Chapter Text
"Hey there, looks like you're struggling with the witch, want a bit of help?" Oriko offers to the magical girl who just got knocked into a pillar by the cyclops made of bricks that owns this witch's ward.
"I could probably use it, yeah. That thing keeps rebuilding itself when I use magic to hurt it"
"Oriko, nice to meet you. Since you seem new, I'll let you take the grief seed," Oriko offers her hand to the girl getting up from the floor.
"Thanks, I'm---" Oriko's other hand manifests her sword and slides it gently through the girl's chest, letting a pulse of antimagic disconnect her from her soul gem.
While she probably doesn't need to bother destroying the soul gem, considering it's nothing more than a dull rock now that it has no connection to a body. But since, for all Oriko knows, Kyubey could get info out of it or something. She tosses it at the witch.
The window the witch uses as an eye turns to the gem before the witch stomps on it, leaving nothing but powder behind.
While the witch does that, Oriko leaps at it and swings her blade, letting out a pulse of antimagic that cuts through the witch's arm, letting the entire part collapse. Managing to get her antimagic to function at range is something that's taken a lot of effort, but has more than paid off. Even if she can only get it to go 3 or so meters before it gets ruinously expensive to use.
Still, that and the ability to extend her sword's antimagic aura fully around her are enough that Oriko can be confident taking down the vast majority of witches and magical girls without issue. Something she reaffirms as her blade pierces the window the witch sees through before extending another pulse directly into the witch. Destroying its head and letting the construction site its barrier seems based around crumble into nothing.
Oriko dismisses her bloodied blade along with the rest of her transformation. Putting the witch's grief seed in a bag as she sets off back home.
Just as Oriko expects, the door opens before she has a chance to knock, and she eagerly leans into the embrace of her girlfriend, who, as always, seems so pleased to see her.
"Good job Oriko, that should be the last one for the next day or two. You really are remarkable"
"You were watching?"
"I got a glimpse of how you dealt with the last couple", Kirika admits.
"It's nice that you appreciate my work. Though I assume you haven't been slacking on your own?"
"Course not. Currently, the most successful method would probably be to see if we can get Kyubey to suspect Akemi. When I've tested probing that, he seems to be unsure of her and is suspicious bout her. Her magical girl outfit also has white as a primary colour, so whoever managed to mention a magical girl in white before finishing dying won't reduce suspicion on her"
"Doesn't she use guns. Surely the blade injuries would make her less of a suspect," Oriko points out.
"You would be right, except Kyubey has never seen her fight. No one has actually. Generally, she only fights witches alone with no witnesses. All anyone knows is that she can teleport somehow. Meaning as long as I can find the right way to organise things, then we may be able to deal with Madoka while Akemi's fighting the other magical girls Kyubey can get together. Considering the murders will stop when she's dead, they might even believe they caught the actual killer"
Oriko smiles. It looks like things finally have a chance of coming to a pleasing conclusion.
While Oriko can't say she dislikes her current role. Honestly, so long as it's supporting Kirika's ambitions, there is very little Oriko would dislike. She will still appreciate the end of the threat to the world and the lowered risk. It also means more time to spend with Kirika, which will never fail to be a pleasure.
"It sounds like you have things in hand in that case"
"Hopefully, still need to set up a bit of groundwork with Kyubey. Still, so long as nothing goes wrong, I'd say we have good odds"
"I trust you to know what you're doing, dear" Seeing how Kirika's face lights up at the term of affection is truly adorable.
"Hopefully. Oh yeah, I also got some chocolates for you. You'll like these ones," Kirika says, quickly rushing in and getting out a box of chocolates, though Oriko doesn't recognise the brand.
"Did you check the future just to make sure I would enjoy the chocolates you bought me?"
"I wanted to treat my girlfriend"
"I certainly feel treated. I doubt many girls can be 100% sure they'll enjoy what their girlfriend has gotten for them before trying it. I suppose we can share those after dinner"
While it would probably be more optimal for Kirika to only make these sorts of gestures after Madoka is dead, for small things like this, Oriko finds it extremely thoughtful. Anyway, at this point, Kirika's efficient enough with her magic and has enough grief seeds to make it an almost irrelevant expense.
