Chapter 2: Counting Sheep

The scent of night’s waning dew settling into sunrise streamed through the window, washing the room in warmth reminiscent of shedded-light under a tree; a perfect and comfortable time to remain asleep as the breeze flows comfortably.

A shame it's not meant to be.

“Ti...wa…up..lice.”

“...”

“Time to wake up. Alice.”

“Just two more hours…”

“You'll be late if you take another five more minutes sweetie~”

“Ughh…”

Mornings.

I hate mornings.

Waking up to Tale's soft smile gracing her lips; now in human form, shaking me softly out of my drowsy state. I complained insistently how it is cruel to be woken up this early.

Not that she cares though, she maintains an irritating smirk on her face as she watches me stumbling into the washroom. Which isn't very far, just a few steps away for me to reach it.

…I’m still not used to living in an apartment, it feels way too comfortable compared to the orphanage. Makes me feel strange and queasy.

Along the way, Tale hands me the uniform for Shibukawa Middle School from the closet of my room.

A dark navy-blue sailor that reaches below my waistline with a large blue-violet ribbon around the collar and a dark navy-blue long knee length skirt with skorts inside.

After cleaning myself up and changing out of my pajamas, I stepped out to see Tale in the living room having already set up breakfast on the low table in the middle of the room and is now sitting on the floor facing the fan with her eyes closed shut, her hair flowing lusciously in the direction of where the wind is blowing.

The speed of the fan is set with three options from one to three. Right now it's set to the highest.

“...Do you really need to set the speed to three? Isn't two enough?” I ask, still half-awake.

Tale doesn’t move, not even a twitch. “If the wind fails to sing along with the flow of hair, it'll be as if the once vibrant world through one’s eye becomes monochrome—bleak and hollow.” Her voice sounded wobbly and muffled in the wind.

“...I don't understand.” That sounds too complicated, I don’t feel like dealing with that in the early morning already.

“That applies to the majority of life. A question that remains as a constant plague to the mind abroad and breeds curiosity in turn; that no colloquial term could ever possibly define—that which is the beauty of such a primordial desire.”

“...” Yeah, too early.

I let out a sigh. Arguing with Tale on this won't make me understand it any better. With her… Tergiversation as she calls it, seems pointless. Since it doesn't really add up that much to the electricity bill anyway, I won't bother continuing.

“...What does colloquial mean?” Another new big word from Tale, I doubt I’ll remember it since I’m rather lazy. But curiosity still motivates me slightly.

“A term that does not have an objective defined definition.”

“...” Maybe I might remember it. Seems useful enough to explain about Tale if I ever need to anyway.

Looking up at the calendar and clock mounted on the wall, it shows that today is 5th of September 2018, currently seven o’clock. I have about ten minutes to eat before heading out, If I don’t want to be late—that is, as school starts at eight. But if I were to use the Tale method, I'll have about forty more minutes to eat and laze around before heading out.

Nodding to myself, I settle down on the carpet that blankets the floor. On the low-table half my height, was the breakfast only for me, a bowl and spoon.

‘No chopsticks? And what is this supposed to be?’

“Tale, what even is this… tofu in water? …The water tastes really sweet, is this syrup?” 

“It's a Chinese dessert called Dòu Huā—or beancurd. Made with soft tofu with sugar cane syrup.” Still facing towards the electronic standing fan, now with her mouth wide open both to speak and taste the wind.

“...This cannot be healthy. Why something so sweet in the morning?”

She shrugs. “Why not? You usually don’t question what I feed you anyway.”

“...” I can't deny that. I don't really have a preference when it comes to food, I just find eating to be a chore that I'd like to get over with quickly.

Even so Tale, shouldn’t you be preaching and maintaining a proper healthy diet with scheduled eating habits? That’s what a proper parent would’ve done.

Then again, I don’t actually partially care to begin with. It’s just strange to me that she changed the diet.

…It's not bad. The sweetness is just right and the tofu is soft as cream and savoury. I kinda like it.

I shrug with a sigh. “Tale, can you bring me over to school this time?”

“Sure. What's the occasion?” She tilts her head, turning to me.

“No reason. Just felt like it.”

“Alright~” She shrugs again. No longer interested, she returns to the world of the luscious—wind blowing her face as her curiosity was mildly sated.

Whooosh

The sound of wind blazing heavily against my face, holding my hair down, I'm barely able to keep my eyes open to see where we currently are. Currently, I’m being cradled in a princess carry, using Tale as my mode of transport.

