Ikki

A golden streak of light suddenly struck like a bolt from the heavens, shattering the night with a flash. It tore through Hellhound's head, ripping a burst of fragments away from the point of contact and scattering sparks in the foggy air. For a moment, I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. My mind raced, processing what had happened as my body seized up and froze.

Everything slowed down; the sounds of the night seemed muffled, and my pulse pounded in my temples like a drum. I spun around, my eyes scanning the surroundings frantically.

Who fired that shot? Where were they hiding? Were they friendly? Hostile?

Every shadow seemed like a potential threat, every corner of the empty pier a place for an unseen watcher or assailant to hide in.

The paranoia was overwhelming, gnawing at my mind, making me second-guess every flicker of movement in the corner of my vision. The city's distant lights blurred against the mist as my eyes darted back and forth, searching for any sign of our savior. Seconds stretched out into eternity as I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest. And still, nobody appeared from the darkness.

But I couldn't waste any more time on that. Midori needed me. I rushed to her side and dropped to my knees beside her, the cold, damp ground barely registering.

Blood soaked through her pants, warm and terrifyingly real.

"Stay with me, Midori, C-come on," I stuttered, trying to keep my voice steady. Her white crop top had been shredded several times, revealing a mess of bruises, cuts, and scrapes. She was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling quickly.

I barely knew Midori, yet here I was, holding her life in my hands. She and Talia had shown me around, showing kindness to a newcomer and stranger like me. And now she was paying the price for it.

Guilt and panic mixed in my chest as I worked to stop her bleeding. She was tough, strong, and somehow related to Terra's Magical Girls and aristocratic class. However, right now, she was just a wounded girl in need of help. Someone who'd put her life on the line to help me.

"Heh... just glad you're safe," Midori whispered, her voice weak. She tried to smile through the pain, but I could see how much effort it took. I nodded, not trusting my voice. My focus was entirely on her, on keeping her alive.

"Just hold on, okay? We'll get you out of this," I said, fumbling with her wounds.

She nodded, her eyes flickering as she struggled to stay conscious. Her gaze was hazy and unfocused, and her well-toned athletic frame seemed to sag slightly under the weight of her injuries. I knew I had to get her out of here, to someplace safe and warm, and to get real medical attention. She'd been cut several times on the arm in that knife fight, and she had glancing gunshot wounds on her left leg and another over the opposite hip.

The adrenaline coursing through my veins faded, replaced by fear and uncertainty. I couldn't afford to let my guard down now. The crisis was far from over.

Then her eyes snapped open, and she looked at me with a sudden eerie intensity.

"Nanda...?" she murmured. "M…Momo-kun…" she muttered weakly, reaching up to me with bloody hands.

Confusion washed over me. I didn't understand, but Midori's blue eyes were filled with pain and something else. Something like regret and terror. She had to be going into shock or something. I was no medical expert but had some barebones first-aid training.

I shook my head, lightly slapping her face. "No, it's me, Ikki. Hey, come on. Stay with me!"

Her eyes fluttered, a flicker of recognition piercing through the haze. "Ah. Ikki…?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

I nodded, trying to smile, though I felt anything but reassured. I had to keep her focused and awake. "Yeah, it's me, Ikki. You need to s-stay awake, okay?"

Her hand weakly gripped mine, a silent plea in her eyes. It was clear she was fading in and out of consciousness. Midori's eyes held a deep sadness, a pain that seemed to pierce directly through me.

I kept talking to her, trying to anchor her to the here and now. "We're at the pier, remember? You were incredible out there. We're going to get through this."

She coughed violently, blood trickling down her chin. I bit my lip, my heart sinking at the sight. Time was slipping away, and I needed to find help fast.

Looking around, I noticed the torn cardigan Midori had used in her fight. It was already damaged, the fabric ripped and stained with blood. It wouldn't be much use to her now. But I could still make something out of it.

Quickly, I grabbed the knife Hellhound had dropped, hands trembling as I tried to cut the cardigan into strips. The fabric was tough, and I struggled to make cuts in my anxiety. However, I was still able to get through with a rough hack job that could get things done.

