for a while. Tatsuo and Riri watch him as they enjoy their drinks. Finally, Kozuke nods and leads them up the street.
“There’s a faint scent of her, but I’m not sure how old the scent is,” Kozuke comments.
“Is he really tracking her by scent? What kind of a man is he, if he can do that? Is he a weird stalker? Does he sniff her panties?” Riri asks with a blush. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she has a stalker or two! She looks way too amazing for a few creepy types not to be into her.”
Kozuke stiffens at Riri’s suggestion as he runs.
Tatsuo steps in to correct the misapprehension. “Um, Madoka’s footprint is kind of really small at the moment, but I guess there’s Kiyomi and the butler. I guess you could say they’re fans of hers? Maybe that Harue girl, too?” Tatsuo suggests.
“I’m a bodyguard servant,” Kozuke chips in over his shoulder. “Hurry!”
Madoka comes to a stop before her home. She sniffles and seats herself on a nearby cement wall as she stares at it. She touches her magatama under her blouse, stroking it.The yard is still somewhat pretty… but the house is burned rubble. She looks at the walkway up to the front door and tears ooze down her cheeks. She sits for a long moment, and once or twice people walk past, not neighbors she recognizes.
After a long period, she leaps to her feet, casting her eyes around her. She grits her teeth. She walks into the yard and goes down to her knees in the grass of the yard behind the low wall around her home’s yard. She strokes the magatama.
Maybe you shouldn’t burn all that much energy… we will help you search for your mother, but if you’re too exhausted to fight if the oni appears, it might be a problem, Aoi suggests.
I wish my home was on one of those leylines. Then maybe I could expend energy to do both things… Madoka frowns. But Aoi-chan, I need to… I need to find Mama…
I understand, Madoka-chan, but why did you leave Kozuke behind? He would have been willing to come and help you. You were in such a hurry to get here… Aoi replies.
She is probably right again. Aoi-chan is way too frustrating with her logic. All I want to do is loose the steam. I understand how you feel, Goshujinsama! Eiji commiserates.
She isn’t thinking… you aren’t thinking clearly, Madoka-chan! Kanna cries out.
Can’t you understand it, Kanna? He took away her mother, maybe. Why wouldn’t anyone want to look for revenge? Eiji cries out.
I do, idiot! I know well! Oh, fine… why not let us out for a moment to hug you, Madoka-chan? Kanna suggests.
That won’t help me! All I want is to kill that evil piece of filth oni! You want to know why I’m here? Surely you can figure it out! Kanna! Don’t you know? Madoka clutches her head.
I know. You’re bait. He wants you. And you’ve rested well. If he’s foolish enough to think he can come at you because you’re alone, he’ll find how mistaken he is. Eiji chortles.
Madoka-chan! We’re not stupid! I knew what you had in mind from the beginning, and you worry me! You’re not in your right mind! Can you handle him? He seems powered up by his grudge! He’s like a frightening ghoul! He hurt you…
I was weak then! I hadn’t found my fire! I’ll use it to set HIM on aflame! If he thinks he can burn everything important to me, I will burn him! Madoka screams mentally.
“Have you decided to cease your foolish clinging to your undeserved power?” a snarling taunting voice echoes through the air.
Kozuke, Tatsuo, and Riri head along a large roadway for a period, past many businesses with banks of vending machines periodically stationed along the way. They trot along the way and Riri tirelessly trots after. Tatsuo is panting again pretty quickly. He follows with a laugh. Tatsuo leads the way down a narrow street along the way.“We’re approaching Madoka’s neighborhood via small streets,” Tatsuo points out, gasping.
“I remember the area, but I haven’t seen every small street.” Riri smiles towards Tatsuo.
“If you had an idea she’d be heading here, maybe taking Riri-chan’s car would have been a better idea,” Tatsuo pants.
“Man up,” Kozuke comments.
Riri giggles. “I’m man enough for the two of you.”
Tatsuo runs his hand through his sweaty greasy hand and grimaces as he reaches into his pocket for his handkerchief, already sodden. “You’re as girly-girly as they come, Riri-chan!” He barks out a laugh.
“That’s true. It’s good that you pointed out my feminine style.” Riri echoes the laugh.
“Who wouldn’t, with those skirts you seem to like?” Tatsuo asks her.
“Well, you know, it’s the right weather for it, but it’s also really stylish. Emi-chan is pretty stylish too, though she’s more into glamour fashion.”
“You talk too much. Save your breath. You’ll tire out faster.” Kozuke chuckles.
“What kind of training do you do, butler-san?” Riri asks as they jog. “Maybe you should consider becoming a trainer. If you have that kind of stamina, I’ll bet you’d have a future in that career! But you’re handsome enough to make it as a model too, maybe.”
