Magical Girl Gunslinger

Chapter 28: Repercussions: Part One

My heart leapt into my throat as I stared mutely at the door. Id lost myself in going over the notifications with Selene and forgotten that I was supposed to be talking to people soon. It wasnt just any random people, either, it was the Magical Guardians who had saved me.

I took a deep breath, adjusting my posture even as I smoothed out the expression on my face. There was a tightness in my chest, and I focused on it, using it as a base to build up my internal walls. When I felt ready, I got up, moving to the door with my IV.

Every step of the way, I could feel my nerves building. I was about to talk to a Magical Girl, one of the protectors of humanity who I also owed my life to. Sure Id managed to swallow down my anxiety when I spoke to Error Machina, but that hadnt been face-to-face like this. Besides, I hadnt really had a choice then, events forcing me to keep moving forward without really considering the implications.

But now I was about to sit down with a Magical Girl, and I had no idea how I was supposed to act, especially not with what they might think they knew about me. It wasnt like I had much of a choice, not if I wanted proper answers and advice, but I felt myself tensing up nonetheless, mind racing as I tried to figure out the best way to present myself.

It was only when I was turning the door handle that I realized I was still in pajamas. Warmth flushed my face, but the door was already halfway open before I could stop myself.

An elf stood across from me, her long blond hair falling over pristine features. It was hard to tell her exact age, but she looked no older than her late teens or early twenties. She wore the same outfit as I remembered, her tight leather armor and green cloak accentuating her slim body in a deadly elegance. Pine colored eyes with pupils the shape of a sharp edged flower looked down at me, and a small smile quirked the edges of her lips as her gaze flicked over my form.

Hello, she said, her voice quiet and smooth as a still pond. It is good to properly meet you. My name is Everglaive, team leader of Fantasy Fatale.

She gave a slight bow of her head, and I found myself stammering as I tried to return the greeting.

H-hello. Im, um

No need for a name just yet, she smoothly interjected. Youve hardly had the time to think of an alias. We can discuss finding you a suitable one soon, if youd like. But first

She offered her hand to me, palm face up, and I looked at it in confusion.

Please, place your hand on mine, she requested gently. There is one quick matter we should take care of before continuing.

I looked from her hand to her eyes, hesitating. I wasnt sure why she wanted my hand, and I wasnt really the biggest on physical contact. In fact, I really preferred to avoid it as much as possible, even if Lily was big on hugs

[Go ahead,] Selene whispered in my mind. [She means no harm, and I promise this will be beneficial for you.]

Almost begrudgingly, I lifted my hand, placing it in hers. She gave a shallow nod, slowly moving her other hand and placing it on top so my hand was held gently between hers.

In my authority as a Magical Guardian, I hereby release the Blacklight Protocols placed upon you. Liberate.

A warmth seemed to flow from her hand into mine before shooting through my body, and I shivered at the tingling sensation.

[Congratulations! You now have access to your Astral Shift! Please set aside an appropriate amount of time for outfit creation with your Familiar.]

My eyes widened in surprise as Everglaive released my hand, giving me a calm nod.

Good. Now that you are free of any restrictions, I would request that we have a discussion. If you would rather not talk with me and my team, then I have also written down all the pertinent information for you. I do believe talking directly will yield greater results, but the decision is entirely yours.

I stared at her, completely off balance. Id expected to have to at least talk with them before they gave me my Astral Shift, not to just be handed it. In a way, I hadnt really had a choice about whether to talk to them or not. Now, I was free to actually just walk away right here and now. I recognized it was an attempt to build trust on her part, but I couldnt tell if it was because she was just genuinely being thoughtful or something else.

It took me a moment to shake off my shock, and I quickly gave her a grateful bow of my head.

Thank you, I quickly said. Um please, come in.

The hall leading to the door wasnt really big enough for two people, so I quickly moved further inside. She followed, and I heard the door close behind her. Selene had moved to the same sofa I had been sitting in, and I stood next to her as I turned to face Everglaive. She took a position across the coffee table from me, giving Selene a respectful nod before returning her attention to me.

