2023-04-11 - Coffee and Calamity
| Title: Coffee and Calamity | |
|---|---|
| Summary: Raiko goes to try out a coffee shop that's not doing so well financially... only to unexpectedly come face to face with a torpor wraith. Luckily, Mami arrives just in time to guide her through the encounter. | |
| Who: | |
| Where: Shibuya Shopping Ward (Yamanote High City) | |
| OOC - IC Date: 4/11/2023 - Wednesday, March 2, 2016 | |
.***************************** Yamanote High City *****************************.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ Shibuya Shopping Ward +*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+
Any rural ingenue looking to come to the big city and get swept away at
first sight would be well-advised to get off at Shibuya Station, where you
could fill a high school yearbook with the people teeming over a single
crosswalk, and a legion of ten-story department stores offer a choice so
broad it resembles existential crisis. Shinjuku might administrate Tokyo,
but Shibuya is its style capital. Its densest concentration of boutiques,
retailers, and restaurants is bound together by Shibuya Crossing, a bustling
pedestrian intersection resembling an even gaudier Times Square.
Within walking distance to Harajuku, Shibuya is less whimsical, and far
grander. Its most iconic symbol is the Shibuya 109 department store, a
cylindrical grey monolith famous even outside of Japan. Each floor of 109
has about a dozen shops, and with ten flights of escalator to ascend, it
doesn't take a mathematician to realize that even this single store can be a
lot to take in. But Shibuya too has its side streets and quirks, and it's
not hard to find a chic little cafe to rest in. Those who find themselves
energized instead have recourse to the night clubs that trade on Shibuya's
stylish reptuation.
Shibuya Station has a humbler landmark as well. It was here that the loyal
dog Hachiko waited for his owner each day, even after the owner had long
since died. A bronze statue of Hachiko waits here still, a reminder that
love and loyalty never die.
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
It's a cold, breezy day as Raiko trudges through the streets of Shibuya, heading towards a small, out of the way coffee shop. She was bundled up for the weather, already out of her school uniform, too far away from school to have attended club. She'd heard about a local coffee shop that was apparently loved but in danger of closing, and she'd initially been excited to check it out. But her enthusiasm had been waning as she had trudged along.
She sighed and pulled out her phone to look at the map. "Why is this so farrrr... maybe that's why they're going out of business," she muttered to herself as she looked at the phone. She looked at the distance remaining and sighed. "Well, I've come this far, so I might as well keep going so I don't waste the trip..." She slipped her phone back into her jacket's pocket and batted at something on her arm.
She should be feeling good. Just a few days ago she'd successfully reverse engineered a spell tied to an ancient artifact, she had successfully battled one of her enemies and won, she was getting better control of her powers. And yet... the victories always seemed fleeting.
Somedays she wanted nothing more than to turn back the clock.
She turned the corner, batting a few more ghost lights away without registering what they were, and finally spotted the coffee shop she'd been headed for. She stepped up, opened the front door, and came face to face with a large, bulbous creature. Spider-like legs drifted listlessly as it bobbed in place--hovering would imply too much conscious effort. Tired eyes stared through her as she came face to face to face with the beast.
Raiko froze. There was something seriously wrong, but it took several moments to register what, exactly, it was. She let out a startled yelp and stumbled backwards, tripping and landing on her rear with a whine. She quickly scooted back on the sidewalk to put more distance between herself and the creature.
"Stay back!" She held a hand up, and a few feeble sparks of electricity began to spring to life in front of her palm.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami Tomoe is out in Shibuya as is usual for her; it's a cold day, and Mami expects to be out in the Weather for a while. So, she's bundled up too, in a nice cream coat with a yellow scarf, with low-heeled boots. She is very Together, but that's not rare in Shibuya. Not even in this part of Shibuya.
She's noticed the ghost lights; she is approaching the same place from another direction, as she walks along, carefully regarding her Soul Gem to judge thee miasma. She's used to putting it away quickly in case of being observed, of course--but this time, she doesn't have that chance, as she looks up to see alarm--
And then sparks.
"Wait!" Mami says to the girl she doesn't know, and the Gem is a ring on her hand again but only after Raiko might have seen it.
"Whatever you do, don't attack!"
Mami rushes closer, offering her hands to Raiko to try to coax her away from what is almost certainly a Wraith.
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko herself is wearking an extra poofy dark pink jacket, black skirt and tights, and dark blue winter boots. She doesn't look particularly stylish, but she's also currently flat on her rear, so that might not help her make the best first impression in any case.
She freezes again as she hears someone shout, instinctively withdrawing her hand to her chest to try and hide the use of magic.
Stupid, stupid, stupid, Raiko. Casting a spell right out in the open where anyone can see it. And you're not even transformed. you know you're not that powerful without the staff.
She glances to the newcomer, and then to the wraith still bobbing, motionless, where she first spotted. "I-I wasn't, um... I just fell, that's all!" She didn't notice the soul gem. She's far too distracted right now by the monstrous creature for that.
Raiko is doing a bad job of hiding her concern, though, looking repeatedly back and forth between the wraith and Mami. "I, um..." She starts awkwardly getting up, trying to keep one eye on the Wraith as she does so. "I think they're really busy! Maybe we should come back another time."
