In the gym’s infirmary, Niko tosses and turns in her sleep as Alice and Aoi watch on, damp towel at the ready. In the corner of the room, Hanako, Kiwako and Ueno are playing video games, while Kohaku is keeping watch by her sister’s bed. On the other side, Yasu is on a chair next to where Yui is sleeping, reading a book.

Alice: This can’t… actually be what she wants me to do, right? How long are they even going to be in there—(interrupted by the sound of something stirring upstairs, and several steps of footsteps echoing down the staircase, she frowns) Is that… (she raises her voice, in the hope that it will carry to the floor above) Koharu? Is that you?

There is no response.

Kiwako: … (she hands her game console to Hanako while she tentatively looks in the direction of the stairs) … Alice. Stay back.

Alice: (she lowers her voice as the mood in the room drops instantly) … Shit. Are they…? Koharu is still up there.

Kiwako: (with the lithe reflexes of a young wolf, Kiwako jumps and stands between Alice and the stairway)

Aoi: (She quietly gets up, placing herself protectively between Alice and the stairs) 

Kiwako: (whispering) …I sense something dark coming our way.

Alice: … Is that an actual thing you can do, or did you hear that line in an anime or something?

(They hear the sound of a throat being cleared coming from upstairs)

???: Excuse me? Is anyone home? Forgive me for not announcing myself, but there wasn’t exactly a bell to ring, let alone a door to knock.

Hanako: …That voice sounds familiar… (she puts the game down, now looking at the stairs as well) I-Is that Nagano-san?

Alice: Now that you mention it… Yui has been keeping in touch with her. (she raises her voice) How did you find this place?

A familiar, blue hooded woman descends the stairs, her face largely concealed, yet her visage perfectly recognizable. 

Cecilia: I brought Anisa here, at her request, and at the Birds’. Apologies, Alice. (Cecilia stifles a soft yawn) 

Kiwako: (Kiwako’s eyes widen, and her stance immediately softens as she runs forward and hugs Cecilia) Cece-chan! Why didn’t you call first?!

Cecilia: Oof— I-I just woke up, Kiwa-chan. Anisa did not exactly give me a whole lot of time… 

Aoi: (She hisses under her breath) You brought Anisa here? Are you trying to kill us all? 

Cecilia: If I thought Anisa had intentions to kill you, I would kill her myself. Kiwa-chan… with me. Just in case. (Without even a moment of hesitation, Kiwako bounds to Cecilia’s side, twin crystal handaxes appearing in each hand.) No, Anisa merely has business with someone in particular here. Though I kept trying to tell her… 

Anisa: … I’d be welcomed with open arms? (she appears behind Cecilia on the staircase, followed by two identical looking Puellae Magi in full uniform)

Aoi: (She summons her mace into her hands, letting its heavy head thump on the ground)

Kiwako: Rio-chan! Riko-chan!! (dismissing her weapons, she jump-hugs each of the Birds in turn)

Riko: (After hugging Kiwako, she watches Rio fall over from the force of Kiwako’s tackle. She clears her throat, a tiny bit flushed as she enters the room, looking at everyone in turn, ending with her gaze on Aoi) …I am Riko Sato, and this is my twin sister Rio. We are Kotori’s cousins, and we are… taking up her work. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintances in person. Aoi… we met at Kotori’s funeral, I believe. …Thank you for coming. I know Kotori would have been happy, knowing you were there.

Alice: Lower your weapon, Aoi.

Aoi: (Aoi doesn’t budge) You two, come away from her. You don’t know what she’ll do to you. 

Alice: (sternly) You’re not the one who gets to call the shots on who gets to be forgiven and who doesn’t, Aoi. Cause if we’re going to let resentment and self-righteousness cloud our judgment, you wouldn’t be here either. Lower your weapon.

Aoi: (incredulous) You think that’s what this is about?? 

