The ash-blonde visitor stared down at Shika arrogantly. Everything about her screamed of richness, power and control, from the way she dressed in expensive silks down to the very last pin, to the way she held herself in posture and speech. The girls milling behind were presumably under her command, and a brunnette with striking gold eyes standing next to her, arms akimbo, was possibly her top henchman. Animosity hovered between them; Shika did not like the looks of this girl and her company at all.

"Are you going to just stand there and block the doorway?" said the stranger. She spoke as if she were addressing a bug, a mere annoyance that could easily be brushed away. Shika cringed ever so slightly at her high-and-mighty tone. She definitely knew how to throw her weight around others.

"Hey, can't you speak? Are you dumb or somethin'?" growled the brunette, clearly annoyed. Shika furrowed her brows at her, replying tartly, "I'm not dumb, thank you. And who might you be?" She had aimed the question at the ash-blonde. The girl pouted, getting irritated by the holdup, and looked ready to slap Shika. Although her muscles told her to back off and flee, Shika forced herself to stay and face this new threat.

"I was hoping for introductions to be made inside, but if you insist," said the stranger imperiously. "I am Oriko Mikuni, a Puella Magi from Mitakihara City, and I have come here with my forces to recruit you into our cause." Here, she stopped, and one could only wonder how she could expect a person to invite her into their house just by that statement.

At that moment, Rikka stepped into the tense exchange casually, her serene smile playing on her lips. The hidden depths of her eyes, however, were filled with unspoken menace, belying her beautiful, lilting voice. "Pray tell, stranger, what makes you think we would trust you and let you in without a proper explanation? One doesn't simply go around demanding things like a crude beggar. If I were you, I'd be more humble, and humbleness goes a long way." Rikka flashed another venom-filled smile at the tall girl. Even Oriko had to step back a bit, stunned and unnerved by Rikka's deceptive sweetness.

Mami, tired of listening to useless arguments everyday, joined the conversation. She put on the best apologetic face she could, then said to Shika and Rikka, "I am most sorry for that rude introduction by my comrade there, but I can assure you that we bring no harm. We are seeking assistance from other Puella Magi to combat a certain threat in the form of a Demon. We would really appreciate it if you would allow us in so as we can discuss more about this."

Shika froze. They knew about Homura Akemi as well. This was another opportunity for her to obtain more allies. The larger their numbers, the harder it would be for Homura to oppose them. But, the larger the group, the more difficulties would crop up from clashing interests and ideas. Should she let them in and explain themselves, and possibly form an alliance, or should she turn down their offer and handle things herself, with her own friends?

The protesting creak of her bedroom door told her that Akira had come out, and her resolute footsteps were heading towards them. Shika's mind worked quickly. If Akira found out that the leader of the Mitakihara group was a power-hungry, contemptous girl, she would surely try to show her who the real boss was... namely herself. She couldn't stand rich people who used their status to act all snobby and commandeering, and that was what made Akira different from the many nobles and higher-ups. She was down-to-earth and as humble as earth itself.

Shika lowered her voice so that only Oriko and her members could hear, saying, "I would let you in on the condition that in no way must you upset anyone in this house. Speak politely, be respectful... and don't start any arguments."

"You have my word," said Oriko impatiently. "Now let us in." The way she had said that, she hadn't sounded sincere at all. Shika glanced at Rikka for confirmation, who simply tilted her pretty head to one side and shrugged. Her depthless eyes silently told her that if trouble was at hand, her musical quartet would be more than capable of handling these unwanted visitors for her. Shika hoped they wouldn't have to resort to violence, stepping aside and allowing Oriko and her gang to enter.

The Strike Force was met by Kureha's cheerful greeting. "Ohaiyo-gozaimasu! Hello, friends!" The little girl waved happily at them, blissfully unaware of the fragile, glass-like tension between the two companies. Eruna shot Oriko a stare, her gaze as piercing as her sister's was deep. Yuki then padded over to Shika, her hackles raised and fur bristling as she growled a low warning for the newcomers. Mess with my mistress, and you mess with me.

"I'm afraid my house lacks chairs for so many people, so we would have to make do with sitting on the floor. Is that okay with everyone?" said Shika, smiling nervously. The kind blonde from before nodded with a friendly beam, though Oriko had wrinkled her nose in contempt. Everyone sat down, crossing their legs or hugging their knees. Akira then appeared out of nowhere, taking her place next to Shika and Tera. She sat in stern seiza and placed her hands neatly on her lap, her back straight, her head held high. The aura of her inner samurai was radiating off of her. One would never even guess that she had been crying just five minutes ago. The Mitakihara group seemed to be cowed by her presence.