As I wrapped the makeshift bandages around her wounds, Midori's gaze flickered towards me, her eyes clouded with pain and confusion. I swore for a second that her eyes flashed purple again in the foglight. "Otouto... kimi o sukuenakute..." she mumbled in a haunted whisper.

"Midori, listen to me. It's Ikki. You're safe now. I'm here with you," I said firmly, trying to break through her delirium.

Her eyes slowly focused on me, and the veil of confusion lifted for a moment. "Ikki...?" she managed to say, a faint smile touching her lips.

I squeezed her hand gently, offering a reassuring smile. "Just hang in there. Help is on the way. You're strong, Midori. You can make it."

I wasn't sure if that was the case - but I knew Rai-chan had a bead on our location, and my GPS was still on.

Midori's grip on my hand tightened slightly, a glimmer of strength returning to her eyes. I could see her fighting, battling against the overwhelming pain and exhaustion. I had to keep it together for her.

Rai-chan's voice came back into my head, clear and calm amidst my frantic half-baked first aid attempts. "Ikki, I've analyzed the origin of the projectile that eliminated the one known as Hellhound. It is a conventional high caliber sniper round that originated approximately one thousand, eight hundred and fifty meters away from the roof of a high-rise apartment building near the other end of West Highway. The angle of the shot is about 58 degrees, taking into account the building's height and distance. The wind speed is around 24 kilometers per hour from the southwest, which would have dramatically affected the bullet's trajectory."

I absorbed the information, my mind racing with the implications. Someone had taken a ludicrous shot and saved us, but who? And why?

Rai-chan continued, "Considering these factors, including the low visibility environment, the sniper is highly skilled — elite, even. We should remain cautious."

Turning my attention back to Midori, I could see she was struggling to keep her eyes open. "Hey, stay with me," I urged, my voice more firm now. "You're not alone. I'm here."

Someone was out there, watching over us, and had just saved our lives. I felt a strange mix of relief and curiosity. Who could it be?

"Stay focused, Ikki," Rai-chan's voice interrupted my thoughts. "You need to care for Midori. Keep her conscious and calm."

I nodded, more to myself than to Rai-chan. I turned my attention back to Midori, her eyes now half-open, a mix of pain and embarrassment.

"Hey kid," she whispered weakly, "Sorry, I'm a bit lightheaded right now. Heh. Thought you were someone else for a moment."

"It's fine, Midori. Just focus on staying conscious," I reassured her, trying to keep my tone calm. I crawled over to her and carefully tied another strip of the torn cardigan around her injured leg.

Then, I grabbed the knife and gripped it firmly, trembling as I kneeled over Midori, hyperventilating and trying to catch her breath. Okay, Ikki, calm down. You're not doing either of you good right now. Deep breaths, I reminded myself, taking slow, deliberate breaths to steady my racing heart. The situation was dire, but I couldn't afford to panic. Midori needed me to be strong, focused, and in control.

I gripped the knife tightly as I assessed the severity of Midori's wounds. The adrenaline surged back into my veins, my mind racing with a newfound determination. I had to act quickly and decisively. The makeshift bandages would only buy us time; she needed proper medical care.

Suddenly, a blur of movement in the thick fog caught my attention.

Before I could process what was happening, a flash of purple ruffles appeared out of nowhere and slammed into my side. The impact sent me skidding across the damp pier, and it took a moment for me to realize that I had been kicked.

"Haaa—?" I gasped, wheezing as I felt the wind get knocked out of me. The figure was so fast that I couldn't even see them coming.

White-hot pain flared up in my already bruised ribs as I struggled to catch my breath. I looked up, squinting through the fog, and saw a girl standing protectively over Midori — leg extended in a sidekick position. I hacked a cough, chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath and regain my bearings.

The girl who kicked me wore an intricate purple gothic lolita dress, and electricity crackled through her purple hair cascading down to her waist. Her intense, swirling eyes that reminded me of a stormy sea were fixed on me with suspicion and anger.

