Chapter 15: Decisions
Sergeant OMalley stood out of his chair and imdiately saluted.
Miss, he said respectfully, and I blinked in surprise. Ji-woo seed to pick up on it a second later, repeating the gesture and leaving
confused. Selene turned, looking between
and the officers.
[So explanation is in order. Officers, I am afraid that my Magical Girl is entirely new, having only been contracted five hours ago. There are a few other irregularities, but it is safe to say she is ignorant when it cos to protocol or other facets of being a Magical Girl. Perhaps it would be best to eschew formalities in favor of efficiency. Please, sit while we continue this discussion.]
That seed to make sothing click in Ji-woos brain, and her hand lowered from the salute as she sat back down. Sergeant OMalley followed suit, giving a frown, and I nervously adjusted myself in my seat.
Irregularities? Sergeant OMalley asked, and Selene looked at .
[Mai,] she started, and sohow, I could tell she was only sending her voice to . [Do you wish for
to continue taking the lead in this? If so, how much do you wish
to share with them?]
Im not really sure what would be best, I thought back. So it makes the most sense if you lead. As for sharing information, I suppose Tell them whatever you think is relevant? About whats happened in the mall, that is.
I hurriedly added the last part, rembering Selene ntioning having all kinds of information on
from scouting
out as a Magical Girl candidate. While I was pretty sure Selene wouldnt just go spilling whatever personal information shed gathered, I also wasnt about to take chances. Especially not when I wasnt sure just what she knew or what she might think was best for .
Selenes head bobbed towards
in affirmation, and sohow I got the feeling that shed sensed the general direction of my thoughts. She turned back to the two officers.
[Yes, irregularities,] she picked up from Sergeant OMalleys question. [Due to so unfortunate circumstances, Mai is unable to use her Astral Shift. If standard procedure holds true, then I believe you are familiar with both the term and implications?]
Sergeant OMalley gave a nod while Ji-woos eyes widened.
Wait, but that ans-
[That Mai did in fact fight multiple Anathema without protection or most of her enhanced abilities, yes,] one of Selenes tails flicked in annoyance. [Besides using the Gate to summon materials, she otherwise fought in a fairly mundane manner. More than that, while the story she gave is mostly accurate, one major point of correction is that the liquor store trap did not get all the Anathema. Mai was left to fight off seven of them on her own, along with a lone hound on the way. Her total Anathema kill count currently rests at sixteen, including the one she killed before I made an ergency contract with her to save her from a near fatal injury. Im afraid her first fight to protect Brian did not go as smoothly as originally reported.]
Ji-woo paled, and turned to look at
in horror. Even Sergeant OMalley flicked in my direction, his face tight. Not really knowing what to do with the attention, I looked down to the table. I wasnt quite sure why Selene had opted to tell them all of that, and the reminder of my first encounter made a knot of nausea swirl in my stomach.
[Needless to say, while Mai is still inexperienced and only operating with a fraction of the power and practically no protection, she has still exhibited high levels of natural talent, courage, and a unique ability to adapt and overco the situations placed in front of her.]
My cheeks started burning as I looked up at Selene in surprise. I knew she was vastly overselling my abilities, that without her acting as a scout and advisor, I wouldnt have been able to accomplish anything. Still, her words made warmth bloom in my chest, and I shifted slightly.
[Naturally, with the direness of the current situation, it would only make sense to offer our abilities. Mai and I believe your plan to have a decent chance of succeeding, but with a few alterations, there will be a much higher chance of success.]
Sergeant OMalley gave a respectful nod. Of course, Miss Selene. We would be happy to hear your recomndations.
[Very good,] she paused, for a mont, as if gathering her thoughts. [First, I would recomnd contacting Guardian Command and getting any updated information we can.]
Unfortunately, thats not possible, Sergeant OMalley replied. As you might have noticed, this shelters security is understaffed right now. We already sent out a group in an attempt to restart the generator, near the start of the usurpation. The person in charge, Sergeant Price, was a forr magical soldier and technically the officer in charge of the shelter. She left her access card behind, but that card isnt enough to engage the communications equipnt.