"Now that we are settled, let us introduce ourselves," Oriko proclaimed. "Once again, I am Oriko Mikuni, age fifteen, daughter of the former politician of Mitakihara. I expect this meeting to go well. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Akira's one eye became a slit, indicating her displeasure. Here was another fool who went about flaunting her high status, stomping over everyone and making them obey.

"I am Mami Tomoe, fifteen. Delighted to meet you all," said the blonde girl with the curly pigtails.

"Kirika Kure, fifteen, pleased to meet'cha," said the brunette, grinning widely.

"Kyoko Sakura, fifteen... Why are we even telling you our age...? Nice to meet you all," grumbled the red-haired girl. She didn't look like she was enjoying this.

"Yuma Chitose, nine years old! And this is my friend Nagisa Momoe, ten! Hello!" Two small girls waved at them, one green haired, their other white haired. Shika was oddly reminded of herself and Akira when they were younger.

And finally, "Estella Queen, fourteen, and this is my twin, Luna. A pleasure to be here," said the short haired tomboy in halting Japanese, her twin next to her.

So these were the Mitakihara Puella Magi. They looked like a formidable bunch, especially the older girls. Having them as allies would greatly help in the effort to bring down Homura Akemi, but would they get along well enough to form the synergy needed to take down the Demon? The Kazamino side introduced themselves next.

"I'm Shika Kiyomizu, seventeen. Err... Hi... Oh, and this is my dog, Yuki... She's a Shiba Inu," she finished lamely. Everyone gave her a face that said 'Obviously'. She shrunk into herself, wanting to escape this awkward situation.

"Akira Oda, eighteen, last descendant of the samurai clan of Nobunaga Oda," declared Akira, matching Oriko's haughty tone. "My blades never hesitate to mete out punishment, especially for those for don't know their position." She stared directly at Oriko, challenging her. Oriko glared back, unperturbed by the threat.

"Let's not get into a squabble, shall we?" interjected a melodic, lilting voice. The two girls simmered down at once, looking away. "Rikka Sayuki, sixteen. Happiness is my life goal. Music is my best friend."

"Eruna Sayuki. Fourteen. I'm not a Puella Magi," said Eruna, not bothering to elaborate.

"Tera Aido, at your service," smirked Tera. "MMA master and guitar extraordinaire. Just say the word, and I'll strum ya a song."

"Kureha Chiaki, thirteen! I love music, and I love my friends!" she bubbled energetically.

The fourteen girls sized each other up, and for a while, everyone was speechless, judging... Eruna swept her gaze over them, then said slowly, "Wasn't there supposed to be a meeting?"

Oriko took control at once. "Yes, we are here for a very serious meeting. Thank you for reminding me, Sayuki-san." She launched into the story of how they had regained their memories of being Puella Magi, of meeting Homura and having their Soul Gems cursed, and how they had been trying to keep up with the corruption but was failing. This had led them to begin devising plans to kill Homura, but they were unconfident that they would be able to destroy her without getting themselves killed in the process. Hence, they had come searching for other Puella Magi to join them in their coup d'état.

"Just to confirm, you said you lost your memories of being Puella Magi, didn't you?" Akira enquired. Oriko nodded. "Yes, and I would have thought that all Puella Magi in this world be affected, so are you not?"

"No. Our memories are intact. Never was there a day where we forgot we were Puella Magi." The Kazaminoans affirmed it, muttering amongst themselves. Mami pursed her lips. "How come we are the only ones affected?"

"I do not know. Maybe Akemi has her own reasons for doing that. She must have been protecting something in the city from seeing the Puella Magi activity, and the only way to do so would be to make them all forget about their duties," said Akira. "She would have no reason to waste her magic on those not associated with the city, and thus, we were safe from her memory wiping."

"Damn, son. Right as ever," marveled Tera. "I'm gonna steal those brains of yours one day, Akira-senpai, just you wait."

"Oooh, I'm sooo scared," Akira said, wiggling her fingers and pretending to be frightened. "Mercy, please don't rip my brains out."

"Ngeh. Rippin' is too messy. I'll suck 'em out with a vacuum pump, if you don't mind."