Riko: (Riko steps forward, into the middle of the room) Alice… you’re not entirely wrong. But aside Kotori’s funeral, the last time that Aoi and Anisa met, they were trying to kill one another. Anisa is playing the diplomat now— in a manner of speaking, I suppose— but Aoi’s feelings are still valid. …Keep the weapon if you think it will help you, Aoi. But I can vouch personally that Anisa did not come here to fight. Kotori would agree with my assessment.

Aoi: … (quieter) It’s not about me either. Killing me would be the lightest thing she’s ever done. (She raises her voice) Isn’t that right, Anisa? 

Alice: Don’t speak on my behalf, Aoi. I know exactly what this is about. So unless you want me to think you’ve learnt nothing from the time you’ve spent here, lower your weapon. (she glares at Rio) That is how we do things here. If you disagree, no one’s stopping you from leaving.

Aoi: (turning a little red in the face) I can be gone as soon as we’re done here.

Alice: You really think the world revolves around you, don’t you? (she glares at Aoi) Maybe I was wrong to forgive you.

Aoi: (She swallows, and answers quietly) I never went around thinking you had. 

Anisa: … I want to help. And this time, I won’t force it onto anyone, or claim to know how to help people better than they can help themselves. I just… do think there’s something I can bring to the table.

Cecilia: …This is not the time to squabble. Anisa, be direct, lest you risk all of Yui’s hard work in building this clinic. (Her gaze rests on Alice as she says this) …And be quick about it.

Anisa: When I made my wish all those years ago, Kyubey granted me the knowledge of a God. Never had much use for it, seeing as it immediately drove me insane, but it’s still buried, somewhere within me. I believe — and the Virtuoso can back me up on this — that Niko Segawa can use the Troubadour’s Masque to access that knowledge. That way, I’ll not just be able to share information with you without drawing the hierarchy’s ire… We might also be able to find something we can use to bypass the Balancers… and take the fight to the Incubator directly. (she turns to Cecilia) Quick enough for you, Oracle?

Cecilia: Indeed. So that is why we are here. Anisa seeks to present this proposal to Niko Segawa. Now, for what I tried to warn her about… (she turns to Aoi, speaking with more patience) May I ask where Niko is, at this exact moment?

Aoi: (She takes a moment to look up to notice that Cecilia is lookin. Then, with a glance at Anisa, she answers telepathically to Cecilia) {Here, in the bed behind that divider.} 

Cecilia: {I knew that, of course. I’m trying to prove a point to Anisa. She’s asleep, at present, yes?}

Aoi: {Yes. Why?} 

Cecilia: {Because I told Anisa that Niko was unavailable. Anisa, in her infinite wisdom, decided to rush over here anyway. I am trying to tell her ‘I told you so’.}

Aoi: … She can’t be here right now. 

Cecilia: (Cecilia nods slowly, muttering a word of thanks before turning towards the stairs. She stops, facing away from Anisa and casting a sidelong glance) Wouldn’t you know it? It’s as I foresaw. …Perhaps, in the future, you’ll trust the word of the omniscient before deciding we all need to pile in the car right this fucking second, and arrive several hours too early. This isn’t the airport… Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to find somewhere and go back to sleep. (Without another word, Cecilia heads back upstairs) 

Kiwako: W-Wait! Cece-chan! (Kiwako bounds after her grouchy, cloaked friend)

Anisa: (she sighs) There we go again… People assume my intentions, and then judge me based on them. I can wait for Miss Segawa to finish her business in the Dreamscape. There’s more than enough unfinished business to take care off as I do.

Hanako: What else… did you come to discuss then?

Anisa: An apology. The Oracle told me you and Miss Hikarizaka… and Alice, of course, were holding the fort. Before moving on and offering my services, I want to tell you I’m sorry, once and for all. Even if some of the things I have done may have been the actions of a Witch controlling me, or a double agent manipulating me, they’re still my responsibility.

Aoi: … (She looks off to the side silently, but doesn’t object) 

Hanako: … (She glances nervously up the stairs, where Kiwako had left) …To judge you now would mean making a hypocrite of myself. I… I’m still not in a position to tell someone else the difference between right and wrong.

