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Interlude 4: Waltz of the Brumous Night

The creature loomed over them, its massive jaws snapping open and shut hungrily. Violet's instincts kicked into overdrive as she sensed the imminent danger. Acting on pure instinct, she and her two companions leapt back in a perfectly synchronized motion, barely avoiding being crushed by the beast's powerful jaws. The force of its attack created a deafening boom that echoed through the air, sending shockwaves rippling through the ground and shaking nearby trees violently. Debris flew in all directions, creating a hurricane of destruction in its wake.

"A Sylithran? Here?!" Violet gasped, her heart pounding in her chest as the trio retreated from the massive beast.

The Sylithran was a powerful Marquis-Class Chaos Beast, typically only encountered during catastrophic Chaos Events of Magnitude 3 or higher. It was unheard of for them to appear in smaller events out in the countryside, and it would be nearly impossible for one to go undetected in a heavily fortified city like Shoreline City without setting off multiple alarms.

This was unprecedented, and it was really bad news.

In the blink of an eye, Hana summoned her massive rifle, its futuristic oversized design emanating a vibrant energy. She didn't waste a moment as she aimed at the colossal creature and unleashed a stream of powerful bullets. The explosions of bright yellow light lit up the foggy island as they hit the Sylithran's tough scales. However, it appeared to have little effect on the monstrous beast. The Sylithran responded with a deafening roar that echoed through the misty landscape.

With a sudden rush, a throng of slimy tentacles erupted from the murky depths of the water, their tips glinting menacingly in the foglight. Violet's eyes widened in terror as the monstrous appendages closed in on them, their movements fluid yet unnaturally quick. The stench of rot and decay filled the air, intensifying the already terrifying scene before them.

Violet's instincts took over, honed by years of fighting Chaos Beasts.

In one swift motion, she brought forth her trusted scythe, a weapon she had mastered through countless battles. As it manifested in her hand with a crackle of energy, its blade glimmered with a deadly charge. Violet moved with the grace and precision of the skilled warrior she was as she launched into action, twirling her scythe in a graceful dance of destruction. Each strike sent bolts of electricity cutting through the air, striking the Sylithran's tentacles. The foggy sky was illuminated by sparks as the creature let out a furious howl.

Shasta watched intently as Violet engaged in her deadly dance, her own body pulsing with adrenaline. She scanned the battlefield, searching for any sign of weakness in the massive Sylithran creature before her. Its powerful form writhed and thrashed, its tentacles whipping around violently.

Undaunted, Shasta charged forward with determination, her muscles flexing beneath her skin. With a well-timed leap, she dodged a lashing tentacle and delivered a forceful kick to the beast's midsection. The impact sent shockwaves through its scaly body, causing it to flip through the air and crash into the river below. Countless tentacles briefly squirmed and lashed into the air before they too plunged into the water. The Sylithran let out a pained chitter, but it seemed to recover quickly from their attack. Its resilience was impressive, to say the least.

Violet and Shasta, now gasping for breath, glanced at one another as they regrouped with Hana on a small cliff overlooking the waters. Violet narrowed her eyes, trying to make sense of the situation. She wasn't known for her strategic thinking or anything, but something felt off about this encounter.

"There's no way this thing is here by chance," she mused aloud, her voice tinged with frustration as she regrouped with her team. "You'd think there'd be a big ol' Chaos Event happening for a Marquis-Class Chaos Beast to just show up like this."

A blue bolt of energy shot out from the fog, barely missing Violet. She quickly rolled out of harm's way, holding her scythe tightly. Shasta rushed to her side, providing cover as they were attacked by a swarm of tentacles.

"I do echo that sentiment! There are too many Magical Girls here for it to be a serious threat on its own," Shasta observed, her tone mirroring Violet's thoughts.

"It must be a diversion!" Hana exclaimed as she fired another round of energy bullets at the Sylithran. "This creature is just a distraction. Hana thinks it is meant to keep us occupied while something else is happening."