A crisp and soft thud hit the concrete below, Tale landed safely and perfectly onto a rooftop, leaving not a single crack on the concrete floor. Before any of those thoughts could even register, Tale is already off in the distance once again, hopping overhead everyone on the ground below—to the next building. To those who even caught a glimpse up above, the figure might as well be a weird smudge of black blur, speeding from one roof to another.

This continues until we’re near enough to the school then into a narrow alleyway, it wouldn't do us any good to be caught literally flying across in the air after all. Of course, Tale enjoyed herself thoroughly in the process to the point that her hair was a complete mess.

Not that it matters though, handing back my school bag that was slung to her side before returning herself back into a pocket watch that I held, the size fitting in my hand perfectly with its pristine gold plating carved on it was multiple clockwork gears overlapping each other.

At least my hair was kept relatively fine, just a few stray strands sticking out.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Opening the pocket watch, the time displays in a modernized look—eight-twenty o’clock, ten minutes before the bell rings for class to start. Indeed, using the Tale method is much more preferable. I should do it more often, the wind today was rather nice after all.

An old public ordinary high school with a history that stretches far back than the era of Magical Girls, which has been 90 years ago by now. A school that was able to renovate itself into the modern times of today. Large with its size and population; clean with its discipline and nature, it was a school that most came to cherish.

“Have fun at school~”

I ignored the playful voice and pocketed the watch into my skirt. Walking out of the empty alleyway, there I saw in the distance, holding a place in my heart that has become a constant in my ever growing life—my school. Surrounded by walls more than twice my height and a small flower garden field right next to the entrance gate.

'It’s a little charming.’ I thought to myself, with my black bag slang on my back.

The long walk from the school’s gate to the classroom was dull and uneventful. Students and teachers both pass by, greeting one another; I avoid them meticulously, making sure to not attract any kind of attention. Making sure to them, I’m nothing more than a plain and average everyday student down the hallway.

Up the stairway until I reached the 3rd floor, walking down to the hallway to the right, the view to my classroom L3-1 opens up. I wasn't able to catch a glimpse of Rena throughout my walk, even as she’s in the class right next to mine, L3-2. Rather unlucky. But that's fine, she has already messaged me late at night that she'll meet me over lunch to talk.

As I settle into my seat, I let the bell and the lecture pass by me with my thoughts fully immersed with thoughts of what I should be doing going forward.

Magical Rising Starlight, a show that depicts the four magical girls going up against villains, criminals and monstrous threats that seek to destroy the peace of the world and plunge it into chaos.

Contrary to most magical girl media and reality, the fights are quite ruthless and unforgiving—having to make a sacrifice or two just to snatch victory from the jaws of the cruel reality of the world and evil.

And at the end of it all, of course, they won. Peace had been maintained, the normalcy protected. So, the mundane world continued to move on. Like the footprints on the beach, the waves will soon come in to wash them away.

But not for those affected by the fallout.

It was a cost too great for those who fought in it, all because it came down to a simple conundrum.

A trolley problem.

Would you sacrifice one or the many to save the world?

The answer to that question is simply—none at all. After all, what magical girl would be willing to give up—to condemn someone just for the cynical reason of for the “sake of others?” If I was faster, if I was stronger, wouldn't it be better and much more preferable to just never let such a thing happen to begin with?

Wouldn't it be better if it were me instead of anyone else?

Just like that, they've become just like those sand-castles on the beach. Even though they desire to change the world for the better, even if they wish for a better tomorrow, they’ll one day, still crumble; and eventually be swept away by the tide.

Some may call it cruel, some may call it justified, some may even say that it should stay that way.

In the end, nothing has changed. The waves will continue to splish and splash without a care in the world. And we can do nothing but abide by its nature.

Thus, the result was shown bare at the finale. Where the magical girls—

My head begins to throb, an unexpected headache pierced through my skull. Forcing me to clench my eyes shut with my right hand trying to soothe it off to no avail.

…Anyways, calling it a show isn't actually correct per se, due to the fact such a show had never existed to begin with.

After all, a show is meant to be displayed for people to see. But in actuality, it's more like a story I'd dreamt about; framed in a way not too dissimilar to a play that presents itself like a regular anime—something that only my eyes can witness.

The ending of the story I saw, and then named, Magical Rising Starlight; was the only thing I was privy to. The scene that ensnared in my dreaming, it always remains at the forefront of my mind.

A dream that has remained constant for the past few years. Where I sat in a cinema replaying the same scene over and over again.