I shifted nervously as I found myself unsure what to do next. Normally I would be offering refreshments or otherwise trying to be a good host, but I was in a hotel room without anything to really give her. I also had no idea what sort of social dynamic we had. We were both Guardians, but she was my senior and quite obviously more powerful than me. Those factors alone made it a mess to figure out, but the fact that she also risked her life to save mine just made things a tangled web.

Um I mumbled, my mind going completely blank. Embarrassment flooded through me as the moment stretched on, and I looked down at the floor awkwardly. My pulse began to pick up, my anxiety letting me know how much of an idiot I was making of myself.

Why dont we sit down? Everglaive gave me a soft smile. Youve been through a lot, and I would feel rude keeping you standing. I have some things to give you as well, if you dont mind?

My blush only deepened at how effortlessly Everglaive cut through my indecision, and I gave a jerky nod as I sat down. She reached over to the coffee table, clearing some of the decorative knick knacks to the side before hovering her hand over the table. Emerald motes of light began to sparkle below her hand, rapidly multiplying and forming a L shape before disappearing in a bright flash, the entire thing taking maybe a second.

Where the light had been was now my Umbra, and my eyes widened. Everglaive moved her hand and began repeating the process, covering the table with more and more of my items. The process looked exactly like what buying things from the Gate did, but the items were distinctly mine, the black color and bunny head emblem unmistakeable.

What? I sent to Selene in wonder.

[Dimensional storage magic,] Selene thought. [It lets her store items in a pocket dimension and resummon them. Shes either utilizing an enchanted item or has bought a Grimoire to use the spells directly. Its a fairly staple tool for Guardians due to the sheer amount of utility it provides.]

It only took her a few more moments to finish, and I looked at the array of items. In all, there was my Umbra, Ripple, two Judgments, my backpack, and fifteen magazines, twelve for my Umbra and three for the Ripple. There were also three different file folders that shed arrayed in front of me.

Apologies, Everglaive said, moving over to sit on the sofa across from me. I realize you had more items than this, but Im afraid they were either damaged or destroyed. As our fight went on, we were forced to use some of our less delicate magics to defend the area.

No, I quickly shook my head, bowing it deeply as I latched on to the opening she gave me. Thank you. Thank you for saving me. This is more than I could ask for.

It was our pleasure, Everglaive replied. Im only sorry we couldnt arrive sooner.

She seemed to hesitate for a second, and I looked up from the table to see her settling into the sofa, folding her hands over her lap. Something about her poise radiated an effortless elegance, as if it was second nature to her. Pursing her lips, she tilted her head slightly before giving a nod to herself, like she had just decided something.

The rest of my team should be arriving shortly, she told me, but I believe we can begin with explanations while we wait. Before we get into all of that, though, I would like to ask how you are holding up. I Well, Ive done introduction speeches to other Magical Girls before, but never one who was thrown directly into the fire on her first day. I imagine things are a little confusing at the moment, yes?

I nodded at her, and she returned a gentle smile.

That is only to be expected. Hopefully, by the end of our conversation we can remedy that. Speaking of which

She gestured from across the table to one of the file folders in front of me.

This folder contains a copy of the magical Geas my team signed as well as the ones for Error Machina and the officers you interacted with. The language is a bit complicated, but please feel free to take a look or ask your Familiar for the details. I hope going over them should assuage any worries you have over your personal information being leaked.

I reached out for the folder she had indicated, more out of curiosity than anything else, and opened it to see a few thick stacks of documents. I glanced over them, my eyes glazing over the words. Id never read an actual legal document before, but this was exactly what I imagined one to look like. It was all convoluted word choices with dozens of stipulations and references to other pages or laws I had never heard of before.

Selene? I thought to my Familiar.

[Ive already had a chance to peruse the information in the database, and everything is in order. With this Geas, all personal information they have gleaned about you from this event is to be kept secret. Interestingly enough, Error Machina and Fantasy Fatale both have signed the additional mentorship clause which says any System or Guardian related information they learn in the next three months will also be classified. As a note, the Geas on that part is more vague. While I would still keep your exact details secret, sharing general information with them should be fine if you feel comfortable. You can also allow them to share certain pieces of information with others, if you wish.]