Violet nodded, her eyes scanning the fog-filled battlefield. Hana was right; there had to be more to this than just a single rogue Chaos Beast. The Sylithran wasn't the most dangerous Marquis-class horde leader by a long shot. Still, it was notoriously durable and difficult to put down.

"Anyone know what's screwing with comms now that we're out here?" Violet Tempest asked as she clenched her jaw, evading another wave of bolts.

"Hana cannot get a clear signal," Hana said, frustration evident in her voice as she fumbled with her Nexus and shook her head.

"There's a field of some sort around the island," Shasta added, her eyes narrowed in concentration as a red flash emanated from her body. "The interference is magical in nature; a barrier of arcane energy that's flooding the air serving as a Al-Zawahari Cage. It seems our adversaries have thought of everything."

Violet clenched her jaw, her determination burning bright amidst the chaos. "Well, we'll just have to rely on ourselves then. We've faced more screwed-up odds before and come out on top!"

With renewed determination, the three companions pushed forward, their actions in perfect coordination like a well-oiled machine. Every slash of Violet's scythe hit its intended target with lethal accuracy, slicing through an increasing number of tentacles. Her movements were precise and forceful, leaving deep cuts in the creature's tough hide.

"On you, Shasta!" Violet called out urgently. Shasta nodded, her focus narrowing as she honed in on her aura.

Taking a deep breath, Shasta felt the energy surge through her body. Flames erupted from her hands, swirling and dancing around her.

Then, with a surge of magic, Shasta erupted into a fiery inferno that instantly evaporated several yards of water around her. With a swift kick, she punted the beast out of the water, exposing countless grotesque appendages writhing beneath its massive body. The sight was mesmerizing and repulsive, but Shasta didn't let it distract her.

The trio took advantage of the chaos, their teamwork flawless as they seized this opportunity. Violet sprinted forward, her scythe crackling with electricity as she struck at the exposed underbelly of the creature. Each blow sent sparks flying, searing through the thick scales with a satisfying sizzle.

As Violet gracefully spun, her scythe carved through the air leaving behind vibrant brushstrokes that seemed to come alive. The colors formed an intricate dance, swirling and merging in a mesmerizing display of fluid motion. Each twirl of her weapon created a flurry of pastel hues that danced in the breeze, painting the battlefield with ethereal beauty.

Her scythe was not just a weapon; it was an extension of her being, a canvas for her artistry. Each swing created strokes of pastel colors that swirled and danced in the breeze, painting the battlefield in hues that would have made any painter envious.

"Impression Study:" Violet Tempest whispered, "Waltz of the Brumous Night."

Her scythe was not just a tool for combat, it was a manifestation of Violet's artistry. With each precise swing, the strokes of color became bolder and more defined, intertwining to create a masterpiece that defied logic.

Her movements were like a carefully choreographed dance, perfectly timed and executed with grace and precision. She flowed effortlessly across the battlefield, her scythe creating a symphony of colors with every strike.

Hana and Shasta stood transfixed, unable to look away from Violet's stunning tapestry. The air hummed with anticipation as the vortex reached its peak, pulsating with an otherworldly power that held the Sylithran creature in suspension. The colors criss-crossed and intertwined, forming a mesmerizing pattern that seemed to hold the creature captive. It let out a deafening roar, its tentacles thrashing futilely in the air as Violet's masterpiece held it almost motionless.

For a moment, the battlefield was still. The foggy sky was painted with intricate patterns of color, a living piece of art that seemed to defy the laws of nature.

"Now, Hana!" Violet shouted as she landed back on a cliff about three Terran yards over the water, leaving a trail of swirling paint in her wake that faded into purple sparks.

Hana stood at the edge of the beach's shore, her feet firmly planted as she aimed her oversized rifle. As she channeled her energy into it, the rifle transformed into a powerful cannon, crackling with electricity and anticipation.