I looked up in surprise at the revelation. If theyd already sent people and none of them ca back no, they said it was near the start of the Usurpation. They must have made a gamble, sending a larger force to break through the Anathema when they would still be relatively weak, if not probably more nurous. It still left them the backup sneaking plan, effectively giving them two separate shots at restarting the generator.
Knowing that people had already gone and had failed made my stomach muscles clench tighter. I did my best to ignore that, instead focusing on the second part of his explanation.
You ntioned before about talking to a Magical Guardian, I said. But I thought Usurpation zones cut off communications.
Yes and no, he shrugged. Internet and cellular devices dont work. Radios only work within the zone but tend to be spotty. The only exception is landlines and advanced magitech devices. ga shelters are built with direct lines to Guardian Command for obvious reasons.
Um I squird uncomfortably at having to ask another question. What exactly is Guardian Command?
[Its the citys headquarters,] Selene explained. [There, the volunteers of the Guardians Association, who are in charge of the magical soldiers, help coordinate the war on the Anathema. So unbound Familiars provided by the Zenith and Magical Guardians with support skill sets assist from there as well.]
With Arcadia not belonging to any one nation, Sergeant OMalley added, you can sort of think of the Association as Arcadias military, but their only purpose is to fight the Anathema. Guardian Command is the na for the hub of all their local efforts. Thats why ga shelters have direct communication lines there, just in case of an ergency.
[That is more or less accurate,] Selenes tails mid a shrug. [As for the issue of accessing the communications equipnt, I am happy to say it will not be an issue. As a Magical Girl, Mai has all the proper credentials, and the biotric lock will be able to recognize her.]
I blinked, but then realization dawned on . If I was rembering correctly, I had gotten a notification after my contract ceremony ntioning sothing about my credentials being updated. It had said a bunch of other things too, but Id never really gotten the chance to ask Selene about any of it. I made a ntal note, adding it to the list of questions to ask.
That certainly makes things easier, Sergeant OMalley nodded. And I agree, getting updated information would be ideal.
[Excellent] she paused, as if hesitating for a mont before continuing in her usual serene tone. [Assuming we do not learn anything to make us rethink or otherwise abandon the original plan, the next step seems obvious: Mai will be the one to go and restart the generator.]
What!?
Ji-woo, who had been looking down at the table with a disturbed expression ever since Selenes explanation of events, suddenly interrupted in a startled voice. She looked at Selene like she was out of her mind. Sergeant OMalley, for his part, had a grim expression on his face.
Ji-woo- he started.
Absolutely not! Ji-woo said, shaking her head. You just told us shes operating without most of what makes her a Magical Girl, and you want to throw her back out there?
I felt my hands clench on top of my kneecaps as sothing ugly flickered in my chest. She wasnt wrong, but-
[There are a few reasons this makes the most sense,] Selene continued calmly. [First, Mai will be able to use
as a scout, effectively neutralizing all but the most necessary encounters as I can telepathically communicate directly to her. I am also virtually invisible to Anathema and utterly silent. Finding an optimal route will be trivial.]
The mana generator is in the basent level, Ji-woo countered. Its mostly maintenance rooms or administrative offices for the mall, but connecting everything is a maze of long, narrow corridors. There might not be any way to completely avoid a fight or even keep Mai hidden, and fighting in confined spaces is not easy even for soone with training.
[That actually will work for the better. The narrow corridors will give Mais unique fighting style a decisive advantage.]
She blinked, looking confused. It took
a mont to realize that I had arrived at the shelter with the ice axe, and she might be thinking that was what I used. I reached to my left, opening my backpack from where Id set it on the seat. Starting to rummage through it and moving my spare clothes out of the way, I paused as I realized I was about to pull out a gun in front of two police officers.
Um I said, then switched to thinking directly to Selene. I wont get in trouble for showing them this, will I?
