Angelica

  ***

  I was starting to get worried. Only five minutes had passed since I st spoke to her, but isn’t that too long? I tried contacting the house, but there was no reply. We can only send simple signals but still. I should have gotten some sort of response. She’s alright, right…? Worrying about that, I heard a familiar sound from the teleporter room. Turning, I saw the dimming of a previously bright light.

  “I got it!” Melody, no Evelyn’s voice sounded out.

  “Evelyn!” I couldn’t help but hurriedly fly towards her.

  It was a bit sloppy compared to my normal flying, but given that I had to activate Project Amber again, my worry couldn’t be helped.

  “Raven I got it!” Evelyn ran out of the room.

  “Good lord!” I squealed.

  With a smile on her face, it was hard not to notice that her skin was cracked and cut and her eyes were red and bleeding and her hair was an absolute mess! What happened!?

  “Get to the infirmary!” I flew in front of her. To be honest I was afraid of nding on her due to her injuries.

  “Huh?” She asked stupidly.

  “You’re hurt!” I angrily pointed out.

  “Ah?” She looked at her cracked and bloodied hands. “Oh, I forgot about that.”

  “Don’t forget!” I couldn’t help but retort.

  Summoning her staff, she cast a spell and was engulfed in a pale light. Thankfully her injuries healed, although her hair was still a mess. Just what happened in those five minutes?

  Evelyn

  ***

  “-and I managed to get her body before I left!” I said, the body of whoever was attacking me y now on one of the beds I made.

  “You were about to call it the Gate of Torment, weren’t you?” Angelica asked.

  “That’s what you’re focusing on?” I asked.

  I came back with the soulless body of a woman stronger than a baby dragon, and that’s what you’re worried about? Well, whatever.

  “So, are you ready to go into your new body?” I asked.

  “Well…” She looked at the body doubtfully? “Is it safe?

  “Far safer than being in a bird.” I said. “And you’ll be able to use more magic!”

  “I do want to use more magic…” She nodded.

  I do too. Being stuck with only dark magic kind of sucks. But I’m also a Magical Girl, so I can’t be too greedy.

  “So, are you ready?” I asked once more.

  “…” She took a moment to think.

  You know, I thought for sure she wouldn’t hesitate given her situation.

  “Yeah, let’s do it.” She eventually nodded.

  “Great!” I said. “Hold still.”

  “Shouldn’t you be in your other form for this?” She asked.

  “Oh, it’ll be fine.” I shrugged it off.

  “If you say so.” She said.

  Good thing she didn’t argue with it. Melody took quite the beating in the Gate of Divinity, so she deserves a break for a few days. I’ll just recharge in the moonlight for a bit after we get back.

  But that’s for ter. Stepping back, I pointed my staff at Angelica and cast that oh so sinister spell.

  “Soul steal.” I said.

  Just as violently as the first time, I removed Angelica’s soul from this Raven. Oh, I forgot that this may be painful to- OHGOD!? As I removed her soul, the raven disintegrated into nothingness. Her soul wasn’t damaged, but I couldn’t help but worry. Moving quickly I put her soul into her new body.

  “Please don’t die! Please don’t die!” I silently prayed.

  With plenty of twitching, her soul took over her new body. The moment it was in pce, she opened her eyes and screamed.

  “OOOWWWWW!?!?!” She cried out.

  “It worked!” I said, hiding my worry.

  “It hurts!!!” She said, hugging herself.

  Thank Celestia!

  “That’s terrible!” I said, very gd that she was alive.

  Lloyd

  ***

  Having finished reading the letter, Dad let out a thankful sigh. Currently me and my family are sitting in a secret bunker that I didn’t know existed. Being filled with treasures beyond value, it felt safe. Well however safe we can be given what just happened. Speaking of what happened, what exactly happened? Still huddled close to Mom and Lna, we looked at Dad with worry.

  “It’s a letter from Melody. It seems that we’re safe.” Dad said.

  Hearing that, we let out a breath we didn’t know we were holding. Still hugging us closely, Mom asked what we were all wondering.

  “What was that?” She asked.

  “That” being whatever we experienced outside.

  “I’m not too sure myself.” Dad admitted. “All Melody wrote was; ‘There is a weird thing out there, so I’m going to deal with it.’ is what she said.”

  “That’s not very descriptive…” I said.

  “Well, Melody is like that.” He nodded.

  That Magical Girl… Just who is she?

  “Just who is she?” Lna wondered, wiping the tears out of her eyes.

  “Well, she’s uh…” Dad seemed to hesitate. “She’s…”

  Taking a moment to think, blinking a lot as he looked off into the distance at nothing in particur.