There's hardly anyone in the coffee shop at the moment.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Poofy jackets are good. That's important.
Mami is not fooled by this attempt; she looks to Raiko looking at the creature, and the way she keeps looking. She starts to get up, and to say they're busy, but...
"That's a Wraith," Mami explains, "And if you can see it, then you need to get back here behind me. It won't do anything so long as we don't attack it... for now."
"I'm here to destroy the Miasma that spawned it. This is exactly the thing I was looking for."
Pause. "My name is Mami. Just come over to me, all right?"
She pauses. "...If there's anyone still in there, they'll need care, but they'll keep for a little while at least. Long enough for us to prepare."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko freezes for a moment as Mami names the creature, slowly looking to the older girl. She's not sure whether to be relieved or not at this fact, but it only takes her one more look at the Wraith in question for her to take Mami's suggestion and step behind her. She lets out a little bit of a relieved sigh. "Okay, so it's not just me freaking out. But... what's a... wraith? Miasma? I've never heard of those before."
She's looking at the wraith in the entrance from behind Mami now, listening as she explains. And then gives a name. "Oh. Um. Raiko. Raiko Takashima."
"What's this miasma do? How are you going to destroy it? And what do you mean by 'prepare'?"
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami is accustomed to a bit of surprise sometimes--she's used to a lot of different reactions. But when Raiko shows the composure to step behind her and sigh instead of just freaking out on the spot, Mami is relieved. She inclines her head.
"Miasma is like--an emotional substance, that permeates the area. Negative emotions, typically. And the Wraiths are monsters that form out of it, and feed on peoples' emotions accordingly. That's the short version, at least."
"The miasma affects people over time, and spawns Wraiths. This is a fairly minor infestation; the people here won't have been harmed much. But if allowed to linger, such an infestation will get much worse."
Mami then smiles. "I'm going to engage them in combat, and destroy them. If you think you can help, then by all means, get ready. But if not... I can get you out of here first."
"I'm a magical girl," she explains, and displays her Soul Gem, with a wink. "...Like so."
Mami throws up her gem and twirls in place, the magic of her henshin taking dramatic and rapid effect from top to bottom as she keeps whirling until her outfit is replaced by the garb of her magical self, black and white and yellow.
"I've done this before. You don't have to worry, Takashima-san."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko is still freaking out a little. But it's a bit easier to manage when there's someone clearly more experienced offering direct, easy guidance. She still feels plenty creeped out, but the panic has waned for the moment, at least.
"Negative emotional energy..." murmurs Raiko to herself quietly. But not in the way that she's just repeating Mami's words, but more in a way that suggests she's trying to recall something she read in a textbook once. "And if the Wraiths manifest from that, then they do they have a resonance with...?" She looks to the wraith in the doorway again. "... Are they attuned to specific emotions?"
She looks sharply up to Mami as she mentions combat. "Wait, you're going to attack them? But you told me not to!" But if she thinks she can help. "Um... are you going to be okay all by yourself?"
There is a blink of surprise, and a careful step back as Mami engages her henshin. "Wh--... But we just met. You'd... tell me that right off the bat? You barely know me." She's looking between Mami and the Wraith again, seemingly conflicted about something.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami is accustomed to providing calm and guidance to others; she recognizes a lot of that difficulty, and does her best to be a steadying presence.
"They do," Mami says. "From the signs I've picked up in this area, these are what we call 'torpor' wraiths; they cling to routine, to sameness, and fear change."
Then she nods. "You shouldn't attack them without being prepared because a number more will appear out of the miasma, and will all descend on the attacker. ...I've done this many times; I'm confident in my ability to fight. ...But, truth be told, I always feel better with someone to watch my back. I would welcome assistance if you're a magical girl yourself."
They just met. Mami smiles. "I don't mind," she says. "The truth is that my identity is well known in the magical community already. I'm something of a fixture; I often assist the Magic Association, among others. So for me, keeping my identity secret isn't terribly important. But I understand that some girls are hunted by those who would seek them out, unlike my enemies that are largely these Wraiths..."
"So it's up to you. If you'd prefer not to get involved, I can escort you away, or you can stay and watch, and I'll keep you safe. I promise. But if you'd like to help..."
Mami gestures. "You'd be welcome."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko cringes a little as Mami says that the torpor wraiths fear change. Something's struck a nerve. "I heard this coffee shop is in danger of going out of business. Maybe that's why they showed up here," she offers quietly.
And then Mami explains that more appear once attacked. "Oh. Um, thank you for stopping me. I wasn't really going to attack, I was just trying to scare it off, but..." She looks at the thing still floating there. "I guess it doesn't respond to stuff like that. My magic's not that strong anyway." Not like this, anyway. But when Mami asks for her help if she's a magical girl, she looks away, but Mami can easily catch a guilty and conflicted look on her face as she does so. She doesn't offer a response to that comment.
But she looks back when Mami mentions the Magic Association. She clearly recognizes the name. "Oh! You do? I've never seen--" She falters, realizing she's about to reveal herself, but... Mami already saw her cast magic, and she knows about it, so. "... I've never seen you there. I'm an apprentice witch."