[You are a Magical Girl, and your legal status has been vastly upgraded,] Selene sent back to . [Sothing as simple as owning a gun is trivial. Each Guardian has, for all intents and purposes, the sa legal rights as their own sovereign nation. It was decided by Earth nations that trying to legally restrict people with almost unlimited capabilities for destruction was a bad idea, especially when they were chosen as protectors by a vastly superior alien race. Instead, the current stance of most nations could be best described as appeasent: Dont interfere with Magical Guardians and give them whatever they ask for within reason. Guardians also tend to suffer from MCS due to the unique blend of personality traits that qualify them to be Guardians in the first place, and placating them generally saves everyone a lot of problems.]
I wasnt entirely sure what MCS was, but the rest sort of made sense. Aggravating not only people who were trying to protect humanity but also were capable of using magic to cause all sorts of damage seed like a poor idea. It made
wonder what would happen if a Guardian tried to abuse the sort of power and legal immunity they were granted, but that was probably why the Zenith investigated the Magical Girl candidates so thoroughly beforehand in the first place.
So, I gave myself a ntal shake. Its okay for
to have a gun?
[Yes, though like we discussed earlier, the optics behind your choice of weapons is sure to garner an emotional reaction,] Selene gave a tail shrug. [I would recomnd warning them first.]
Okay, I said aloud, clearing my throat. Im pulling out a weapon, so please dont be surprised.
Both of the officers had curious looks on their faces, and I very slowly and very carefully pulled out my gun. Keeping careful track of where the muzzle was pointed at all tis, I gently set it down on the table in front of .
Seeing the gun, both of them froze for a mont, but made no other visible move other than to stare. There was no magazine in it, and the slide was clearly locked open, hopefully making them feel a little more at ease. I felt myself letting out an internal sigh of relief when neither made any comnts or moved towards it.
[As you can see,] Selene interrupted the stunned silence. [Mai utilizes a firearm. This is how she was able to defeat all the other Anathema even without the majority of her abilities. In long, narrow corridors, Mai will have a distinct advantage of her opponents being unable to dodge.]
But Ji-woo shook herself from staring at the gun. That would hold true for any of us.
[Yes, but Mai has an Umbra which utilizes 9mm silverbane ammunition. The stopping power against an Anathema is several magnitudes greater. Against the lower level Anathema we are expecting to face, this will prove a crucial difference.]
In that case it would make more sense if Mai let us borrow her gun and ammunition, Ji-woo pointed out. We have firearm training and experience that Mai probably doesnt.
I found myself clenching my teeth. Ji-woo arguing to keep
safe made
both frustrated that she wasnt listening to Selene but also weird, that she was fighting so hard to keep
safe. It was an uncomfortable, fluttery feeling that gave a weird core to my building frustration. Not to ntion, even though Id been fine with Selene taking the lead, having everyone talk like I wasnt even in the room felt well, not out of place, but dishearteningly familiar.
I wasnt sure if Selene sensed so of my emotions, because she looked at
for a mont, then back to the two officers.
[While Mai does not have access to her full abilities, one that she does have gives her a distinct advantage to the handling and accuracy of firearms. I will not divulge any more information on that matter and am exercising my authority to place this information under a Direct Permission Only lock. Any sharing or reporting of this is strictly forbidden regardless of the situation without first getting Mais permission. To enforce this, I will be contacting Guardian Command as soon as appropriate to prepare a Geas sealing all information that may be shared or learned of Mais capabilities during this situation, releasable only with her direct consent.]
That got a reaction, and both of them stiffened in surprise. There was a sudden tension in the air, and I swallowed.
Whats a Geas? I thought to Selene.
[A magical contract. They will be bound to it and unable to break its terms whether they wish to or not. Not even torture or other magical ans will be able to get them to break the contract.]
Selene! I gasped aloud, causing both officers to react to flinch at my sudden outburst. That seems
[This has to do with your unique circumstances,] she turned to face , still only speaking in my head. [I understand it may seem extre without context, but I would also like to point out this will protect them. Nobody will be able to force them to divulge this information. You are still very, very new to your role as a Magical Girl, Mai, and I intend to do all I can to protect you. Information on the specifics of your combat abilities, especially your unique augnt, needs to stay as secret as possible.]