  “She’s… Melody…” He said.

  “Do you think she’s reincarnated like us?” Lna asked.

  “No, I doubt that.” He shook his head. “She said it herself. She’s a servant of the Moon Goddess. She’s just Melody.”

  “Where does she even live?” I couldn’t help but wonder.

  “Well sometimes, she stays in one of the Shadow’s bases, but…” He stopped once more to think. “I… don’t know…”

  “Given that she first appeared in the Empire, she must reside here.” 19 said.

  “Do you think she’s blending into the popution?” I asked.

  “I don’t think so.” Mom said. “An unaging child like herself isn’t hard to miss. Especially with her looks.”

  “That’s true.” Lna nodded, using my sleeve to wipe her nose.

  Do you want to die?

  “Hmn…” Dad said, thinking. “How did I… When did we first meet?”

  “It was-” Mom paused. “When did we meet?”

  I feel like that’s something you should remember.

  “She’s a mystery.” Lna concluded.

  Once more, she appeared to be trying to dry her eyes with her own sleeves this time. Oh great, they’re already red. Pulling out my handkerchief I handed it to her. She accepted it wordlessly. Seeing our state, Dad spoke up.

  “You two stay home.” He said. “People will be worried if we don’t appear. Especially after this.”

  “Right.” Mom nodded. “Get some rest. We’ll head to the memorial ourselves to calm the citizens.”

  “Okay…” Lna agreed readily.

  “Right.” I said.

  It’s probably for the best that she stays here, and I’ll need to look after her. Given what happened to the academy, she’s been a bit clingy to us. We did lose more than a couple of our friends and cssmates after all…

  Evelyn

  ***

  “It’s a lot rougher than I thought.” Angelica compined.

  “We’re almost there.” I said.

  Sitting in the back of a carriage, Angelica shifted uncomfortably. She’s been getting used to her new body, but as expected it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. For one, she was walking a bit weird for the first day. She also had some trouble eating, but those things have been dealt with. Although having said that, she isn’t exactly seen in a good light. For one, since I just one day showed up with her, she hasn’t exactly earned the other’s trust yet. They’ve been a bit awkward. Not only that, but she isn’t as, let’s call it “professional enough”, as a servant of my household should be.

  Servant? Did I seriously make her my servant? Yeah. How else was I supposed to expin keeping a thirty year old woman around me? Officially she’s a private magic teacher to me. Because of that, she’s got some nice looking travel robes. I’m not going to lie. These aren’t store bought clothes. I made them personally myself! As repayment for causing her some pain during the soul transfer thing, I agreed to make her some clothes based on some video game character back on Earth. I’ve got no clue what “Old ones” are, but she does look like a noble so that’s good enough for me! She at least passes for an eccentric teacher, although I’m not sure about the gsses. Well, they are enchanted so it’s not like they’re just for show.

  Regardless, we soon arrived in front of a familiar house. Stopping at the gates, our driver exchanged some papers with the guards and soon we were allowed entry. Hmn? It seems like the twins are visiting again. Looks like they really want her to join in on her team thing. Maybe I should have a word with their parents…

  Anyways, after we exited and headed inside. I didn’t get yelled at today, so good job me! Someone should praise me for sending a letter telling them about my visit! Yes, Angelica told me to do so, but I’m the one who wrote and sent it! Bragging aside, the atmosphere seemed a bit tense… Well, I can’t bme them. They are being visited by the Regent’s twins. We were escorted to the lounge and inside I saw Charlotte with her sister as well as the twins. As much as I want to be casual, let’s not do that infront of the twins since I am still a bit annoyed about the whole spying on me thing.

  “Lady Lottaway. Young Regents.” I bowed politely.

  Behind me, Angelica gave a bow of her own. It was a half bow at best. But given the fact she was walking with a cane, they should be lenient. Why does she have a cane? Well, walking is still a bit of a challenge for her and I can’t exactly lend her a shoulder everytime we go out.

  “Lady Eytell.” Charlotte greeted me a bit nervously.

  ““Lady Eytell.”” The twins nodded slightly.

  “Forgive the interruption.” I said. “I hadn’t realized that you had guests.”

  “Is that a problem?” Lloyd asked.

  I raised an eyebrow. I suppose he’s annoyed that he can't pressure Charlotte in my presence. It was a good idea that I came here today. Ignoring him, I looked at Charlotte. Let’s get her an out. It looks like she needs it.

  “Lady Lottaway, I was hoping that we could continue our previous discussion, if that’s alright with you.” I smiled.

