........

"Grape. Grape, can you continue?"

....

....

....

"Grape, can you please continue the story?"

Huh? Oh, yes. My bad, my bad. I was distracted. Yes, distracted.

....

....

....

Yes...

I'm sure someone dies in this part.

 

 

. . . .

 

 

Right away Jane noticed a problem with the new recruit. Gabriel was most definitely popular. Her looks and energetic bubbly personality made her even more famous than Ecchilen when she first joined. Unfortunately, this was Gabriel's eighth day working here. In other words, she is too popular. There has been an substantial increase in customers and, as such, longer shifts. While Jane liked the increase in her wage, she did not like the increase in work during every how. Maybe if the same amount of customers came, she would be fine. But, atlas, there was much more than more coming in.

Worst part was that Gabriel didn't even know that she caused this increase in work, and no one wants to tell her. 

As it is, she already had her work cut out for her. Because she was so popular, she was on the most shifts during the day. By the time her work was done and she retired to her "room", she instantly falls asleep. 

Gabriel doesn't have it all that bad though. Since she lives here, she gets free ice cream and, in the mornings, their boss even gives them breakfast. 

Another surprise was that Gabriel did get some time to herself. When Jane came into work early in the morning, she spotted Gabriel hanging out in the back, studying a cigarette in her hand. Jane thought of saying something but, seeing as she does't know her age, decided against it. However, instead of lighting it, Gabriel crumpled it up and threw it in the trash can before climbing up the small rocky hill at the back of the ice cream shop and disappeared into the woods. 

Gabriel didn't return until two hours later, just thirty minutes before her shift starts. Jane didn't notice it when she first saw her leave but Gabriel wasn't wearing any coat or any kind of protect for that matter from the cold. Jane knows from experience that their work outfits don't do a very good job protecting them from the harsh wind they get around here. Yet, not only did Gabriel disappear into the woods for two hours without anything to keep her warm, she came back without looking the least bit cold.

Suspicious, Jane went into the woods during one of her breaks while Gabriel was still working. She wanted to know what Gabriel was doing out here. She didn't think the weird girl meant any harm but, considering her circumstances, it is obvious that she is hiding something.

While out exploring, Jane first noticed that she couldn't find any secret hidden stash of warm clothes nearby no matter how hard she looked. The next thing she noticed was that there was no building out here that Gabriel could have went to. She did, however, find something out there...

....and that something was a cause for alarm.

Out deep in the woods was a little clearing with a large stony hill in it. Around the area and on the hill were large burn marks where some kind of chemical weapon was used. Jane first thought it was made from fire but, after closer inspection, Jane noticed that the burn marks were made with extreme heat or was melted, like it was either melted with acid or some kind of powerful bomb. Many of the burn marks had impressive craters in them too, which was probably where whatever chemical weapon was used was placed.

Jane had no doubt in her mind that Gabriel was behind this. Where she hid these chemical weapons and why she had them weren't answers Jane had, nor answers she thinks she's going to get for a while, maybe never. Whatever she was using didn't make a sound and, if Jane called the police to investigate, she doubts they'll be able to come up with any evidence that Gabriel was behind this. 

Plus, as long as Gabriel wasn't using her little experiments on any of Jane's friends or the place she works at, then she sees no reason to blow the whistle on the weird girl. Let her have her fun and experiments. It wasn't bothering anyone.

When Jane had returned, she treated Gabriel like she always did. Nothing changed between them. But, she went into the woods on day six. Today is day eight. What Jane noticed today was that Echira seemed to be a little scared of Gabriel. At first Jane thought she discovered what Gabriel was doing in the woods. However, after some careful interrogation, she learned that Ecchilen never went into the woods. She said she was afraid of the dark and, seeing how the woods here were a dark place, she dared not enter. So, what was the reason?

Just when Jane had steeled herself up to just flat out ask her, a familiar person entered the front door. The long-sleeved grey shirt, black sweatpants, long black hair, and her narrowed black eyes. Jane recognized her instantly.

It was Echira's girlfriend, Michael. 

Now Michael and Echira can be described as polar opposites. While Echira was bright, cheery, and shy, Michael was cold, straightforward, and had a general dislike towards everyone. As long as she is here, Jane won't be able to talk with Echira. At least, not without getting the cold glare from Michael for a while...

