[The 5th continuation of the Rin, Len, Miku, Nagisa and the Madoka girls thread, including Path 1, Path 2, and Path 3! (Path 3 has been branched off Path 1)]
[Len blinked] "huh? What are you talking about, Rin! What's going on!" [he looks up at Miku, who fell to knees wearily. She was going now....but would it really be so bad, a voice in her mind said. was it her voice? she didn't need this world anymore. she could be in her own world,,, her gem blacked and cracked...ok...she gave up... she heard giggling and looked up as, in her vision at least, the twins floated down to her, wearing little angel wings and halos, and carrying a television.... her gem finally broke and reformed into a grief seed with a winged box emblem on it... her hair turned lank and black,, her bangs covering her eyes. her skin got a wooden texture and her joints become ball jointed like a dolls, and she stepped inside the television. All these memories, displayed on the monitors..they were nice. but where did they come from? who was she? her name, right. it was kirsten. though checking her monitor, she also went by Elly. She wanted to stay in her box, and see more memories...
[The twin's mother sank into Len's arms, then, unconsious. Rin bit her lip as she looked around them. Most of the audience were slumped over in their seats, but some were struggling feebly, trying to raise their heads.]
...So the entire audience and stage crew has been dragged inside the Witch Barrier, now? Damn it, Miku...
[And in the meanwhile, elsewhere inside the Witch Barrier, Sayaka was staring at what was going on, her eyes going wider and wider.]
...She wasn't joking, and it wasn't a lie. Oh, of course it wasn't a lie, Madoka wouldn't lie to me, and why would the transfer student bother lying to her, anyway?
[And then, she buried her face in her hands, choking noises coming out of her throat. That damn lying sneak Kyubey, oh, she'll show him, she'll show him...]
[And that was when a pair of warm arms hugged her, awkwardly.]
- Sayaka, Sayaka, it's all right - I have no idea what is happening, but we'll be OK, I promise!
[Sayaka rubbed at her eyes, then, the tears coming at last.]
...You don't want to be involved in what, darling?
[Anabelle said, and sat down besides Rin on the bed. Len sighed a bit in relief, as it seemed like their mother couldn't see Eight and Seven at all, but then his brow furrowed as he realized that their mother had stepped around Eight and Seven even though her eyes had never focused on them.]
[Maybe she could feel them somehow, even though she couldn't quite see them properly?]
[Rin, in the meanwhile, had leaned agaist her mother, her eyes sad and tired.]
- Nothing. It's not important.
[And then, she closed her eyes.]
...I just want to close my eyes, and go back to sleep. I had such nice dreams, Mama - I was just a well to go commonor girl, and I had a mother and a twin brother who both loved me...
[The outside world - Outside the school]
...I was dreaming?
[Shizuka said, frowning. Copy Sayaka pasted on her best game face, and nodded.]
- Oh, yes - And you were drolling a bit too, I'm afraid, ha ha ha!
[Inside Sayaka's mini world]
[Sayaka - Oktavia smiled, then, and went closer to her friends.]
< Mami-Candrelo is still mostly Mami but becoming more Canderelo. Kyoko-Ophelia is still almost all Kyoko. >
[And then, she smiled.]
< But still friends! For ever and ever and ever! Right? >
[Meanwhile Madoka was looking aorund fearfully] "Oh no! What is happening!" [Homura reappeared beside her] "come on Madoka. We must get you to a safe place." [She picked up Madoka and carried her to some stands, hiding her] "Thanks Homura. But please, go help the others! "
[Mami ran up to Nagisa, full of worry. She did not witness Miku's transformation into witchhood. All she knew is that a witch suddenly attacked the concert and drew it into a barier. It must be the same one she sensed earlier.] "Nagisa!" She hugged her tightly " are you all right?" "I-I'm ok, Mami Nee chan!" [Kyubey arrived as well. He looked up at mami with semi urgency] "Mami, a new witch has hatched!" "yes, I know. I shall deal with it!" [Nagisa frowned at Kyubey. She felt he had somehting to do wit this
[The twin's mother sighed and put her arms around Rin] "Oh darling. Of course you have a mother and twin brother who love you!" [Rin sniffled and resteed her head] "I know..." [her mother stroked her hair comfortingly] "Darling, is something wrong?"
