Kiwako is pacing around the boxing ring in the middle of the hidden Paradise Hall, her eyes locked on the center. Inside, Ueno and Mei are both exhausted, with Mei fallen onto her bottom, panting as she looks up at the ceiling. Kiwako’s expression is neutral, a rare sight for the girl. For the last three days, she has trained these girls in particular. Yui would monitor these training sessions, and after a day, Yuzuki would join her. Kohaku would keep an eye out on their surroundings. Even with Shiori and Punisher having seen the rubble and turned their attention elsewhere, Kohaku felt that it would be a mistake to think that Alice’s trick would work forever, or that they wouldn’t scout it out again. Aoi and Alice kept to the basement most of the time, with Aoi looking after Alice’s injury. Occasionally, one or both of them would keep an eye on their friends, making sure that no one let their Grief accumulate too heavily. After another slow, walking lap around the ring, Kiwako stood in front of her trainees, giving a little nod.

Kiwako: ‘Kay. You’re both pretty tough, I’ll give you that. But you’re not talking with them! You gotta be on speaking terms with your Witch to pull this off!

Mei: Ugh… n-no matter… how many times we… sit here and do magic in the ring… doesn’t mean we’re just gonna… find the part of us… where they’re stored, yeah?

Kiwako: That’s ‘cause you’re just throwing magic in every which direction to see if something sticks, Mei-chan. You do know that the Witch is part of your soul, right?

Mei: Y-Yui says the same thing… but I can’t see into my soul, y’know? I’m not… blessed with that kinda gift.

Kiwako: Hm. But Ueno-chan isn’t struggling quite as much. Yui-chan and Yuzu-chan seem to be keeping up, too. Hey, hey! Why do you think that is, Yui-chan?

Yui: (visibly annoyed) Please just call me Yui. I’m gonna fuckin’ puke. But uh… yeah, Mei has a point. Mei’s the only one in the room right now ‘sides Captain that’s not either met her Witch, or had one made from Wings down there. Yuzu an’ I fought ours once. I’m a Malefica, so Sabby and I are on speaking terms as it is, an’ from what I gathered, Ueno had one made once, a while back. …I somehow doubt Wings’s gonna make one for Mei though. Too high profile…

Kiwako: (she sways a bit in the ring) Ohhh, that makes sense. But Ueno-chan, you didn’t fight or meet your Witch, right?

Ueno: (Between breaths) N-no, sir… I’m just your everyday, average Puella… 

Kiwako: Kiwa-chan!!! (she flaps her arms with some annoyance) Hmm. But you seem to be able to find a path to your Witch. Do you know her name? Yui-chan, what is Ueno-chan’s Witch’s name?

Yui: Can we focus? Please? Or like… make your point? 

Kiwako: Right! So! Ueno-chan’s Witch existed at some point while she was alive.. So it’s subconsciously easier for her to understand or find. But Aoi-chan never made one for Mei! Aaaaand Yui-chan is being booooring, not letting it happen…

Yui: Because the Balancers would get a beat on us in like a second if that happened, yes.

Kiwako: Yuzu-chan! What about you? You fought your Witch, right?

Yuzuki: Y-yes… that was also Aoi-san’s work. 

Kiwako: (she simply nods a few times, as if in thought) Hm. You and Yui-chan have a much easier time with this. Yuzu-chan, why don’t you give Venefica in Puella a try?

Yuzuki: Is it really safe to do that? Besides… we’re not exactly on “speaking terms” with each other… it’s a Witch. The only one I’ve ever seen talking is the Walpurgis Night, and that’s just because of Aoi-san…

Kiwako: Aoi-chan could probably do it easier than I could… (Kiwako shakes her head) Well, um, I never said it was safe. Being a Puella Magi isn’t safe! It’s just accepting our inevitable fate and wielding it like a weapon. Being one with our innermost self, so to speak!

Yui: But it’s not the full truth of this power. 

Kiwako: Eh?