I shaking my head, I tried to parse what Selene was telling . I understood my abilities were an important, personal aspect of who I was as a Magical Girl, but why all the secrecy? Who exactly was out there that Selene was trying to protect
from? Just general public scrutiny? Or
Its fine, Sergeant OMalley sighed, and I turned to him in astonishnt. In a way, this is easier. The Geas will warn us if we even co close to accidentally giving away information, and if your Familiar thinks its that important, Im not about to argue. Besides, its hardly the first Geas weve signed.
Ji-woo let out a snort, and I turned to her. All Arcadian police officers sign a Geas that prevents them from sharing the personal identities of a Magical Guardian unless theyve labeled themselves as public. Its a general and far-reaching Geas so it isnt as strong or effective, but it does help quite a bit. Besides, if your Familiar thinks it is necessary, I have no problems with it.
Ji-woo gave
a gentle smile, and again, a warm fluttery feeling went through . I gave a numb nod in response. She turned back to looking at Selene, the smile slipping from her face.
This doesnt change the fact that I still dont think Mai should be the one who goes out there, Ji-woo told Selene. Especially not alone.
[With reconnaissance, silent communication, and superior weaponry, it only makes the most sense. Even if Mai were to get hurt, she has access to advanced first aid. The only reason she arrived hurt to this shelter was to help disguise her identity. In reality, she can heal most injuries in minutes. As for why Mai should do this alone, her access to ammunition and first aid is not unlimited. While Mai has enough resources to heal and arm herself, even one additional person would greatly strain her current reserves. This is also a stealth mission, aning additional people greatly increases the chance of discovery. Finally, if Mai needs to fight, long narrow hallways will limit the effectiveness of multiple fighters and even potentially endanger her if she needs to run.]
Ji-woo was visibly clenching her teeth now, giving Selene a hard stare. I felt the frustration reach a critical mass in . I was a little surprised how well Selene had managed to express all the reasons I myself thought this was the best idea, but I suppose I shouldnt be. She had told
she was my Familiar, personally customized based on information gathered on
and my personality, so it made sense she would be arguing the sa points Id thought of. Besides, I really did think this was the best possible plan.
Which was part of why it was making
frustrated Ji-woo wasnt listening, even if she was trying to keep
safe. I wasnt sure why that mattered so much to her, even if it did make
feel fuzzy to hear her fighting so fervently, but my safety was not the priority here.
Ji-woo, I said, forcing myself to look at her. I appreciate you trying to keep
safe, but I am a Magical Girl. Even if Im new, inexperienced, and dont have access to my complete abilities, this kind of thing is what Im supposed to be doing, and this is the best possible choice.
I agree, Sergeant OMalley added, and both Ji-woo and I turned to him in shock. She stands the best shot at doing this without getting killed. Besides, even if both of us disagreed, its not like we can do anything to stop her. Miss Selene was nice enough to discuss this with us, but in the end, Mai is the Magical Girl. We dont have any authority over her, and technically, she outranks us.
Ji-woos hands clenched, and she looked down at the table. Even though she clearly wasnt happy, she had a thoughtful look on her face. I gave Selene a questioning glance.
[In the sanctuary cities and most nations, Magical Girls theoretically hold a special rank that is more or less equivalent to a captain in the army,] she sent . [It helps them cut through red tape and requisition the supplies or forces they might need. We could have just ordered them to let us do this alone, but that seed both rude and unnecessary.]
Ji-woo finally let out a sigh, and I turned to find her looking at .
Mai, if this is what you think is best, she said hesitantly, then alright. I just want to make sure this is what you really want to do.
My brow furrowed in confusion. What did it matter if this is what I wanted? People were going to die if I didnt. Lily was going to die. I had the best chance of success, and that was that. Besides, I trusted Selene and even thought she was right. Id be able to avoid any real danger with her help, and what did it matter if I did get hurt, so long as I was able to save those people?
Instead of vocalizing my thoughts, I just gave her a nod. She slumped a little, but still managed to give
a weak smile.
Alright in that case, we should probably contact Guardian Command. Maybe they have so update and all this wont even be necessary.
Sergeant OMalley gave a snort at that, shaking his head.
As if wed be so lucky, he said, standing up and walking over to the desk facing all the monitors. I got up and followed with Ji-woo behind .