  Flinching slightly, she nodded.

  “Yes of course.” She said, albeit a bit confused.

  Don’t look like that! They’ll find out! 38 and 19 already look suspicious! Also, why are they hiding? Is it because of Angelica?

  “I hope you don’t mind if we join in.” Lloyd said.

  “I do.” I said. “It is a private affair.”

  “Is it now…?” Lloyd gred at me.

  Why is he so insistent? Get a hint dude!

  “I’ll be the judge of that.” He said.

  “?” What?

  I couldn’t help but look at him confused. Why is he so hostile? Also what was with that response? Something is wrong here…

  “I-if it’s alright with you, they can stay…” Charlotte said with a troubled smile.

  I don’t want to start a fight in her pce, so let’s just go with it.

  “Very well.” I sighed. “Although perhaps there is something else we can talk about, if not our private affairs.”

  “Yes, but first please have a seat.” Charlotte said.

  “Thank you.” I said obligingly.

  Taking a seat, I tested the tea. Just to be safe, I used a ring on my finger to make a small cut on my hand. Being healed, I was relieved that the tea was safe. Given how weird and hostile Lloyd was acting, I was a bit worried. Settling in, I decided that now would be the best time to introduce Angelica.

  “Firstly, allow me to introduce Angelica.” I said. “For the time being, she will be my private tutor.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Charlotte said.

  “You as well.” Angelica said, once more giving a light bow.

  “…” Sipping his tea, Lloyd looked over the rim of his cup at her.

  “Greetings.” Lna said.

  “Young Regents.” Angelica bowed, as deeply as her back allowed.

  Ah. Maybe I should let her sit here? Scooting over on the couch, I patted the spot next to me. Angelica looked a bit conflicted but quickly gave in. It seems she still needs to get used to her new body. Looking up, I saw that the others looked a bit shocked. I guess I should expin.

  “Angelica hurt her back a little while ago, so it’s difficult for her to stand for very long.” I lied.

  Let’s keep track of this little cover story.

  “N-no it’s fine.” Charlotte said.

  “Is that so?” Lloyd asked.

  “?” Again, what’s with that sort of response? “Anyways…”

  I turned my attention back to Charlotte.

  “I take it you’ve been doing well?” I asked.

  “She’s been doing well enough.” Lloyd said.

  “?” I raised my eyebrow at him. What’s with him?

  Looking at Lna, she seemed uncomfortable with this whole situation. I don’t bme her. Let’s push back a bit.

  “Forgive me, but I was speaking with my friend.” I smiled, emphasizing the words. “She can speak for herself.”

  “Friend?” He scoffed. “You think you have friends?”

  This guy! I want to punch him! He’s not at all being cool! Holding myself back for a little bit, I turned a troubled smile to 19. At times like this, let’s get permission.

  “Can I sp him?” I asked. “Just once?”

  ““!?”” Charlotte and Lna looked armed.

  “Excuse me?!” Lloyd stood up, outraged.

  “I wasn’t talking to you.” I reminded him, before turning back to 19. “Just one little sp.”

  Looking at 19 I noticed something. Her hand was on her dagger. Why? It wasn’t just her. Looking at 38, she too was reaching for her own weapon.

  “W-what’s wrong?” I asked worried.

  “Um, who are you talking to?” Charlotte asked, increasingly concerned.

  Quickly looking around the room, I couldn’t see anything. No danger around here.

  “Something’s wrong.” Raven said. “We need to leave.”

  “H-hey…” I asked 38. “What are you doing…?”

  “Lady Eytell?” Charlotte asked.

  “38…” I said. “Why are you looking at me like that…?”

  “!” She looked armed.

  Unable to react, I was helpless as she rushed me.

  “Evely-!” Angelica started.

  Before she could move, 19 appeared in front of her, holding her down. I wanted to help- I should have helped, but I couldn’t help but fear that look in 38’s eyes. Why was she looking at me like that?

  “How do you know who I am!?” 38 asked- no. She demanded.

  Holding a knife to my throat, she looked at me with nothing but hostility.

  “I-its me…” I said. “It’s Evelyn… We’re friends… right…?”

  “As if I would ever be friends with someone like you.” She said, before repeating. “How do you know me?”

  “You…” I hesitated.

  No. It can’t be…

  “You don’t remember… do you…?” I asked.

  “Remember what?” She questioned.

  “You took care of me.” I said. “You looked after me. Both of you!”

  “…” She looked at me as if I had lost my mind.

  “You and 19!” I said, voice shaking. “17, 23 and everyone else!”