The evening proves to be as enjoyable as Oriko had hoped. She, like usual, does the cooking, since for all of Kirika's wonderful traits, she is very much not a cook. Unless Oriko wants to sample diabetes. despite that, Kirika is more than happy to assist her and help with the cleaning up.
Just as Kirika had foretold, the chocolates are entirely to Oriko's taste. Being mostly dark compared to the more sweetened varieties that Oriko's seen Kirika getting for herself. Yet the thing Oriko enjoys more about the evening isn't the food or the chocolates but rather how light Kirika seems.
Since Oriko confessed her feelings to Kirika, a weight that was bearing down on Kirika seems to have disappeared. There are no relapses of guilt-inducing visions like in Kazamino, and Kirika seems unfazed by what Oriko does for her.
Yet it's not as if the happiness and brightness that's invaded Kirika has left her any less focused on her task. If anything, she seems more dedicated than ever. Confidently misdirecting Kyubey and giving Oriko her targets' descriptions without the slightest bit of hesitation.
It's infectious. The energy and hope that Kirika has gained cannot help but seep into Oriko. She cannot help but feel like they are a step away from their goal. The goal that Oriko can slaughter for with a smile, so long as it allows Kirika's happiness to be preserved.
It is just a matter of time until Oriko can present Kirika Madoka's cooling corpse. Though she is always pleased to follow Kirika's will, even when messy, she is certain that ending Madoka will be a true delight. Not because she has anything against the child. Madoka is as close to innocent as one can be. Her only sin is that her potential is too great. Yet with her death, Kirika's purpose will be fulfilled, and Kirika will finally be able to relax.
One of the things Oriko is most proud of is that Kirika has not once had to stain her hands. Never have her chains shattered the soul of another magical girl, and so long as Oriko is by her side, they will never have to. Oriko will gladly bathe in the guilt of murder so long as Kirika's hands can be kept clean. She would rather the white of her outfit be dyed entirely in crimson than see a drop spill on Kirika's.
When this is over, Kirika will be able to live her life without ever knowing the pain of ending another. That Kirika can keep that innocence only gives Oriko more reason to be glad as she further paints her hands red.
If it is to ensure Kirika's smile, then Oriko can kill anyone without hesitation. There is nothing she will not do to protect her world.
Though as nice as the evening is, its end arrives inevitably.
"Goodnight Kirika"
"Night Oriko, love you"
"I love you too" Oriko's not sure if the love she feels is what people most commonly see love as. What she has and will do for Kirika has left Oriko far too drenched in blood and sin for any idea of love as a pure thing of good. Yet at the same time, every sin she has committed has been for her love of Kirika and the world she lives in.
Besides, what she's done is for the best, no matter how awful the individual acts may be. Preventing extinction may be one of the few scenarios where the ends truly do justify any means.
As Oriko goes to sleep, she finds herself free of any nightmares that may have burdened her once before. When she feels as much purity of purpose as she does right now, then how could anything haunt her?
When Oriko awakes, she sets to making something nice for Kirika to wake up to. Oriko may not be able to surprise her, but that doesn't reduce Kirika's delight with the things Oriko makes for her.
After considering a bit she settles on making pancakes. She did offer to make them for Kirika before the whole Sasa fiasco, and then never got the chance to do so. Which makes this morning a great time for it. Especially since Oriko already has the ingredients in the house. Including a new bottle of syrup that Kirika is sure to drain. Hopefully, magic can regenerate tooth decay alongside being bisected. Since Kirika's either going to need that or a lot of visits to the dentist later in life.
Though that is a long-term issue that Oriko elects not to spare any more thought to this morning. She wants to treat Kirika, not worry about the consequences a decade down the line.
When Oriko finishes the pancakes, Kirika arrives at almost the exact moment she puts out the plates.