[Meanwhile, Shizuka blinked and blushed a bit] "Oh. I see then. I don't recall falling asleep really, but," "Hey, it's cool, Shizuka san" [Sayaka patted her shoulder] "Anyway, let's head back to class now." "Yes. All right, Sayaka san..."
[Kyouko frowned and kneelt down] "Sayaka, what the heck are ya talking about? What happened to you, why are you suddenly a mermaid now!" [Sayaka Oktavia shrugged] "Because, I was meant to be a mermaid..." "Well, this is strange. But you poor thing, being stuck in that dirty river!" [Mami sighed] "Come, let's go home and get you cleaned up. I'll make you a nice cup of tea" "Good idea, Mami" [Kyouko hoisted the mermaid up in her arms] "Come on, Sayaka"
...Everything and the kitchen sink is wrong, Mommy...
[She said, making herself sound childish at least halfway on purpose.]
[Annabelle chuckled, then, and gave her a hug.]
.....That's OK, darling. Everybody feels like that, sometimes. And with what happned today, and Miku-chan just - just disappearing like that...
[Rin sighed, then.]
- I don't think Miku's gonna be coming back, Mommy.
[Annabelle looked at her, and gave her a hug, then.]
...Maybe, maybe not - I mean, as your father used to say...
[And then, waved a finger at Rin, waiting for her to chime in.]
Sometimes, life throws an entire truckful of lemons at you. In that case, the first thing to do is duck and run, so the lemon barrels don't crush you flat. And then...
And then, you grab as many of those frigging lemons as you can, and go and make lemonade, and lemon cakes, and lemon salad dressings, and any other lemon-y thing that you can possibly think of. Nothing should be wasted - Especially lemons. You can make a fortune that way, OK?
[Rin chimed in - And then, she leaned against her mother, and hugged her tight.]
[The outside world - Outside the school]
[Copy Sayaka and Shizuka both returned to the school, then, only to discover that the school hours were long over, and the only people left there were the people doing club activities.]
...I missed more then half of school!?
[Shizuka said, disbelievingly, while Copy Sayaka sweatdropped.]
[Inside Sayaka's mini world]
[Sayaka Oktavia hummed happily as her friends carried her along. Oh, yes, her house was near here, right?]
[Mami and Kyoko, in the meanwhile, stopped dead as they turned the corner, and the place that was supposed to be Sayaka's house came into view.]
[Sayaka's home was there, all right - But right next to it was something that looked like a gigantic amusement park pool, and some of the sliders were actually curling all around the house!]
...Wheee! So it was true that your family won the lotto, Sayaka?
[Kyoko said eventually, while Mami just stared at the gigantic structure and sweatdropped. What the heck were Sayaka's parents thinking of, anyway?]
[Sayaka, in the meanwhile, and wiped her eyes and stood up straight.]
...Yeah, Kyosuke, thanks - I'm OK now, I think.
[And then, she took his hand with a smile, and raised her voice.]
- Oi! Transfer student, come out here were I can see you - I can feel you looking at me, all right!?
[There was an audible sigh, then, and Homura appeared in front of them.]
...Hello, Miki Sayaka. We appear to be in a sad pickle, as some people would say -
[And then, she snickered a bit.]
- And for once, it doesn't seem to be your fault at all. Fancy that!
[Sayaka huffed at her.]
...Of course it's not my fault, you damn idiot!
[And then, Sayaka looked around them, thinking.]
- I - I want to make a bargain with you. You're good at, what do you call it, teleporting stuff, right?
[And then, she took a deep breath.]
...You get Kyousuke and Madoka and whatever other people you can manage to carry out of here, and I'll give you the Grief Seed, once I defeat the Witch. No fuss, no muss.
"That's right, Rin darling" [Annabelle cooed, stroking her daughetr's hair lovoingly, then involving Len in the hug as well] "Listen, it's been a big night last night. You two can just relax today." "Ok Mommy..." "Now, who wnats breakfast!"