  “!?” She held the knife closer to my throat. “How do you know them!?”

  “You…” I looked at her in disbelief. “You don’t remember…”

  “Answer me!” She shouted.

  I felt pain in my left cheek and I found myself looking at Angelica being held down. I’ve been spped… Why?

  “Why…?” I asked.

  Why is this happening? That thing that was altering my memory. I beat it. Why doesn’t she know me? Why is she doing this?

  My shirt colr was grabbed and I was lifted from the couch. Forcing me to once more look into my eyes, she questioned me.

  “How do you know us!?” She gred hatefully.

  This is wrong. It’s wrong! It’s all Wrong! THis shouldn’t be hapPEning! Why doesn’t she RemembER!? SHE SHOULD REMEMBER!

  “Answer me!” She said.

  “No…” I whispered.

  “What!?” She yelled.

  I held my staff in my hand and cast a spell. 38 and 19 were blown away and I fell to my knees.

  “Evelyn!” Angelica shook me. “Evelyn! Are you okay!?”

  “…” My eyes stung and I could feel tears falling down my cheeks.

  I couldn’t help but look at Charlotte. She looked at me in fear. Like I was some sort of wild animal. She… She doesn’t remember… I- I don’t want this…

  My body glows and I shrink down into the familiar form of Melody. Angelica is still shaking me.

  “Tempus wind.” I cast a spell.

  The shaking stopped and the world turned gray. I closed my eyes to this little nightmare.

  Melody

  ***

  I felt a warm and soft embrace. Arms holding me and my hair being stroked. Not even opening my eyes, I cried and hugged them back.

  “There there…” Celestia gently patted my back.

  “We’re here for you.” Orion stroked my hair.

  “They-!” I started. “They don’t-!”

  “It’s okay.” Celestia said, in her soothing voice.

  “Why!?” I cried. “Why don’t they remember!?”

  “Easy now.” Celestia said.

  “Take deep breaths.” Orion said. “Don’t think about anything other than breathing.”

  Nodding as best as I can, I tried to just breathe. I don’t know how long it took, and I did choke a few times, but eventually my breathing became steady. As my sobs came under control, I couldn’t help but ask.

  “Why- What happened?” I asked. “Why don’t they remember?”

  “A memory altering spell.” Orion said. “A rge scale one at that.”

  “Whoever it was that you brought into the Gate of Divinity, was the one behind it.” Celestia said. “It seems that memories connected with you were the target.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  “I’m not sure.” She admitted.

  “It seems that woman wanted to break the connection between Evelyn and Melody.” Orion said.

  “And as you saw, people’s view of Evelyn have changed dramatically.” Celestia said. “Although I’m not sure how far that spreads. It seems that people most familiar with you are the most affected.”

  “…” I hesitated in asking. “What about Aura?”

  “I can’t say for certain.” Celestia said. “She isn’t in the Empire so it is possible that she and the others haven’t been affected.”

  “…” Somehow I doubted it. But still, there was something that bothered me. “What about Angelica? Why wasn’t she affected?”

  “It’s likely that the spell that she used only affected people and not animals.” She said.

  That would make sense, but it’s not like it helps me at all. Wth the two still hugging me, I couldn’t help but wonder…

  “That woman…” I started. “Who was she, and did she do this?”

  Orion sighed. “I’m not sure. It’s possible that she was working for the demons, but I can’t be sure.”

  How could the demons get someone like her on their side? Clearly she was humanoid, and given the fact they didn’t try altering people’s memories sooner it must have been recent. Not to mention one big thing.

  “She was strong.” I said.

  Although it wasn’t a full powered one, that Lunar Nova should have defeated anything on this pnet. The only thing I can think of was that she only came here recently.

  “Was she a god?” I asked.

  “Not one that I’ve seen before.” Celestia said.

  “I doubt it.” Orion denied. “She’s far too weak to be a god. Maybe a demigod at most, but even then I’m doubtful.”

  “I guess…” I nodded.

  Orion’s right. That woman is far too weak to be a god. And if she was a demigod, Angelica’s soul would have been damaged trying to adapt to her body. Could she be a weak god? No. Gods aren’t that weak. As much as I hate to say it, Orion and Celestia are weak gods, and even with a full team of Magical Girls, we wouldn’t be able to deal that same damage to either of them that my single attack did to her. Not to mention that gods can’t enter the Gate of Divinity. She must have been something else.

  “An outerbeing?” I asked.

  “It’s possible.” Celestia said. “But enough of that. I’m sure you know what’s coming.”

  “Yeah…” Slowly I nodded.