Anisa: It’s my intention to work tirelessly to avoid any scenario that would put me back into a position where I have power to abuse. That’s why I would like to pass my memories on to miss Segawa. That’s why I would like both the Oracle and the little Birds to vouch for me. Why I’ll try to be no one other than the person I used to be before I became the demon that hurt you. I’m happy that Alice is willing to support me. I… hope I can convince you to do the same.

Hanako: …That, logically, makes sense… but aren’t you also passing the burden of your power, and the actions that might come with it, onto another? Delegation of power… inherently comes from a position of power, does it not? 

Anisa: That’s a very wise assessment, Miss Sasaki. You’re right. That’s why my intention is… not to delegate, but to be available… to offer advice, but not to issue orders… But I can’t deny my plan carries a risk, which is why I’m happy you’re all here to hear me out.

Hanako: …This is a step better than the Sixth Bureau, I will admit. But… I’m not… I’m not qualified to weigh in on the morality of such a decision. I… I need time to think about it. All of this.

Anisa: I understand. I’m not going to… insist, but of course, keep in mind that this is a “the sooner, the better” kind of deal.

Alice: Hmm. Don’t sell yourself short, Hanako. I understand you’re doubting your moral compass, I do, but… If everything is up for discussion, nothing matters.

Anisa: Thanks, Alice, but… I can wait. I have a lot of people to apologize to, after all. (she flashes the girls a brief smile, before heading back up the stairs)

On the ground floor, Kiwako is talking excitedly with Rio, with Riko chuckling, slightly off to the side. Cecilia is nowhere in sight, Koharu is still in Yui’s office, and Toi is conversing lightly with Kohaku, just outside of the office. Upon Anisa’s arrival, the Birds simultaneously nod, both making for the basement again. Kiwako, however, bounds towards Anisa, a sheepish little expression on her face.

Kiwako: Um. Cece-chan told me all about you. Sorry I kinda went all “guard dog” on you. I guess none of you who went “Angel” stayed bad in the end, huh?

Anisa: That depends on who you ask, I’m afraid.

Kiwako: (swaying a bit) That’s just a matter of perspective, and what people went through! There’s people back in Kamihama that still think I’m the devil too. Not much I can do about that! Anyway, I’ll leave the grown-ups to talk now~ (She hops up, skipping back towards the stairs)

Anisa: (she stifles a chuckle) Miss Arashi certainly seems to be living up to the promise. (with a polite bow, she heads up to Kohaku) Lieutenant. Or have you gotten your long overdue promotion yet?

Kohaku: Captain, now. You promoted me, remember? Well, I didn’t lose it when you weren’t around, at least. 

Anisa: R-Right… I’m sorry. That must… say something about me… Or the way I ran the Bureau, at least.

Kohaku: I expect if this hadn’t happened, I’d be back to Lieutenant by now. Was everything alright down there? 

Anisa: Understandably tense. But Miss Sasaki is far more mature than she gives herself credit for. And at the very least, Miss Hikarizaka didn’t attack me. It’s… I shouldn’t be angling for forgiveness. It’s not fair towards these girls, and—well, actions speak louder than words. If anything, it’s good they didn’t outright reject me.

Kohaku: I already got an earful about what happened four years ago when I scolded Hikarizaka, but… what exactly happened between you and those girls? Obviously I don’t believe her story, and I’m not trying to pry into your past. But, under the circumstances, I might have to answer some questions someday about you giving me that sudden promotion. 

Anisa: It’s a… tremendously complicated situation, I’m afraid. I’ve been many things throughout my… existence, and almost all of them have been the result of either cruel coincidences or complex machinations. I… (she sighs before segueing into an attempt to comprehensively bringing Kohaku up to speed with her history, without going into too much detail)

Kohaku: (After a few fumbled attempts to respond, she sighs and puts her head in her hand) As if I can tell my superiors any of that… if even half of that came out, I’d be lucky if I only lost my position.

Anisa: In all fairness, when I promoted you, I was well within the authority to do so. The Bureau was a legitimate branch of the National Police Agency, so there is no need to hide anything. You were promoted for your integral contributions to a classified initiative of the highest priority. Your superiors shouldn’t have the clearance to even ask what that project might have been.