With a fierce cry, Hana unleashed her signature finishing move:

"Soleil Levant: Requiem!"

Hana of the Dawn's voice rang out with a clarity and strength that seemed to originate from the depths of her soul. Her rifle blazed with a brilliant light, its energy swirling like a vortex around it.

The weapon erupted with an impressive display of overwhelming firepower, unleashing a deluge of golden bullets that illuminated the misty battlefield. The projectiles streaked towards the Sylithran, creating a deafening sonic boom as they collided with their target, exploding in dazzling bursts of light and energy upon impact.

The sheer force of the impact shook the foundations of the island, causing cracks to spread across the ground like spiderwebs. The concussive blasts from the bullets sent vibrations through the air and ground, seeming like it jolted the core of the Sylithran. The monstrous creature thrashed and contorted, its grotesque limbs flailing wildly as it was bombarded by Hana's projectiles.

But even that wasn't enough to defeat the beast.

The Sylithran emitted a piercing shriek that cut through the chaos, its voice a haunting combination of agony and rage. Hana barely had time to move as a razor-sharp tentacle whipped out from its now smoking and battered body, aiming for her head. She barely managed to duck, ceasing her assault and rolling away as the tentacle cracked against the ground where she had been standing, creating a crater.

The creature's remaining tentacles lashed out with renewed vigor, thrashing wildly to strike back at its attackers. Violet Tempest's bindings began to fade as the Sylithran's resistance grew stronger. With each strike of its tentacles, the ground shook violently, threatening to throw Violet off balance.

Violet Tempest tightened her grip on her scythe and focused all her energy on one final strike. The vortex of colors around her intensified, swirling faster and brighter as it purified and absorbed the ambient chaos energy of the battlefield.

In one swift motion, Violet launched herself into the air, propelled by a gust of wind that seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

She somersaulted through the air, her scythe slicing through the Sylithran's remaining tentacles with unrivaled precision. She clenched her jaw in frustration as every tentacle she tore apart seemed to be replaced by two more in its place. The Sylithran was relentless, refusing to succumb to their combined assault. However, Violet was undeterred, her spirit unbroken.

She was a Magical Girl, after all.

"Come on, come on!" she shouted in frustration as she spun through the air, her scythe leaving trails of vibrant Violet hues in its wake.

Out of nowhere, a thunderous roar shook the battlefield, causing the ground to tremble in response. The Sylithran let out a primal scream that sent shivers down Violet's spine. Suddenly, the wounds on the creature began to hiss and bubble, releasing clouds of steam that filled the air with a sharp, acrid smell. Violet cried out as she felt her eyes being seared by the intense heat, only to be completely discombobulated as she felt something slam into her with incredible force. She could dimly feel herself hurtling backwards until she crashed onto the island belly-first with a painful thud. The impact knocked the wind out of her, leaving her gasping for breath and struggling to regain her senses. Despite her blurred vision, she could see the monstrous shape of the Sylithran looming over her from the murky water like a horrifying nightmare.

She squinted, trying to clear her vision, but the steam continued to pour out in thick, suffocating waves. Violet coughed and choked on the noxious fumes filling her lungs. She struggled to get back on her feet, still gripping onto her scythe despite the pain coursing through her body. How could she have made such a rookie mistake? She had completely forgotten about the creature's steam ability and was now paying dearly for it.

With determination, she focused on the swirling mist enveloping her. Calling upon her aura once more, Violet channeled all of her energy into creating a thin protective layer around herself, shielding her from the toxic fumes. The air crackled with electricity as the barrier took shape - a shimmering shield of light that repelled the steam and gave her a momentary reprieve from its deadly effects.

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"Violet Tempest!" Hana shouted, transforming her cannon into a pair of ornate-looking golden sticks. She pulled them back, gathering a golden light that pulsed with raw power. The light grew brighter and more intense with each passing second until it consumed the entire battlefield. Hana's voice boomed with authority as she unleashed a beam of raw energy.