  That spell I used. “Tempus Wind,” it’s a forbidden spell. Not like “Soul steal,” but an actual forbidden spell. Now that I think of it, why can I use that spell in the first pce? Looking up, I saw that gentle smile on Celestia’s face. I see. It’s probably too difficult to prevent us from using it. As for why it’s forbidden, well. To put it simply, it’s a time travel spell. Ever since that one Magical Girl went back in time to kill Cleopatra and Caesar so she didn’t have to study for a test, and inadvertently starting the second world war, which did force my family to evacuate San Diego, that spell has been banned by the gods.

  Seriously, I hated radiation treatments! And the old daycare was vaporized! Why couldn’t she get rid of nuclear bombs or radiation instead of famous people!? Why did she have to anger Ra!? He was fine just chilling in Egypt! Never wake a sleeping god! Just thinking back on it, I couldn’t help but shudder. So many sor fres in those years… What was I talking about? Oh yeah. Anyway that girl, who shall not be named, is also the reason for the Gate of Divinity being a proving ground for us Magical Girls.

  I know that I broke the rules, but I hope I didn’t do anything as bad as her. No, I’m sure I didn’t. I would have been torn apart years ago if I had. Still though, that doesn’t make what I did okay. Taking a deep breath, I awaited my punishment. Stepping away from me, Orion looked at Celestia with an ambiguous look on her face.

  “You did a naughty thing.” She gently scolded me.

  “I’m sorry…” I said shyly.

  I know that I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t help it. I don’t want those two to hate me. They’re my friends. I don’t want to lose my friends again… Celestia raised her hand, and I closed my eyes and tensed up.

  …

  Bop!

  “Huh?” I uttered stupidly.

  I put my hands on my head. It seems she chopped my head? That didn’t hurt that much, rather at all… Confused, I looked up at her.

  “I forgive you.” She smiled at me.

  “Y-you do…?” I couldn’t help but ask.

  “Yep!” She said.

  “Ah…!” My eyes teared up.

  “You’re my cute little Magical Girl!” She smiled. “And you’ve done well in protecting the people of this world. Despite everything, you’ve been doing your best!”

  “I-” I started.

  “I knew it was the right choice to pick you.” She said.

  Tears filled my eyes. I tried wiping them away, but they just wouldn’t stop.

  “That being said, just that won’t appease the others.” She sighed. “So how about this? You’re grounded. No transformations for three months.”

  “Okay…” I said.

  “Just let it all out.” Orion said, whipping my tears away with a soft cloth. “You need to stop bottling up your feelings. It’s not good for you.”

  “Right…” I nodded, accepting her help.

  “And take better care of yourself!” Celestia added. “Do you know how hard it is to see you starving? Eat good food and take more breaks!”

  I thought I was doing fine, but I guess not. Let’s just promise to do better.

  “I will.” I nodded.

  “Good!” Clesetia nodded, satisfied. “Now, as I said, no transformations for three months! This world already has its own safeguards so it’ll be fine.”

  “And it’s got like what? Four? Five Saints?” Orion asked.

  “There’s a few.” I nodded. I’m pretty sure the Regents told me that there was more than that, but I can’t remember.

  “So, unless it’s an emergency. Unless the world itself is in danger, you are forbidden from transforming!” Celestia ordered.

  “Got it.” I nodded.

  “Jeeze, you are far too serious.” Orion smiled. “Normally I would say not to mind her, but think of this as a punishment from the both of us.”

  Still sniffing, I nodded. I really am getting off lightly! The moment I arrived here, I expected to be super murdered! Time travel is that frowned upon but the gods! So is cheating death, but everyone and their mom try that and those guys always get even, so that less so. But to think I just can’t transform for just a few months! It’s not great news, but it could have been far worse. I’m so gd I’ve pledged myself to Celestia! Hearing my thoughts, the two of them ughed.

  “Don’t get too ahead of yourself.” Orion messed with my hair.

  “We won’t always spoil you.” Celestia pinched my cheeks.

  “Right!” I said happily.

  “Now go on back there.” Celestia said. “Time is eternal, so you can have a few hours just this once.”

  “Thank you!” I said honestly.

  I know that I can’t fix this, but at least I can avoid making it worse. And it’s not all that bad. I’ve had a bad reputation before. It may take a bit, but I’m sure I can turn things around again. It’ll just take a little effort on my part!

  “That’s the spirit!” Celestia said.

  “You take care of yourself.” Orion reminded me. “We’ll be watching.”

  “I will.” I said.

  Seeing their smiles, the light around us grew hazy and suddenly things turned bck.

  Grayburne