Puella Magi Rei ♥️ Magica: Afterglow

Chapter 24: "Every Action Has A..."

Two days go by.. Gin sat upon the rooftop of a bank just down the road from the Ren Fukushima's casino, her soul gem in her hand as she waited for the fabled 'Witch of the Flames' to make herself known.. Hopefully before any harm can be done to Ami's father. ".. Did this building catch fire in the morning.. Or the evening..? I.. Can't remember.." Gin whispered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Sensing a faint signature, Gin quickly turned her head toward a magical girl, on the next building over. She too, had her eye on the casino building, though she looked more disgusted than worried.

".. Michiko..?"

The magical girl stood there, her white hair pouring out of the sides of an adorable beanie with mouse ears, her fluffy poncho that resembled sheep's wool fluttered elegantly around her, the white silk wrapping her legs gleaming in the early morning sunlight. She slowly turned her head to view Gin, before narrowing her eyes.

"I suppose you heard of the news as well?" She asked.

"News? What news?!" Gin quickly panicked, stepping forward as she focused all of her attention on Michiko.

"The event being held within the Casino today. Extra chance at winnings.. Extra chance to lose it all." Michiko stated. ".. Where there is that much squandered hope.. A witch is bound to fester."

"So you're stationed out here as well? Just.. Waiting?" Gin asked, crossing her arms.

"I am not like other magical girls. I actually care about the safety of the people of Mitakihara. The people in there are fathers. Mothers. Trying to earn enough to support their children." Michiko stated, as if speaking from experience. ".. Brothers, sisters.. Family members from all walks of life. Their life hangs in the balance with this stupid thing Ren Fukushima came up with." Michiko hissed.

".. I suppose you are right." Gin looked back at the casino building, looking down at a vehicle that quickly slammed on the breaks, skidding across the road and coming to a halt in front of the casino building.

"Are we going to compete for who gets the grief seed? Or.." She trailed off.

"I have no interest in competing for a grief seed." Michiko turned. ".. Just do your best to kill it before it has the chance of harming anyone."

"You speak as if you have no weapon." Gin stated.

"I don't need a weapon." Michiko waved her hands. "The world, and the reality it is tied to, is my weapon." She stated, before in the blink of an eye, a door manifests in front of her. She steps into it, before closing it behind her. Then, it burst into a flurry of white and violet particles, all swept away in the morning breeze.

"Hmph." Gin narrowed her eyes, before transforming.

A man sloppily crawls out of the car, waving his arms about, as if clawing at his neck like something was wrapped around it. He seemed dazed, and confused, as he opens the back passenger door on the driver's side, withdrawing a gas can.

In an instant, Gin paused time.

Hopping down from the rooftop, Gin slowly makes her way over to the man.

This.. Was how it all started for Ami.

She slowly took hold of the gas can, carefully removing it from the man's arms.