I set down the folder, chewing on my lip. Maybe I was being paranoid, but it was a little worrying how much Everglaive seemed to be cutting through all of my potential worries. It both made me feel more comfortable and tense at the same time. It was like Well, it was like shed had an entire week to plan out this encounter while I had just woken up. She was also obviously skilled socially, while I was decidedly not. It had taken me months to get used to talking to Lily, and even then it was only her easygoing attitude that helped smooth over my occasional bouts of silence or awkwardness.

Are you satisfied with everything? She asked, and I nodded after a moment.

Good. Now then, how about we get to the events that happened after-

A knock on the door interrupted her.

Hello? Its Magical Girl Naiad.

I felt myself freeze in response, unsure what to say. Thankfully, Everglaive picked up on my indecision almost instantly.

Would it be alright if I told my teammate to join us?

I quickly nodded, and Everglaive smiled softly.

Please, come in, Everglaive called out. My eyes flicked to the doorway, and I felt my muscles tense as the electronic lock on the door gave a small beep before opening.

Magical Girl Naiad looked to be in her late teens with pale blue skin and a slender, delicate build. A white, toga-style dress was artfully draped around her, aqua-colored embroidery extensively decorating the dress in gentle patterns reminiscent of waves. The short skirt of the dress showed off quite a bit of her legs, leather sandals wrapping around them all the way to her thighs. Finally, her aqua colored hair fell down to her shoulders, moving with an ethereal gentleness as if underwater.

She smiled at me as she entered, and I felt my breath catch as I remembered. She had been the one healing me at the shielding station, which probably meant she had been the one taking care of me while I was asleep. Which meant

Ever, what are you doing? Naiad gasped, hurrying over to both of us. Are you trying to get my patient sick?

Everglaive and I both blinked as Naiad gestured with a hand, a flash of blue light condensing into a thick blue sherpa blanket with a logo on it. It was composed of two Fs with a 4 below them, and the 4 was made up of the silhouettes of a glaive, arrow, trident, and hammer. Naiad unfolded the blanket as she approached me, and I held my breath, muscles tensing as she drew closer.

Her steps slowed, a flicker of something crossing over her face as she reached me. Moving slowly, she draped the blanket over me, giving me a smile.

There we go, her eyes met mine. Is that more comfortable?

The blanket was soft, like a cloud had descended upon me. It had to be Zenith made, because I had never felt anything more comfortable in my life. It didnt make my heart stop racing as I wondered how this conversation was going to go, but the warmth was welcome.

I gave a simple nod to Naiad, cursing myself as the motion came out stiff.

Im glad, she told me, hesitating for a moment before she moved away to stand next to Everglaive. Oh, Im Naiad by the way. Im the Magical Girl who healed you and took care of you while you were asleep. I have some medical things I would like to go over with you, but it can wait. Unless any of your previous injuries are feeling uncomfortable?

I quickly shook my head, a spike of dread worming into my gut. She was the healer, so she knew. That meant the conversation she wanted to have with me

Thats good, she gave me a quick grin. My healing should have been enough to get you back into shape, but I always like to go over exactly what I did and any potential complications with my patients, no matter how unlikely they might be. Im bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, though, so its best if we have that conversation in private.

I nodded, suspicion making my mind race. Was she trying to hide what she really wanted to talk to me about, or did she really only want to go over my injuries? For that matter, how intrusive was magical healing? Maybe she hadnt noticed anything after all? But if my clothes were changed No, she had to have questions.

Oh! Naiad blinked, looking around the room before her gaze settled on the fancy coffee maker in the corner. Would anyone like anything to drink? Coffee, tea, or something else?

Tea sounds lovely, thank you, Everglaive gave Naiad a smile, and the girl fidgeted slightly, her grin deepening before she turned to me inquisitively.

Um I hesitated. Something warm did sound nice, but it wasnt like I could just ask a Magical Girl to-

[Hot chocolate would be lovely to help keep my Guardian warm,] Selene interrupted, and I shot her a look.

Oh, hot chocolate does sound nice, Naiad nodded, moving over to the table with the coffee maker. Just give me a second, and Ill have all that ready.

She waved her hand over the table, and items began to flash into existence. An entire kettle appeared, and she opened it up, placing her finger inside. She murmured a word, and the sound of water falling briefly filled the room as steam began to rise from the kettles top. Naiad seemed completely unbothered by the heat, her expression unchanging as she continued to fill it.