Kohaku: As a woman in the army, I might face some repercussions anyway. I’m sure you understand. There are a lot of people who won’t say out loud they don’t want me in so high a position. 

Anisa: … I’m sorry, captain. I wish I could vouch for you, but… my standing with top brass may quite literally have been eradicated from existence.

Kohaku: I know, of course. And I know my career is the least of anyone’s problems in all this. But it’s what’s mine to look out for and I still have a kid sister to support. 

Anisa: Your pride and joy, so to say. I understand.

Kohaku: Yeah… she might make a better soldier than me before too long. With this Puella stuff, she has something real to fight for… a lot of people in armies around the world just end up as political tools and can’t claim that. 

Anisa: … I’d hope that one day, we won’t have to fight at all.

Kohaku: As long as the Incubators are around, that’s not likely. 

Anisa: Hard to beat the game when you’re up against those who make the rules… (she frowns) But still, I get the feeling Kyubey isn’t exactly… in control of the entire process. Takahata told me about her particular abilities once. It… strikes me as odd Kyubey never told her about the possibility.

Kohaku: Well, it is his goal for us to flame out and die. I imagine his “business” is built on girls who contract and die in a couple of weeks and turn into a Witch with very little work on his part. Don’t think he’d want us to gain more power. 

Anisa: Then… Why is “more power” even possible? If the Incubator designed your powers for the purpose of them not being enough… What’s the point of something like Takahata’s Magia?

Kohaku: Point? I always assumed he didn’t have total control over what we decide to do with our souls… don’t think he’d be too happy with me living this long, or with someone like Hikarizaka existing. 

Anisa: I suppose I’ve never thought of it that way… That this is something the Incubators are merely using, instead of having designed it to advance their specific goals… Suffice it to say, it’ll be the key to defeating them. Do you think the girls are ready?

Kohaku: (Kohaku nods slowly) If I understood correctly, this thing that Takahata was doing was based on her feeling fulfilled, right? Is that what you’re asking? 

Anisa: Yes… She always phrased it as her “discovering her true purpose in life”, if I remember correctly.

Kohaku: Let’s see. I think Sasaki has gone a totally different way, same with… Kiwako. Asaharu, I don’t think she’ll be a major piece of combat for a while yet… and then Shinju. (She finds a stray shard of glass on the ground, picking it up and looking at her reflection) I’d prefer if she wanted to go on to college and get a more prestigious job, but I know it’s her dream to be a soldier like me. I guess it all depends on how she’s feeling about that right now. 

Anisa: That’s… Wait, what is this “totally different way” you’re talking about?

Kohaku: (She shakes her head) Seems like they’ve found some way to harness Witch power. I wouldn’t encourage Shinju to do that. 

Anisa: Harness—Wait, like a Puella Malefica? W-Who the hell is this Kiwako?

Kohaku: That small girl you were talking to before me. She’s come in from out of town. 

Anisa: (she frowns) And this isn’t ringing any alarm bells…? I just—(she grimaces) No… Maybe, if… you people trust her and what she’s doing, then maybe I should, too. It… It’s not impossible, seeing as, well, this whole affair seems to have a few secrets even for the Incubators. This could be… interesting.

Kohaku: I don’t think we should monkey around with this Witch and soul business too much. I’m certainly not going to let Shinju get involved. Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to want to.

Anisa: That’s an… understandable concern. But if this is a power the Incubators don’t know about, then perhaps it could also escape the Hierarchy’s watchful eye… (seemingly losing herself in thought, she shakes her head to regain her composure) Never mind, that’s… for later. Another question I can add to the list.

Kohaku: Yes, let’s deal with the problem in front of us. Worrying about the afterlife is a hobby for peacetime. 

Anisa: (she sighs) Looks like they’re not waking up any time soon… I’m sorry, I should let you get back to watching over them. I should have listened to the Oracle and not tried to have killed two birds with one stone.