Yui: That thing Takahata was on about before she split. “Magia.” Self-actualization, overcoming the darkness in our souls. Our Witches. Being free from the inevitable itself, it sounded like.

Kiwako: (Kiwako’s voice both softens and deepens a bit, her eyes locked onto Yui’s) Is that why you’ve been so quiet these last three days, Yui? Because you wanted to see if Magia suits you better than my path?

Yui: …Yeah. (Yui is equally unflinching, staring back into Kiwako’s eyes) I think so. Just ‘cause your road comes more naturally to me doesn’t mean it’s right for me, in the end. I’ve lived these last few years overcoming the shadows I was born in. Seeking Magia over Venefica in Puella seems like the right move for me.

Kiwako: (she is silent for what feels like an eternal moment, before her chipper demeanor suddenly returns) Well that’s all right then! But Mei-chan and Ueno-chan are still interested, I think, right? Ah, no hard feelings, or anything! This is just a choice. Something to give you an edge over those Balancer guys, compared to just your normal power. Yuzu-chan, of course you’re invited, too! Everyone is!

Yuzuki: I dunno… I’ve spent so long pushing back the bad I don’t know if it’s a good idea to go all gung-ho on it now. But I know I gotta do something… the Balancers didn’t even bother to come after me. 

Yui: Don’t knock it. Just shows they aren’t as thorough or thoughtful as they think. They left a really powerful Puella alone. Probably not their brightest idea. If you don’t wanna seek the kid’s dark method, or think you can reach Takahata’s light, you’re still pretty damn tough. You withstood my rampage as a Malefica for quite awhile there.

Kiwako: …Kiwa-chan.

Yuzuki: Withstand, yeah. Unfortunately, I’m just not good enough when it comes to actually fighting back… that’s always been the problem. 

Yui & Kiwako: (simultaneously) That’s what I’m here for!

Yuzuki: O-okay, you don’t have to double team me… but I can’t expect either of you to always be around, either… 

Yui: I’m gonna punch this fuckin’ small child, I swear to god.

Kiwako: (Ignoring Yui’s blatant threat, she stares at Yuzuki) …Are you afraid, Yuzuki? You have a pretty tremendous power, from what people say. But are you afraid of using it? Or finding someone stronger, and being helpless to do anything about it?

Yuzuki: I-I’m not afraid to use it. (Yuzuki looks away down at the floor) It’s really not tremendous at all… I’m not a monster like these people and some others we’ve known who have enough power for that to be a worry. 

Yui: (Yui wears a completely neutral expression) Like me?

Yuzuki: N-no, no. I mean… no. Actually, I don’t really get being afraid to “use” power, I think I’d always be in control, so I wouldn’t worry about that… well, less maybe if you do this Witch-trust stuff… 

Kiwako: (swaying) If you’re afraid, maybe you’re better off just watching it in action for now, Yuzu-chan. I never gave a proper demonstration, after Chie-chan left us. But someday, soooomeday, you’re gonna have to face whatever it is you are afraid of~ ‘Cause our Witches are every negative aspect of us. If ya train my way for now, ya might be able to face it a bit early~

Yui: Oi, cool it, will ya? No need to get everyone to bear their weakness in front of god and everyone, yeah? Just get on with it. Which of the greenhorns are willin’ to take a swing?

Kiwako: (Kiwako turns to face Mei and Ueno, still swaying on the spot)

Ueno: S-sorry, I’m probably not the most meant for combat here… I am gonna do it! But if you want a big demo, sir, I dunno if– 

Kiwako: Kiwa-chan…

Ueno: Well, I dunno if I’m the best choice, that’s all.  

Mei: (Mei sighs heavily, slowly rising to a standing position) Man… it’s just my lot in life to get my ass kicked, huh? Alright then, let’s see what you can do. Meanwhile, I’ll fight in my own way.