"Of course you would. Go ahead."

"O-kaay, you two, leave the sarcastic dialogue for later," hushed Shika. She turned her attention onto the Mitakiharans and said, "What are you proposing to do, then? And how are we supposed to help? If you can outline your plans, we might just agree."

Mami looked at Oriko, imploring her to not go all autocratic on them. Akira had not been pleased by Oriko's introduction, and had already hinted that people like her were not welcome in this circle. She hoped the ash-blonde girl would keep her arrogance sealed up tightly while conveying her ideas. If only she were the leader, she would ensure that disputes between comrades were only the stuff of movies.

Oriko began to outline her ideas as the others listened carefully. "I am planning to have you all move to our city where we shall turn my house into our headquarters. I can confidently provide for everyone's needs, and the rooms are spacious enough to accommodate fourteen people on top of my servants. You are all to follow my orders closely and we will hold frequent meetings to determine our next mode of action. On no account is anyone liable to disobey orders. Movements will be strictly regulated to ensure that no one is ever caught out alone at the mercy of the Demon. Once we have a proper plan, we will execute it together accordingly, and soon enough, Homura Akemi will fall. Teamwork and obedience are crucial for this, and I expect no shirking of duties."

"Sounds like a frickin' army camp," hissed Tera under her breath. Next to her, Akira's eye ticked in irritation, but she said nothing. It was Kureha who pointed out her thoughts, talking in a bird-like way,  "I know I'm younger than most of you, and I know my opinion won't weigh much, but I think it's a horrible idea. You should never force people to do something against their will. The way you were saying it, it sounded as if we had no choice in the matter. Well, I personally don't like it."

Rikka wondered at Kureha's brave, honest statement. She decided to put in her thoughts as well, making sure to pick her words carefully. "I agree with Kureha-chan. Your idea is close-ended. You don't allow flexibility at all, and you sound like you expect to succeed, even if the odds are against you. I can sense that it won't be productive in any way to have us all stay in your house, to be at your every beck and call." She shrugged nonchalantly, then added, "If you think you can make us obey you, think again."

"Hey, that's no way to talk to Oriko!" flared up Kirika, balling her fists. "You better apologise!"

"What makes you think I will?" shot back Rikka, her beautiful eyes sparkling with peril. "I have said nothing offensive, and I do not intend to apologise."

"Why you-!" Kirika made to stand up, but Kyoko dragged her back down, feeling hot and bothered. "Give it a rest, you," she snarled at Kirika. The brunette stuck out her tongue at Rikka, and said no more. Rikka just smiled, amused.

The nerve on Oriko's temple pounded furiously. "Would the knowledge that our ultimate fate through full corruption is that of turning into a Witch change your minds?"

"Isn't that a given?" said Tera, surprised. "We all know we're gonna turn into Witches if we allow our Soul Gems to corrupt fully. C'mon, woman, you can do better than that. Give us new information that we don't know."

Oriko blanched at Tera's casual disregard for respect. But then again, the girl didn't seem to be a pure local. She had a distinct American accent mixed into her Japanese speech. She raised a finger, about to confirm the fact with Tera, but the tiger-girl was faster.

"Just before you ask me if I'm a halfling, yes, I'm half-American, half-Japanese," Tera said helpfully. "So if I talk total trash, that's just my American blood taking over. No offense, dudette."

Wrinkling her nose in distaste, Oriko replied, "Unfortunately for you, I am already offended. But I shall let that pass for now. This is indeed interesting news. We never knew that we were doomed to become Witches should we fail to cleanse our Soul Gems up until Sayaka Miki's death."

"Would you stop talking about her death as if you were talking about daisies in a field?" snarled Kyoko, her hands shaking. Obviously, Oriko had touched a sensitive subject, but she just gave the red-head a silencing stare. Kyoko gnashed her teeth in seething impatience, and Akira became even more disgusted by Oriko and her blatant lack of human sensitivity.

"As I was saying," resumed Oriko, "Our ally died and turned into a Witch through Homura's doing, and it was then that we realised that we can't fight the Demon with our own forces, largely numbered as we are. We require your help, and I don't care if you think the idea is flawed. For now, we move with the flow, and we do what we can. Improvision and flexibility will be our forté. My house will be ready for your stay in two days time. Pack your belongings and get ready-"

"Woah, woah, woman!" exclaimed Tera, holding up her hands. "Since when did we-" she gestured to her Kazaminoan friends "-agree to move into your blasted house? Don't count your kittens till they're born."