“Oh? That’s not a priority for me.” Kozuke utters a chuckle. “I’m flattered.”
At that moment, they leave a narrow one-lane street and enter a two-lane street. Tatsuo turns his head in the direction of Madoka’s home. They jog across the street and up it. He looks at it mournfully as Kozuke leaps the wall dynamically. He searches the small yard and, not finding her, he snarls.
“Unless she’s hiding somewhere nearby she’s not here! As soon as I find her trail, I am moving along! Rest if you need it, for a moment!” He courses around the area, visibly sniffing the air.
Riri and Tatsuo cast their sad expressions towards the house. Tatsuo grits his teeth and walks over to the burned-out ruin. He carefully looks around it and and starts to dig through the rubble, exhausted.
“Why has no one come to search the wreck of her home yet?” Riri asks aloud.
“Shouldn’t they search it soon to see if anyone died?” Tatsuo echoes Riri’s words.
“It’s a huge mess! What are the odds that something that could turn her home to an ash-covered mess like this… I mean… how could someone survive it?” Riri sighs.
“I have the trail!” Kozuke growls. “I’m on my way!” he snarls and leads the way, not waiting for a response.
“Oh,more running… joy…” Tatsuo complains.
“I skipped my practice yesterday… and probably will end up doing so today too. I’m grateful for this wonderful opportunity to stay in shape, and maybe it will boost my endurance!” Riri grins.
“Like you need a boost in your endurance. You’re inexhaustible!” Tatsuo pants. “Give me some of that energy!” he groans as he shambles after.
“Ehe… sorry…”
As the three run, they charge onwards and break into a strange atmosphere. Everything around seems darker, and dark lightning links the sky to the ground. Not a single human being is in sight. They stumble onto the grounds of a shrine.By the time they’ve reached their destination, Tatsuo is a sodden, panting mess. Even Riri is sweating, but she smiles and shines like a star despite the eerie darkness around. She removes her sunglasses to clear the lenses of fog.
Kozuke pants and snarls, and an exhausted Tatsuo finally notices Madoka standing in the center of the yard of the shrine. The oni stands on the roof of the shrine and Madoka holds her golden spear in her hands. To either side from three points, her Shikigami stand, weapons brandished. After clearing her sunglasses, Riri pushes them into her purse and turns her eyes to the roof of the shrine; her jaw drops. “W-what… a filming? What is this?” she exclaims.
“I’ll look after you, Riri-chan,” Tatsuo gasps and gulps for breath.
“You should leave,” Kozuke snarls. “This is no place for either of you. I didn’t suspect that it would come to this so soon after his previous ploy. He’s already taking advantage of the situation? Mistress! Why did you leave me behind?” he snarls. “Are you out of your mind?” he demands.
Madoka shrugs, mostly ignoring the words as she swings her spear threateningly.
“You think you have me, weak child?” the oni snarls. “Ahahaha… you have guts, but you are such a fool! I understand that your father at least survived the bonfire. If you continue to struggle against me, think about what you’ll lose! You stupid stubborn foolish child… give up your undeserved power or you will regret it!”
“You monster!” Eiji shrieks and charges with his flaming tonfa. Yoshimaru raises its dark blades to parry Eiji’s flaming tonfa. Their weapons clash, their elemental light visibly struggles with his dark energy. Aoi darts in, holding her blade low, and draws her arm back to slash across its exposed back. Suddenly, a robed form appears between them, a woman by appearance. She has black hair and red highlights. It flows around an oni mask. She wears a purple kimono with dark clouds and dark lightning inlaid upon it and wields a large sword nearly as large as an adult human. She parries Aoi’s slash and charges her, pushing her to the edge of the small rooftop. She weaves her large blade easily as if it were a foil.
“Who is that?” Tatsuo gasps tiredly. “She looks kind of sexy, but this isn’t the right time to… Madoka, are you…” He gapes as Madoka drives her spear into the ground and launches herself impossibly high into the air in a way that he never imagined possible for anyone. Madoka shrieks as she lances down towards Yoshimaru. He turns towards Madoka with a snarl and leaps backward. Madoka pulls her spear back as she lands heavily so as to not damage the roof of the shrine, but she pursues him. Kanna attacks it when its back is turned and launches a bolo. It leaps into the air, evading the attack, but her bolo captures its legs. It wraps around and heavy bags collide; there’s a burst of light and a dense cloud of some powder fills the air around Yoshimaru. Madoka dances backwards to avoid contact with it as Yoshimaru screams. When it lands heavily, Madoka charges in, point forward to seize upon its weakness. The strange woman reappears between them and turns the point of Madoka’s golden spear with her dark oversized sword. Madoka screams and swings her spear wildly to reach her body with her blade. The oni-masked woman dances from side to side, evading her strikes, but raises her weapon to turn her thrusts time after time.