As a result of that, I began concentrating to develop some sort of self-awareness in my dreaming state, to somehow force it into playing something else or something more coherent that can help me piece together whatever I could glean upon.

Unfortunately, it rarely succeeds. Most of the time when I was aware of my dreaming, nothing really happens. There was nothing but the empty black screen that wouldn't play accompanied by the always so lonely audience being me. Not even Tale was there, to my immense disappointment.

No matter what I did.

So I ended up just sitting on one of the chairs and brood in solitude until I woke up.

The only few times it did work, I'd learnt was the leader of one of the Five Fingers. The Thumb; and it's someone I would much rather not see or encounter at all in my lifetime.

Just before I could spiral more in my thoughts, the bell rang loudly, indicating that it's time for lunch. Looks like class has passed by uneventfully this time as well thankfully; as I got up from my seat.

“Hey Alice! Want to join me for lunch?” A girl calls out to me, just as I was standing up with my bag in hand.

A girl with black hair tied up in pig-tails that stretch past her shoulders and a pair of rectangular glasses sitting comfortably on her nose. Carrying her own bento, she seems to want to lead me into the club-room where we always hang out during lunch.

“Sorry, but not this time Ichika. I'm meeting up with someone else.” I replied.

Kuromi Ichika, a friend I'd known since the beginning of middle school. Charming, passionate and most of all—talkative. In other words, a social butterfly. Someone I'm immensely grateful for. Her talkative nature can easily stave off my boredom of school, and doesn't mind at all that I rarely speak, content with just me listening.

“Aww, alright! I wish you luck in making a new friend.” She winks, not at all bothered. What's with her being so smug that her eyes even briefly twinkle. What could that be?

Shrugging to myself, I made my way up the school’s rooftop. And the first person that greeted my eyes was Rena, standing awkwardly and fidgeting—unsure what she wants to do or what she should be doing.

Once her eyes meet mine, she smiles brightly. “Oh, hello Alice-senpai.”

I nod. “Lets take a seat over there.”

Guiding her towards a sheltered area in the corner, the roof is surrounded with high length fences covering the edges. People in small groups settled down into their own little corner just like we were, enjoying the light shade and autumn breeze.

““Let us eat.”” Taking out our lunch, our voice echoes, fading into the chill breezily wind.

“What would you like to ask first?” I ask, trying to get the conversation started. Opening my bento, inside was a piece of salmon laid over a portion of rice with curious fried onion rings spread around veggies to the side. And even curiouser is the extra can of drink.

Why are not one but two energy drinks here?

“Woah… Yours is bigger than mine. And it looks great too!” Rena exclaims, her bento box was more than a quarter smaller than mine, yet filled with the smell of appetizing curry chicken.

I nod. ‘I dislike curry.’ I keep that to myself.

“Do you know how to become stronger?” After a moment of awe, she asked without hesitating, a simple yet complicated question.

The moment of truth. I think to myself—what should I say that could be really beneficial to her. Would mentioning Luminescene as a starter be appropriate here? Or what’s the basis of a magical girl's special ability? Maybe I should start with what mindset one should have?

“...The answers to this question are varied. If you were to ask me, I think three things—or ethics are needed to keep in mind, the mindset that will help you as you grow, in the pursuit of becoming stronger: Acceptance, Kindness and Humanity.”

She nods slowly. Her stare is intense, attention fully on me.

“Acceptance is the easiest to explain. You're going to encounter countless terrible things. And you need to get used to it and accept it. Like people are going to do and you can’t do anything about it.”

“W-What? How come you say such a thing—! I won’t allow or accept such a thing!” Her face’s paling, appalled at what she's hearing.

I nod. “That’s understandable. But don't misunderstand, what I’m talking about is accepting, not like say, embracing it. As those are two different things with two different meanings.”

Rena tilted her head, seemingly lost in the conversation. Her chopstick stopped moving as she stared at me questionably.

“Accepting is simply acknowledging that it exists, but it doesn't mean you have to like it or dislike it. While embracing is the act of acknowledging and even taking a liking to it.”

“Ooh… I see.” She mutters, nodding slowly in understanding.

“The point is that you have to accept that things can and probably will get bad, but you don’t have to like it.”

Her face twists into a peculiar expression that I can’t make heads or tails of, but she nods nonetheless in understanding.

“Kindness is rather self-explanatory. But know that it's okay to be… unkind or even—mean. Kindness is never an obligation; to me it's something I wish to see more. This world is already too hostile to those who are.”

“Okay?” She tilted her head again, not understanding my words.

