The magical girls are a symbol of hope, of salvation.
I didn't become some mindless fan just because I idolize Stella or the other magical girls.
I wanted to be like them — not become them. I wanted to be someone people looked up to. For me, simply being known as a role model student, or that beautiful kind daughter of our neighbor, was never enough.
It may be out of greed. Or selfishness. But I always felt like I was destined for the world to see — to see that no matter how bad our world gets, there is someone out there who saves others from harm.
Someone who inspires, who motivates people to strive to be better versions of themselves.
That's what I believed.
Yet now, seeing these second-rate magical girls — who are now nothing more than celebrities — tarnish the names of the true ones, fills me with a deep, burning anger.
So much so that I broke my phone in frustration, after all these years I've spent striving to become a potential magical girl.
It was clear, as I stared at the pink bunny floating on my TV screen —
Lya never wanted another symbol of hope. Now that the world is at peace, they only want a symbol people can pour their feelings into.
My mouth twisted into a forced smile, knowing all my efforts had been in vain.
"If that's how it is, then fine."
I murmured under my breath.
I stood up and stretched my hands.
I should've been devastated by this news — and yet, somehow, although that was true, I also felt... free.
Free from my own expectations. From the weight of honoring the values my mom and Stella once stood for.
Perhaps it's time for me to be a little selfish. The world has turned its back on me — maybe it's only right I play by my own rules now.
Since it's clear that Lya's focus has drifted far from what I thought a magical girl should be... and the world is content with this level of stagnation —
Perhaps my true calling is to cleanse this world of that.
"Yeah, maybe that's my mission."
My smile grew wider as the hatred bloomed inside me once more.
---------------------------------
「The next day」
I woke up at exactly 6am. I made my own breakfast, then opened the curtains of my apartment, letting the warmth of the sun spill in.
The sunlight filled me with energy as I began my day.
"Today, my classes start at 1pm. Since I have time... maybe I should visit mom at the konbeni."
I murmured softly.
Maybe it's time to see her. It's been a few days…
I took a deep breath.
"I wonder what she'd say to me, now that it's truly set in stone that I won't be a magical girl."
I couldn't help but feel humiliated. Knowing mom, she'd probably be fine with it, but… as her daughter, I can't help but feel like I failed.
Even though I'm still in college, I can feel the sharp gazes of my fallen ancestors piercing my back.
I shivered at the mere thought.
I then made myself a small breakfast — just a slice of bread, toasted with butter on a pan. It isn't much, but it's delicious.
Afterwards, I took a bath and slipped into a simple white dress. Since my shoulders and arms were bare, I decided to wear a black cropped coat over it.
"I look good."
I struck a few poses in front of the mirror, smiling to myself as I winked at my reflection before heading off to see mom.
At the ground floor of the building, I made sure to greet people as I left — my smile practiced and calculated.
『It's no use being kind expecting nothing. I should maintain my reputation as it is. I don't see the point in ruining the image I've built.』
I smiled to myself as I thought that.
As I walked through the streets of my neighborhood on my way to the city square, I could feel the stares emanating from passersby.
『Well, that much is normal since I look pretty』
I nodded to myself.
Of course, I'm not narcissistic. I'm just used to those kinds of stares—and I won't ignore that fact.
So I'd often stare back, smile, maybe wave at them—make their hearts skip a beat.
Sometimes I can't help but laugh at how people make such a big deal out of it. Like sure! I'm good-looking, but it's not as if a goddess has descended to Earth, right?
As I continued walking, I took in the city in all its glory. The city square's where all the big buildings are.
There are tons of skyscrapers here, and as you'd expect, the traffic's horrendous.
Before I knew it, I was right beside the konbini my mom works at.
Time moves fast when you're distracted!
However...
"Hm?"
I looked behind me—and there was... no one there?
I mean, no! Obviously people were walking behind me...
But I felt like someone was staring at me, so I couldn't help but want to confront whoever it was.
Yet all I could see were people going about their day. Weird.
Probably nothing... right?
I hope so. I don't want to have a stalker.
Reminds me of that anime about an idol—anyway, that's beyond the point.
I took a deep breath, shook my head to dismiss the feeling, and looked at the konbini my mom works at.
[301]
Yeah, pretty generic. But I can't blame Mom—she isn't the owner of the place.