Everglaive shifted, the motion drawing my attention back to her as she gave me a nod.

Now then, Everglaive continued. The events after you fell asleep first, then we can get to properly introducing you into being a Magical Girl. To begin with, my team is currently working for Guardian Command as a strike team, a group of elite Magical Girls working together to take down some of the toughest Usurpations. For reference, members of strike teams are generally level 200 or higher.

I tried not to show my surprise, grateful that the blanket let me shift my hands around nervously. While I didnt have a great idea of how powerful that was exactly, I knew what Id been able to accomplish with my low level and no Astral Shift. If I compared it to the power of the Anathema I faced, then she was almost ten times stronger than the Arachnomantis at a minimum.

During the attack, Everglaive resumed, my team was ordered to deal with an Usurpation Zone. Because it was high level, we were out of reach from communications in order to protect ourselves. You see, higher level Anathema can sense the mana our communicators use to breach the Usurpations, so it wasnt until we dealt with our zone that Error Machina contacted us and gave us a brief rundown of your situation.

Everglaive paused as Naiad came by, holding two mugs with steam pouring off them. She handed Everglaive one and placed the other in front of me before going back to get a third for herself and sitting down next to Everglaive.

Thank you. Now, we received the information that you were in trouble and decided to attempt a rescue. Here is where things get interesting.

She lifted her cup to her mouth for a sip, and Naiad jumped in.

You have to understand, nobody knew you or the shelter were in trouble except a few people at Command. The commanders kept it quiet because well, they knew that if word got out that a shelter needed rescuing and a new Magical Girl was trying to save them, some of the other Guardians might have left their assignments even if they had no chance of getting to you safely.

Which would have been a strategic mistake, Everglaive said quietly. But I believe Error explained all this to you already?

Yes I said slowly. It would have taken too much manpower and too much time. The other Usurpations would have gotten worse.

Exactly right, but just because it was correct on the strategic level doesnt mean it was on the personal level. A new Magical Girl going off to face a Death Wish on her first day is something a lot of us just couldnt stomach. Thats why our team decided to take up Errors request and attempt a rescue. The idea that a Guardian would, on their first day, be given the burden of sacrificing their own life was too much. We had to at least try.

She paused, taking a long sip of her tea before continuing. I took the moment to try my own drink, shivering at the rich taste as warmth filled my body. It tasted even better than the one I had in the shelter, and I let myself savor it as I mulled over her words.

It didnt entirely make sense to me. From a numbers perspective, Guardian Command was right. Putting high level Guardians at risk to save a low level one just wasnt the smart thing to do, not when the potential for their combined contributions would always outweigh mine. Even if you counted everyone in the shelter, it still didnt outweigh the potential help four Guardians might provide in the future.

I only partially understood why they did it anyway. It was more about emotions than anything else, but that didnt explain why my Death Wish had upset them so much. It wasnt like they knew me, and if the odds of surviving were against them, why would they risk it?

Sure, Id risked my life to save Brian, but I had no way of knowing the shield would fall and put me in that much danger. Yes, Id gone for both the mana generator and the shielding station, but that was to save Lily and everyone else in the shelter. I didnt know a lot of my other classmates that well, but just from what Id picked up in conversation, I knew most of them were decent people. I couldnt just sit around and do nothing, not when it only risked my life to save hundreds.

Id had plenty of selfish reasons for what I did, but for them I didnt understand.

After we accepted the request, Error did something, Everglaive continued. You see, when a Death Wish is issued, a notification is usually sent to all Guardians in the area. Its more or less a last ditch effort to alert Guardians of what is going on in case one can actually help. Error Machina gave a speech, and after he was done, all the Guardians sent up flares as a tribute of sorts. I dont suppose you happened to see it through the shielding stations glass dome?

I nodded, and Naiads smile became wry.

It was Everglaive that started it, she said, giving the other girl a smile. I havent seen her get that worked up more than a few times.

Everglaive let out a slow breath, closing her eyes for a moment. The silence stretched on for only a few seconds, but when she continued, there was a weight to her words.

The day I became a Magical Girl was the best day of my life, she said, her voice quiet. It changed everything for the better. It gave me freedom, and a destiny I could be proud of. When I heard your first day was about to be your last I did not take it well.