“It's okay if you don't understand right now, you'll come to know what I mean once you get used to being a magical girl.”

“...I'm sorry if this comes off as rude but, how does this help me get stronger?” Nervousness and confusion clouded her voice, she scratches the back of her head awkwardly and lightly.

Not at all bothered by her words, I contemplated on how to explain for a moment—looking up at the clear blue sky above. “...For a bird to fly, it first needs to learn how to flap its wings. The same goes for magical girls, they first need to get used to the magic to use before they can enact truly marvelous wonders and miracles.

“For what I'm talking about right now is the framework. Just like learning how to move—what and where does the foot go when walking, before learning how and what it means to run. It's the quintessential part for being a magical girl, that most forget when treading their time down the narrow path of life.”

“...” Her face shows that she’s still confused but doesn't respond, maintaining silence with her eyes closed. Contemplating for a long while, before ultimately nodding.

“Now for—” Before I could continue onto my third point, an almost deafening alarm wailed across the city.

WWOOOO—

A Siren. Not unlike those used in the air raid during the world war. A howling sound that the people of this world would hear commonly.

A monster attack.

ALERT. ALERT. CODE BLACK. CATEGORY: PLAGUE. ALL CITIZENS ARE TO EVACUATION TO THE NEAREST DESIGNATED SHELTERS IMMEDIATELY. I REPEAT. CODE BLACK—

I frown. What terrible timing.

The people around us tensed up but not out-right panicking, moving in droves and out the stairs of the rooftop, down to the ground floor where the school's bunker is located. Orderly and practised, more than familiar with the evacuation procedures that determines whether they risk their lives in the open or in a heavily reinforced safe haven that’s designed to keep them safe in the oncoming fight between magical beings.

The threat category level might be quite a bit of a challenge for Rena right now. Even if it’s the second lowest tier. Measured solely by how much magical energy they have or releasing and then grading and classifying them by that metric. Of course, whether the grading is accurate or not is rather difficult to say. As every new entity that seeks to terrorize the world is usually never the same and each comes with their own annoying tricks and gimmicks up their sleeves.

As of now, it seems that the grading criteria is probably based on output; whether the measurement is properly determined to be accurate is yet to be seen on the field. Add on to the fact it's Code Black at the worst timing too. An enemy whose method of attack is classified as completely unknown. Whether it's physical, mental or both—it’ll be even more of a challenge for her.

We abandoned our lunch—stuffing mine into my bag—and stayed behind, escaping everyone’s notice. Rena, holding out her hand just as the last person left the rooftop, a strange device—no, it's a Spark, her transformation device—manifests in a soft shining glow in her hand.

It's cylindrical in shape with its edges lined with gold plating, the base is white in color and at the head of the wand, residing comfortably is a transparent colorless flower bud—ready to bloom as if waiting for a calling. Rena turns towards me, her gaze lingering on me and then to her Spark.

Feeling somewhat compelled, I gave her an approving nod. It seemed appropriate, giving the affirmation that she was probably looking for when her gaze searched in my eyes.

She rewards me with a beaming smile. Her hand outstretched—towards the sky, Spark in hand, and shouts. “Bloom!”

In that moment, the Spark’s flower bud blossomed and emitted a bright blinding flash of golden light, almost blinding me. However, even with that intense difficulty, I was still able to get a glimpse of her entirety.

Like a sculpture being woven in plain view, countless threads of sinew begin converging from the light into enveloping Rena’s form. Gorgeous flowing white hair that glistens in the sunlight with an ahoge bulging from the top, with pink tip highlights trailing down her shoulders, her outfit consists of a black beret hat with pink sakura blossom sprouting out of it at its side; a black collar, fastened by a white ribbon tie, with a pink gem centered in between.

Fluttering in the wind is a pale white long dress with also long and puffed sleeves of white and pink cherry blossoms lining them, frilly black cuffs at the end with black gloves to go along with it.

She has a long black coat that’s as long as the dress—extending all the way down to her thighs with white accents; going alongside with knee length white frilly skirt that has accented puffy pink at the tip’s end fastened together by a black belt, pink and white cherry blossoms lining the bottom. Covered in a white pantyhose in the lower area with sakura blossom chunky mid-heels to finish off at the end.

The outfit is, in my opinion, beautiful in appearance. 'And rather cute as well.' I keep that part to myself.

“I'll be going now, let's continue this conversation after school is over!” Once the light dies down, she flashes me with a head-tilting wink. Turning around—preparing to jump over the fences.

Before she could even jump off, I grabbed a hold on her left wrist, stopping her short.