“Die!” Eiji shrieks and flames up like a bonfire as he charges towards Yoshimaru. It laughs coarsely and throws one of Kanna’s bags up into his face. Eiji gasps and coughs, and the powder explodes in his face, sending him feet over head off the roof.
“No!” Kanna yells, charging in with her kunai bared. Aoi darts in again from the side to stab Yoshimaru repeatedly. The woman yells and swings her enormous blade like a hurricane. “You won’t harm my kami!” she yells, and brings her sword heavily down on one of the bags. There’s an explosion of powder.
“Ahahaha… you fool. You don’t have the strength! If you want to fight me, you have a long way to go. Your mother is dead! I have your friend! This was a intercession. If you don’t act on my warning you will regret it!” Yoshimaru hisses.
“I will torture her and leave her body where you will find it. You will be broken utterly!” Yoshimaru laughs.
“You will release Emi! You evil spirit! I banish you!” Madoka screams. “Kami-sama, grant me the strength to slay this evil bastard!” She thrusts her spear towards Yoshimaru’s voice and her spear blazes like the sun.
There is a low murmuring from the crowd as the miko dances and the music plays on. Her eyes avoid the audience to prevent stage fright. Unfortunately, her eyes meet the eyes of a particularly unapproving spectator. The elderly man huffs and snorts, audible even to her. He casts his eyes around the festival, sniffs and turns his back to her, slipping through the crowd. A handsome youth in a bright blue patterned yukata looks to the stage with a reassuring smile before he trails the elderly man. The miko does not falter despite the pang of her anxiety. The kindness of the stranger does tug at her heart, but his handsome face does not. She thinks of the unkind elderly festival-goer.
There are always those who are not spiritual who still come. They come for the food, maybe? She sighs to herself as her hands move and she gently rattles the Kagura suzu.
Ah, Amaterasu-sama… she prays quietly.
“She is such an amazing miko, Master!” the young man enthuses. “So graceful and spiritual. You can really feel it in the audience.”“If you say so,” the man grumps.
“My pardon, Master, but I do… she does not deserve that. I think she’s a true successor. I recall reading an article on her in the paper recently… I think it was an interview,” the younger man continues.
“That does not interest me, fool,” the elderly man grouches. “We’re not here for entertainment. It’s purely business!” he admonishes the younger man.
“But she’s…” the younger man protests, and the elderly man bares his teeth as he slaps his hand over the younger man’s mouth.
“You waste my time! You just had to wear that ridiculous yukata. It’s nonsense shamanistic foolishness. I will not have that from my employees! Quiet your mouth and be actually useful for a change.”
He is such a bore. Why must I suffer his curmudgeonly behavior? the younger man groans to himself. Why can’t he appreciate the best of our culture? He’s always so obsessed with ‘higher cultures’. He sighs as the elder man tugs him onwards by the sleeve of his yukata.
“You need to take yourself more seriously. You make me look terrible and backwards if you refuse to dress properly! You idiot!” the man growls.
“I-I’m sorry, Master,” the younger man replies, stammering as he runs fingers through his hair. I’ll need to do everything I can to please this man or else I will find myself unemployed… but on the other hand, working for him might be detriment to my health, he groans mentally.
“If you work at it, maybe you’ll earn a name one of these days. Until then, you’re an idiot. Speaking of which, where is the other cretin I just hired? I assume she can at least cook, you fumbling fool. If you didn’t look good dressed up decently I would cut you…”
“Hamada, you are a total idiot! Your egotism is sabotaging you!” an aged man berates him on the phone. Hamada snarls.“What are you talking about, Okamoto! Acting always like you’re an authority! Besides, recognizing your skill is not egotism! I’m accomplished! Who else has achieved what I have in our field?” Hamada scowls.
“Accomplished… for a Japanese man. Perhaps you should move to Thailand if you’re looking for true recognition!” Okamoto suggests.
“What in the world are you trying to say? I should go live in a filthy little hole country? The water is contaminated in most places. It’s rampant!”
“There are other better men who have been able to make do. You go where there is work. It’s common logic, which you seem to be bereft of! You truly are set in your ways. Alright, you’re obsessed with cleanliness. You idolize Western culture. Go live in America, or better yet, how about Canada or Europe? Many of these cultures are far more accepting. Our field is…”
“I’m aware of that, you moron!” Hamada yells. “You’re actually telling me to leave Japan? Are you trying to say the country would be better off without me?”
“You are so defensive. It’s your egotism. I don’t know why I even tolerate you. All of the rest of your colleagues have already washed their hands of you. It’s too much work trying to maintain a relationship with you.”