She was silent for a moment, and Naiad looked at her with shining eyes. She hesitantly moved a hand as if to pat her on the shoulder, but aborted the motion mid-movement, turning it into a scratch of her neck instead.

It was the same for me too, Naiad quickly said, and I imagine most of the other Guardians who heard the notification experienced the same thing. The contrast between what our first days were and yours was going to be was too much. I guess thats why so many of the other Guardians in Arcadia came to help us.

I blinked at that, tilting my head in confusion as Everglaive nodded.

Part of the reason nobody could come rescue you or the shelter was how many Anathema there were in the zone and how fortified they managed to make their positions. As you know, when you started the shielding station, it was like a beacon. Most of the Anathema in the zone immediately charged for you, exposing themselves on the open streets in huge, clumped groups. The Guardians took advantage, attacking the Anathemas turned backs and wiping them out en masse. It wasnt more than a half hour after we arrived at your location that the Usurpation Zone fell. Proper clean up of any hiding took longer, but the vast majority were eliminated.

It was a huge event, Naiad nodded excitedly. The entire attack on Arcadia was so dangerous because of how big your Usurpation Zone was, but because of your bravery, the entire thing was turned around in an instant. Hundreds of Guardians saw those lights, heard your story, and were inspired to act. Never before in human history has that many Guardians worked together at the same time. And it was all because of you.

I sputtered, my face heating up as I quickly shook my head in denial.

T-thats not what I did, I quickly protested. I was just trying to save the people in the shelter! My friend and classmates were in there!

And it was exactly that selflessness that inspired us to act. Everglaive shrugged.

It wasnt- I bit my lip, watching as Naiads smile began to turn into a confused frown. Everglaives serene expression never changed, but I somehow got the impression my objections were making her concerned as well.

I looked down at my hot chocolate, and Everglaive leaned forward towards me.

I understand it might not feel right to take credit for everything that happened, she said slowly, picking her words carefully. But whatever your reasons or intentions, the Death Wish you chose became a much bigger event than it would normally be. Hundreds of Guardians were offered quests to change their tasks to attack the Usurpation Zone after the notification about what you were doing went out. The biggest Magical Girl Guilds in the city collaborated to form a new strategy, and even Guardian Command was forced to switch to supporting the attack. I tell you all this not to embarrass you, but to help you realize you were the center of it all. That has drawn no small amount of attention and interest that we have to deal with.

My head shot up at that, eyes widening further, but Everglaive held up a calming hand.

Weve managed to hide the exact identity of this mysterious Death Wish Newbie so far. Thats why we took you to this hotel instead of the Guardian hospital. Nobody but my team, Error Machina, and the officers you interacted with in the shelter know it was you. Still, a lot of Guardians and most of the public are curious. Once you assume your Magical Girl identity, whether anybody finds out you were responsible is your choice, but I would recommend keeping quiet for now. The kind of attention it would draw to you could be problematic, especially because you are a Dark.

I froze, watching carefully as Everglaive took a sip of tea. She said it like it was a normal thing, as if she was completely unbothered, but Id been completely unable to read her so far. She kept up a constant mask of graceful serenity, one that suited her elven appearance. Naiad, however, made a frown, shifting uncomfortably as she wrung her hands together almost nervously.

Selene told me there were rumors about Dark Magical Girls? I asked carefully, hoping to draw out something more.

Unfortunately, yes, Everglaive shrugged. I believe it has to do largely with the rarity of Darks. That alone invites rumors, and while some incidents havent helped, I believe the main source of it to be centered around a combination of jealousy and MCS.

I tilted my head questioningly, and Everglaive chuckled.

Main character syndrome. It refers to the phenomenon of highlighting your life like that of the protagonist in the story and framing your experiences through that lens to an unhealthy degree. Mostly, it demeans the value of others, putting them in a secondary importance compared to yourself. While I believe everyone does this to some extent, MCS refers to doing so in a much more severe manner.

Its similar to a lack of empathy, Naiad added. But I think MCS is a more willing outlook than an accidental thing, letting yourself believe that you are the most important person in the room and actively treating others worse because of it.