[Geez, that much time all ready?] "Shizuka chan! There you are!" [another class mate waved] "Where were you all this time!" "I'm sorry Aya chan, I fell asleep at the gym! " "Yes, she's fine now" [Copy Sayaka added] "Well, I'd better head back now" [hm, what could Kyousuke be up to now? No, she'd actually better train...]
[Sayaka Oktavia shrugged. Kyouko raised an eyebrow. How long ago was it that they won the lottery, and how did that big pool already get here? They brought the mermaid inside. As Mami went to make tea and snacks, Kyouko started filling the bath tub and pulled off the ragged remains of Sayaka Oktvia's shirt. ] "Ok, here we go." [She notcied the soul gem on her belly. It seemed different now, with a black casing and the jewel was a swirl of black and blue]
[Both of the rogue Incubators looked at each other and sighed a bit, then, as they watched the Kagamine family hug.]
- Your mother is right, you two probably should take a break for now.
[Eight said, while Seven laughed.]
...You shouldn't think you've seen the last of us, though, 'cause we'll be back, I'm pretty sure. - Hasta la vista!
[And then, they both rolled under the sofa, softly sneezing as they crawled past the dust bunnies.]
- Really, though, Rin - Ya should clean under the bed once in a while. Aren't girls supposed to be the ones cleaning stuff all the time and everything?
[Seven said, giggling, and then both of the Incubators auras disappeared. Rin looked at Len, and nodded at him - Yes, they would have to talk about this later, she was pretty sure...]
[And in the meanwhile, Copy Sayaka was looking around for a place to transform and train in peace. It was pretty worrying that that Witch had just shrugged off her attacks like that, she did have to admit.]
[And that was when her mobile phone rang. Copy Sayaka blinked, and fished her phone out of her school bag, wondering who was calling her now.]
[Inside Sayaka's mini world]
[Kyoko poked Sayaka Oktavia's Soul Gem with a grin, then.]
...Hey, Sayaka! Did you notice that your Soul Gem looks a bit different, now? It's still pretty, but it's got black swirls inside it!
[Sayaka Oktavia blew some bubbles at her, then, grinning.]
[Homura nodded coolly] "I was planning on getting Madoka out of ehre anyway. But very well, I accept your offer, Sayaka Miki." "And don't you think if I can defeat the witch, because I caan!" [Sayaka huffed] "I suppose. But Mami and Kyouko are here as well." "Oh, right. That will help...as long as that crazy Kyouko doens't run off with the grief seed,,," [Sayaka shook her head and tunred to Kyouskue] "I'm gonna go fight the witch now. You go with Homura here, she'll get you out." [Kyousuke took Sayaka's hands] "Sayaka. Please be careful. "I will, Kyouske!" [She looked at him longily for a moment, then headed off, going into magical girl mode]
( copy sayaka looked down at the phome to see who was calling her. It was from homura. Sayaka gave a small sugh of annoyance and answered ) " hello. What do you want." " sayaka miki. We need to talk." ( sayaka sighed) " about what." " important things. We can discuss it over a witch hunt. You may keep the grief seed" ( sayaka considered it)
( kyouko frowned and looked down at her soul gem ring) " how can you tell? Lookes fine to me" ( sayaka oktavia just chuckled mysteriously and blew more bubbles. Kyouko sighed and becan scrubbing her scaly mermaid skin with a sponge) "whatever. Les get you clean" ( meanwhile mami was maling tea and cakrs, thinking about what was going on. Oh how strange. Sometimes she thought it would be nice to have a never ending tea party with friends... She looked over at bebe playing with a tea cozy, butterfly in her garden and miss idol in her television)
...OK, then - I was planning to go talk to you some day or another, anyway. We're probably shorthanded in this area in either case, right?
[Copy Sayaka said eventually, as she decided to take Homura's offer. Two powerful and experience Magical Girls had disappeared all of a sudden after all, and...]
[Copy Sayaka wondered what Mami and Kyoko were doing now - And then, all of a sudden, her mind took a sudden left turn, and she found herself looking at the phone. What in the world had she been thinking of, anyway?]