"Dawn Burst!"

Hana thrust the golden scepters forward, unleashing a massive wave of fiery energy towards the Sylithran. The intense light expanded like a supernova and engulfed the creature, causing an explosion of pure energy that shook the entire island. Debris flew in every direction as the trio held their breath, with Shasta supporting Violet Tempest as she struggled to stand.

The trio held their breath as Shasta helped Violet Tempest to her feet, their hearts racing with adrenaline. But time seemed to stand still for a moment before reality crashed back in.

They scattered as the creature let out a bone-chilling roar, its countless appendages thrashing wildly in response to Hana's attack. The ground trembled and split beneath them, sending dangerous shards of rock flying through the air. As it climbed ashore, the massive beast towered over them, its tentacles lashing out with deadly intent.

Violet Tempest's heart pounded in her chest as she dodged each vicious strike, her scythe slashing through the air, leaving a tempest of purple streaks as she closed. The colors that trailed behind her weapon seemed dull compared to the beast's menacing presence, but she refused to back down.

With every swing, she channeled her frustration and determination into her attacks, hoping to find a weakness in the Sylithran's impenetrable assault.

Her friends fought alongside her, their weapons forming an unyielding barrier against the onslaught. Hana's golden scepters crackled with raw power as they unleashed devastating bursts of energy. At the same time, Shasta drew a pair of chakrams from thin air, spinning them with incredible precision. The chakrams glinted in the fog as they sliced through the air, casually deflecting the Sylithran's tentacles.

But the Sylithran was relentless. Its monstrous form seemed to stave off their combined efforts, shrugging off their attacks with a frustrating resilience. Its tentacles thrashed wildly, striking out like venomous serpents, each blow threatening to deliver a fatal strike.

"Fucks' sake..." Shasta muttered as she stood back to back with Violet Tempest.

As the monstrous creature's attack reached its climax, a burst of brilliant gold light suddenly appeared from above.

"Celestial Overture: Euphonic Annihilation!"

The power of the attack echoed through the air like a deafening thunderclap, blinding everyone on the battlefield for a moment before a barrage of dazzling musical notes rained down on the Sylithran. Each note collided with its repulsive form, causing explosions of vibrant color and sound. The display was beyond excessive; it was downright overwhelming as the creature's writhing tentacles were torn apart and disintegrated into mist, dissipating into the air.

The ground shook violently, cracks branching out like jagged veins as the river's water erupted in a frenzy. The explosion's force sent shockwaves rippling across the island, uprooting trees and destroying lifeguard stations and food shacks alike.

All three magical girls looked up simultaneously as a new figure descended from the sky, emanating a radiant light amidst the chaotic battle they had found themselves in.

Celestial Sonata had arrived.

Celestial Sonata glided effortlessly through the air, her vibrant pink hair flowing behind her like a comet's tail. Her dress, adorned with cascading ruffles in shades of pink and blue, shimmered and reflected prismatic colors across the battlefield. Beneath her gentle flapping wings made of golden light, waves of soothing energy spread throughout the area.

"I apologize for being late once again, ladies," Celestial Sonata sang out, her voice full of confidence and charm. She glanced teasingly at Violet Tempest, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But it looks like you could use some extra firepower."

As she gracefully landed beside them, she fixed her gaze on the Sylithran. Without hesitation, she drew her bow - a magnificent instrument shaped like a musical treble clef. Its strings hummed with power and an otherworldly melody.

With a confident smirk, Celestial Sonata pulled back the bowstring and conjured a flurry of arrows made of shimmering pink light. Each arrow carried a melodious tune that resonated within the hearts of all present.

"Watch and learn, lovelies," Celestial Sonata winked with a flirtatious and determined smirk. Then, she released the arrows towards their enemy. No, it was more accurate to say she launched a staccato of absolute annihilation. The projectiles soared through the air like a riff on a well-played violin, each one piercing the air with a note that carried its own weight.