From Kirika's wide smile, Oriko feels satisfied she chose well.
"You know these pancakes are almost good enough to make me forget I have school"
"At least you have your school uniform here this time"
"True, that was so embarrassing. If there's a council of magical girl precogs out there somewhere, I'm pretty sure I lost my invitation for being unintentionally late for school despite being able to see the future"
"It's their loss, though I suppose you not being in any magical girl groups means I have more time having you to myself, so I suppose I cannot be too sad. To excuse you slightly for that misstep, you did just have the two most hectic days of your life. Forgetting something like a school uniform is probably excusable in light of dealing with the implications of there being an oncoming apocalypse in a bit over a month"
"I suppose that's a pretty good excuse. Also, I'm willing to bet there aren't any precog groups. Otherwise, I would have expected at least one to take a shot at Madoka. Unless they're better precogs than me and already know I'm going to deal with it"
"Maybe you are simply the most qualified seer around. I would presume that seeing the future isn't the most common of magical powers. It's also possible that most precognisants die quickly due to having similar side effects to your own abilities"
"Oh yeah, that would make sense actually. If I didn't have you, then my magic would have gotten me killed for sure"
"I'm glad I could let you avoid that ignoble fate. You very much deserve better. Though I would propose we pause our conversation for a second. I fear if you leave your pancakes for much longer, the syrup you poured onto the pancakes may dissolve them"
"Oh yeah, good point", Kirika notes before switching her attention back to the pancakes. Which she adds a dollop of jam to, before consuming with great enthusiasm.
Oriko does take a moment to consider how anyone who added that much syrup to their pancakes could feel that it required any further sweetness. Then again, Kirika wouldn't be Kirika if not for her idiosyncrasies. If Oriko ignores how sickly sweet that must be, she can almost imagine it tasting nice based on nothing but the ecstasy Kirika's face displays as she eats it.
She can't imagine it enough to try it herself, though. She'll stick to more normal amounts of sweetness.
"Thanks, Oriko, that was delicious. Though to avoid any more lateness-based embarrassment, I should go. There's going to be a huge traffic jam on the way to school, so I'm gonna take the train, which means a bit more of a walk"
"I'm pleased you enjoyed. Good luck with school"
"You too. I'll call at lunch"
With that, Kirika sets off. By the time Oriko's done cleaning up all after herself, it's late enough that she too sets off to school.
Of course, the usual piranhas are hanging around the school and without Komaki around, they see blood in the water. Before long, Oriko gets to enjoy the bothersome commentary of dozens of people trying to convince themselves that their social status is infinitely more secure than Oriko's ever was.
She does have the brief thought of wondering if a single one of these oh so impressive students around her would have ended up anywhere other than a mental institution if they walked in on their father hanging himself. Based on how insecure they all seem, she doubts many of them would have survived the experience.
It's not like she vocalises the thought, though. Irrelevances like the people around her don't deserve the effort. Besides, arguing was Komaki's hobby, not Oriko's.
Most of the day goes entirely as Oriko would expect. So much so that she probably could have faked being as good at seeing the future as Kirika just by predicting the exact sentences people would say and do over the school day.
At least until Koito approached her.
"Are you Mikuni Oriko?"
Oriko blinks at the question. It's rare enough for something to be asked of her in a polite tone here. Not being recognised on sight, or at least having someone ask, is simply strange.
"I am, yes"
"Hi I'm Asako Koito. I don't suppose you'd be free to talk after school"
"Komaki's sister?"
"Yes, exactly. I would like to talk to you about her and get a bit of advice. I know your relationship with her was a bit perilous, but I don't think there's anyone else who it'd feel right talking about her with"
There is a brief instant of panic at the idea Koito could know what Oriko did to her sister, but it's calmed by how unaccusatory she is. That, alongside the lack of any magic around her, suggests that she wants a genuine conversation. Rather than her being a magical girl seeking to ambush Oriko.