Um, OK. So where do we meet?
[Homura looked at her phone, and then looked at a part of the city that was filled with half built and abandoned buildings. The ecomonic downturn hadn't been good for Mitakihara either, after all.]
[And then, she told the other girl where to go, and put her phone away.]
[In Sayaka's mini world]
[And then, Miss Idol waved at them from inside her TV set. Mami smiled at her, and poared her a cup of tea. She then got a small tray out, and put the tea cup on a saucer and a plate with some cookies on it.]
- Here I go, then, Miss Idol!
[Mami said, grinning - And then, she pushed the tray right toward the TV set. Miss Idol clapped her hands in delight as the tray appeared right in front of her.]
'"Don't worry, Madoka."[Homura helped her up] "Once the witch is defeated, they will all be free." "Good. I know you and Sayaka chan can do it!" [Madoka's temporary smile fell] "But, the witch is Miku. All witches were normal magical girls..." [homura looked away, a faint look of regret on her face] "There is nothing more that can be done for them. witches are trapped. Its best for them to end..." [She would have destroyed grief seed, if she didn't have to use them to sustain herself to continue her quest] "But I'm sure there must be a way!" "Well, when witches are defeated, they revert back and hibernate in a grief seed. they only rehatch when absorbed enough darkness or left alone fr a while..." "then that gives time to find a way to save them
[Homura said with a bittersweet smile - And then, she gave her a little hug before she could stop herself.]
- Never change, OK?
[Homura said, a small smile twitching on her lips ^ And then, she grabbed both Madoka and Kyosuke, and teleported out of the Witch Barrier in a flash of light!]
[Madoka and Kyosuke both blinked at each other as they found themselves in an empty hall filled with pamphlets, bags and half filled paper cups. Yes, this was the hall where the concert had just been taking place in, all right - Everything was still there, except for the people.]
...Alright, then - I don't know what would happen if and when the Witch Barrier goes down, so I want both of you to get out of the building ASAP, all right?
[Homura said briskly, and then turned toward Madoka, pointing a finger toward her.]
- That means you, Kaname Madoka. I'm not going to be able to help anybody if I have to keep on worrying about you, after all!
[Then she realized she should let her friends know she couldn't join them , after all Madoka had left her messeges hoping she was ok, so she texted then telling them that she still had things to take care of. After that, she headed off to where Homura would meet here. There would probably be witches in that sort of area anyway.]
meanwhile] "You are welcome, Miss Idol." [Mami didn't realize at the moment why she called her Candleoro, or that she could understand the stange language. [After scrubbing sayaka Oktavia clean,, drying her off and dressing her in a clean shirt, and blushing a bit as she realized that sayaka oktavia wasn't wearing underwear, not that mermaids needed that, Kyoko carried the mermaid out to the living room and placed her on the couch. Mami came out brightly with a tray of yummy looking tea and treats] "Here we are!" "Thank you!" [Sayaka oktavia grabbed it hungrily]
[Mami-Candelero - and yes, that name felt right, now - smiled happily, then, as she saw all her friends gathered around her.]
...This is good and comfortable.
[She said, as she poared Sayaka-Oktavia tea, and pushed the plate of cakes toward her.]
- If only life could be like this, all the time. Happy friends, and tasty tea and cakes...
[The black stripes floated through her Soul Gem, then, lazily and prettily. Mami's Soul Gem was slowly changing it's shape, becoming slightly more like a Grief Seed...]
[And that was when there was a cough, and the TV screen buzzed!]
[Miss Idol blinked as a purple something pushed it's way past her stage-room inside the TV set, and waved at the other girls outside.]
< ...Young Ones! It is good to see more younger sisters who are serene and happy, indeed! >
[The thing that was trying to talk to them looked like a happy cartoon ladybug. Sayaka-Oktavia grinned at the TV screen, and waved her hands. So did Mami-Candeloro, while the little Witches ooh'd and ahh'd.]
[Kyoko, in the meanwhile, was just staring at the TV screen.]