Oriko's nostrils flared as she said in her haughtiest tone, "Orders are to be obeyed without question, Aido-san!"

"And who are you to dish out orders like that? The God of the Underworld?" Tera retorted, baring her fangs.

"Y-you! How dare you!" screamed Oriko, pointing a finger at Tera. The tiger was far from daunted though, and looked ready to snap off Oriko's finger. Kirika yelled and jumped in front of her friend, arms spread wide. "If you so much as move from that spot, I will tear you to shreds!"

"Just you try and do that, Brownie," spat Tera. "You've obviously never been in a fist fight before."

"Oh, damn you, you're a feisty one," growled Kirika, getting ready to pounce.

Mami buried her face in her palms, Akira rolled her eyes, Shika suddenly became very interested in her toes. Rikka just sighed and said, "My little tiger, please don't start a scene."

Tera got distracted long enough by Rikka for Kirika to launch herself at her. The two bodies bowled over and rammed into the kitchen table, upsetting it. Eruna and Akira, who were next to Tera, quickly jumped away and subsequently crashed into Shika. Kureha gave a shriek and scrambled off as Yuki started to bark deafeningly. The twins gave each other a worried glance, while Kyoko and Mami shook their heads, surrendering the thought that there could ever be peace during Puella Magi meetings.

"You fudgin' Brownie, get off of me!" yowled Tera, as Kirika pressed down hard upon her, keeping her locked to the floor.

"Not until you apologise to Oriko!"

"Stop this!" came Rikka's hard voice, but they didn't heed her.

"Sheesh, what is it with you and Oriko Mikuni?!" said Tera.

"Just shut up and apologise!" Kirika threatened.

"Or else what?"

"I'll gut you with my claws!" yelled Kirika, her metallic claws materialising on her fists. Tera gave one incredulous look at the weapons, then said, "You're messin' with the wrong gal, Brownie. You want them fists? I'll show you fists!"

"No, Tera-chan, don't-!" Rikka called out. But she was too late. With a mighty roar, Tera kicked Kirika square in the stomach, then rolled up and set her fists on fire. Kirika groaned in pain as she tried not to throw up. The twins rushed out to help their senior, but was roughly pushed away. "Get away, this is my fight," she said darkly. Oriko continued to stay at her position, her unfeeling stare bothering Akira more and more.

"Err... I don't think this fighting will get us anywhere..." squeaked Shika, but nobody heard her. They were all too horrifically mesmerised by the fight.

Tera smacked her fists together hard. "When I said I was an MMA master, I wasn't kiddin'. You about to taste the fire of fury, woman!"

Kirika growled and rushed her, trying to use her slowing magic to catch Tera off guard, but the tiger not one to be taken lightly. Switching to her judo skills, she used Kirika's weight against her, flipping her to the floor painfully with one easy move. But Kirika wasn't about to submit. She raked her claws across Tera's abodomen, neatly scratching the surface and tearing the front of her shirt.

Rikka gasped, then relaxed when she saw that the claws had not sunk deep. Then Homura's words played in her head again. Kill her for me, and you would make me very happy. Suddenly, Rikka became very stricken. She found herself hoping that Kirika would kill Tera for her, then severely admonished herself for ever thinking of such a vile thing. She turned her mind back to the fight, her breathing becoming shallow. Would Kirika manage to kill Tera, though?

Tera ducked backwards to assess the damage, and scowled when she saw the tear. "That was my favourite shirt, Brownie! Oh, you're so gonna pay!"

She dashed towards Kirika, landing an impressive uppercut on the brunette's jaw. Kirika flew into the kitchen counter and smashed into the wooden doors, groaning. She got up at once, enraged, and rushed Tera once more.

"When will you ever learn-" Tera readied her judo stance, hands ready to grab, "-that rushing at me won't do you no good?" She looked ready to kill Kirika, her lips drawn back in a snarl and her cat-eyes aflame with untamed anger.

It was then that the twins appeared at Kirika's side, with Luna shouting, "Kirika-senpai, you'll get slaughtered, stop!" Estella grabbed Kirika's right arm and pulled hard, hoping to halt her senior, but instead of preventing further injury, she caused even more. Kirika, who couldn't stop her forward momentum, accidentally wrenched her arm downwards, and because Estella was holding onto it, the bone snapped at the radius and ulna with an appalling crack.