Kiwako: Oh~! Okay, okay! Mei-chan’s gonna do her special trick, right? Let’s see, let’s see, let’s see! (Kiwako practically bounces on her feet as a glossy, shimmering darkness swirls over her eyes)

Mei: (Mei sighs again as she drops her transformation. Clutching the cellphone charm in her hand along with her Soul Gem, she transforms in another flash of light, two simultaneous, equal shouts coming from the radiance. As the light fades, Mei stands, transformed again, standing next to a bronze-clad armored figure, a winged helmet atop her head. Both of them are facing Kiwako, a spear in the armor’s hand, and a megaphone in Mei’s.)

Yui: (Yui’s eyes widen as she stares at the figure) Holy shit… you learned how to control that thing?

Mei: Come, Valkyrie. We won’t go down without a fight.

The trio collide in the ring, with Mei’s Valkyrie sticking close to Kiwako. The smaller Puella dodges and rolls under and around each of the armored entity’s attacks, but is caught in a blast of noise from Mei’s megaphone. Stunned, she is sent flying into the corner from an upward swing from the Valkyrie’s spear. Kiwako catches herself, turning with the shimmering, swirling darkness intensifying in her eyes. From the roof, a large, crystalline battleaxe descends, crashing into the ring in front of her, though as the bystanders look up at the ceiling for damage, none can be seen. No damage is seen in the ring either, from the weapon’s landing. Kiwako swings the weapon in a wide arc, causing Mei to jump back. The armored being is flung back into the opposite corner, though it quickly regains control of itself. Mei briefly holds the side of her head, but shakes it off.

Kiwako: Aha, that’s the trick. It’s a cold, lifeless little golem thingy, but you still feel the damage. Risky, risky~ Good thing it’s fast, though! That slash kinda hurt…

Mei: (Mei’s mouth contorts into a smug little smirk) She’s more than just a stand-in for my physical weakness. I learned from Yui Arashi. I may not have soul reading powers or anything, but I can read my opponent just as well. 

Kiwako: Hm? Like, my memories or something? You think you can just read my mind now?

Mei: I can’t. But she can. Isn’t that right, High Priestess C—

Mei’s words are cut off by a sudden gasp, followed by a violent cough, drops of blood spraying onto the middle of the ring. In the Valkyrie’s chest, a small, crystal handaxe was lightly buried.

Kiwako: …You fucking harlot. (In an instant, Kiwako lunges forward with the larger axe)

Yuzuki: (A shimmering blue bubble intercepts the attack, protecting Mei) Whoa, whoa, whoa! Are you trying to kill her? 

Yui: (nearly simultaneously, Yui grabs Kiwako and pulls her away) Oookay now. Time out. Breathe.

Kiwako: Let me go. She knew her name. She knew her fucking name! God damn it let me go! 

Yui: …Yeeeah no. We’re done here for today. (holding Kiwako’s wrist, a small, violet spark emerged, and Kiwako instantly fell limp in Yui’s arms. She gently laid the younger Puella down in the corner of the ring) Mei, heal up. Then take the werewolf kid here down to Aoi so she can sleep this off.

Mei: Are you fu— …Fine, fine. (Mei shook her head, slowly and shakily rising to her feet before making her way over to Kiwako, picking her up and carefully carrying her downstairs) God damn… I need to stop volunteering for this crap.

Yuzuki: Wh-what the heck was that all about? Who’s a High Priestess now? Does she have a fake name or something? 

Yui: Kiwa’s been through some shit, I’ll leave it at that. Mei probably touched a nerve, and the girl’s Witch, uh… didn’t like it too much. But hey, there’s your demo. Venefica in Puella, Witch take the wheel. In that state, you can take more of a beating, and dish out a hell of a lot more in turn. There’s less inhibition, but it’s not a full Malefica state, either. Kiwa was in control the entire time, more or less. She’s just in sync with her Witch. …Probably helps that she was one, not too long ago.