When I asked her once, I remember her saying the owner named it after the money he got left when he bought the building...
Yeah. 301 yen.
What a weird way to name a store.
In any case, I proceeded to enter the store.
"Good morning—Ah, Shizuka!"
I smiled and looked at the counter.
"Hello, Mitsuri!!"
I waved both my hands at a girl my age. She wore the typical white uniform and jeans. Her pink eyes were unmistakable—her most iconic trait.
Her hair was tied in twintails today. Cute!
"Your classes are in the afternoon, I take it?"
I leaned forward on the counter, resting my arms on top of it.
"Yeah, that's why I decided to take the shift."
Mitsuri laughed awkwardly.
"I see. You work hard, huh? I hope you graduate and achieve your dreams."
I smiled at Mitsuri and waved as I went behind the counter, entering through the back door.
"Hey, mom~"
I ran up and hugged my mom despite her working at the computer.
"Oh? My sweet baby girl, why are you here?"
My mom cuddled my back gently.
"Ohhh, nothing~ I just wanted to see how you're doing! My classes start in the afternoon anyway."
I giggled softly, my black eyes shimmering with her reflection.
"I see. Well, I've got work to do, so you can just sit or do whatever."
I nodded. The moment she turned her back, my smile faded. I quietly slipped out of the kobini office and left the store.
She probably knew. That I was distraught—more than anyone else—when the new magical girls were announced on the news.
But she probably didn't say anything. That's just how mom is.
I don't want to bother her either. She's the manager now, after all.
So I decided to just leave, ignoring Mitsuri on the way out...
She probably doesn't mind.
No—why do I even have to care about that now?
The beautiful black color of my eyes deepened into a void as anger welled up inside me once more.
But somehow, once again, I couldn't bear to ruin my image. So I forced my lips into a smile.
I look more beautiful that way.
Seeing a crowd coming my way, I turned right—into an alleyway I always use as a shortcut.
I can't deal with people right now. So this choice is the most logical one.
The moment I stepped into the entrance of the alleyway, a shiver went up my spine.
"What the hell..."
I murmured.
I've been in all kinds of alleys before—back when I was a teenager. Abandoned buildings, bridges, you name it.
But this feels... different.
I took another step, and instantly, it was like the atmosphere shifted. Goosebumps crawled beneath my skin.
That inexplicable feeling of being watched returned—no, it got worse. It was like I could feel someone's breath on my nape.
I turned around—nothing. Just the bright sunlight.
Yet when I looked back at the alleyway... it was as if no sunlight had ever reached it.
I knew something was wrong. But I'm no magical girl. I know the risks.
Even so, I continued to walk. Slowly. Each step calculated.
But no matter how many steps I took, I didn't seem to progress—always near where I entered. People still walking by.
I had no choice but to commit. I needed to get to the bottom of this.
So I walked. And walked. And walked—until my feet began to ache.
I didn't know how much time had passed.
I didn't even bother looking behind me, but judging from the faint light ahead, I probably hadn't moved an inch.
"Why do you keep walking?"
!!!
I froze. The voice echoed through the dark alleyway. I was certain I heard it—so close. Yet when I looked around... nothing.
Still, the voice sounded near.
Dismissing it, I continued walking.
"Why do you persist?"
The voice again—lower this time. A growl, almost beast-like.
I'm certain. This is some youma. But fine, I'll humor them.
"Because... what else is there to do?"
I responded.
Silence.
I looked in every direction. All I could see were the same trash bins, the same clutter, the same walls.
No response. So my feet began moving once more.
"Do you hate the world?"
The voice rang in both my ears.
"Hahaha... hate? That I do."
I smiled brightly.
"Then what will you do if given power?"
The voice grew deeper—almost incoherent now.
"I'll cleanse the world from stagnation."
I uttered those words as if they were the most natural thing in the world.
And just as if I had won some cosmic lottery, the air flowing through the alleyway turned colder and colder.
I could see shadows wiggling their way in front of me, and little by little, a circle began to form.
It was identical to a magical array — spinning and shifting, the geometric shapes fluidly morphing into one another.
My whole body begged me to run. However, what I saw was a sick sense of opportunity. I couldn't turn my back on this… but—
I looked down. The shadows thickened until they started oozing, as if they had turned into liquid.