Everyone sucked in a sharp breath, too aghast to even move. Tera forgot her wrath in a split second and hurried over to Kirika. The brunette was howling and writhing on the floor, her broken arm splayed before her uselessly. Estella stammered and looked around wildly, uttering, "I-I didn't mean to- I'm sorry, senpai- I-" Luna, who was equally shaken, tried to summon her healing magic, but before the silver tendrils could even form around Kirika's arms, they hissed and sputtered, then dissolved into thin air.

"I can't heal her!" Panic seized Luna as she tried again, but each time, the silver magic disappeared as soon as it was called up. Oriko, who was already by Kirika and holding her good hand tightly, said to Mami urgently, "Call a cab now, we have to get Kirika to the hospital!" Mami floundered about for her phone in her bag and fished it out, about to dial a number when Akira came over. She said apprehensively, "I have a car, and I can drive her to the hospital using the shortest route. If you would allow it, then get Kure-san into the car right now."

Oriko gave her a begrudging stare, but agreed. Together, the two girls supported a moaning Kirika into Akira's car. The twins offered to follow, since it was their fault, and very soon, Akira was speeding off for the Kazamino General Hospital. Everyone was in an uproar - Tera bumbling around in disbelief, Rikka and Eruna trying to console her, Kureha, Nagisa and Yuma hiding behind Yuki, Mami and Kyoko at the doorway with Oriko, seeing off Kirika...

Shika inhaled slowly and deeply, telling herself to calm down. Her earlier warning for Oriko and her friends to maintain a civil attitude had evidently fallen on deaf ears. But part of it was hers to blame as well. She hadn't managed to stop Tera from fighting with Kirika, and she was in her own house, where she was supposed to have more assertion over the others. She was too timid to do anything.

A furry head nudged her hand, and warm, chocolate eyes gazed at her lovingly. It's not your fault, Shika. It happened all to quickly for anyone to take any action, came Yuki's voice in her head. Shika gave Yuki's ears a gentle scratch as she tried to give her dog a smile, but could only force a nod.

At the doorway, Oriko sighed heavily. Mami was wearing a worried expression, while Kyoko just grumbled and folded her arms across her chest. "This is all my fault," voiced out Oriko in remorse. "I let my temper get the better of me, and Kirika, being the protective person she is, took the message wrongly and attacked Aido-san. Oh dear... What am I to do now?"

"Maybe you can start with an apology, especially to Kiyomizu-san," Mami said soothingly. "I'm sure she will forgive you, as well as Aido-san. Just explain to them nicely."

Kyoko gave a small snort, apparently thinking that Oriko would only apologise when pigs could fly. Mami shot her a warning glance, and Kyoko huffed and looked away. "What? Do you think I'm the sort of person who can't handle judgement?" Oriko said, daring Kyoko to reply her. The red-head gave her leader the evil eye, and stormed back into the house. Mami reached for her, but decided against it.

"Am I that repulsive?" said Oriko flatly after Kyoko's departure.

"To be honest... sometimes, yes."

"I see..."

Meanwhile, Rikka had gotten Tera into the bathroom to change out of her ripped shirt and to splash some water onto her face in hopes of bringing the tiger back to her senses. As Tera cupped her hands over the flowing water, Rikka hovered behind, a pocket-sized black dagger hidden up her long sleeve. She bit her lip to prevent herself from crying out at what she was about to do. Flipping her hand deftly so that the small weapon slid into her fingers, she approached Tera's exposed back, pretending to be occupied by something on her shirt.

"Hey, Rikka-senpai?" came Tera's dejected voice. Rikka started and almost yipped, but kept her composure under control as she replied, "What is it, Tera-chan?"

"Why do I always fly into a rage? Am I that violent? What the bloody hell is wrong with me?!" Tera shut off the tap and turned around to face Rikka (Rikka had rapidly flipped the dagger back into her long sleeve). "I wanted to kill her, senpai. I actually wanted to kill her..."

Rikka swallowed. "M-maybe you were stressed out from all the events up until now. You've had no time to think things through, so it's only natural for you to feel messed up."

"But wanting to kill someone is crazy! Senpai, please tell me I'm not going mad," implored Tera. She was shaking visibly.