Yuzuki: Uh… huh. (She takes off her glasses and rubs her eyes) Well, that’s illuminating, but… I don’t think I can play this game. Or more like, I’ve already been doing it for so long and I’ve been trying to quit. 

Yui: S’why I let that show go on. I wanted y’all to see that her path is an option, but you needed to see the pros and cons in action. Still, Yuzu, since when didja get on well enough with your other half to fight like that? Didn’t think you were the type.

Yuzuki: S-since forever! Come on, you’ve even met her… it’s gotta be that, right? I never thought I wasn’t the only one with this problem… 

Yui: I guess I didn’t make a habit of lookin’ for the swirly oil-stain looking darkness in your eyes back then? I mean— wait, you mean Ikana’s your Witch? But I thought she had a Witch? Man, I have a headache…

Yuzuki: Th-that’s the only explanation, isn’t it? I knew as soon as I saw the way she acted that… well, I guess I didn’t have the black eyes… I think… 

Yui: …So like… when she’s out, you’re the spider? Like, it’s weird… if Ikana’s your Witch, then you have a Witch, and a Witch… who has a Witch. Or something.

Yuzuki: I-I’m not a spider! How’d you even see that? I know it doesn’t make any sense. The point is, I can’t go meeting any more of… them. Not all of them are like High Priestess C-whatever, okay? They don’t like me. 

Yui: Remind me to like… soul-therapy-analyze you properly someday. I swear I saw a spider just now… but look, if the Witch thing ain’t for you, then take a page outta Mei’s book and find your own way, yeah?

Yuzuki: Yeah… sure. (Fulfillment and getting along with a Witch… both seem pretty impossible…)

Kohaku: (Coming up from the basement, she waves Yui over to the stairwell) Hey. I was thinking about our situation. Probably a good idea if we talked about it.

Yui: Sure. Hey, Yuzu, don’t sweat it too much. You’re still pretty goddamn strong, even without all these other powers floating around now. You stood against me as an Angel. That’s not nothin’. (Giving Yuzuki a little wave, she steps out of the ring, meeting Kohaku at the stairway) What’s up, Captain?

Kohaku: I was thinking after those two young girls showed up outside the gym. This illusion business put them off for now, but I think when they don’t find us elsewhere they’ll eventually rumble us here. 

Yui: They might. I dunno what kinda powers they all have, either. That clown didn’t seem to feel any damage, but I at least made her bleed. She ain’t immortal. Shiori is… a wildcard. The kid that took over the Dreamscape’s human, at least. That last one, though… the one that stayed in the back on her phone the whole time. Spoke Chinese, I think? I couldn’t get a beat on her at all.

Kohaku: She came after me. Used her powers to murder near everyone still here for the JSDF. At the end… she copied my Puella uniform. Safe to say she’ll have that. Plus probably a whole arsenal of weird Puella powers if she’s been at that for a while and she gets to keep them. 

Yui: She copied your magic?!

Kohaku: That’s what it looked like. I didn’t stick around long after that. The way things were going, I would’ve had to kill her to put a stop to things– if  I even could, after what we’ve heard about this Magio business– and I didn’t know what she was. A Balancer, I mean. I’m not about to put some stupid kid down. 

Yui: “Magia” is what Takahata called it. And, I agree, you made the right call. I’d have done the same thing, probably. Can’t have been easy, though… I’m sorry for your loss, Kohaku.

Kohaku: The JSDF just does humanitarian work these days, but… it is what I signed up for, as a soldier. 

Yui: I ain’t gonna twist your arm and force ya to cry on my shoulder or anything, Captain. But I recommend, once this is all over, to not let this fester, either. This’s the kinda shit that makes Witches out of us. But uh, back to the point… that girl. “Punisher”, I think she was called? If she can copy our powers, we gotta figure out some other way of beating her. ‘Cause brute force sure ain’t it…

Kohaku: I’ve been thinking about it since it happened. Just copying someone’s powers on the spot won’t mean that you know them well. She wouldn’t be familiar with their weaknesses and such like we are because we use them every day. 