"I... could stand back and keep an eye out in case you get into trouble?" she offers. "If... if I don't attack them I should be safe, right...?" She's not quite ready to reveal herself. The talk of enemies, and Yumi's recent revelation have her a bit spooked. But on the other hand, she can't just turn away and do nothing, so watching and helping out in an emergency seems to be the best option at the moment.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Maybe it's better if Raiko doesn't get involved, from the way she cringes a little there. But her theory eems sound to Mami, all the same.
"That could be it." A pause. "You're welcome. Even a small attack could've rendered you vulnerable to their counterattack." Mami sees the conflict, but...
Well,s he's not going to force it. Especially not in these circumstances. However...
"I'm something of a troubleshooter," Mami explains. "I don't go to most meetings, I mostly deal with some of the teachers."
She pauses. An apprentice witch... Mami sets her jaw, and thinks. "I can't guarantee that they wouldn't sense and attack you," Mami says. "If you have enough magic to see them, you may have enough for them to notice you in turn. I'd prefer to get you out of here if that's the case. But I can take care of this, don't worry."
"I appreciate the offer, though. You wouldn't be the first girl who's been a lookout for me."
Why does that statement make her feel nostalgic?
"...I don't want to risk your safety if I can help it." Pause. "But that aside, if you're with the Association, they've done some research into Wraiths. You might be able to get a look at their findings, now that you know to look."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
If there's one thing Raiko does well, it's trying to figure things out. Though knowing the specific cause makes it easy in this case.
But Mami is a troubleshooter. "Oh, I see. I... mostly work in the library. So I guess if you never go there..."
But Mami wants to get her out of there, and face them alone. Raiko frowns and looks down at her feet, weighing something over. She glances around to make sure nobody else is around, and then looks to Mami again. "I... might have a bit magic than that. Or, well... I will in a moment. Just, um... promise you won't tell anyone about this, okay?" She holds out her hand, and a two-handed staff appears in it. It's polished black, with silver geometric designs running along its length and a crystal in a silver setting on top.
She takes a deep breath to steel her nerves, and then forcefully recites, "Staff of Wise Levin, hear me! In my hand, discovered be!" There is a flash of light and a load roar of thunder, and a moment later a witch is standing there. Witch's hat, cloak, leather gloves and boots, ruffled skirt. She looks rather more like a Victorian era rendition of a witch.
She straightens up a little and tries to lift her chin to give herself a more regal posture. It only half works. "I'm... the Witch of Wise Levin," she says, by way of introduction. "Is... there anything else I should know about the wraiths?"
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"I don't often," Mami admits. "I'm not much of a student, when it comes to books and papers. I mostly learned on the job." A pause. "That job being this; these Wraiths are my responsibility, particularly in and around this area."
But Raiko... Decides to go for it, it would seem. "I promise," Mami assures her, and watches the transformation with the same wonder as always; no matter how many times Mami sees a magical girl transform, it doesn't stop being a sublime thing.
"I see," she says, and smiles. "A witch should be very helpful," she decides, and if she appreciates an irony in it then she doesn't say so. It'd be too much to explain.
"Well, Witch of Wise Levin, it's a pleasure to properly meet you. I'm Mami Tomoe, Puella Magi and caretaker of Shibuya."
Properly!
"...Hmm. They primarily favor physical attacks," she says. "You should be prepared for them to get up close and in your space. Additionally... If you're particularly susceptible to the Miasma they feed on, you may have more difficulty facing them."
"Since this is your first time, I'll work to shield both of us, but that means I won't be able to put as much effort into offense, so I'll be counting on you to make up the difference."
"...And, here's how we track them. We aren't quite at the heart of the miasma; come with me, I think I know where it is."
She closes her eyes, focuses, and--
"This way."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
"Oh, I see," says Levin as Mami explains about her 'job.' "I don't think we really have an area. Our enemies seem to find us or challenge us to duels... at least from what I've seen, so far." There's a small frown as she contemplates that. If they know, then that could explain...
She shakes her head to dismiss that thought. Worrya bout it later.
Her transformation is nice and flashy! With lots of lightning and sparks to go around!
"That's what Witches do, is help others," affirms Levin, having missed the irony entirely.
Levin offers a little bow as Tomoe introduces herself fully. "It's an honor to meet you, Puella MAgi Mami Tomoe."
She pays close attention as Mami explains how they attack. "I can attack from a distance if we can keep them away from us," explains Levin. She holds her staff out and electricity dances up and down its length. "I... have a lot of lightning based attacks. Because I'm aligned with the element of air." But then Mami mentions being vulnerable, and frowns, looking down again. "Yeah. I think... I think I might be." She brings her staff in front of herself and closes her eyes to concentrate. "My staff is trying to help me, but... we might want to try and finish this quickly."
"But I'll do my best to put up a good offense!"
She watches as Mami closes her eyes , and then indicates a direction. "You can sense them? Is that something only a Puella Magi can do...?" She easily follows Mami if she starts walking, keeping an eye out on her surroundings and keeping her spells at the ready, just in case.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"That's normal," Mami says. "But wraiths and miasma are an ongoing problem that we can't really 'solve'--and Puella Magi need to keep hunting them in order to sustain our magic." She explains smoothly, at least.