"No, no, you're not going mad, Tera-chan..." It's me who's the one that's going mad, she thought to herself distressingly. Nonetheless, she wore her stoic mask and gave Tera a hug, patting her on the back. The dagger slipped out from her sleeve once more, and she readied it in her hand.

"You'll be fine, my little tiger. It's already over... Don't think about it anymore."

One thrust was all it would take to kill the girl. Just one thrust. But with Tera holding onto her right now, all the wonderful memories she had with her best friend twirled and pranced about in her head - pranking their music teacher, singing her favourite songs as Tera played the piano, sitting by the fireplace together on a cold winter day, how Tera was always there to cheer her up when she was depressed...

I can't do this.

The dagger slipped from her fingers and dissolved into black smoke as Rikka began to cry. Tera was surprised, and didn't notice the dissipating smoke coiling behind her. The tiger held Rikka's shoulders and came out of the embrace, saying in a worried tone, "Rikka-senpai? What's wrong? Why are you crying? C'mon, tell me and we'll sort it out."

Rikka shook her pretty head, the sob pressing hard against her throat as she lied through her teeth. "I'm fine... Just very happy that no one was hurt badly..." Tera seemed to trust her, as she was very often prone to tears, so that was good. But how long could she keep up this façade? Black swirls crept up into the Soul Gem on her ring, and she gulped. Her corruption was speeding up, feeding on her anguish.

She didn't have much time left.

Oriko re-entered the house and approached Shika and Yuki. She looked unusually mild, but still assertive. Shika got up from her chair at once, startled by her approach. Oriko had to admit that she looked remarkably like the animal she was named after - a deer, and a frightened one at that.

"Kiyomizu-san, I am here to apologise on Kirika's behalf, as well to apologise for my poor behaviour during our short-lived meeting," said Oriko in the most humble way she could muster.

Shika rubbed the back of her neck timidly at the apology, and replied, "It's fine, Mikuni-san. Next time, though, mind telling us when you would be coming over? That way, everyone can be mentally prepared for any news that anyone may have."

"You have my word," acknowledged Oriko. "I am planning to have another one this Saturday morning, nine a.m. at the Mitakihara Central Park. Attendance is compulsory."

Scarcely a minute ago, Shika had thought that Oriko may have a kinder, more democratic side to her, but was she ever so wrong. She bit back a sharp remark and merely said, "That I cannot guarantee you. The musicians would probably have their band practices, and Akira and I have our own matters to tend to."

"I insist that you all be there," commanded Oriko.

Shika was chagrined. She found her usual placid self turning choleric as she resisted the urge to tell Oriko to know her position as her junior and guest. "And I insist that you stop speaking as if you are in charge. I take orders from no one, and neither does Akira."

Oriko's expression turned sour, the corners of her mouth turning down in an ugly frown. "In any way, I still expect to see you all there. I am still insisting that you should all move into my house."

Shika looked heavenwards and closed her eyes tight. Her patience with this girl was running thin. "Mikuni-san, if you cannot understand what the word 'manners' mean, I have a dictionary which I can lend to you."

"I politely decline, Kiyomizu-san," said Oriko coldly. "I was brought up to act in the best manners I could, and I take pride in it. I am simply stating my opinion, and I expect them to be followed."

"Maybe you can prove your manners to me by getting out of this house," gritted Shika, her forest green eyes becoming dangerously hooded. Yuki growled viciously at Shika's side, emphasising the point. Oriko paled slightly at the sight of the Shiba Inu, and was about to move away when her cell phone rang. She excused herself and picked up the call from Estella.

"Hello? Mikuni-senpai? We've just reached and admitted Kirika into the ER," said Estella. "Her bone snapped cleanly, so thankfully there are no shards or anything, else she would have to undergo a surgery to remove them. For now, the doctor's putting a cast and sling on her, and she would have to take painkillers to relieve the agony. The healing process would take a long time, though."

"Thank goodness it's nothing serious..."said Oriko, cupping a hand to her cheek in relief. She felt a great burden release itself from her chest.

"Luna and I will stay here with her. Oda-senpai is on the way back. Maybe you can get the others over as well to meet Kirika-senpai."

"Yes, I will do that. I'll see you there soon, Queen-san."

Shika went into her poker-face mode when Oriko turned back to her. She asked tonelessly, "How's your friend? Is she okay?"

"She'll do fine," Oriko replied harshly. "As for Aido-san, I will talk to her when we meet on Saturday. Goodbye, Kiyomizu-san, and have a nice day."