Yui: Maybe. But I get the feeling someone that careless about a power like that wouldn’t be able to take out a bunch of trained soldiers like that, either. I wonder if I should do some homework, while we’re just hiding out here…

Kohaku: Compared to a Puella, trained soldiers are still only human. Well… if you can dig up anything, it might be helpful. 

Yui: I might have to. Only people I ever knew that could kill in cold blood without losin’ their soul or becomin’ a Witch were the mafia types I was born into.

Kohaku: Mafia, huh? I guess it depends on what you find. I wouldn’t get my hopes up to find out that she’s weak to Ghost-type. 

Yui: Next you’re gonna tell me Shinju isn’t actually weak to electricity. Fuckin’ video games, man, not even once. …I guess I could stand to do a little digging though. Just, I have no idea where to even begin. Not like I can leave the gym for some field work.

Kohaku: Why my sister for an example…? Well, I’m just saying, an investigation probably won’t turn up that Balancers die instantly if they’re hit in the funny bone. We’d have to have an idea of what to look for. 

Alice: Don’t let Yui infect you with her… imaginative sense of humor. (she emerges from the basement, carrying a six-pack of water bottles in her good arm) ‘Scuse me.

Yui: Oi, oi! (Yui quickly takes the water bottles into her arms) Lemme carry shit, ‘kay? Also, fuck you, my humor is exquisite. How else am I supposed to keep morale up, eh?

Alice: I didn’t drag your humor, babe, that was all you being a worrywart. Speaking of which, I can, in fact, carry a few bottles.

Yui: A few, yeah. But like one arm won’t last forever! S-speaking of, you uh… alright babe?

Alice: Hmm. Guess if you get Aoi’s abilities mixed up with physical nursing skills enough times, she ends up getting an actual knack for those.

Kohaku: (With sudden firmness) If she’s slacking off we can deal with her.

Alice: She… doing what she can, ma’am. Even if all she can do is feed me painkillers and make sure everything is properly splinted. Don’t be… too hard on her. 

Yui: Yeah. She’s not plannin’ anything. I can tell. ‘Sides, her official duty is soul healing, not broken bones. We should be payin’ her overtime…

Kohaku: … Are you paying her?

Yui: No, that was a joke. I ain’t chargin’ rent though. Point is, there really isn’t some grand evil scheme goin’ on there anymore. I check every single morning. We can focus on the Balancers for now.

Alice: Any luck on finding out who these circus freaks are?

Yui: …From within the gym? No.

Kohaku: What about Cecilia? She seemed to have the intel last I spoke to her.

Yui: Last I heard, she was goin’ to our resident info brokers. That was… a few days ago. If I had to guess, it prob’ly didn’t go too well. She knows enough, sure. But she’s bein’ hunted too. She’s gotta stay a step ahead of them, while keepin’ her sight in check. Things go off script too hard, people start dyin’. Or so she says.

Alice: Blessed with a curse, huh.

Yui: Way she acts like a victim of omniscience, she’d say so…

Kohaku: (Having lowered her head in thought, Kohaku looks up again) Have you tried going after them in that nightmare dimension? Might be easier than heading out of the gym.

Yui: …Sides the fact that that masked freak’s tryin’ to run the place, it’s not a terrible idea. Dunno how I’d find them, though…

Alice: You were able to find Kae, weren’t you? Besides, we have Niko to help us out with that kinda stuff.

Yui: I— fuck, that’s right. How’d I forget about something like that? I should know how to navigate down there better than most. I go to Niko, she might even be able to point me in the right direction. (Yui glances back at Kohaku with a determined expression) I’ll see if I can find that weird mimic that attacked you first. But hold the fort down for me, will ya? If I’m takin’ longer naps, I need to know we’re all secure up here, yeah?

Kohaku: Got it. You can count on me for that.

Yui: Good. Well, I better get to it, then. Wake me if you need me.