< And now, I bring an invitation from the Walpugis Queen herself! Yes-yes?>
[In the outside world]
[Copy Sayaka looked around the abandoned buildings with a grin.]
...All right, then, transfer student - I'm here!
[Homura, in the meanwhile, was raising her eyebrows at her from her perch on a nearby building.]
- There is something strange about your aura, Miki Sayaka, though I'm not sure what it is. Has anything strange happened to you, recently?
[Sayaka's aura felt somewhat, well, flat, for lack of a better word. It didn't feel like it was contaminated or anything like that, quite the contrary, but...]
[Mami Candleoror perked up more at that] "Oh really? Please do tell?" [the ladybug bounced cheerfully, still smiling] "you are cordially invited to the walpurgis festival and the queen's arrival and celebration at the end of the month!" [The mini witches cheered at that. Their queen was coming!] "Ah, we would love to!" [Mami candloro clapped her hands] "Shall I help with the party?" [At the mention of the queen and the festival, something felt bothered in Kyouko and the remainder of Sayaka in Sayaka Oktavia. Was this fetival, a good thing? Something was upcoming? What was it...]
[meanwhile] [Copy Sayaka frowned at this remark and crossed er arms] "You mean aside from me being a magical girl and madng the contract?" [Homura shook her head] "It has been ever since last night." [Did Sayaka even remember Miku Hatsune's transformation last night? Did any of the girls? And, Mami and Kyouko were still nowhere to be seen,,
[Mami-Candeloro blinked, then. The end of the month? She did have the vague feeling that that was important, but...]
- But wait - Something special is going to happen at this festival, correct? What is it?
[The ladybug Witch smiled happily, then.]
< Oh, yes - At long last, our time has come! Our Lady has been gathering energies for ages and ages, but now, at long last, we have enough to turn the entire world into a paradise!>
[And then, she smiled again, and blinked her eyes.]
< None of us will ever have to lose our minds or our words again! And we will live for ever and ever, then, happily ever after. Oh, you are so lucky to be alive at this moment, Young Ones - For from now on, none of us will be trapped in our own Nightmares, ever again! >
[In the outside world]
[Homura sighed, then, and rubbed her eyes. No, the Miki Sayaka in front of her was not a plastic figure pretending to be a real girl, what the hell was her idiot subconcious trying to tell her, anyway?]
...Do you even remember what happened last night, Miki Sayaka?
[Mami Candloro and Sayaka Oktavia's eyes shone at that] "That sounds wonderful!" "Yeah, it's, great" [Kyouko paused. This didn't sound right...] "Indeed!" [the ladybug witch nodded at sayaka oktavia.] "you've made a nice start, mermaid sister!" [she nodded then to mami candleoro] "And thank you for cheering up our rose sister, our box idol sister, and of course our little sweet sister!" [the ladybug blinked and smiled some more] " Ah yes, also at the celebration, our lady shall pass the crown to our next queen! With a kind and pure soul, she will be the one who create our paradise!" "Oh? Who is it?" [Kyouko asked, still doubtful, though somehting subconciously was trying to tell her otherwise] "Ypu'll find out soon enough." [the ladybug witch giggled] "Of course, you still have a while to go before the transition, you stubborn silly! Hurry up, you're missing the fun!"
[Copy Sayaka blinked and still ffrowned] "Well yeah. A witch attacked at the concert, of course!" "And do you emember who the witch was?" "It was some doll hiding inside a magic tv." [They defeated her, right?"
< But now, I have to go, for I have miles to go and many other Young Ones to talk to before I sleep! - See you later at the Ball, Young Ones! >
[The ladybug Witch said, and then disappeared back into the TV set, waving all the while. Miss Idol waved at her again as she danced through the stage area and left behind the curtains.]
...I'm missing the what, now?
[Kyoko sighed, and then turned toward Sayaka-Oktavia, who flipped a fish tail lazily at her. Kyoko sighed again, and then started to wipe at Sayaka-Okvatia's hair and fish scales with a towel, talking all the while.]