"You stay the heckity heck away from her!" she shouted, her voice tinged with panic and urgency.

"I... I was just helping!" I hacked as I tried to explain, struggling to get back on my feet.

"You were what? Kneeling over her with a knife raised like that?" she retorted quickly, her words tumbling out in a rush.

I realized she must have seen me cutting the cardigan for bandages and misunderstood. "No, I—"

Before I could finish, she was already on the move again.

"Wait, just listen!" I pleaded, raising my hands in a gesture of peace.

In a sudden display of aggression, she cracked her knuckles with a menacing snarl, sending shivers down my spine. I was frozen in disbelief as she lunged at me faster than my eyes could follow. Arcs of electricity sparked around her, amplifying the raw power that seemed to radiate from her very being.

Just as she was about to lay her hands on me, Midori's voice rang out with surprising strength and authority, , "No! Don't! Stand down, Vi!"

Midori's voice was hoarse but strong, snapping the girl out of her attack. The girl's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Midori slowly sit up, her body still weak from the fight against Hellhound.

"I-I.... It's okay, VT!" Midori called out, her voice suddenly filled with strength, "I know him. He's... he's with me and was just trying to help."

The girl stopped, confusion mixed with relief washing over her face. "Midori... I thought you and Tals were... What..." she trailed off, eyes scanning Midori from head to toe. "S-small world, I guess."

I could see the tension slowly draining from her body as she lowered her weapon, her eyes filled with sudden morbid embarrassment.

The girl's eyes narrowed, but with a deep breath, she relaxed her stance. Then, she turned to really look at me for the first time - her eyes settling on the school emblem on my blazer.

"Oh. Uh, I-I'm sorry," the newcomer whispered, her voice wavering slightly. "I-I overreacted. It's been a long day."

As I took in her apology, I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and indignation. My ribs ached, and the damp pier continued to cling to my clothes and socks, making the chilly fog even more unbearable.

"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered, rubbing the back of my head. The purple-haired girl hesitated for a moment before taking a step towards us, a look of concern on her face.

"Sorry for that, again," she said, her voice still full of uncertainty. "I-I didn't know who you were. I just saw you with a knife kneeled over her, and, well, you know..."

I let out a small chuckle, trying to lighten the situation. "Yeah, I can see how that might be intimidating. I'm glad you didn't kick me all that hard there."

Seriously. For all I knew, with the amount of strength these girls had, that kick could have shattered my ribs or plastered me across the pier.

"How'd you two end up in this mess?" VT inquired curiously, her eyes still darting back and forth between Midori and me.

"It's a long story," Midori huffed. "Talia and I were out shopping when we bumped into him at the Market. He was looking for the Mana Exchange to sell some cores and we figured we could guide him there. Anyway, one thing led to another and we wound up getting taken hostage by... whatever's left of those proxy drones over there. I managed to take most of them out, but Hellhound over there was a monster through the drone by even Magitech Soldier standards."

Midori glanced over at the robotic remains of Hellhound pointedly.

The Magical Girl shook her head, her hair seemingly electrifying the fog around her. "Wow... that's a doozy," she said with her eyes open in disbelief.

As she spoke, the girl finally lowered her weapon, the tension draining from her face. She looked defeated but slightly embarrassed, realizing she had missed the obvious signs that I was not a threat.

"VT, right? My friends call me Ikki," I asked, reaching a hand out to try and continue de-escalating the situation.

"Yes, that's me," VT replied, her voice still shaky. "Violet Tempest to be exact. Good to meetcha, er... Ikki?"

She nodded, her eyes scanning my face, then looked back at Midori with relief and curiosity. "I-I'm sorry. Really sorry, I really thought you were in danger," she murmured, still shaken by her earlier actions.

"I understand, Vi," Midori said, her voice soft but firm. "And well... I can't exactly say I'm out of the woods yet." Midori's voice was strained, a faint grimace crossing her face as she wobbled on her legs. Violet Tempest rushed forward and caught her as she stumbled, her face etched with concern.

"Easy, Midori," VT said gently, holding her steady. "You need to rest, girl. Just breathe and stay conscious."