“You didn’t answer the question! Don’t dodge it!”
“No, I’m not saying that, you senile…” Okamoto groans.
“Look, I like the idea, really, but if I were to do that, I wouldn’t be able to serve my people. It’s our people who need our expertise! If we were to leave, they’d be flocking to Thailand like rats jumping a ship…”
“Why do you hate Thailand? Do you suffer from jealousy too? They get a lot of business.”
“Like you’re saying I haven’t. I’m doing amazingly, you idiot. When they look for a specialist, I’m at the very top of the list!”
“You say that, but have you checked recently? Besides, you’re the one who is dodging answering. This is an intervention! If you don’t listen, you will not like the consequences.”
Hamada sighs and facepalms. “Alright, I appreciate that you care, but I don’t see a problem when I’m producing such amazing results…”
“You don’t see the problem? Your methods are ethically questionable! You need to reevaluate yourself or else it will backfire on you! Just because you’re making amazing leaps in the field because you’re sidestepping ethical procedures does not make you a superior…”
“And why is that? Exactly why? I have harmed no one. On the contrary, I have given so much. My procedures only bring happiness. Why don’t you check my record again and try to tell me how it will backfire on me? When you don’t mis-step, you do recognize greatness, don’t you? Why can’t you appreciate that? All of those free…”
“You idiotic egomaniac. You just listen to me for a change!” Okamoto shrieks. “You will die alone!”
“No, I disagree. The world will see my genius and my name will be remembered right next to the names of Einstein, Tesla, Edison, and Endo! Yours won’t be. You can’t help it, you’ll be a footnote. On top of that, the things I’ve done for this city should guarantee…”
“A-chan!” a energetic young girl giggles as she throws her arms around her friend.“Ahhh! Kanon…” he gasps. “What do you want?”
“I wanted to see you!” Kanon giggles.
“Well, you see me every day, so it’s not like…” he complains, grouching, his back to her.
“But like, you’re my new best friend!” she giggles. “Why would I not want to see you, A-chan!”
“Would you not call me that? Call me A-kun if you have to talk to me… you’re really annoying.”
“Awww… why would you say something so hurtful?” Kanon sniffles.
A-kun blinks, looking over his shoulder hearing her sniffle. “Are you really crying? You’re such a baby!” he glares. “You’re so cutesy girly girly… it drives me crazy. Just leave me alone for once. I’m going to play soccer.” He jumps to his feet and stuffs his hands in his pockets. Kanon moves to follow him as he shuffles away. Finally, he turns to shoot a glare at Kanon.
“Don’t you ever listen? I don’t want to hang out with you! The only thing you ever talk about is girly things. Why would anyone think that’s interesting?” A-kun complains and dashes out of the yard, leaving Kanon in his dust. Kanon gasps and stares for a long moment.
“Wait! A-kun! You aren’t supposed to leave the yard! You’ll get in trouble!” she sniffles, hesitating. Finally, her desire to follow her friend overpowers her hesitancy in doing a wrong thing. She dashes after A-kun.
“Please! Why do you hate me?” she calls out.
The miko looks across the street as she sweeps the path into her shrine. She smiles pleasantly at passersby. She moves the broom delicately over the pavement, and when visitors bow to her she places her hands together and bows in return, somehow holding onto the broom. These pleasantries slow the process, but it’s no imposition to greet the people.Ah, such peace… Kami-sama… She smiles warmly as she returns to her work.
She catches in her peripheral vision a young boy darting up the sidewalk from the nearby preschool. She watches him go with a concerned expression as she turns her eyes in that direction. She catches moments later a blonde girl with hair streaming behind her dashing after the boy, screaming after him. She blinks. Are they going to be alright? she wonders as she idly sweeps. Finally deciding on action, she sets her broom aside and lifts the long skirt of her miko attire. She dashes in the direction the children have run.
“Wait, children!” she calls out. The blonde girl hesitates as she stares over her shoulder at the miko. She looks back to the boy, still running. She chews her lip and continues running.
“I’m sorry, Miko-san! A-kun’s being weird right now, I hope he’s okay…” she mews.
“It’s not safe for young ones like you to run through the street like this! You both need to go back!” she calls after the children. She quickly overtakes the girl and runs beside her.
“Child, wait. Go back and I’ll chase him down. Don’t worry.” She winks and smiles towards the girl, who beams warmly at her, coming to a stop in the street. The miko looks over her shoulder a moment with a reassuring grin and the girl giggles, cheering. The miko runs onwards. Kami-sama, please speed my feet! she prays.
She dashes after the fleet-footed boy and pants as she covers the ground between them. He turns a corner and looks over his shoulder at the miko bearing down on him. He yells and puts on more speed.