- You know, Sayaka - I keep having this weird feeling that something really strange is happening right before my eyes, but I can't figure out what it is. It's like I'm trapped in a Wonderland or something, except that this Wonderland seems to be much nicer then the one Alice was tossed into, ha ha ha -
[In the outside world]
[Homura sighed, then - It wasn't like she hadn't already figured out that something even stranger then usual seemed to have happened yesterday, but...]
[...Oh, well, at least Madoka was safe for the moment, anyway. Or so Homura hoped.]
...Fine, fine. Alright, then, Miki Sayaka - Could you try transforming in front of me, so I can get a good look at your aura while you're doing it?
[And then, Homura paused.]
- No, wait. Miki Sayaka - Have you transformed at all, after what happened last night?
[Copy Sayaka paused, then.]
...I did, and I fought a really weird Witch today, but...
[And then, she made a face. She didn't want to mention what had happened, to be frank - It really was sort of embarrassing.]
...You mean it? You'll stay with me, when - if - I decide to do that?
[Sayaka said, and then wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. She wasn't going to sniffle, damn it, Miki Sayaka the hero did not do things like that!]
[Kyoko laughed, then.]
- Yeah, I will.
[And then, she looked at Mami, who was slumped over on one of the chairs, and petting Bebe and the other little Witches.]
...And I'm pretty sure Mami and the little ones would be pretty willing to come with us in that case, so...
[Sayaka took a deep breath, then.]
- Gotcha. I...I get it. I'll...I'll go back for now, OK?
[And then, she smiled, and wiped her eyes again.]
...Alrighty then, here goes -
[And then, she waved her hand, and everybody found themselves in the concert hall again. The hall was filled with unconcious people, though some of them were starting to wake up, groaning and complaining.]
[Madoka, in the meanwhile, looked ready to dance about with joy, though her face and clothes were dirty, and she also seemed to be a bit bruised from being tossed around.]
.......Sayaka! Oh, I'm so glad you came back with us...
[She said, and then, she ran up to Sayaka and Kyoko and gave both of them a hug, tears of joy in her eyes...]
[Sayaka sighed and hugged Madoka] "Hey Madoka. Sorry to cause you some toruble...." "It's ok Sayaka." [Madoka nuzzled her] "I'm just glad you're ok." [She looked between sayaka and kyouko and knosingly stepped back, letitng the two of them togteher. Madoka then walked up to Mami, Who was sitting quielty, looikng down at Bebe in her arms] "Mami chan..." "..What do I do now, Madoka. Everything I believed, was a lie..." "Not everything" Madoka knelt and hugegd her[ "you still have true friends
< What could be strange or bad? > [Saykaa Okatvua murmured, stretching] "Everything is well...." "You sure everything, then how did you end up a mermaid for some reason? finding you in the river! We thought you were aat that fancy music school!" [Kyouko frowned] "N=And you're being so, nonchalant about it!" [Tere was a hissing noise and a whisp of darkness as the spare grief seeds Mami had finally woke up, releasing several more witches. Mami Candleoro smiled at that] "Ah, more friends! Welcome!
[meanwhiel] "But?" [Homura raised an eyebrow. Copy Sayaka shook her head, flustered ] "It's none of your business, transfer student!" [suddenly their soul gems started blinking as they sensed a witch nearby] "Never mind that! I'm going after the witch!" [She transformed and ran off, skimming the consturction work]
"I'll be fine Homura, don't worry! But yes, I'll leave" [Maodka quickly hugged homura] "Be careful!" "I will. now go." [Kyousuke bowed] "Thank you, akemi san. Take care of sayaka!" [he took Maodka's hand and ran to the exit] "Come on, Madoka san!"
[Meanwhile, shortly beofre miku going witch, Nagisa had gone outside to the bathroom, get more snacks, and take some medicine. It had taken some effort to convince Mami that She could head off on her own in this crowd. She loved having a big sister now that cared for her, but sheesh, she wasn't a baby exaclty anymore! and by the time she had come back, there was already a witch attack, and Nagisa had gotten lost in the witch labyrinth and seaparated from the tohers. No, she wasn't scared, she could do this!... right?
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