There was a keyboard on the desk along with a few touch screens displaying various nus. Sergeant OMalley reached over and pressed a few buttons, prompting a ssage to display on the main display saying Verification needed. Please submit credentials.
Okay, the sergeant gestured to one of the screens on the desk where a handprint was now displayed. Just put your hand here and we should be connected. We had an actual Magical Guardian respond last ti, but theres no telling if were going to get the sa person.
[Before we call, do you rember the na of the Guardian?] Selene asked, having jumped over to balance on the back of the unoccupied chair in front of the desk.
I believe he said his na was Error Machina?
Selene froze in that eerie way shed done before, going completely still as if sobody had pressed a magic pause button on her.. Her tails stopped their constant, graceful wavering, freezing in place with unnatural stillness. I felt my heart skip a beat, but before I could ask her what was wrong, her tails resud their movent. It might have been my imagination, but they seed to be moving slightly faster than before.
Selene turned to look at .
[Mai,] she said, and I could tell her voice was being sent only to . [Getting in contact with Error Machina would be ideal. Nevertheless, I would request that I take the lead in talking to him. I apologize, but with the things I have not yet explained, there are subjects that we should avoid discussing.]
Why? I frowned at her.
[Magical Guardians are, by their nature, very private people. The best explanation I can give is that they act very much like solo-players in video gas. They tend to only work well in specific groups, and are otherwise incredibly competitive. Sotis, that competitive spirit can turn into sothing more hostile.]
I blinked, but then began to think about it and realized what Selene was talking about. Killing Anathema gave points and experience, and even though Id barely touched online gaming, I was already all too aware of how selfish people could get when it ca to getting the best possible rewards. In the real world, I could easily imagine how that would be amplified.
Still
That makes sense, but... arent we all trying to defend humanity from the Anathema?
[Yes but there are caveats. Gathering points and experience is always more efficient alone if not more risky. Usually, a Guardian working solo is also more efficient considering the vast amount of places and people that need to be protected. I ntioned this before, but Guardians also tend to have very unique personalities. As with anything, this causes friction, and Guardians are hardly monolithic in their beliefs or goodwill. For every kind and selfless Guardian, there is also one who is the direct opposite.]
How did they even beco a Guardian then? I asked with a frown. Isnt that contradictory?
[The qualifications are complicated, but the primary ideological requirent is that a person has shown they are willing to fight the Anathema and would use their powers to do so. There are, of course, other key traits, but fighting Anathema is always the main focus. So long as their personality and behaviors are not overly problematic or unsavory, there is much leeway. I suppose what I am trying to tell you is that just because a Guardian is your ally in fighting Anathema, they are not necessarily your friend, and they might not have your best interests in mind. And for you]
She trailed off, then her head shook lightly.
[No. This is not the ti, and because we should be talking to Error Machina, I suspect he will understand your situation and be accommodating. What I wanted to warn you about is giving away information about your Magical Girl capabilities. Until I have had ti to fully apprise you of your situation, it would be best if I took the lead and you only share what I allow. I understand this seems overly cautious, but all I can do is assure you once again that the secrets I am keeping are to keep you focused on your current predicant.]
I I let out a tired sigh. I trust you, but this secret keeping is getting frustrating, Selene. I get that right now the reason I cant transform and everything else youre keeping from
doesnt matter, but it really doesnt feel great, especially not when its starting to feel like the things youve been avoiding all have to do with sothing bad.
[No.]
Selene said the single word with such forcefulness that I actually jerked my head back. Her voice rang through my head and I felt my eyes widening as she continued in the sa tone.
[It is NOT a bad thing. Your circumstances are complicated and are certainly going to bring up challenges, difficulties, and frustrations, but it is NOT a bad thing. If I was being unclear about that, I apologize. The sole reason I have not inford you is that none of these complications deserve to occupy your ti or effort at the mont, not when there is nothing that can be done about them and they arent causing further issues.]
O-okay I replied, still stunned at her ferocity. I guess that makes sense
There was an awkward silence between us, and suddenly Ji-woo let out a cough.
Im sorry if Im missing sothing, but are you two alright? Youve just been staring at each other for a while now, and I know you can talk to each other telepathically but
I felt myself begin to blush, and Sergeant OMalley let out a laugh.