The arrows struck true, exploding upon impact and enveloping the creature in a brilliant display of pink fireworks. The creature roared in agony, its form vanishing under the relentless barrage of pink arrows that Celestial Sonata unleashed.

One after another, the arrows rained down upon the Sylithran, each hitting its mark with unerring accuracy. The air was filled with the sound of Celestial Sonata's bowstring, a symphony of destruction that overwhelmed the creature's defenses.

The Sylithran writhed in pain, its tentacles flailing helplessly as Celestial Sonata's onslaught continued. With each arrow that struck, the creature's form began to disintegrate into motes of chaos energy.

Celestial Sonata smirked, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "And now, for the grand finale," she announced, her voice echoing with power. She drew her bow one last time, the string humming with a golden light from a single large arrow that seemed to pierce the very fabric of reality.

"Movement III: Fanciful Scherzo!" With a flourish, Celestial Sonata released the arrow, transforming mid-flight into a torrent of sonic waves and golden light that crashed into the Sylithran like a tidal wave. The air vibrated with the force of the impact, the sound echoing across the island and reverberating in the chests of everyone present. The light engulfed the creature, incinerating it to expose its core, which collapsed into a small, marble-like sphere. Hana jumped through the air, quickly catching the core before returning to the ground.

Celestial Sonata brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, her expression one of satisfaction mixed with a hint of cockiness. "Well, that was fun," she said, turning to Violet Tempest and the others. Her tone was light, but there was a depth to her eyes that spoke of concern and worry behind the bravado.

She turned to the trio, lowered her bow, and smiled gently.

"I am glad to see you are alright. I was just a bit worried when the communicator was cut off and came to help. Seems like I made it just in time," Celestial Sonata added with a wink.

Violet Tempest grinned, allowing her shoulders to relax before she dismissed her scythe.

She smiled softly at Celestial Sonata as her weapon dispersed into motes of purple light before replying, "Well. I totally didn't think I'd wind up meeting ya for realsies in a situation like this, but a girl can't complain."

"Dammit!" Hana suddenly shouted, causing all heads to turn to her.

The steam from the disintegrating creature had dispersed a cloud of vapor that was quickly rising up into the air, and the air began to thicken with a suffocating energy. It looked like Hana had been caught in its grasp when she dived for the Chaos Core.

The sound of crackling energy filled the air as it lanced through Hana's body. She cried out in pain and dropped the Chaos Core as she jerked in agony.

Violet Tempest's grin shifted into a look of concern as she and Celestial Sonata rushed beside Hana, their eyes wide with worry. The vapor seemed to spread over the island in a dome shape, choking the breath from the air and filling everyone with a sense of unease. The energy crackled around them, and a low hum grew ever louder as the chaos energy spread across the island. But that was secondary to the issue at hand.

Hana's skin sizzled and steamed, and the scent of burning flesh filling their noses. Tears welled up in Hana's eyes as she bit down on her lip, trying to hold back the searing agony coursing through her body.

"Steady..." Shasta whispered, holding her up and stopping her from falling over.

Celestial Sonata's expression shifted from cockiness to concern in an instant. Without hesitation, Celestial Sonata's hands glowed with a soft, vibrating golden light as she placed them on Hana's injured arm. The luminal energy flowed from her palms, enveloping the burned flesh in a warm, radiant glow. The stark contrast between the vibrant light and the dark surroundings of the island was striking.

"Hold on, sweetheart," she whispered soothingly, her voice filled with determination. "I'll take care of this."

Gently, Celestial Sonata placed her palms on Hana's scalded hand, channeling her energy into the injured flesh. The radiant light enveloped Hana's hand, casting an ethereal glow that contrasted with the darkness of the island's surroundings.

As Celestial Sonata focused with her famous Signature, the steam slowly dissipated, replaced by a soothing, palpable coolness that seeped into Hana's burned skin.

"I've dampened the active chaos energy to a neutral state. Hana's aura should be able to handle the rest," Celestial Sonata spoke gently before staring back at the fog.