Shika dipped her head in farewell, and ushered Oriko to the door. Mami and Kyoko were already there, deep in some sort of discussion. They waved over Nagisa and Yuma, who were playing with Kureha and Eruna, and they ran over. "Is it time to go back, Kyoko?" enquired Yuma, "Awww, we were just having fun pretending to be singers with Kureha-senpai and Eruna-senpai."

"You can play pretend with me anytime you want to," teased Kyoko, tapping her young charge lightly on the nose. Yuma giggled and hugged Kyoko around he waist, saying, "Okay, let's go back now. Byeee, Kureha-senpai, Eruna-senpai!"

Kureha waved them goodbye, a big grin plastered on her face, while Eruna gave them a cool smile. Shika went over to the two musicians as the Mitakiharans left, and sat down next to them, socially drained. Never before had she have to entertain this many guests at one time, and they were quite disruptive guests as well, to say the least.

"Just take some time to gather your thoughts, Kiyomizu-senpai," said Eruna levelly. "I know how it feels like to have a tornado of people invade your house. I personally can't stand having people around as well."

Shika was taken aback. "H-how did you know I didn't like social situations?"

"Hmm, takes one to know one," was the reply. Shika accepted it readily enough.

"By the way, where's your sister and Tera-san?" she asked. Eruna pointed to the bathroom door. "Who knows what they're doing in there. It's been ten minutes already."

The door opened and the two girls stepped out, with Rikka still sniffling. "Speak of the devil," remarked Kureha. Eruna immediately went to her sister and took her hands, saying something softly. Rikka shook her head, tears returning to her eyes. Shika felt uneasy, and contemplated whether she should see what was wrong, but Kureha told her that she should stay out of it. Yuki pattered over to the threesome and whined, and they all fell around the dog and hugged her. Trust the Shiba Inu to fix things.

After a few minutes, Rikka came over to Shika, who was having an idle chat with Kureha, and told her that they were going to excuse themselves.

"Thank you for having us over, Kiyomizu-san," beamed Rikka, her eyes crinkling with her lovely smile. Shika wanted to ask her if she was okay, but decided against it. It must have been something private, that only Tera and her group should know about.

"It was my pleasure to have you here," Shika bowed her head briefly, and Rikka returned the gesture.

"Remember to come over to visit if you're ever feeling down, Rikka-senpai. I'll be here," said Tera, clearly concerned for her friend. Eruna told her that she would call her if something were to happen to Rikka, to which Rikka playfully punched her in the arm. Shika saw them off at the gate with Tera and Yuki. As their receding figures disappeared around the corner, Akira's car drove up. She parked it below the cherry blossom outside Shika's house, and emerged from the driver's compartment, looking absolutely frazzled.

"I am never sending ungrateful brats to the hospital ever again," she complained as she slammed the car door shut. Striding over to Shika, she said in an outrage, "You would never believe what that Kure-brat told me! Hellsteeth, she had the nerve to shout at me and make me follow her orders just because she was in pain. Really, kids these days...ugh."

"Woah, woman, slow down," said Tera as they walked into the house. "But really, with a person like Brownie, no doubt you'd get all angry."

The trio righted the furniture (which had gone askew when Tera was brawling with Kirika) and gathered around the kitchen table. Akira had her chin propped on her hands as she related the trip to the Kazamino General Hospital. They winced when she told them that Kirika demanded her to call the doctors, screaming and yelling at the top of her voice to gain attention.

"What a kid," tsked Tera. "Even little Kureha-chan has more sense than that Brownie."

Shika then told them about Oriko and her order for the meeting this Saturday. Akira's face flashed with annoyance, while Tera pounded her fist on the table, groaning.

"She expects us to travel all the way to Mitakihara to meet her? In her dreams! I've had enough of that spoiled President's daughter," said Akira, her forehead creasing up.

Shika sighed in resignation. "That's what I told her, but she wouldn't take no for an answer..."

"Guess we hafta go, eh?" Tera leaned back on the chair and placed her arms behind her head, her expression dull. "Great, I have to look at Brownie's ugly mug again."

"You're not the only one who's dead excited to see them again," groused Akira, checking her nails absent-mindedly.

"Since it's agreed then, could you phone up your friends and let them know of it, Tera-san?" said Shika, somewhat reluctantly. "Eruna-san is free to tag along if she wants to, even if she isn't a Puella Magi."