“Bring me with you.” I say plainly.

Reckless. What she's doing is really reckless. Already made up her mind to jump into a fight solo—without any help or countermeasures. It'll be ideal if she were to team up with one of her fellow magical girls, but we don't have such luxuries of waiting. If she's going into the fight head-on, then it'll be for the best that I tag along as a safety insurance.

Even if it risks exposing myself, I don't care. I just really don't want to see her get hurt—let alone the risk of dying. My first new friend in a long time. I'd like to avoid that or better yet, prevent it at all.

“W-What? No way! You'd be in danger—you'd get hurt!” She shakes her head, protesting adamantly.

I shake my head as well. “I'm not fighting. I just need you to carry me to a high point near where the fight would be. It’s fine if you don’t think you can carry me, I’ll find another way.”

“Even if you say that… What exactly could you do to help?” She tilts her head, confusion and curiosity painted plainly on her face.

“...You can think of me as some sort of safety net, in case of what happened to you before. Don’t worry too much, I have my ways of getting around—and I won’t be joining, I’ll just be watching.”

“Aren't you scared that I might drop you? I have never tried carrying anyone before…”

“I have experience in falling from very high places, you don’t have to worry. And I trust you'll be able to carry me without dropping.” I spoke without any hesitation. Even if she did, I have Cheshire’s grace which I can use to prevent me from being hurt from the falling of gravity.

Rena made an inexplicable expression. Conflicted thoughts seemed to swarm her head, but ultimately decided to trust in my judgement. Probably because I’m the senpai.

“...It's fine, just princess carry me. We don't have a moment to waste.” Just before she picked me up, I took out the pocketwatch from my skirt and clicked the top button of its casing.

When it opens, particles of sparkling soft gold flow out and shortly blankets around me with its presence before vanishing once it makes contact with my clothes or skin; I then tap the back of the pocketwatch against my bag and it likewise disappears—moved into the inside of the watch. Once there weren't any more particles flying about, I quickly closed it and placed it back in the safety of my skirt.

There, a cloaking field; my own cognition filter is now in effect, filtering not just my appearance but sound as well. It only lasts for two hours though.

She stares in awe just as I finish. Without questioning what I did—as there’s no time to waste—she instead cradles me tightly and in a high jump that leaves shockwaves in its wake; we were sent soaring up high. The fence guarding the roof became nothing more than a blur backdrop as we flew further and further away into the sky to overlook the city. This will definitely make finding the location of the terror attack easier, combined with the noise and rising smoke when we do hear or see it.

“It's incredible isn’t it! I didn’t think flying would be this easy at first, but now I’m carrying someone too!”

“The wind is nice!” I shout, the gale of wind brushing harshly against us.

It’s honestly much more convenient, comfortable and less woozy than hopping from roof to roof. I can already imagine Tale correcting me in my assessment by saying that flying in high altitudes is worse than her method, with something having to do with the “G-force” and “Air pressure” which magical girls just completely ignore or something. I had only paid half attention to her ramblings.

At the speed we're going… I'll say 500km/h, almost half as fast as Tale; she says her record was the speed of mach one, which if I recall correctly… that's the speed of sound right?

“Over there! I see it!” Rena called out, her gaze narrowing towards a giant alligator made out of stone.

“It looks rather ugly.” I say. Rena couldn’t react, the wind carried my voice away from being heard.

“Drop me down on that four story building over there!” Pointing towards a particular office complex. That should be far enough, I would be unnoticed by both the monster and any paparazzi bold enough to come here to film the whole thing, regardless of the danger.

Not that I don't understand though, it's a make or break in their career to even get a scoop in this kind field.

Doesn't mean I like it though.

Gliding down softly down to a rooftop, we landed safely with the wind sending my hair wildly all over the place.

“...Whatever you do, don’t get caught by the GPC. It won’t end well." I spoke up, a last minute thought that creeped into my mind and plagued my worries.

Caught off guard with my sudden statement, she frowns. “What do you mean by that?”

I shake my head lightly. “Not the time. If you value your privacy and your life, do not go with them. I’ll explain later. Now go.” The matter of politics is always best handled at a later time.

Which means to say, I hope I never have to deal with it. Too much of a pain.

The unease is plain on her face, but she still manages to speak with cheer. “...Alright, I understand. Wish me luck senpai here I go!” Excitement is clear in her tone as she dashes off into the distance.