The vapor slowly began to dissipate as Celestial Sonata's energy continued to work its magic on Hana's wounds, the power of her signature gradually neutralizing the chaotic energy that had clung to her body. Hana wasted no time, picking her Nexus back up and grumbling as she fiddled around with it.

Meanwhile, Violet Tempest and her team walked up to flank Celestial Sonata. The thick cloud that had threatened to suffocate them was now spreading in an eerie semi-circle over the island.

"This fog... is interesting," Celestial Sonata murmured, her gaze fixed on the swirling mist that covered the island. The energy-infused steam emanating from the Sylithran had tainted the atmosphere, seeping into every crevice and darkening the air with an ominous aura.

Violet frowned, looking back at the disintegrating tentacled horror before grumbling loudly. "I'll say that, sister. Soooo, anybody care to explain to me how a flipping Marquis-class Chaos Beast got in the middle of the river with nobody noticing? And what even is this steam nonsense?"

There was a lot that didn't make sense about the situation. Marquis-class Chaos Beasts rarely roamed the wild freely, much less showed up undetected next to a residential island in the middle of a major city. Yet here they were, standing in the aftermath of a battle that shouldn't have happened in the first place.

The trio of Magical Girls and Celestial Sonata stood amidst the chaos, their minds swirling with questions and uncertainty. The fog that enveloped the island seemed to thicken; a foreboding presence loomed over them like a dark omen.

Violet Tempest's gaze was fixed on the river, her thoughts racing as she tried to piece together the puzzle. "Like… how did it get here without setting off any alarms? It's just... appeared," she mused, her voice tinged with confusion and concern.

Shasta stepped forward, her expression grave as she approached the edge of a cliff overlooking the beach. "It's not just that," she stated, grumbling at the crouched Hana. "We are still experiencing a communications blackout, which suggests that someone is deliberately isolating us. Someone with significant power and resources."

"Hang on," Celestial Sonata muttered gently, stepping by Shasta's side. "Let's see if I can see what's going on here with that blackout…"

She closed her eyes as a golden aura surrounded her body, swaying gently to an unheard rhythm.

"It's the steam from the Chaos Beast...there's a spell layered on top of it. It's as if all the particles in the fog around the island are charged and vibrating. The fog over the city must have rolled in because of a reaction between the Sylithran's miasma and the water here."

Violet Tempest shuddered at Celestial Sonata's words. The fog was not just a natural occurrence then; it was infused with magic.

...Human magic, possibly?

"An enchantment?" Hana's eyes narrowed in thought. "That would explain the communication issues. Someone has used the Chaos Beast as a cover to cast a wide-scale spell over the island, then."

"No, it's a lot worse than that," Celestial Sonata clarified. "A Sylithran's steam is filled with Chaos Energy, making it the perfect catalyst for a large-scale enchantment. But this is not just any ordinary human magic we're dealing with. This spell is powerful and highly complex."

Violet Tempest crossed her arms, trying to make sense of everything. "So, someone intentionally brought this Chaos Beast here to cause chaos and distract us while they work on something else? But who would do such a thing? And why?"

Shasta spoke up, her voice filled with worry. "I can think of only a few individuals who could pull off something like this. None of them would have an obvious motive, but that doesn't mean there isn't an underlying reason." She paused, scanning the area for any clues.

Violet Tempest's mind raced as she considered the implications. If the Sylithrans' arrival was pre-planned, their enemy was not only powerful but also incredibly ruthless and cunning - with any number of possible motives.

Hana's voice was hoarse as she spoke up with a disturbing possibility. "There could be a traitor among us." The thought sent a shiver down Violet's spine, even though it wasn't entirely impossible.

Celestial Sonata's eyes opened with a serious expression. "Before we jump to conclusions, we need more information. Our first priority is re-establishing communication and warning the others. Then we can assess the situation once things have calmed down."