And she does like the transformation, as well as--"I'm glad," Mami says. "There's a lot of helping that needs doing."
Then the bow, and Mami returns it of course; there's something to be said for the formality of the moment, for the confidence these little rituals build. If she happens to have noticed that Raiko had a confidence issue earlier...
Well, she knows how to build confidence. She ha to do it for herself, too.
"I see," Mami ays of lightning. "Lightning should be very useful against them." She considers. "Noted. Then we'll try to be quick." Her Staff is helping her... is it like a Device? Hmm.
Then Mami shakes her head as she presses onward. "No, but Puella Magi are best at it because we get the most practice. You can learn, too. Any magical girl can."
"You learn to identify the signs, mostly."
As Mami leads them through, they go down the alley and into nother, until they arrive at the back entance of the cafe.
"It should be in here," Mami says. "...If the miasma has taken effect, then the people inside won't notice that we're stepping inside. Are you ready?"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Levin frowns a little in contemplation as Mami says wraith and miasma hunting is required for the Puella Magi to sustain their magic. "Why's that? There's more than enough magic in Tokyo to sustain most mages, and our proximity to the world tree makes leylines abundant and easy to access..."
She says this, while holding a staff of potent magical energy, but it doesn't make what she said any less true.
The formality does make Levin feel a little better. But her confidence may only be marginally better than Raiko's, at the moment.
Her staff isn't nearly as communicative as a Device's. But Levin does get some feedback through their link. She knows enough to know her staff likes her, at least.
"Hmm... Anyone can learn it, huh...?" She stops walking for a moment to stand still and open her senses. She holds out her hand and makes a few gestures, tracing out a magical circle in the air. "I... Hm. I'm sensing... something, but this might be easier for me to do untransformed..."
She hastens to catch up with Mami after that brief delay. "They won't notice us... okay. Will they be in any danger of retaliation from the wraiths after the fighting starts?"
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"There is," Mami agrees, "But it's a part of the contract we form to become magical girls. Each of us gains one wish--almost any wish you can think of. In return, we accept a destiny of fighting Wraiths and miasma. ...The details are a little more complicated than I want to get into right now, but... Suffice to say that when our time is up--when our magic is gone--we disappear. ...I believe that we go on to something better, as many of us do. But I'm in no hurry to get there, either."
"Put another way, the magic we get from hunting Wraiths purifies our Soul Gems of despair, and let us keep living. But the effect in the end is the same."
But anyone can learn. "The Association should have a few spells that would help you learn how. Though they only release those to people they know can handle them--so that's between you and them."
Then she shakes her head again. "They won't," Mami says. "The Wraiths prey on people, but will only attack magical girls and others like us."
"Any other questions?"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
"Magical contracts?" asks Levin, eyes widening a bit. She considers that for a moment, resting her chin in her hand for a moment. "Those can be quite serious, if you enter into one willingly..." she muses quietly. But then Mami explains it another way, and she nods. "Ahh, I see. I guess that makes sense. I don't often hear of mage sustaining themselves that way, though..."
"I..." she looks down. "I haven't told them yet. I'm still getting used to... well, this," she says, gesturing at herself. "But I'm pretty handy with finding spells when I'm not transformed, I just... have too much mana right now for intricate spellcasting right now. Still getting used to that, too."
Levin nods as Mami confirms the civilians are more or less safe. "That's good to know."
She considers. "So you'll try to shield me, and you're counting on me to make up for the missing offense, is that right...? And we just worry about finishing off the wraiths to clear out the miasma. Did I get that all right? If so, I think I'm ready."
A beat. "Oh! Wait!" She brings her free hand to her face, and in a burst of sparks a pair of old--but finely crafted--goggles appear. "Okay, now I'm ready."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"They can," Mami agrees about magical contracts, with the weight of experience. Very serious indeed. "It's unusual," she further expreses about Puella Magi. "Compared to many. But at the same time, we're one of the most prevalent magical girls in history."
But the Association... "That's fair," Mami says. "I used to be fairly suspicious of all magical organizations. I'd consider it with them, though--the resources of the Association might help you a lot. It's hard enough to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in these matters on your own."
With the civilians more or less secured, Mami inclines her head. "That's just right," Mami replies, the blonde turning towards the door as she prepares and focuses. She pauses, though--at the goggles. "...Good idea!" she says with a smile.
Then she opens the door, and within: the back rooms of a coffee shop. A freezer over there; a prep table over here. An office there. And here in the back, there's a woman who has one of those Wraiths attached to her, staring in apparent despair towards the main cafe.
"...As soon as we attack," Mami says, "They'll swarm us. I have my magic ready." She extends her hand, and in it appears suddenly, with a sparkle, a rifle of silver and gold. She hefts it, and aims it for the Wraith.
"I'll get their attention on your cue. Then... we fight."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Most prevalent in history... Levin makes a mental note to research that later.
Levin already trusts the association, by and large, even if she's frustrated at their stubborn insistence on tradition. She grew up around them, after all, and her grandfather was a member. But then Mami mentions keeping loved ones safe--and she quickly turns her head away, inclining her head so the wide brim of her hat hides the absolutely pained expression on her face. All she can manage is a very flat, "... Yeah."