“Stop, boy! You need to go back! You’re being reckless!” she gasps. By now, she has a stitch in her side. “Please wait. You know a miko won’t hurt you!” she gasps as she chases the boy. He hesitates but continues to lead the way up and down streets. He suddenly bolts down a narrow alleyway. The miko gasps as she comes to a stop at the opening of the narrow alleyway. There’s barely enough room for her to slip through.
She winces as her miko attire rubs against the stone between buildings. The boy runs unfettered, leaving her in the dust. “W-wait, child!” she pants as she squeezes through, and when she finishes she looks down to her white robe, nearly undone. She adjusts herself a little as she darts determinedly after the small figure fading into the distance. He makes another turn. Oh, Kami-sama! Please let him not shake me! Speed my feet, please! she prays.
She runs onwards, her legs seemingly augmented by a higher power. She rounds the corner and loses track of the boy for a moment, but by instinct she runs onwards to another corner and darts into it. She gallops after him and after another turn she sees the boy scrambling to climb a fence. He reaches the top of the wall, he pauses to stare at her with a horrified expression. He screams and leaps into the yard. The miko reaches the fence, panting, leaning against it for a long moment. She sighs and determinedly climbs the fence, easier than the boy has. She watches, seeing the boy has made it through the private garden to a rear corner of it. He goes to his knees on the grass and crawls under a bank of foliage. She facepalms and groans. Oh, please give me greater patience… she entreats.
She looks around as she jumps into the yard and her feet land on the grass of the flower-filled garden wrapping a lovely traditional home. Oh no… I’m a trespasser; what am I doing?
“Boy! Please come out from there!” she pants as she runs to where the boy went to his knees and crawled under the bushes. She looks around and frowns. The fence is blocking his way behind them, unless there is a secret passage that he’s aware of. She goes to her knees and lifts the foliage to peek and sees a little grassy path, and then in the shady back the curled-up form of the boy.
He doesn’t look at her as he curls up. “What is wrong with you? You look unhappy. What is the… problem?” the miko gasps for breath.
The boy doesn’t respond, and as she’s on the point of starting to crawl in after the boy despite how tight the passage is, a hand tugs on her skirt with a familiar touch. She gasps and backs out and looks over her shoulder, her hair mussed.
“Miko-sama! What in the world are you doing in my yard?” A youthful face smiles at her.
“Oh… I think I’ve seen you at the shrine.” The Miko sighs softly. “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name, but didn’t you purchase a love charm?”
“Yes! A few months ago! It didn’t work.” She grins. “My confession didn’t go well. Kami didn’t smile on my love.” She giggles.
“I’m very sorry to hear that!” The miko sighs and smiles reassuringly. “The charms don’t guarantee success, but they do help.”
“I know, Miko-sama.” She smiles, blushing. “It’s in our own power to make it happen, but the kami will help where possible.”
“Can you answer another question? Why did you pinch my bottom?” The miko blinks.
“Ah… oh… just a mistake.” The girl looks embarrassed, twirling her long red hair around a finger.
“Are you a highschooler? Why aren’t you at school right now?” the Miko wonders.
“Ah… oh… I’m really flattered by that!” she giggles. “I’m twenty… getting older, and I graduated a few years ago. And found a job, but I didn’t go to college… I’m not really motivated… I thought I might want to be a scientist when I was younger, but I didn’t go for it. I like cooking more.”
“Twenty and looking like you’re sixteen! You’re truly blessed by the kami!” the miko laughs.
“I don’t feel blessed, Miko-sama…” she trails off.
“I see…” She smiles warmly and reaches out, taking the chin of the girl. She blinks and blushes as the miko peers thoughtfully into her face.
“What is this? I mean, do you like me or something?” she giggles.
“Oh yes, you’re absolutely adorable. But it’s nothing indecent,” she laughs. “No, you seem unhappy, and since the boy isn’t budging I may as well take a moment to do a fortune to make up for trespassing on your property.” The miko winks.
“Oooh! A fortune-telling! I hear your fortunes are so accurate, Miko-sama! I’m so lucky!” she giggles.
“Hush…” The miko smiles and peers into her eyes. “I’ve heard a lot about you so far. You like to cook. You don’t feel motivated to reach for more. You were in love recently or perhaps still are. You have a new job, and you are twenty. That tells me everything I would ask.” She smiles.
“Just that? You don’t need to know anything else?” the girl asks.
“Not at all. Unfortunately for you, there is extreme unhappiness in your near future, child. There’s a strange fuzz about your future, obscuring it from clear view.” She frowns. “There will be moments of happiness, but there will also be great displeasure.”
“Oh, no… such bad news… oh, no… Miko-sama… isn’t there anything I can do?” the girl pleads.