I moved closer, my own concern for Midori growing. "We need to get her to a hospital," I urged, my voice laced with worry.

Midori and Talia had been so kind to me, a newcomer from Earth, showing me around the Market district. It was a rare kindness I'd experienced since arriving in Terra, and it made me feel even more obligated to ensure Midori's safety since she'd gotten injured, saving my life.

Violet Tempest shook her head, her eyes meeting mine. "There's a better place to take her, but I don't know if Midori would be okay with me bringing you there, much less talking about it."

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I hesitated momentarily, unsure of what VT meant, but then I nodded. "Whatever you think is best. I have a feeling you know her better than I do."

Midori chuckled, "Even without Talia, I'd be fine. I'd just rather not use that. I could have ended things with Hellhound in seconds, even."

That earned a raised eyebrow from me "Really? I mean..." I trailed off, not wanting to press the issue. Her injuries looked pretty severe, and if that was true, I couldn't help but wonder if she was playing it down for my sake.

"Let's just say I'm a back seater in this game for a reason, and sometimes things come with a hefty price tag," Midori answered cryptically.

Then I froze, feeling my breath hitch as I felt an overwhelming hostility in the air. Seconds passed as I felt the hairs on my neck stand on end. I slowly turned to look off to the side, only to see the silhouette of a petite girl appear in my line of vision, emerging from the fog.

The figure was a good head shorter than me and ethnically ambiguous, with neck-length golden looped locks that shimmered even in the dim light. She wore a small black beret, sitting atop her curls like a crown. Her attire was a striking mix of guerrilla fighter and something out of a sci-fi novel, with a mini-skirt, combat boots, and a jacket adorned with patches and intricate patterns.

Her presence was almost surreal, like a character stepping out of a comic book. She was carrying the three duffle bags dropped by our kidnappers in one hand, draped over her shoulder. The sight of this pint-sized girl carrying the those bags would have been comical if she didn't have such... intimidating body language.

Her stoic expression didn't waver as she approached, but her eyes were scanning the scene with an almost palpable, intense focus. She stopped a few meters away, her gaze briefly meeting mine before settling on Midori.

"Is she hurt badly, Violet?" the girl asked, her voice steady but carrying an undertone of concern.

"Yeah, Midori needs help. Pronto," Violet Tempest replied urgently. "Tals should be able to fix her up in seconds, though. Midori's shrugged off a lot worse."

The newcomer gave Violet Tempest a curt nod before turning her head my way. "It is good to see that you are safe as well," Hana said, meeting my eyes again.

The night air was thick with the scent of salt and metal. I stood there, frozen, as the mysterious girl in the guerilla outfit stepped closer.

"Hana of the Dawn," she said, her voice as steady as her gaze as she pointed at herself.

Her eyes, sharp and assessing, flicked between Midori, who was still cradled in Violet Tempest's arms, and then me.

Her demeanor was all business as she spoke, but her eyes betrayed her. They lingered on Midori with a tenderness that she seemed to try hard to hide. It was clear to me then that she was probably the sniper who had saved us.

Then, she looked at me, and something in her gaze hinted at a deeper concern, not just for Midori, but for me too.

"What's your story, Ikazuchi?" Hana asked me bluntly, narrowing her eyes.

The sudden question caught me off guard. I stumbled over my words, trying to find the right words to explain my situation.

"I... I-I just arrived in this world and was trying to find my way around. I attended orientation today at St. Antonia's and was going to sell my Chaos Cores to have enough money to make it through the week. Then, I met Midori and Talia," I said, hoping my explanation would be enough. "Then, well. We got held up at the bank and taken hostage."

Hana's expression didn't change; her eyes zeroed in on Midori's cradled form.

"Violet Tempest, take Midori out of here and retrieve Talia. This one will speak to Ikazuchi."

"Wait," Midori called out weakly, even as she struggled to keep her eyes open. "It's okay, Hana. He's not a threat."

Hana's eyes narrowed slightly as she considered Midori's words. "That will be for Hana to decide."