But she quickly refocuses to the task at hand with the donning of her goggles. It's a small thing, but... it is a reminder of her progress. Sometimes she needs to remind herself of these things.
Especially when stepping into the cafe proper, and the thick of the miasma.
Levin needs a moment to center herself, taking deep breaths as a few flys try to swarm her, which she bats away. With a wave of her staff a string of crackling balls of lightning spring to life, hovering, waiting for their owners' command. And with her free hand she holds it out, ready to direct her focus at an oncoming attacker.
"... We should try to limit the amount of collateral damage we do," comments Levin quietly. "The shop is struggling enough as it is, they probably can't afford a sudden and unexpected repair bill. Not much point to clearing out the miasma if we make their underlying problems worse."
"But having said that... fire when ready."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami doesn't press at that pained expression. She knows loss well; apparently, so does Raiko. She just looks at her for a moment and nods. Then, they step inside. Mami has fewer problems with the little lights; they don't seem to attract to her nearly as much in this place. But the miasma is still thick enough that they can both feel it.
Lightning. Of course! Wise 'Levin'. And the sparks earlier.
"Good thinking," Mami agrees. "Then let's make sure we aim just at the Wraiths. And..."
Fire when ready.
Mami does. She takes aim and fires, and the loud report of her gunshot makes the Wraith twitch and fall off of the woman who was there. In the next instant Mami throws out her hand, and ribbons start to form over the person there, over delicate equipment, shields to help protect the place as well as the woman.
The Wraiths come, one after another, gooping into existence until there's six, eight, ten, twelve of them, all rushing towards them.
Mami extends her hand again and golden ribbons start to weave in the space between them and the Wraiths, tying most of them up for long enough for Raiko to fire, if she's fast.
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Levin sees Mami summon those ribbons and looks in the other direction, gesturing with her hand as a swirl of thick storm clouds spring into existence over some of the other equipment Mami hasn't reached yet.
But she's watching as those wraiths form, and with more gestures, her floating sparks start to move. She lets go of her staff--which floats in place seemingly of its own accord--so she can gesture and direct her attacks with both hands.
They turn into spear-like projectiles as they flicker into motion. One by one they plunge into the first half a dozen head-on as they emerge and are tied up. But she only prepared so many bolts, and as the wave slips free of their temporary bonds to rush close, in a panic Levin reaches out with both hands and brings them down. An invisible, opressive force suddenly squishes the remaining ones against the floor, and Levin is straining, gritting her teeth with the effort. "Tomoe!"
It's just the one word, but if they slip free, they'll be on top of them in an instant.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Between the two of them, Mami and Wise Levin are able to ensure collateral damage is at a minimum--but the damage to them remains to be seen, given the diversion of focus. However, there are only a dozen or so Wraiths, which means that the battle is tense, brutal, and quick.
The first few Wraith are undone in an instant by the lightning, and then the rest start to rush close indeed. Raiko is able to delay them just long enough, as it turns out--because Mami is already whirling into action when she's called for, dropping a brace of a dozen rifles in front of herself and with a deafening report finishing off the rest of the Wraiths.
The oppressive force here begins to lift. Mami snaps her fingers, and her ribbons disappear.
"...Let's get out of here before they start waking up," Mami suggests, after a narrowed-eye search to make sure there aren't more hiding here.
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
It is not, from an objective standing, the most dangerous fight she's had so far in her magical girl career--that honor goes to another. But it is the most tense--close quarters, the oppressive force of the miasma working against her, and the very strong desire to not do the coffee shop more harm and inspire another, worse outbreak of torpor wraiths, or drive them out of business completely.
But thankfully she isn't in this alone, and Mami covers for her when she can't wipe out the threat herself--if she'd only had more bolts prepared, then maybe...
But at least Mami can summon a frankly astonishing and impressive amount of firearms at once to bring the short, swift battle to a definite conclusion.
Levin lets out a sigh of relief as the last wraith is finished, letting her hands drop so she can recover from that effort, and then gestures with her hand to dispell her own barrier. She also surveys the shop--though she's checking to see if there's anything to be fixed, not for more wraiths.
"Right!" agrees Levin. She grabs her staff in her hand and steps back out the back door into the alleyway again. There's something that almost sounds like a 'Thank you' murmured to her staff before she transforms back into her civilian guise. The goggles are still on her face, though she quickly unzips her jacket and slides them down around her neck before zipping it up again.
"So... that's it? They should be okay, now?"
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Nevertheless--Mami is very careful. This is Levin's first time fighting these, and Mami too could have trouble if she let down her guard, despite the fact that this is 'easier' than her old battles were. That's a good way to die. ...But not today. Today, they wipe out the Wraiths, and while there might be coplaints about the performance...
Mami smiles at Levin, and does not quetstion the thank you to the staff. She doesn't release her own henshin immediately, closing her eyes to focus.
"...I don't sense more Miasma here," Mami says. "I believe that's it for now. I'll keep patrolling, of course."