I hum a nod, waving at her retreating back. Leaving behind another shockwave in her wake—into the distance to meet the foe of today.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Once she was out of hearing range, the pocket watch inside my skirt began to rattle with ticking sounds. In a small burst of light, a small light orb emerged, levitating on the now open palm of my left hand.

“She pretty much understood nothing of what you've said.” That's the first thing Tale mentions, her voice more like a vibration than actual speech.

“...Was it really that bad?” I frown with dread. I know I'm terrible with speaking, which is why I prefer texting instead. I can at least articulate my words properly.

“Indeed so. It was rather one would call it… hilarious. Starting the conversation about ethics with no attempt at chit-chat? Moving straight to business? Some would call that just down right sad.” She chuckles to herself, shaking lightly as if emoting as a floating cube.

“...” I turn my focus anywhere but on Tale, the floor looking much nicer to stare at. Much better than meeting Tale’s lecturing and condescending gaze full of mocking amusement.

“While it is true that everyone in this era has already formed and developed the framework of what a magical girl is, what you merely talked about is the “why” instead of “for.” What for—is the purpose of kindness when being kind should be the obvious norm?”

I shuffle my feet. “...You're saying, my words falls flat. Due to the fact that what I've said is nothing more than common knowledge, and it wasn't anything new or helpful.” I quietly say, half understand what she’s saying. I get the feeling I’m also missing something there but I don’t know what.

“Correct. It came off as nothing more than pretentious. And Propriety would’ve fit more than Kindness. That’s not to say there isn’t merit to your answer, nor is it wrong. One does wonder… What is the face of true kindness? Is it without hope, without witness, without reward?” She contemplates aloud, I can already picture in my mind the face of how much of an amusing spectacle this is to her somehow, despite being a golden floating prism.

“...” What does true kindness even mean? Since when do we have a scale for how kindness is valued?

“I'm guessing you wish to convey that you should always be kind regardless of how many times it backfires?” She hums, but it came out like a machinery buzz rather than any onomatopoeia human expression.

“...” I sigh, my hands rubbing against my face to stave off the embarrassment—Tale finding all of this even more amusing all the while—I'm really not cut out for this, and I’m starting to regret it.

“For you to go for a didactic approach was entertaining to watch. While it may not have ended in failure, your attempt to do so was meaningful nonetheless.”

I roll my eyes. “If you say so.”

“Also you missed one particular good advice that would've helped tremendously, something that's rather simple and obvious in hindsight.”

“...What would that be?” I ask blankly.

“She could try shooting with her wand.” She grins ear to ear.

“...” That is obvious. ‘Why didn’t I think of that!?’ It’s probably because it’s so obvious that I simply glazed past it, or I thought that she had already known. I really should've doubted that after her first fight. I reasoned with myself and sighed again, loudly this time.

Done wallowing in my short mental pity party, I focus back to the matter at hand. Rena, flying across the skies and buildings—fully prepared and about to engage with the monster of the day.

“Tale, what are the odds of her winning?”

I narrowed my eyes, estimating the distance between us and the battlefield—is about a couple buildings away, countless complexes stacked together like sandwiches surrounded us as the crowded road intersection with cars and people fleeing en masse. Rampaging in the middle is the alligator golem in question; stretching about roughly 50 meters in length and 30 meters in height.

Another Hollow, about average size at that.

Tale hums. “She might struggle a while for the first few minutes, the deciding factor would be if she watches out for its tail. If she were to be hit, it'll turn the tides against her.”

I certainly can’t have that.

I nod. “...Tale, please go and watch over her.”

“Oh? Are you sure~?” Her tone now in higher pitch, clearly amused.

Knowing her, what she means is if she could fight her. Regardless of my intentions, even if I told her not to—and that the main objective is to protect, she’ll probably find some other way to “test” her. And if she’s going to do that, then I might as well set the terms before she goes off and do her own thing.

“Yes. I know what you’re thinking of doing, so please go easy on her. Don't hurt her enough to bruise. It's too early for what you’ve planned for her right now.”

“...You really are too soft.” She says, metamorphosing into her human form. A smile on her face, it seems to be a genuine one this time.

“I'm not done yet. No deadlocks and fully limit yourself to—”

“Alright, alright. I won't do anything too bad.” She shakes her head, her amusement never once fading.

“No monologues— No wait, actually, please do monologues. Monologue as much as possible.” I say desperately.

Tale snorts. “Oh my, have you finally understood the romance to greatness?” In a blink of an eye without waiting for an answer, Tale disappears before me. Following after the magical girl with blurring speed that leaves after-images.

I glared at her back. She better not treat her harshly.