"Yeah, I'll tell them. They won't be pleased."

The trio lounged at the table in awkward silence, then Akira finally stood up, saying, "I'm going to call my parents to tell them about my absence. Aido-san, get ready with a list of things you need from your home, I'll bring you over when I'm done so that you can get them."

"Aye aye, sir, I'll get to it now." Tera slipped off her chair and went into the bedroom to get her phone and to write down a list.

As the two were busy with their own business, Shika walked into the small garden with Yuki and they sat at their favourite spot, looking at the mid-morning sky. Snatches of Akira's conversation with her parents drifted over, and by the sound of it, it wasn't going well. Shika hoped Akira wouldn't get into an argument with her parents, and land herself into even more problems than she had right now.

"Hey, Yuki, do you think we should work with Oriko Mikuni?" asked Shika, leaning on her dog's furry side. "She seems to think too highly of herself, and I can even see signs of tension between her own members. What more if we, total strangers, were to join them? It would be a disaster."

"One can never know until they try it. But then again, that Mikuni girl did not strike my fancy at all. I don't think you'd be able to knock any sense into her even if you did join," said the white dog. "For now, just go and meet them once more, and if it still doesn't work out, then you would have to put your foot down and tell her that you and your friends are out of the deal."

"I guess you're right..." She drew up her legs and hugged them, resting her head on her knees. The cherry blossom outside swayed with the wind, some stray pink petals from spring dancing onto the lawn in front of Shika. The sun shone strongly down, but the girl and her dog didn't mind, the two companions relaxing in its rays. The sky was as blue was cornflowers, and the summer scent of the nearby forest wafted across, filling the air with a pleasant smell. Life was beautiful after all, Shika sighed contentedly. She began to drift off, her eyelids drooping in the lazy heat. Yuki yawned cavernously next to her, her pink tongue curling up as she settled onto the grass for a nap.

"Shika darling, Aido-san and I are off to her her house to collect her stuff," came Akira's voice, her hand tapping Shika's arm lightly. The green-haired girl woke up in a daze. "O-oh, okay. Do you have the spare keys to the house? I'm going to the animal shelter soon, so I'm gonna lock the house."

"Yup, they're right here." Akira tossed the keys in her palm and caught them expertly. She ruffled Shika's hair, and said, "I'll be off then, take care, darling."

"You too, Akira," smiled Shika, and her face lit up with warm happiness. To have a great friend and a great dog... What else could she ask for?

She watched the two bickering as they entered the car, with Akira muttering something about a piano. Yup, they were definitely going to become good friends. She listened to the sound of the engine thrumming away, getting softer and softer, and finally, all was quiet again. She stayed in the sun for another five minutes, feeling the blithe relaxation, then went back inside to change into jeans and a suitable T-shirt. She woke Yuki, fitted her collar onto her and clipped her to the leash. They went out and locked the door and closed the gate, then set off for the animal shelter. It was conveniently ten minutes away.

"Let's check out the Akita pup together today, Yuki," grinned Shika, walking cheerily. The thought of seeing her beloved animals cheered her up considerably. "You can finally be a mom if we adopt him!" She twirled her long hair that she always slung across her right shoulder with her fingers, humming lightly. Yuki gave a mock growl, "I ain't becomin' no mom, so there. Haha!"

Shika tugged at her dog's leash playfully. "Surely, you don't mean that, you old warhound?"

"Oh, I totally mean it," laughed the Shiba Inu.

"We'll see, Yuki. We'll see," chuckled the girl.

Swiftlets cartwheeled over the two friends, taking part in their glee, and the tree branches all around the path bent over with the wind, whispering words of joy for all to hear.

Even with a Demon haunting their minds, life still went on for the Puella Magi.

Hey, guys! ^^
The next chapter was finished earlier than I thought it would, so here you go! (It doesn't seem like I'm actually having an exam right now, doesn't it XP)
Just a word, the following few chapters will be quite conversational, like this one and the previous one, and I'm personally finding it hard to write. If you see anything that can be improved, please do leave a message. Your feedback is always appreciated ^^ The action scenes will return, but not until around Chapter 27.
As usual, I hope you enjoyed reading this. For my 100+ readers out there, thank you for sticking with me through this. Even if its only a hundred of you reading this story, I will still write it nonetheless ^^
~SaitheVivana