Then she opens her eyes and releases her henshin, smiling at Raiko. "That's it. They'll be a bit disoriented, but they weren't entrapped long enough to have long-term effects. Things will go back to normal. We haven't fixed their problems, of course--but we've ensured that the Miasma won't make things worse anymore."
Then she opens her hand, and reveals what she picked up while she was checking things; a number of small Cubes. "...These are what they leave, and how i replenish my magic. They're called Grief Cubes. It's best if I hang onto these--you wouldn't have a use for them anyway."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
It's no secret Levin is new to this--she said as much, and it shows in her demeanor--at least, for this fight. But she's still alert and cautious, even if she could have been better prepared.
She looks over to the store as Mami says she doesn't detect miasma, and nods. One hand goes to her pocket, as if gripping something, but she doesn't take it out yet. "That's good. Um..." She looks down at her feet. "Do you mind if I stick with you for a bit while you keep patrolling? I only came here to get some hot chocolate and study, but right now..."
Yeah. Probably best to find a different shop for that, today, despite the place needing patronage so badly.
"That's good," she sighs with another sigh. "I'm glad they'll be alright. I'll have to make sure I keep an eye out for that stuff in the future..."
She peers at Mami's hand curiously, clearly intrigued. "Can I took at one for a moment? I'll give it back, I promise. I'm just curious." She takes her phone out of her pocket. Is she planning to take a photo or something?
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami doesn't begrudge Levin her newness; they all start somewhere. Quite the opposite, she trusted her at her side despite not knowing her at all... Which is something the 'new' Mami does that the 'old' certianly wouldn't. However, the estion of patrolling....
"You should still stop and study," Mami says. "But how about you study over some tea, instead? We can finish the patrol and, if you have time, I'll invite you up to my apartment for some tea and cake. I should probably do a bit of studying myself..." But she probably won't.
"Yes. You're welcome to call on me for help if you notice such things. It is my responsibility, after all."
But Raiko is intrigued, so Mami considers a moment and then decides, "Yes, that wouldn't do any harm. One moment." She puts away most of them, and extends a hand holding one of the small, silver-and-black Grief Cubes to Raiko.
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko will appreciate the trust... eventually, when she realizes what a risk it was, from Mami's standpoint.
"I wiilll, I just... can't do it here , because..." There's a sort of a futile gesture towards the shop. They cleared out the miasma, but she still needs some time to separate the shop from the wraiths she just fought. "... Because."
She blinks a little at the offer of tea and cake. Especially the cake part. "Oh! Um... okay. Okay! Sure, that'd be... that'd be nice." She's not used to receiving invitations these days. It might show.
Raiko carefully takes the offered cube, and then releases it, letting it hover in place. She lifts her phone over it and then lets that go too, gesturing quickly in wide, circular motions around it as she mutters to herself. Traces of magic form, passing over the cube in several different ways. "Huh. Interesting..."
This continues for a moment longer, and then she grabs her phone and stuffs it in her pocket, and then hands the cube back. "Here you go."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Eventually! Mami is content not to harp on it.
"Yes," Mami agrees with that little gesture. Because. It's good enough for her. But the blink of surprise only emboldens Mami, who smiles brightly at the reply. "Good!" Mami says. "Then that'll be something to look forward to." She does like having company, after all. But...
Mami watches Raiko examine the cube, noticing with interest the way she approaches it; a bit of magic, which does make Mami pause--she's careful in case something happens--but..
"Thank you," Mami says, and puts it away with the others. "It's interesting to see such a scholarly approach to magic," she says. "I think that, even aside from fighting monsters, you might make a good researcher. We certainly need some of those around."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
There's actually a bit of a smile from Raiko as Mami smiles at her and says to look forward to tea and cake. It's a small fragile thing, but that makes it all the more precious. "Yeah. It'll be nice."
Raiko is careful with her spell--she always is, with these things, of course. But it's always nice to have someone on standby, just in case.
"Welcome." She looks up as Mami comments on her approach, and mentions another career path. "You really think so? I..." She takes her phone out--it looks like a standard smart phone, but has a distinct metallic blue sheen to it. "... I think that'd be nice. I love magic, I study it at Infinity--" Mami's in the association, so surely she knows about that "--but I also technology, and trying to combine it all."
Her hands part, and her phone levitates between then.
"Though, I might need to become a different type of researcher soon..."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Maybe she doesn't get a lot of invitations... but neither does Mami, as it happens. She's trying to give out more instead.
Grief Cubes might be unpredictable; Mami would never have allowed such scrutiny of a Grief Seed, but these are so much less powerful that it seems less harm to let someone have a look.
She looks to the phone and tilts her head. "It's magical, isn't it?" Mami reflects, recognizing it immediately. Then she smiles. "I do. Granted, I'm only an expert on the practice, not the theory, so I could be wrong!" Combining both... "That sounds like a good idea to me. Modernize for the modern world, yes? There's something to be said for ancient tomes, but it's a little impenetrable to me."
She pauses. "Oh?"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Thankfully, Raiko is the careful one of the two witches of her coven. She wouldn't have reached for a grief cube without seeing Mami handle them first.