Violet agreed, her scythe disappearing in a burst of purple light. "Right. We can't let whoever is behind this get away with it. We need to take action ASAP."

Shasta turned to Celestial Sonata, a smirk on her lips. "Well, this seems like your area of expertise, Miss Sonata."

Celestial Sonata playfully fluttered her eyelashes. "Oh, you flatter me so! But yes, I do have some tricks up my sleeve specifically for situations like this."

She focused on the fog, determination shining in her gaze. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, she entered into a meditative state. Her voice rose in a soft melody that seemed to blend with the swirling mist around them.

As Celestial Sonata's breathing calmed, a resonant melody bloomed around her, a symphonic blend that appeared to radiate from her very essence. The notes swirled through the air, crafting an auditory tapestry that pushed against the fog's oppressive grip. Her golden aura grew brighter, pulsating in time with the rhythm of her tune.

Then, she snapped her fingers.

The sound of her fingers snapping pierced through the air like shattering glass, and the effect was immediate.

The island fell silent as the fog evaporated, revealing a starry night sky. The weight of darkness lifted, replaced by serenity and optimism. Celestial Sonata opened her eyes, a smile spreading across her face as she took in the peaceful surroundings.

"That should do it," she declared with satisfaction. "The spell has been broken."

Violet Tempest marveled at the transformation, her gaze lingering on Celestial Sonata with admiration.

"Oh my goooosssshhhh! You're so. Freaking awesome!" Violet Tempest squealed, jumping in to pick up Celestial Sonata by the waist.

"H-h-hey there, let's not get too carried away," Celestial Sonata stammered, caught off guard by Violet Tempest's exuberance. "I'm just glad I could help!"

Celestial Sonata's bravado seemed to melt away in the face of Violet Tempest's enthusiasm. She blushed, her cheeks turning rosy as she chuckled nervously. Shasta smirked, crossing her arms and shaking her head.

Shasta smirked, shaking her head at the scene. "Alright, alright, enough with the fangirl moment," Shasta teased. "We're racing against bloody time here."

Violet Tempest reluctantly released Celestial Sonata from her grasp, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Right, sorry about that. But seriously, that was amazing!"

As Violet put her down, Celestial Sonata regained her composure and cleared her throat. "Ahem. Thank you, Violet my dear. Your enthusiasm is rather contagious," she said with a gentle smile.

Violet's cheeks burned as she watched Celestial Sonata effortlessly take down their enemy. She couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and jealousy, wishing she could be as powerful and skilled.

Hana, who had been preoccupied with her phone, suddenly let out a gasp. She frantically scrolled through the flood of notifications, her expression shifting from shock to panic.

"Hana dear? Are you alright?" Shasta asked, worry etched onto her face as she reached out to steady Hana.

The small girl's hands shook as she typed away, struggling to respond to the urgent messages. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized the city was under attack once again.

"Hana... has to return to the city," Hana whispered. "It is under attack. Everywhere."

Hana's words hung in the air, heavy with urgency. The other Magical Girls exchanged worried glances, their hearts pounding in their chests.

"The city's under attack?" Violet repeated numbly.

Without hesitation, Hana sprang into action. Her aura flared a deep gold, resonating with a fierce determination. Without a word, she burst forth from the island, streaking through the night sky like a shooting star.

"Hey wait! Hana!" Violet Tempest yelled, her voice laced with both concern and frustration. She watched Hana's figure disappear into the murky night, a blend of admiration and worry swirling in her stormy eyes.

Violet Tempest re-summoned her scythe with a deep sigh, the colors swirling around the blade like a vivid storm. She glanced at the sky where Hana had vanished, a brief pout crossing her lips.

"What am I going to do with this one...?" she grumbled, before turning to Shasta and Celestial Sonata. Then, she breathed deeply before flashing a sad smile. "Well, out of the pressure cooker, into the fire, then. Alright girls, let's send out the word and get on moving, shall we?"