My eyes widened at the sight — I could never forget that feeling of despair, nor the warnings from news reports.
A youma was forming right in front of me.
I really wanted to bolt out.
But it was too late. As if all the malice in the world had gathered into one ball — it felt disgusting. I wanted to puke.
Then, the ball floating midair exploded — a dark, eerie light burst out, and my eyes widened even more.
A black, floating rabbit with red eyes — my earlier fear vanished instantly.
"You are wo—"
Before the black bunny could finish, I grabbed it by the throat.
"Lya, you fucking bitch. Why did you appear in front of me now?"
I smiled at the rabbit — though it was anything but bright — my grip tightening around its neck.
My black eyes, devoid of any shine, reflected nothing but the helpless bunny.
"W-whaifff… aym not Lyah!!"
The black bunny pitifully tried to form words.
However, I didn't feel a shred of sympathy for this creature. Not only did it resemble Lya — it was also clearly affiliated with the youmas.
How can I tell? Cuz this bunny reeks of sin. It's cold. Disgusting.
"Then who — and what — are you?"
I asked, even though I already had an inkling of what this creature was.
"Aimf… naht… Lya…"
The black bunny struggled, clawing at my hand in desperation, trying to free itself. But I only tightened my grip further as it gasped for air.
"Puhlease… left mhe… tak…"
Tears began to form in the black bunny's eyes.
Should I let it talk?
Yeah, maybe I should. If I kill the bunny by accident, I might get sent to jail for animal abuse, right?
Plus, I need answers.
"Talk."
With that, I removed my grip from the rabbit's neck.
The bunny choked as it persisted to float mid-air, coughing as it finally managed to breathe.
"I'm not Lya! I'm not affiliated with her!"
Her? Mascots have genders? Intriguing.
"Then why did you approach me?"
I pressed further, leaning toward the black bunny.
"A-As I've said! You pass—you're worthy!"
"Bullshit."
I smiled brightly.
"How the hell am I worthy, now of all things? And worthy of what?"
The bunny's red eyes dilated in fear.
"Of being a magical girl! You're worthy of being one!"
"…What?"
Upon hearing those words, I paused. I'm not dreaming, am I?
Though excited, it didn't make me feel any better.
"Why would I be some dumb magical girl? You expect me to sign autographs or something? To sing on a stage? Act?"
I spat, anger leaking into my tone. The black rabbit flinched at my words.
"N-No! It's not like that! You'd be the magical girl that breaks the status quo! Didn't you say it yourself? You wanted to cleanse the world!"
The rabbit's red eyes met mine, as if begging for reason.
"That… is indeed what I want. So, what do you offer?"
My black eyes scanned the rabbit, searching for even a shred of deceit.
"I'll give you power not seen before!"
"How original."
I rolled my eyes.
"So, who are you? You said you aren't Lya—then what, and who, are you?"
I crossed my arms, judging the creature before me. The black rabbit, hearing the cue to introduce itself, finally seemed to regain some vitality.
"I am IXX, the mascot of Youmas."
I knew it.
"I see. So, do you work alone?"
Better to ask now—I don't want to work under someone else's chain.
"N-No… we have a council."
"Then I'm out."
I turned my back on the rabbit.
"W-Wait! Please, don't leave! What do you propose?"
I smiled. You walked right into my trap, you little b*tch.
"Autonomy."
Upon hearing that word, the rabbit jolted in shock.
"That is…"
"That is what? If you don't want to, then I'll leave."
I started walking out of the alleyway.
"N-Nohohoo! Please, please! Wait—give me time to talk to my superiors!"
I smiled even more.
"Good. Then, while you do that… I also want full authority over your faction. All the power you can give me. Yes?"
The rabbit looked like it was about to have an existential crisis. But I didn't care. The Youmas were a losing bunch—I didn't want to ride a sinking ship.
If they want me, they'll have to earn my respect.
"O-Okay… please give me a few days."
"Good."
I smiled as I left the alleyway, leaving the black rabbit crying as it tried to come up with ways to convince its superiors.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the street, a woman with long pink hair was walking toward her office.
She was minding her own business when, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed someone familiar.
"Oh? That's… the baby I saved. Shizuka, was it?"
The lady wondered why the girl she once praised—when she retired as a magical girl—was now leaving that alleyway carrying a familiar energy…
An energy she once fought.