"I believe I have a free schedule after school. If there is anything about her you would like to get off your chest to me in particular, then feel free" Most days, Oriko would have denied the conversation. Ambushing magical girls is a rather time consuming activity to do safely. Yet with Kirika giving her the clear for the next few days, Oriko does actually have the free time to accept.
"Thanks, Mikuni. See you after school, I suppose"
"See you"
Oriko's not quite sure what she expects out of Koito, but perhaps it can let her gain a bit of closure for what occurred with Komaki. She and Akira are the only people Oriko still feels any kind of guilt for harming. So perhaps a chat will be rewarding.
After a banal rest of the school day. Other than a rather delightful conversation with Kirika over lunch. Oriko finds herself sitting in the park outside her school on a picnic mat Koito had with her.
"Sorry to be such a bother, Mikuni"
"Think nothing of it. There are times when one cannot ask advice of the people they are closest to. I'm pleased to be of service. Even if I was rather surprised when you first approached me. Especially considering your sister seemed to find me distasteful"
"That's not true at all"
"Is it not? She certainly enjoyed arguing and fighting with me. I would have assumed dislike"
"Actually, my sister... She was always working so hard and only worked harder when she got into Shirome Junior High. I think what she wanted was a rivalry between the two of you"
"I suppose that does explain her habit of backhanded compliments and trying to make everything with me a competition"
"Honestly, she thought quite highly of you. She just didn't want to show that unless she could show you up first"
"I see" Is that why Komaki chose to fight her back then rather than talk things out? Because she hoped to show that magic was an area she was more skilled in than Oriko was? Did something so petty as a rivalry get her friend killed? The idea hurts more than Oriko would ever admit.
"But then my sister got caught up in that. Akira did too"
Koito swallows.
"At the funeral, I couldn't even cry. I couldn't help it. I was just so scared. You see, I knew my sister was going out in the middle of the night, but I never tried to stop her. I got Akira mixed up in it, too"
"Koito. It isn't your fault" What Oriko doesn't say is that the person she should be blaming sits right in front of her.
The deaths of Komaki and Akira were utterly avoidable if Oriko had just a bit more competence or situational awareness.
"I'm a terrible person. I was so afraid of confronting her that I just pretended I didn't know. It feels like she's always watching me. Judging me for the awful thing I did"
"What Komaki chose to get involved in was never your responsibility. There was no way for you to know things would have ended up the way they did. You are not to blame for what happened. Akira chose to be there of her own free will. You didn't force her. It was simple misfortune"
"But I"
"Your lack of tears does not mean any lesser depth of feeling. Sometimes it is best not to display what is hidden in your heart. Those who did not know her may use your heartfelt emotions to attack you. I know of those types of feelings," Though Oriko no longer holds the warmth she used to have in her heart for her father. She understands the depths of grief perfectly well.
"I, I'm so sorry. How could I forget you lost your father recently too?"
"It's all right. That is why I can understand your feelings"
"Mikuni..."
"I promise you with absolute certainty that your sister would not have blamed you in the least for what occurred. She, without a doubt, loved you and would feel that just as strongly were she looking at you now. Anyway, I am the one your sister was fond of judging, I believe"
Oriko is also the only person who deserves to be judged for how things ended that day. Were it not for Kirika, Oriko is certain the guilt of that imagined judgment would have crushed her.
"Heh, she was rather fond of complaining about you"
"Would you like to just talk about her? I'm willing to bet I got to see a few sides of her you wouldn't have"
"That would be nice"
"Did Komaki ever tell you the story of how she accidentally became the school ghost last year and had to investigate herself with me?"
"She never did say what happened with that. She just kept stammering and saying nothing happened when I asked"
"Well, you see..."
Komaki, if she can see past the grave, must certainly despise Oriko. Not that such a hate would be unearned. Yet if Oriko can at least reduce the burdens she put on Koito, maybe that can go some tiny amount of the way to reducing the harm she has caused.
No matter how stained her hands may become, Oriko hopes she never becomes the sort of person who is cruel. Kirika first came to love her because of her kindness. Letting that wilt away would be a disservice to Kirika and herself.