“You can face it with courage and also smile. We make our own futures to a large degree. If you work for a better future, kami will bless you,” the Miko murmurs softly.
“Oh… I like that better.” The girl giggles. “So, um… Miko-sama… why are you here… what boy were you talking about?” She blinks. “There’s a boy hiding in my shrub? Oh, I think I know what…”
Tatsuo stuffs his hands in his pockets, grumbling as he walks along the street on his way from school. He sighs, frowning. “I need a new best friend…”Why did Madoka have to go girl and leave me behind? I haven’t seen him… her in days now. Maybe I should go to her house… I mean, she’s gotta be home by now, he muses.
He hesitates on the corner of an intersection, and he blinks as he turns his head, seeing a curious thing. Two semi-familiar figures are rushing along the large street across the way. He blinks, realizing that the tall dark-haired man dashing alongside the girl is the lion-dog! He barely recognizes him, but the girl wears the uniform he has seen Emi wearing.
Hey… speaking of which, maybe Emi-chan would be interested in going to a ramen bar with me again. She seemed to enjoy the tsukemen in that shop last week. Tatsuo ponders, and his mind turns towards the strangeness of the man running through the city.
“Is he chasing cars? I mean, he’s a dog, right? I mean why else would a dog be running through the city? Or maybe it’s some special training regimen. Do lion-dogs need to train to maintain their strength?” he muses out loud. A woman passing him holding the hand of a small girl looks at him with a strange expression.
Tatsuo studies a nearby glass display of a restaurant with feigned interest.
He waits until she moves on, then focuses on the contents of the display and laughs. “Oh… ramen.” He grins. “It looks good…”
He slips his cell phone from his pocket and dials up Emi-chan. He waits and she picks up.
“Tatsuo-kun!” she exclaims quickly.
“Emi-chan!” he exclaims in return with a broad grin. “Emi-chan, I had a great idea! I’ll send you my position! Come to me if you’re hungry. There’s a really neat ramen shop and I thought…”
“No, Tatsuo-kun… I like the idea of spending time with you, but seriously! Our best friend was kidnapped!” Emi panics.
“What are you talking about? Madoka? Kidnapped? Why?” He blinks, his eyes widened. “Why would anyone want? I mean, she’s really cute right now, but…”
“Oh, you think Madoka is cute? Well, I guess you’re right.” Emi replies quickly, sounding jealous.
“Oh, you know you’re the only girl for me. Madoka is only my good friend, but we’d be better friends if we hung out like usual. I mean really, I’m having a really hard time filling the gap. I know I have to let her go to some extent, but…” Tatsuo trails off, scowling at nothing.
“You don’t. She’s a girl. That doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. Just stop making things weird, Tatsuo-kun!” Emi admonishes him.
“Why am I making things weird? I mean, all I want is to have my friend back… things are different now. He doesn’t like the things that I…”
“Oh, like what? Fighting games? Training to fight? That sounds soooo girly.” Emi sighs.
“Well, I guess things aren't so black and white, but we went off on a tangent here, Emi-chan! Why did they want Madoka?” Tatsuo blinks. “And where are they? Who do I need to beat up?”
“Oh, that’s really masculine and kind of sweet. I don’t know, though. She just disappeared. I saw Kiyomi slip into the infirmary. She darted from class suddenly without saying anything to Okada-sensei. I apologized for her and dashed after her. I didn’t see anything, but I heard some frightening things from the infirmary. The building was shaking and there was a strange feeling in the air. My hair was standing on end! I heard glass breaking and someone shouting, and it was way too scary to jump into. There was a strange presence… oh, Tatsuo-kun…” Emi sniffles.
“Oh, wow…” Tatsuo sighs, running a hand through his greased-up hair. “Well you know… if you don’t know anything, what can we do anything about it? I mean she serves a kami like miko do… maybe we should pray to the kami to help her!” he suggests.
“That’s a possibility, but we don’t know anything about the kami, except it’s a new kami, and the kami was responsible for Madoka’s transformation into some kind of model miko.” Emi laughs.
“Um… so pray to model-making-kami-sama? Model-making-kami-sama!” Tatsuo yells comically, clapping his hands together. “Please bless our friend!” calls out.
Emi-chan’s only reply is musical laughter.
After a long time of laugher and silence, Tatsuo speaks. “So Emi-chan… all we’re doing is worrying for her. Why don’t we get some food while we wait for a response?” Tatsuo asks.
“I’m going to drop by her home, just in case she resurfaces there. I’m sure her parents are so worried for her. If eating is more important, go right ahead. Fill your stomach.” Emi chuckles.
“Well, if you’re heading there, I think I’ll drop by, too. I mean, they know me, and maybe I can help. You know I’m a great friend!” Tatsuo exclaims.