Mami recognizes the phone's magicalness and there's a second smile from Raiko, just as small, but this one more firm, and has a deep note of personal satisfaction underlying it. "Yes," she says. "I enchanted it myself. Twice, actually." She puts the phone away again, and smiles more as Mami affirms her thoughts. "Thanks. Until I became a magical girl, I always thought I'd just... go into magic, do my doctorate studies in it..."
Modernizing for the modern world. "I know, right? Do you know how many times I've suggested we get an electronic card catalog system in the library? I mean, come on..."
But there's a hesitance as Mami asks for clarification. After a long moment, one where Raiko looks at the store and then the alleyway, she quiet comments, "Maybe I should explain while we walk? I kind of don't want to get into it here, just in case." She starts heading up the alleyway to the street.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"Did you? That's impressive!" Enchanting it not once but twice! Mami likes this kind of thing, so while she's not effusive, she is pleasant and interested. "It's good to have a goal in mind," Mami thinks, though she certainly doesn't have anything quite so long-term, herself. It would be a surprise to her if she had the chance...
But maybe she might. She does graduate eventually.
"I can guess," Mami says with a little laugh. But she considers--they're in the alley, and...
"Sure," Mami says, and starts to walk with Raiko. She'll take them on a circuit of the back-ways of Shibuya; this is a good way through her patrol already, so it won't be forever, but it will eventually come to a very nice apartment building. Eventually. In the meantime...
"So?"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Goals are good. "Yeah, it is, just... well, now I'm a magical girl, and I don't know what my future holds, right now..."
Raiko is curious, paying attention to the backways that Mami is leading them down. She's no stranger to Tokyo, or even Shibuya, but these aren't normally the parts she's visiting, here. It is kind of interesting to get a different perspective on things.
"So," repeats Raiko as she tries to organize her thoughts. "So... I mentioned I'm an apprentice witch. My grandfather is also with the Magic Association. He's an amazing mage, but... he's..." There's a hotch in her step and she has to stop for a moment, her breathing very hard and deliberate for a moment.
But finally she forces the words out. "... he's missing."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"...It's hard that way," Mami sympathizes. The future is difficult to foresee for anyone, but especially for a dangerous life...
Mami doesn't exactly make a tour of it, but she does move smoothly; she's done this before, been here before, many times, for many years now. But it means she doesn't have to focus as she walks, except to occasionally bring out her Soul Gem and check for more Miasma.
"You did," Mami answers, and--ah. Mami pauses, when Raiko has trouble, and turns towards her.
"...I'm sorry," she says. "I'm sure that's very hard."
A pause. "How long?"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
It is dangerous, but that's only one of many thigns bothering her about this unexpected turn of events. "... and apparently nobody expected me to be one, just yet. It's... well, there's this bloodline, and some signs and portents, but usually the witches are older before they take up their staves... But the staff thought I was ready now, so... here I am." It's a bit of a jumbled mess of an explanation, but she's trying to put a lot of thoughts together.
She doesn't mind the lack of a tour. Though she does, after the second or third stop for the soul gem, start taking out her phone and scanning with it. To try and attenuate to the signature of miasma, if they run into any she'll explain, if asked.
"... Yeah, it is. Thanks. It's been... a few months. It's only ever been just me, grandpa, and Shiori--my familiar--at home. Grandpa went missing, Shiori went looking for him, and I... had to move into the dorms."
A beat. "That's why I wanted to get away from the shop, just in case."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"Mm. I see." Mami considers that. "...It depends, of course, on a lot of factors, but sometimes it comes to you young. I was rather younger than you when I started, myself." The Staff thought.... "But if your Staff thought you were ready, I suspect you are. They tend to be right about things like this, these ancient artifacts."
Mami notices what Raiko is doing; she isn't inclined to try to figure out how to bridge their magic just at the moment, but it hurts nothing to let her try, either. So it's fine.
A few months... "I see," Mami says again, frowning sympathetically. "That's hard. And I know that it can be difficult to start living on your own, even in a place with others..."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko looks to Mami, a bit surprised. "Really? How... how long have you been doing that, if you don't mind me asking?" But she nods, regarding the staff. "It doesn't really speak to me, per se, but I can tell it likes me, and... I'm training really hard to try and get better control of my powers, but even so... Um..."
She looks down. "I'm sorry I didn't transform sooner. I'm not used to having a secret identity, but I also... I want Wise Levin to be special, and amazing, and so much better than I am, and it's just... hard, if I know you can see me when you're looking at her, you know?"
Raiko is content to just try stuff out. Even if she doesn't make any progress on it on this outing, it's still useful information!
"Thanks," says Raiko quietly. "And yeah, it is. I don't have a lot of friends right now, and getting used to all of that, and being a magical girl, and trying to fix my grades, and..."
It's no wonder she's not especially receptive to change right now.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
How long? Mami considers for a moment. "About six years," she answers. "Since I was eleven."
If that particular bombshell doesn't send things to a stop too much, Mami continues anyway, and nods. "Well, if it lke syou that's a start." She then pauses, and smiles. "...I see you," she says. "And I see someone very special already. Someone who decided to help when she knew she could, even though she had misgivings and it was dangerous. So I think you and 'Wise Levin' are both doing a lot better than you think."
Then she looks forward again. Friends, and her grades, and...