....and the was the best that could happen. Michael could confront her and, after having been confronted by Michael once, Jane was not looking to be confronted again. Michael was one annoying yet scary person.

Gabriel, who was laying down on the counter besides Jane, having been spent, let out a small groan upon seeing Michael. Still, Gabriel got up and walked over to Michael, her business friendly smile on her face.

"Hello, madam. How can I help you today?" Gabriel asked Michael, though Jane could see a slight twitch in her right eye when she realized just how tall Michael is. Another thing about Gabriel is that she has a size complex.

Jane didn't hear what Michael next but, judging by the look Gabriel gave Jane, she figured Michael was asking to talk to Echira. 

Jane nodded and, seeing her nod, Gabriel nodded back before telling Michael to follow her. As the two disappeared into the staff room, Jane noticed a group of people enter. One look of their casual yet somehow odd clothing, their slouching and sleazy demeanor, and some of the earrings and nose piercings they had told Jane all she needed about them.

'Ah, great. Trouble.' Jane though with a sigh, leaning further into her recliner as the group came closer, looking to order.

 

 

. . . .

 

 

I let out a sigh of relief as I finish taking the order of the last customer for the day. I had worked at a small grocery store before so I wasn't un-accustomed to working with people. Yet, my anti-social self has been finally tired out. Also, one of the last customers, that strange girl who gave off a cold aura, somehow took the energy out of me. I don't know what it was but I felt like she was glaring at me. 

I dropped off the order to Jane and took off my hat before taking a seat on my chair. Jane watched me for a moment as I laid my head down before she got up to make the ice cream the customer wanted. As she went in the back, I noticed something odd. It was outside the windows and out of sight, being behind a large black pickup truck. 

I rubbed my eyes and leaned forward, checking to see if what I'm seeing is right. But, sure enough it was. Standing there was that girl from earlier and Echira arguing. By the looks of it, Ecchilen was crying too. 

I got up from my seat and went out the back to avoid drawing the attention of the remaining customers to the argument. By the time I got to the front, the girl Echira was arguing with was gone, the black pickup truck gone as well. Echira was staring out into the woods, tears still in her eyes. 

"Hey!" I called out, running up to her and putting a hand on her shoulder. Apparently I caught her by surprise since she jolted at my touch.

"Are you okay?" I asked, pulling out a couple of napkins I keep in my pocket, don't ask why, and wiping the tears on her face.

Echira gives me a look of surprise, like she wasn't expecting me to do something like this, before she broke away from me and ran to the back of the ice cream store.

I took a step forward to go after her but stopped myself. I'm not good at comforting people and, clearly, Echira needs someone who actually knows how to comfort people. When I tried, I failed miserably. 

With a sigh I started walking towards the woods. I have no more shifts for today so I get to spend time all to myself and Dukha. What are we doing in the woods? Why, training obviously! I mean, it's not like I can do anything else. The damn so-called "Instruction Manual" hasn't changed since it taught me the bare basics of how to use magic. Currently, I can't tell if that is a good thing or bad thing. Guess only time will tell.

Once I stepped inside the edge of the forest, Dukha came out of hiding. They didn't need to hide since they're invisible and all, but they like to spend most of their time when I'm working in the forest. I think it was because of the one time they knocked down a cup and made everyone think that a mouse or a rat has gotten inside the building. Then again, as much as I would love to claim I fully understand the mind of my cute and adorable little plush rabbit Mascot, I don't, though that won't stop me from trying.

Crouching down, I reached out and began the royal act of the scritch-scratches underneath Dukha's chin. Dukha, being the Dukha that they are, responded by leaning in to fully enjoy the scritch-scratches. 

This reminds me of the other affect Dukha has on me. They help me calm down and put my mind on ease, something someone as socially awkward as me needs. Since I was now relax, it was the perfect time to recall back to everything I've learned. 

My body is most definitely stronger than before, and I seem to be quite weather resistant. I mean, I have been spending hours outside in what can almost be called a skimpy outfit, which by that I mean my Magical Girl outfit, though I know for a fact that it isn't actually skimpy enough to be called a pervert, and I felt perfectly fine. I haven't tried standing out in the rain yet since, well, it hasn't rained, and I also don't think I want to stand out in the rain either. I mean, I do want to test just what a Magical Girl can do, but I'd rather do it without, you know, risking things too much. I hate colds.