It doesnt help that were literally the chosen ones, Everglaive pointed out, amusement entering her voice. We are picked by the Zenith to defend all of humanity, after all. You can see how it might get to some peoples heads. Anyway, all that is to say I think the rumors are mostly caused by ego as well as jealousy of the unique starting bonuses a Dark begins with. Its a similar phenomenon with a Yellows wish and their powerful Signature Magic, but the fact that Darks are so rare and tend to be amazing duelists adds to the fire.

I nodded slowly, careful to keep my face expressionless as Naiad sighed, sitting further back into the sofa.

Sorry. Im sure it kind of sucks to become a Magical Girl only to learn you got the one type everyones nervous and suspicious about. If it helps, the public is largely unaware of the stigma. In fact, the rarity of Darks tends to make them pretty popular.

I elected to give a shrug instead of answering, taking another sip of my drink. I was pretty used to dealing with rumors by now, but the popularity might be a problem. Though, as long as I kept my Magical Girl life separate from my personal one

On the note of popularity, Everglaive said. Your accomplishments have certainly garnered attention, but I would recommend keeping quiet about them for the time being. Your start as a Magical Girl has been turbulent enough, and I believe drawing attention to yourself at this stage will only make things more difficult. Guardian Command also requests the same and suggests you wait until the end-of-year Magical Girl award ceremony to reveal your role in the Death Wish. The choice is, however, completely yours.

Confusion swept through me. If Guardian Command thought I should be doing something, why was it my choice in the first place? Didnt they command Guardians? For that matter, did Error Machina get in trouble for going against their orders?

I dont understand, I admitted, shifting beneath the blanket nervously. I thought Guardian Command was in charge, so why is it my decision? And Did Error Machina get in trouble for helping me?

Everglaive paused, tilting her head for a moment as if listening to something before she began speaking.

Apologies. I forget your knowledge on the intricacies of Magical Girl is still in its fledgling stages. Guardian Command is technically the name for the physical location where the Guardians Association makes their decisions, but the name often gets used interchangeably. At its core, the GA is the international organization that coordinates humanitys war against the Anathema and is directly in command of Magical Soldiers. While they work with us Guardians and provide aid, we do not fall under their direct authority. It is, however, often in our best interests to make use of their resources, so we usually work together. Very few Guardians truly work completely solo without any form of outside support, and it is not something I would recommend doing.

Guardian Command is mostly made up of normal people too, not Guardians, Naiad added. Generals, analysts, strategists, and others with many years of experience make more sense to be in charge than a Magical Guardian who only got their power in their teens. Even the oldest Guardian only has twenty-one years of experience at this point. Plus, its usually a better use of a Guardians power to fight on the front lines. Certain Guardians like Error Machina can function better from Guardian Command and choose to work for them directly, though.

And if youre worried about Error Machina being punished, dont be, Everglaive shook her head. By going against orders, he was partially responsible for the massive counterattack that helped clear out the Anathema so quickly. They werent happy with him at the time, but they can hardly argue with the results. Besides, his job as an operator isnt at stake. They can hardly afford to fire him and deprive humanity of his talents. No, from what hes told me, the only thing hes received is strong lectures and reprimands, nothing more.

My shoulders relaxed a little at that. I was still only a first year in high school, so I hadnt really had a detailed class on anything more than the basics of what Guardian Command was. It felt weird to me that they werent in direct charge of Guardians, but the explanation made sense. Between quests offered by the System and the resources the GA could offer, I was sure most Guardians ended up more or less following Commands lead anyway.

It also helps that Error Machinas notification turned the tide on Arcadias attack so quickly, Naiad added. We didnt lose a single Guardian here and we cleared out the city faster than any of the other Sanctuary cities. Except Eden, of course, but Edens always been a little special.

I blinked at that, turning to look at Naiad as a chill went through my body.

What do you mean? I asked. The other Sanctuary cities were attacked too?

Everglaive sighed, eyes flicking to Naiad who wilted visibly.

Indeed they were, Everglaive said after a moment. Arcadia, Eden, Avalon, Atlantis, Elysium, Shangri-la, and Nirvana all suffered a simultaneous attack by the Anathema. Im sorry to tell you that the attack on the city wasnt just an isolated incident, it was a worldwide invasion.