I felt a surge of fear, unsure of what Hana might do next. Her expression was unreadable, a mask of stoicism perfected by what felt like years of conflict.

"Hana…" Violet Tempest hesitated, her eyes flickering between Hana and me.

"Hana promises," Hana said sharply, her voice firm but carrying a subtle softness. “Hana will not harm Ikazuchi. This is important.”

I gulped, feeling a mixture of relief and unease. There was something about Hana's demeanor that was both calming and intimidating at the same time. Her promise not to harm me didn't completely ease my anxiety, but it was a start.

"I'm going to trust you, Hana," Midori said, her voice carrying an undertone. "Let's give them some space, VT?"

Violet Tempest, gave me a reassuring nod before turning to leave with Midori. Her movements were gentle, but they had a sharp edge as if she were acutely aware of every motion. With a final worried glance at me, she zoomed away in a purple streak, disappearing into the fog with Midori in her arms.

Left alone with Hana, the air felt heavy with unspoken words. I glanced at her, trying to read her expression, but it was like looking at a still pond with no ripples to betray what lay beneath.

A tense silence fell between us. I realized something odd.

"Wait, how do you know my name? I never told you."

I'd given my name as Ikki to Violet Tempest. At least, I was pretty sure of that.

Hana's eyes didn't waver. "Hana has her ways. It's important to know those you might have to protect... or confront."

I nodded nervously, not fully understanding but accepting her explanation. There was something about this situation that was tickling my intuition.

Hana's costume, a guerrilla-styled black and yellow jacket with a matching beret, pitch-black mini-skirt, and combat boots, seemed to blend the lines between a hardened jungle fighter and a magical girl. The pragmatic outfit was a stellar contrast to the delicate, ethereal appearances of most of the other Terran Magical Girls I had seen on the internet from whatever footage made its way back over to Earth.

"Hana of the Dawn," I repeated awkwardly, trying to break the ice. "That's an unusual name."

"Names have power," she replied. "Hana of the Dawn is an epithet that signifies a new beginning, a hope. It's what Hana chose to become upon her emancipation."

"Emancipation?" I asked numbly.

"A tale best left unspoken for now," Hana responded firmly, her eyes hinting at a story filled with struggle and pain.

"Ahh," I muttered awkwardly as she looked away briefly.

"Come, walk with Hana," she suddenly said, her tone softening a bit. "There's much to discuss."

Reluctantly, I followed her, my mind racing with questions and uncertainties. The fog around us seemed to deepen, making the world a mystery beyond just a few meters away. The sound of the waves grew louder, a constant reminder of the vast, unknown sea that lay just beyond our sight.

I narrowed my eyes as I observed Hana of the Dawn more carefully now that my nerves had calmed down a bit. Her gait, her manner of speech, the beret on her head. A suspicion began to fill my head as we left the cargo area and reached a walkway.

Come to think of it, I hadn't given her my name either. So…

The pier creaked under our steps, echoing in the foggy air. Hana's eyes were fixed on the path ahead, her expression unreadable. I could sense the tension in her posture, the careful way she moved, as if always ready for any sudden threat.

Taking a deep breath, I tensed up and prepared for the worst as I shot an educated guess in the dark.

"Dior…?" I ventured cautiously as I stopped walking. I watched her closely, looking for any sign of recognition or surprise. "Is that you?"

Her stride faltered for a split second, barely noticeable if I wasn't paying attention. Then she regained her composure, her face remaining as unreadable as before.

Silence lingered in the air as Hana finally spoke, her voice calm yet distant. "Hana is just Hana. Hana of the Dawn."

I hesitated, not completely convinced. The resemblance was uncanny, but I decided not to push it. Magical Girls usually had their reasons for keeping their identities secret, after all.

We walked further, the sound of the waves and the creaking of the pier under our feet the only sounds in the dense fog. It felt surreal, like a scene from a movie, walking with a mysterious Magical Girl on a foggy pier at night.

"So, you're a sniper?" I tried to change the subject, hoping to learn more about her.