“Yeah, you’re a good friend. Take your time,” Emi says.
Tatsuo stares at the display window for a long while after the call disconnects. Well, it’s not like I’m too far away. I don’t have to go right away… she herself said take your time. She’s way more composed than I am. I might just freak out and make things worse. I mean, I’ll do my best to be comforting and reassuring. He frowns.Suddenly he yelps and leaps into the air. There’s a girl wearing sunglasses, and he recognizes her. “Riri-chan! Wow! Long time no see! Why are you wandering around here?” He blinks, examining her. This time she’s in a skirt with knee socks, girlish shoes he doesn’t know the name of, and a pink blouse with lacy frills on it.
Riri-chan grins at him. “Well, I was passing by and I noticed a familiar figure with that super greased-up hair.” She rolls her eyes. “You know you’re decades behind in fashion, right?” she asks.
“Emi-chan may have mentioned something about that,” Tatsuo says with a dry expression. “You were passing by, why? Looking for a snack?” he asks.
“Not really, but I wouldn’t be against having a nibble.” She grins.
“Oh? Are you asking your friend’s boyfriend on a date?” Tatsuo asks.
“You? Really?” she laughs aloud. “No, you’re pretty cool. You made an impression, but no.” She laughs. “You know, a girl and a guy can get something to eat without it meaning anything special, right? Well, maybe I’m being silly. I probably can’t be seen with you.” She rolls her eyes with a friendly smile at odds with the seeming cruelty of her words.
“Can’t be seen with me? Like I’m supposed to look like some kind of a Yakuza thug or something? I don’t dress up like that. I mean, that guy tagging along with my friend fits that description more than I ever will,” Tatsuo comments, thinking about Kozuke.
“Oh? Another friend of yours has a yakuza friend?” Riri-chan blinks and laughs. “You’re a really interesting guy. You’re like an anime protagonist,” she jokes.
“I’m not really that interesting… I don’t really qualify to be the main character,” Tatsuo demurs.
“Well, if you work at it, maybe a harem ending is in your future?” She laughs aloud.
Tatsuo laughs and grins. “Well, you know, that is one of my oldest and dearest wishes, but right now I’m kinda a one-girl guy. I’ve gotta clean it up if I want to keep her.”
“Awww… that’s way sweet!” Riri exclaims, patting his shoulder. “You’re great to Emi-chan. I approve of you.” She grins.
“Aww… thank you, that makes a big difference.” Tatsuo laughs. “The approval of a lady’s friends is really important, right?”
“You’re absolutely right! If they hate him, he won't last.” She giggles.
“So they’ll sabotage the relationship for her own good or something?” Tatsuo chuckles.
“Yes, something like that, if they’re good friends.” She waggles a finger.
“Hey, this has been real nice, but I’m in a hurry right now, Riri-chan,” Tatsuo excuses himself.
“Oh! A hot date?” she asks with a laugh.
“If so, only with Emi-chan. Come to think of it, I’m going to see her, but it isn’t about that. A friend of mine was kidnapped. You never got to meet her.” Tatsuo sighs, impatiently pacing.
“A girl? You have a lot of girl friends? Never mind that, if she was kidnapped that’s a huge deal… Let me give you a ride to where you’re going! Maybe there’s something I can do to help! If you’re going to Emi-chan, I’ll be happy to see her too.”
“No, not a lot of girlfriends, like only a couple.” Tatsuo smiles wryly. “I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“Well, you have a new one now.” She grins and leads him to the corner and around it. She leads him to a nondescript car, and opens the rear passenger door for him in some kind of a reverse chivalrous manner.
“Uh… thanks, my lady,” Tatsuo jokes as he hops into the car and moves over for Riri-chan. She scoots in after him and closes the door, looking to him.
“My pleasure,” she replies with a big grin. “So where are we going? Give the driver the address. He’ll queue up the address in GPS and we’ll be there really quickly.
“Ma’am… your practice… Ahem… in a few hours.” The driver coughs.
“Like I didn’t know. Thanks.” She grins and looks at Tatsuo. “So I can’t stay for a long time, but you have like an hour of my time. I’ll do what I can for you. My promises are my bond.” She winks.
Kami sits impatiently in her chair. She reaches to a nearby table for a flask of sake prepared by her faithful. After a long draught, she lifts a box of wrapped chocolates; with a snap of her fingers the box unwraps itself and the lid lifts from it. “Oh, my… La Maison du Chocolat! My worshiper really knows what a lady loves!” She purrs as she enjoys a piece of creamy chocolate. Her munching is interrupted by an incoming communication.“Kozuke? Did you find Madoka?” she asks. She waves her hand and a mirror shimmers into existence. The surface flashes and the face of Kozuke appears, and Kami notices that a young youkai is clinging to him.