Can Dukha get a cold? I don't think so but, if they can, then I definitely can't go out into the rain. Poor Dukha would probably follow me even if I tell them not to. Actually, now that I think about it, Dukha would probably look quite cute sick. Still, I have always been a respected pet owner, and while Dukha isn't a pet, the principle is still the same. I won't allow them to get sick for my enjoyment. 

Actually, if I do do that, doesn't that mean I'm a sadist? Hmmm...Food for thought....or is it thought for food? Actually, scratch that.

'Hmm? I hear people talking...in the woods?'

I don't know if people are allowed back in the woods so close to the back of the building or not, but it was something worth checking out. I mean, I am on break, after all. Wait, no, I'm not on break, my work shift is over. I'm free to do what I want...

....is what I'd like to say but everyone knows that America ain't no free country. No country is, actually. 

"Alright, Dukha," I start, gently rubbing their head, "the plan is quite simple. We shall sneak up and see what's going on, then just hide until they walk far enough away. Sound good?"

Dukha give a simple yet energetic nod.

"Goodie! Now, let's a' go!"

 

 

..                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ..

..

 

 

...Am I the only one who finds it funny, or droll, that intelligent lifeforms such as humans and high-ranking undead can have their attitude changed on a dime. I honestly didn't expect anything to happen on that day. I know I wasn't innocent, but you can say that I lost what little I had. It was the moment that I learned to take my Magical Girl duties seriously. 

Just be warned that I was already a little...iffy, during this time. Though, this is also where I learned something important about....actually, why am I dragging this out? I already told you what to expect when this interview first started.

 

 

. . . .

 

 

I don't know what I expected to find when I found the source of the voices. I knew they belonged to a group of rowdy teens, but I didn't expect to see them surrounding a crying Echira. I was on top of the branches, watching them from not the best point of view, but I had no doubt in my mind what was going on.

Growling, me and Dukha slipped off the tree and made our way towards them. I know what I was about to do was stupid, but I couldn't care less. If worst comes to worst and I have to use magic, then I hope Echira is someone who can keep a secret, or is too drunk and just passes out, hopefully thinking the entire thing a weird vivid dream. 

It didn't take long for us to reach the clearing they were at. After quickly gearing myself up, (is that how you use the word?) I got ready to burst through the bushes. With a slow chuckle, I took a step forward and-

'WAAHHH!' 

-instantly jumped back when one of the teenagers, I recognized them now as the group that came into the shop, ran past me, a wild look of fear in his eyes. Upon seeing me, he stopped in his tracks and then punched me in the face.

'...That fucker!' 

Since I am a mighty Magical Girl or whatnot, I only stumbled back a bit. The teen had turned around, ready to start running, but stopped upon seeing me barely move. Then, since I am rightly pissed off, I grabbed his left arm so hard that I could hear the bone crack. 

The teen started to yell in pain but stopped when something else yelled, or screamed. I froze, listening to what I can only describe as an inhuman shriek...and what I'd imagine a wendigo would sound like.

 

"Quick! Shove the girl towards her!"

 

And then my body went cold. I looked at the bushes where the screams were coming from, then back at the teen who, by the looks in his eyes, knew he fucked up.

Without waiting for him to even make a peep, I turned around and threw the teen over the bushes. Then, I charged in. In the clearing were the six teens were at, as well as one ugly and wrong grey beast. Their skin was too pale and too malnourished, and their limbs were longer than normal, with the base of each limb, the hands and the feet, being larger than normal and plated. There was not a single hair on their body, and their eyes were large and black in color, seemingly absorbing any light that touched it, and their mouth was small, being only a tiny circular hole, though it was full of sharp dark grey teeth.

Then I noticed the decapitated body underneath it, lying in a pool of her own blood.

The thing, or monster, seemed to give me a weary look but I didn't take it into account, instead staring at the look of terror on Echira's frozen face. It was only when the monster pounced on the teen I had thrown into the clearing earlier did I snap out of my daze. Acting fast, I transformed into my Magical Girl outfit, then promptly grabbed the closest teen and threw him at the monster. It felt like a great idea, getting revenge on these scum for not only trying to rape Echira, but then sacrificing her to a monster to get away.