Hana nodded slightly. "Yes. Hana has been… trained, so to say, to survive from a very young age."

Young age, I wondered. That had implications I didn't want to think about. But I decided to let it lie for now and continue the conversation.

I glanced at her, noting the firm set of her jaw and how her eyes constantly scanned the environment. "That… was an incredible shot. You saved us. Thank you."

Hana's gaze softened for a moment. "It's Hana's duty to protect. Especially those who cannot protect themselves."

The way she said it, with such conviction, I could tell she'd been through a lot. But she really meant it. Her stoic demeanor, the little details in her body language — it all pointed to a past filled with challenges and hardships.

We reached the end of the pier, and Hana stopped, looking out at the sea for a minute as I joined her. She slowly set down the three duffle bags she was carrying as her hair whipped around her neck.

"The breakfast was nice," Hana suddenly said, breaking the silence. Her voice was still firm, but there was a hint of something else. A hint of vulnerability, maybe?

I blinked, surprised by her sudden change of topic. "The breakfast?"

She nodded, still not looking at me. "Yes, the ham sandwiches you offered this one earlier. It was a kind gesture."

My heart skipped a beat.

So, that was basically a confession.

"Yeah, well, I just thought you might be hungry," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "The way your stomach growled while you were reading that book. I'd be a monster if I didn't insist."

Hana chuckled softly, sounding so out of character for her. "Dior is stubborn. She's learned to be cautious, perhaps too cautious at times."

The fog swirled around us, the sound of the sea a constant hum in the background. Standing here with Hana, I felt a strange sense of peace despite how chaotic the entire day had been.

After a few moments, Hana spoke again, her voice steady but curious. "Why did you walk down that path in particular, and approach Dior with sandwiches today? It seems unusual… in retrospect."

I chuckled, "It wasn't anything special. I just really hate crowds sometimes. Especially ones full of snooty kids like that. You looked hungry, and I had extra. I was just trying to be friendly, I guess."

Hana nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "In Hana's past, friendliness often came with strings attached. It's hard for Hana to accept kindness without suspicion."

I could see the conflict in her eyes, the struggle between her past experiences and the present moment. It made me realize how different our worlds were, yet here we were, trying to understand each other.

"I get it, Di—... Hana. Where I come from, people aren't always what they seem either. But sometimes, you gotta take a chance on people. Not everyone's out to get you," I said, hoping my words would offer her some comfort.

She looked at me, a faint smile on her lips. "This one appreciates your words, Ikazuchi. And for now, she chooses to believe you. It's... just difficult to reconcile coincidences."

"Coincidences?" I asked blankly.

"Yes… are you aware of who exactly Midori is, Ikki?" she asked pointedly.

I shook my head.

"No, not really," I admitted, feeling slightly out of my depth. "I mean, we've only met today and I know she had some crazy moves back there when she got the drop on our kidnappers. Other than that, she and Talia just seemed really nice. She did imply some connection to the Magical Girl world when we were back at the bank, though. That you guys were at some sort of 'Assembly Ceremony' - whatever that is."

Hana's gaze lingered on me as if weighing my words against her thoughts. "So she has told you that much, at least? Regardless of who Midori was, she… currently leads logistics and command of Hana's cell of Magical Girls. The fact you and I met today, and you just happened to run into her tonight - leaving her grievously injured, raises questions. It is too much of a coincidence for Hana to believe it is pure chance."

I frowned, my confusion growing. "But that's just it, Hana. At least from my perspective, this was all chance, a random series of events. I'm just a regular kid from Earth who got caught in a bad situation. I didn't even know who Midori was until I bumped into Talia on the streets and almost fell on my butt."

Bumped into her… because I wasn't paying attention while Rai-chan guided my way. I quietly realized. The literal voice in my head was silent now, but I definitely wanted to sit down for some answers later.

Hana looked at the sea thoughtfully. "Perhaps. But Hana's life has taught her that such 'coincidences' are often more than they seem. It may very well be a stroke of fate at the end of the day, but Hana still has to ask again. Ikazuchi — what is your story?"