Imagine if officers werent told Guardians could do that, he chuckled, turning to Ji-woo. You do get used to it after awhile, Guardians just staring into the middle distance or stopping mid sentence for long monts. My favorites are the ones who talk out loud to their Familiars. You get half the conversation, and it's fun to imagine what their Familiar is saying.
Sorry, I quickly replied, my face tomato red. I didnt an to be rude.
No, its fine, Ji-woo hurriedly assured . Just wanted to make sure everything was all right.
I nodded, flicking my eyes back to Selene.
Im fine with you leading, and Ill make sure not to share anything without asking you about it first.
[Thank you,] she bowed her head. [I just want to keep you as safe as reasonably possible.]
I nodded at her. After everything wed already been through, I had no reason to disbelieve her. Shed already saved my life, but more than that she always seed to know what I needed. When Id broken down outside of the shelter at seeing it being shielded, shed helped
pick myself back up and keep fighting to survive. Shed done the sa after my first ti killing an Anathema with a gun, and then shed even managed to help
work through defeating fourteen Anathema at once.
No, Selene was more than just my impartial advisor. She was so much more, even if I couldnt find the right word.
Besides, its not like Selenes exactly human. She doesnt exactly see
like everybody else does Maybe thats why I find myself talking to her so naturally.
I pulled myself from my reflection, with a shake of my head. Then I raised my hand, hovering it over the display for a mont.
Oh, I blinked. I ant to ask this earlier but you were talking about this Guardian, Error Machina, like you knew him.
[I have access to vast amounts of information including dossiers on every Magical Guardian who exists. It only contains information on their public activities and anything they have willingly made available, but it is more than enough in this case. I am not allowed to give you specifics or the files themselves, but I can make general recomndations or share things accessible by the public. In this case, I am certain he will be an ally.]
And it wont be a problem revealing myself to him without my transformation?
[While you should generally avoid it when possible, it is warranted in this case. Also, revealing the personal identity of another Magical Guardian without their permission is one of the few universal taboos Guardians have agreed upon. While not an official rule, there are Guardians that would go out of their way to punish anyone who does such a thing out of malice. Still, it is best not to tempt fate, and I would recomnd extre caution showing yourself untransford to Guardians when not necessary.]
I nodded, taking in one last deep breath to steady myself before I placed my hand on the screen.
The main display switched to a Scanning screen, quickly followed by Authentication Approved. Attempting to contact. After a few monts, it flashed, changing once again to show a man sitting behind a desk. The area beyond him was out of focus of the cara, obscuring his surroundings, but that was just as well as my eyes were imdiately drawn to his outfit.
He wore a skintight suit in deep green with darker pieces of gleaming glass-like armor over his chest, shoulders, and gauntleted hands. Glowing lines of erald lit up his outfit in a pattern almost like circuits, thrumming with light. His hair was another shade of moss green, but his face was covered by a completely featureless and slightly angular black mask made of a shining tal. There were no bumps, protrusions, or even eye holes on it, giving it an intimidating visage.
The mans head rocked back a little as the cara ca online, his head whipping to Selene. Then he slowly turned to look down at . Even through the monitor, I could feel a suddenly intense gaze as he took
in. He said nothing, and I shifted nervously as the tension built.
Suddenly, his mask split apart into four separate pieces, pulling itself apart and across his head to reveal his face. He was young looking, maybe in his early twenties, and had a light smattering of freckles across the pale skin of his nose and upper cheeks. What really drew my attention were his viridian eyes, the color sohow sharp without having the vividness of a manaborns. His pupils were shaped like square looking zeroes, and combined with his outfit, it gave him a futuristic and almost robotic look.
He was also giving
a big smile with sothing like boyish glee on his face.
Well, well, well, he said, leaning back in his chair. Today is just full of surprises.
[Greetings,] Selene dipped her head. [It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. We were hoping you might be able to provide so assistance to a fellow Guardian.]
Of course! he grinned, his eyes actually beginning to glow. Things are a little hectic right now, but I always have ti for my adorable new khai!
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