Yet, when his screams were cut off by the monster ripping out his throat, I felt something stir within me and I took a step forward. I just commited murder, technically twice, and I did it all without thinking. I just...acted. They probably just acted too, shoving Echira forward without realizing what they were doing-Wait! What the hell am I thinking!? They clearly knew what they were doing! Why should I feel about about these people? Compared to the clone that I have to kill, they are much worse! 

The others are escaping. If I strike now, I can save them! Wait a second. Where is-

I didn't even get to finish thinking when the monster appeared right in front of me, its claws baring down on my face. I reacted quickly, ducking down, but I was too slow and a searing pain filled my face and my vision turned red. I also felt like I was flying.

Then, I hit face-first what I can only describe as a tree before falling on the ground, staring at the sky. After I blinked away the blood, I sat up and saw the monster two feet away, about to descend on my body. 

Then, Dukha socked them in the face, sending them crashing through two trees. I blinked in surprise before pumping my fist in the air, Dukha doing the same. Now with time to get up, I did exactly that and stood, watching where the monster was. Once the dust settled, I will attack it with one of my famous destructive magic javeli-

'-And the monster is gone. Great.'

Remembering the instruction manual, I pressed the button on my wand and watched it expand, only the bottom staff part got slimmer and slimmer until I recognized it as a blade. Turning it around so I can hold it properly, I tried channeling some magic into it, or mana. Instantly, the blade lit up in a yellow light, kinda like those lightsticks, only the sides of the blade were still visible.

After nodding in approval, I scanned the area for the monster. It didn't take long for me to find it and, surprising myself, when I tried to feint a lunge towards it, I instead zipped right in front of it. Neither me nor the monster were ready, but my blade was. It impaled the monster through its ribs and, when the monster reared up, roaring in pain and trying to shake me loose, the blade cut through its flesh like a hot knife to butter. 

Taking the opportunity, I channeled mana into my right hand, letting go of the hilt of the bladewand with it, and blasted the monster in its face, causing it to roll off my blade and fall to the ground. With it on the ground, I raised my wand over my head, ready to finish the monster off, when it suddenly kicked out, catching me square in the chest. 

I went flying back but, unlike last time, I stayed on me feet. I felt only a little winded but, other than that, I was alright. 

Looking up, I noticed once again that the monster was two feet away from me, its claws reaching out to grab and tear me apart. 

 

Then I looked down at my own claws.

 

Not wasting any time, I somehow threw my wand into my mouth and darted forward, avoiding the outstretched hands of the monster and impaling my own claws into its head. 

We collided in the air, with me getting the upper hand and ending up on top of the monster. Ignoring the wails an flailing limbs, I dug my claws deeper, shoving both of my hands into its head, felt them slip between two hard objects, then pulled with all my might. The result was the monster's head getting ripped apart, splitting apart like some kind of macabre flower. 

Monster or something else, it did not survive such a wound and, with a gurgling whimper, it stopped moving. Seeing this, I waited a few seconds, desperately catching my breath, before dropping its head, which hit the ground with a thump. 

 

I did it. My first monster fight as a Magical Girl. I am dirty, bleeding from my forehead, and covered in some kind of dark green gunk, but I did it.

 

 

 

 

'But, why do I feel so...hallow? Am I really emotionless? No. No, that can't be true. I just know that I should feel proud of this, yet I don't. In fact, what am I feeling? Am I feeling guilt? Guilt. Guilt for what? I already know I failed to save Echira. If only I wasn't such a coward, I could have saved her. I have superhuman strength or whatnot. I could have jumped into the clearing. Instead, I took the "safer" option. Heh, yeah, the "safer" option. The only one safe were the four that ran away.'

I felt my fingernails, or claws, start to dig into the palms of my hands, but I didn't care. I was quivering, or shivering, but I still didn't care. It was only when I noticed a drop of liquid come from my face land on the dead monster's body did I perk up.

Was I...crying? I was, wasn't I?

I felt like chuckling, or laughing, but no sound came out of my mouth. Instead, I looked up at the sky, actually praying for an answer.

 

 

....Just in time to see a purple portal open and a familiar book fall out of it, hitting me square on the nose.