I could feel the weight of her gaze as she slowly looked back at me with those shimmering golden eyes. It was like she was trying to see right through me. It was uncomfortable, but I understood where she was coming from. Her life sounded tough, full of hard lessons and harsh truths.

"I really have nothing to hide, Hana," I said earnestly, "I get that you've had to be careful. But I'm not a threat. I'm just who I am at face value. A kid from Earth trying to figure out this new place and survive. I don't want any trouble. I… lost two Baron-class Chaos Cores in the robbery, and those were all the savings my family could scrounge up to send me over here. I just wanted to sell them for enough Terran credits to last a few weeks while I figured out work here. Midori and Talia just happened to be there to help me find the Mana Exchange. I want to bring my sister and father here eventually, once I earn enough to live and support them. That's all I want, Hana. I'm not trying to cause any issues for you or your friends. I just want to survive and hopefully make a life for myself and my family."

Hana nodded slightly, though it was clear she was still guarded. "Life in Terra can be harsh, especially for newcomers. Hana knows this very well. But Hana cannot afford blind trust. Not anymore. Not after everything that has happened… However, she will choose to believe you for now. Do not let that belief be misplaced."

She unzipped one of the duffle bags by our side, revealing a veritable fortune in Cores left behind by the kidnappers and robbers.

"Two Baron-class cores, yes?" Hana's voice was tinged with a hint of something more than just observation. "These are fungible. You are owed them."

My eyes widened at the sight of the Cores. It was more than I had hoped for. Getting these successfully traded in meant stability, at least for a while, and a chance to plan my next steps.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I lost," I replied, a surge of relief washing over me. "Wouldn't you get into trouble for that, though? Tampering with evidence or something?"

Hana gave a small, almost imperceptible shrug. "Leave the red tape to Hana. This is the least she can do."

I hesitated, but the sincerity in her voice convinced me. "Alright… thank you, Hana. I really appreciate it."

We stood silently momentarily, basking in the cool, salty night air around us. My eyes were drawn upwards to the spectacular sight above. The misty sky was alive, with trails of vibrant colors all over the city as streaks of light soared through the night. It was like watching a dance of stars and rainbows, each trail a different hue and luminance, painting the night with their brilliance.

Dozens of Magical Girls soared through the air, leaving behind trails of luminous colors that weaved through the misty night like vibrant ribbons. The sight was mesmerizing, and all my worries seemed to melt away for a moment.

"It's amazing," I said, unable to take my eyes off the sky. "Midori did mention the Assembly Ceremony. I didn't realize it was this... big."

Hana nodded, her eyes never leaving the sky. "We were attacked, stalled, but not much can keep that many Magical Girls down for long," she said, her voice tinged with pride.

I looked at her, seeing her in a new light. She was part of this. A defender of the world. It was incredible to think that the pint-sized girl I met this morning was now standing here as Magical Girl Hana.

"So, all those lights... they're all Magical Girls, right?" I asked. "There are so many of them here..."

Hana nodded. "Yes, each one is a real living, breathing warrior soaring through the sky and keeping the darkness at bay."

I was in awe. "It's like a scene from a fantasy book, but it's… real."

"Very real," Hana affirmed. "And each one of them has their own story, their own battles and history. Each and every Magical Girl has something to protect and fight for, and they truly believe in their mission. That is one of the qualifications to become one."

"I can't believe this is real," I murmured, still fixated on the sky.

Hana finally turned to me, a small smile on her face. "Hana wonders sometimes as well. But, this is our reality, Ikki. A world where we fight and protect. It's harsh, but Hana is learning that there's beauty in it.."

I nodded, understanding what she meant. There was something incredibly inspiring about seeing these girls in action.

We watched silently for a while as the colorful streaks in the sky painted a picture of hope and courage.

Then, Hana turned to me, her expression changing slightly.

"Ikki, about earlier... the breakfast you offered. That was... unexpected. And kind."

I didn't know what to say. It had seemed like the right thing to do at the time.

I shrugged, feeling a bit sheepish. "I mean, it was a small gesture, really. Really no big deal."