"If it makes you feel better," Mami says, "My grades aren't anything special, either. I put all my energy into the magical world, so I don't exactly have a lot left for my studies... It's a bit of a problem."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
It takes Raiko a moment to process that new piece of information. "Six years..." She regards Mami for a moment, silently. But finally she says, "All that time, under a contract, having to continually purify your magic..."
She looks down again. "Sounds like a heavy burden. I'm sorry."
But then Mami continues, and Raiko looks up, blinking in astonishment as Mami describes just how special she thinks Raiko is--Raiko and Levin both. It takes her a moment to process all of that, but then she ducks her head and turns away, blushing a little. But there is a tiny, grateful smile on her face. She turns her head just enough to peek at Mami and say, "Thanks."
But Mami's in a similar situation. Raiko nods glumly. "I know how that goes. I spent so much time figuring out how to combine magic and tech my grades suffered for it... I'm trying to fix them now, but..." She considers for a moment. "I'm really good with science and math stuff. We could study together sometime, if you wanted."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"It can be," Mami says. "But I treasure my life. I wouldn't trade it--I would make the same Contract again, given the choice. ...I have some regrets," she admits, "But becoming a Puella Magi isn't one of them. I'm also able to help a lot of people in this way. I believe... I've done good for this city."
She then smiles back at Raiko when she turns away, and then--
"Ahhh, that would do it. Hmm. I'll think about it!" Mami says of studying, "Though I have a new acquaintance who may be helping me with science..." If that works out, anyway. "Either way, I'm hopeful that your efforts work. It would certainly make it easier for me to parse the Association's archives!"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko nods solemnly as Mami describes how she would make the same choice again. "It's a big responsibility," she admits. "but if it lets you do a lot of good... if it lets ou help others..." She might be trying to reassure herself mor than Mami at the moment. "... it's hard to turn away."
She did turn away, once, but... she accepted it in the end.
Raiko does eventually return that smile more directly, even despite the blushing.
"Oh, okay. That's nice, I hope they can help you. Just... let me know. Even if we're not helping each other it might be nice to have some company... And thanks, me too. I spent a lot of time studying for entrance exams, and I'm hoping I get to stay at Infinity for... a whole bunch of reasons."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Yes, she might just. For Mami, there are other reasons, of course--but she's not going to burden this girl she just met with her life story at this point. "It can be," Mami answers. "But you have to remember to value what you want, too--if all you do is try to help others... You might come to resent them over time, as you lose out on what matters to you."
"But with that in mind.. It's very good to help people."
"Now, company I can definitely do," Mami says. She has a little too much pride to accept tutoring from a junior at the moment, but she's happy to spend time with a new friend. "Good luck!" she says of entrance exams. "I have a good feeling about you, though. I hope you make it."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko could probably do with sharing a little less but... in some ways, she's still processing a lot of what's happened. And being in this fight, without Shiori at her side has dredged a few thoughts and feelings to the surface, unfortunately. "For a long time all I wanted was to get this new form of magic working," she admits. ".. but now I'm trying to be more responsible. Not just with this, but... everything."
Raiko might point out that she can help study in ways that don't, strictly, involve tutoring--Shiori's helped her with her studies all her life, and she never went to school. Then again, Shiori is at least a century older than her and is in no way her junior.
"Thanks. Here's hoping. It's at least pass/fail, so... all I have to do is hit the threshold, you know?"
She's silent for a bit s they continue walking, occasionally pulling out her phone when nobody's looking and fiddling with various finding spells. "Have you found any more miasma so far?" she asks curiously. Then, in her empty hand she calls up a small bag of candy. It looks like a small bag of lollipops. She offers it to Mami. "Want one?" she says, as she plucks one out for herself.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"That's admirable," Mami says. "...But I hope you don't give up on that dream, either." Mami doesn't mind sharing; frankly, she likes to take on other peoples' problems a bit, to help and guide and support. It's part of her persona... but it's also her nature.
"Oh, good," Mami answers. "Then that's that, right?" She winks. It's not that easy. They both know it. But it helps to project confidence!
"I haven't," she says of the miasma, as she looks at her Gem once more before putting it away to become the ring again. "Oh?" she says. "...Certainly," Mami answers, and accepts a Candy.
She will from here lead Raiko on for tea! Candy shouldn't ruin appetites too much.
"It's important to remember to enjoy a bit of candy now and then... Life is for living!"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
"Of dreams, Raiko enthusiastically promises, "I won't! In fact, the second time I enchanted my phone was so I could store the staff in it... that's when it turned blue like it is. And I think the staff was pleased with the job I did." Is she bragging? Maybe, it's hard to tell. It's also just the happiest and most confident she's sounded all afternoon so far, so it might just be the contrast.
Some of that confidence falters a moment as she agrees "Yeah." about the test. But projecting confidence does make her feel better, at least.
Raiko magically puts the bag of lollipops away, commenting, "Oh and I can store other things in it. Like a bag of holding in a video game. That was the first enchantment."
Raiko might be a bit of a sugar fiend, sometimes.
But it's only to hold her over to the main event, and she happilly follows Mami onwards to the promised tea and cake, chatting idly all the while.