“Kami-sama, yes… I’m contacting you to announce our amazing victory. The oni’s followers were defeated, and I believe his strongest youkai follower as well. I’m sorry I couldn’t produce results faster!” he apologizes.
“I’m not an unreasonable mistress, Kozuke. Be proud. If you’ve rescued Madoka you have done very well!” Kami murmurs.
“Kozuke-sama! Are you talking to Kami-sama right now?” the young youkai exclaims with starry eyes.
“Oh, yes. Please do take all the credit for the amazing rescue, Lion-dog-butler-sama,” Kiyomi chimes in with a dry tone. She steps into the panel and seems to look right at Kami. “In truth, all of Madoka-chan’s amazing friends came to her rescue.”
“Is that true? You aren’t taking credit for a change?” Kami’s eyebrow raises.
“Why should I take credit where it’s undue? I have done my own part, but Ko-chan was the star tonight.” She smiles warmly.
“A crack in that cool facade? Interesting. I must meet these friends of yours. You will have my blessings for your wonderful work.” Kami stands elegantly and flips her hand. The mirror slams against nothing before her, seeming to wield with reality itself, and Kami walks to the surface of the mirror grown large as a gateway. She steps through and into a room full of prone robed figures.
Madoka exclaims as Kami steps out of nowhere. She sits on her knees tiredly in the circle of maids. Her expression is harder than usual. Her expression changes and she bolts to her feet and she bows low.“K-Kami-sama!” she exclaims, stammering.
The maids also bow low, and Kozuke bows in a courtly manner, sweeping his hand before him. Sari disengages from him and goes down to her knees on the tatami, pressing her young face to the mat. “Kami-sama…” she breathes.
“I am pleased to see your progression, my miko. I see the determination in your eyes. Your soul has been tempered,” Kami murmurs, her voice echoing.
“I’m honored that you would come in person!” Madoka gasps, squeaking.
“Your performances rate my blessings and compliments.” She regards the youkai maids. “A peculiar troupe surrounds you. But adorable,” she murmurs, smiling.
“Thank you for your compliments, Kami-sama!” Chie squeaks.
“You’re way so cool, Kami-sama!” Arisu chimes in. “I can’t believe I can meet a kami! I’m going to melt down!” She giggles and visibly flutters.
The others bow with dignity.
“Have you decided to formally embrace your destiny, my miko?” Kami inquires.
“I-I’m not entirely resolved… but I… I will put an end to that evil oni. I am done with him chasing me and harrying me. I will slay him with my own hands!” Madoka exclaims, and blushes, looking down, embarrassed by her outburst.
Kami laughs. “I approve of that determination, Madoka. You’ve found your fire. Soon you will find your bedrock and you will truly be ready. Embrace your spiritual powers and they will see you to the end. You will have every blessing I can grant.” She turns her attention to Kiyomi. “I provisionally approve your attachment with my miko. Don’t disgrace her or myself,” she murmurs and turns dramatically. Her hagoromo floats from her shoulders and flits throughout the room, twisting and flashing from figure to figure. The wearied straighten with new vigor. “You have my blessings,” she murmurs as she fades into nothing and her hagoromo waves as though it feels abandoned. Suddenly it flashes through the air after her and zaps into nothing.
“I-I’ve found… my… my fire…” Madoka sobs, fallen before the ruined garden of her home. Her home is a smoking ruin. Kiyomi and Kozuke stand silently with defeated expressions. The maids have returned to the youkai realm, leaving the three alone to discover the unpleasant truth of what their victory has come to.“Oh, Kami…” Madoka bawls, covering her face.
M-Madoka-chan…” Aoi says, her tone filled with sadness and concern.
G-Goshujinsama… Eiji murmurs.
Oh, Eiji-kun! Kanna’s voice quavers and shakes as she sobs.
They remain silent for a long time, and Kozuke stares at the burned-out frame of her home with a shocked expression. “It’s… a familiar scene…” he gasps, his voice throaty.
Kiyomi impulsively kneels down and holds Madoka from behind.
“No!” Madoka shrieks, sobbing. “Don’t touch me!” she yells.
“I-I will not… you need all the hugs you can…” She sheds silver tears.
From behind, the sound of a vehicle coming to a stop in the street does not catch the attention of any of the three. The doors open silently and silent footsteps approach the scene. Another set of soft arms suddenly surround Madoka from the other side and Madoka dully notices Tatsuo lamely stuffing his hands in his pockets. He looks to Madoka with agony-filled eyes. A girl she doesn’t know stands nearby, gaping. She removes her sunglasses and stares for a long moment before impulsively joining the hug.
The driver steps out of his car and watches silently.
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