Hana continued, "In Hana's world, trust isn't given easily. But your gesture... it meant more than you might realize."

"Yeah, well," I scratched my head awkwardly, "I know what it's like to be hungry and have nothing. So, I guess, I just wanted to offer a hand?"

Hana's eyes held a warmth that seemed to melt away the chill of the mist around us. "It's rare to find such kindness without expecting anything in return. In Hana's lived experience, at least."

I blinked, trying to understand her point. "Weird. Well, where I come from, we help each other out. It's just how things are done. You never know when you'll be the one needing a hand."

She smiled a genuine, heartfelt smile. "This... would like to do something for you. A way to say thanks."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? What do you have in mind?"

"Supper," she said simply. "Let Hana treat you to supper tonight. It's the least she can do to thank you for your kindness earlier. Hana means it. That gesture meant a lot, more than you would ever know."

I hesitated, feeling a bit awkward about it. "Are you sure? I mean, I don't want to be a bother or anything."

Hana shook her head. "No bother at all. It's important to Hana. You did send a request to… hang out tonight, and it's only right to repay the favor for a friend."

I mulled over her words, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. "Alright, then. If you insist. Thank you, that'd be nice."

Hana picked up the duffle bags full of chaos cores

and slung them over her shoulder with surprising ease. Despite her small stature, her strength still made me double-take.

As we walked, the quiet of the night enveloped us, the mist creating a sense of isolation from the rest of the world. It felt like we were the only two people in existence, wandering through a dreamlike landscape.

"Have you ever tried Nahuatl cuisine, Ikki?" Hana asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

I blinked, taken aback by the question. "Nahuatl? No, I don't think I have. Is it good?"

Hana's eyes lit up with a strange passion as she spoke about it. "Oh, it's amazing! You see, here in Terra, the Aztecs developed differently from those on Earth. They were influenced a lot by traders from the Far East. So, their food is this incredible blend of Mesoamerican and Chinese flavors. There's this dish called 'World Serpent Clipped Corn Buns' – they're spicy, but with a sweet tang, filled with this smoky, grilled meat that's marinated in a sauce made from chilis, honey, and soy topped with corn tempura. And then there's 'Imperial Aztec Noodles' – it's a noodle soup with a rich, aromatic broth, tender slices of duck, and all these vibrant, spicy cactus vegetables. We should try it!"

The sudden enthusiasm was punctuated by a brief flare-up of her golden aura, which nearly knocked me off my feet. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It was a side of Hana – or Dior – that I hadn't seen before. Her passion for food seemed so genuine and pure, a startingly contrast to the guarded warrior I had first met. Where the heck had this come from all of a sudden?

"Now that Hana is earning money from missions and saving up, she can finally afford to try all the foods she dreamed of. It's like discovering a whole new world each time she tries a new dish," Hana continued, her eyes shining excitedly.

The way she spoke about food, with such vivid detail and enthusiasm, revealed an endearing and poignant side. It was clear that food was more than just sustenance for her; it symbolized the life she had fought to have, a life where she could enjoy simple pleasures without fear or reservation. Sure, I wasn't a superpowered warrior with a mysterious past, but I couldn't help but feel a deep connection with Hana over something as simple as food.

"Alright, now you have me intrigued," I said. "I'm definitely up for trying this stuff tonight. It sounds amazing."

Hana's face lit up, and I could see the excitement in her eyes. It made me feel a strange mix of unexpected warmth and happiness. "It's settled then. Hana will take Ikki to her favorite Nahuatl-Chinese fusion place. It's a small, cozy spot, but the flavors are out of this world!"

As we made our way through the foggy streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Hana. Despite our vastly different backgrounds and experiences, there was a shared understanding between us, a mutual respect that just felt like... it was there.

I definitely needed something to get the insanity of the day off my mind — that was for certain. Whatever else might come my way could wait. Chaos cores, money, impossible coincidences — none of it mattered in that moment.

I was soaking wet, tired and hungry, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this night was going to be something I'd remember for a long time.

At the very least, I wanted it to end with a happy, full stomach.