Puella Magi Rei ♥️ Magica: Afterglow

Chapter 27: "Meisei Academy; Ophelia's Penance"

Gin sprinted across the courtyard of a large private academy somewhere in northern Mitakihara. Multiple students all conversed with one another as Gin slowed down to a steady stride. She had one mission in mind, to find Akahana and ask for her aid. She slowly approached a group of girls who were giggling to themselves in the corner of the courtyard.

"Um.. Akahana?" Gin softly asked.

"Hm-?" Akahana slowly turned, staring at Gin with a confused expression. "Gin?"

"Um- Hana," A girl with bright green hair peered around Akahana, eyeing Gin up and down with a bewildered look. ".. Did she just call you by your formal name?"

"Has she earned that honor?" Another girl glared at Gin, her eyes covered by plumes of soft, curly black hair.

"Girls- Please." Akahana waved her hands. She wore a bright white uniform with pendants and medallions sewn into the fabric. She must have been an esteemed student of some sort, held with the highest honor at this academy. "Gin is a very good friend. She is allowed to call me by my formal name."

"B-But we aren't even-!"

"Michiru- It's not wise to backtalk the Meiyo!" The girl with green hair softly hushed the other. ".. Our sincerest apologies, Hana. Just find us whenever you are done, okay?" She smiled, as she lead the girl away.

"Forgive them- There are.. Certain formalities that are enforced here that might be a bit.. Otherworldly, in comparison to the other schools and academies here in Mitakihara." Akahana stated, bowing to Gin. "What brings you to Meisei Academy?"

"Well.. I think it would be best to speak of these matters in.. A more private location." Gin stated, holding her hand up, allowing Akahana to gaze at her soul gem ring, and understand. ".. Things are not well."

Akahana's expression suddenly became much more serious. "Of course. Right this way." She closed her eyes, as she lead Gin through a small gate leading to a more closed-off section of Meisei Academy, where only the most prestigious of students are allowed to be, along with any guests they may have. She walked Gin through a marble hallway, taking her to a room titled 'the Botanica', where exotic flowers grew in large numbers.

Leading Gin behind a plume of red spider lilies, she crossed her arms, staring at Gin. "Alright, you have my undivided attention."

".. Okay, first question- And a rather mundane one.. Did those girls just refer to you as the 'Honored'?" Gin asked, tilting her head.

"I am the top of my class here at Meisei. Perfect grades, I am in three different clubs and the president of one, I am the spokesperson for Meisei itself.." Akahana trailed off. "I aim to achieve big things, both as a magical girl, and as a student." She smiled.

"Okay, got it- Now, for what I came for in the first place.. I need you and Michiko's help. Have you heard of Kyouko Sakura?" Gin asked.

"Ugh- That reckless buffoon from the Kasamino territory? That girl really gets on my nerves. She has no respect for anything around her, and the thought of her leaves a nasty taste in my mouth." Akahana grimaced.

".. You sound like you have a past with her." Gin stated, her heart faltering a bit.

".. It was shortly after I contracted with Kyuubey. I made the error of wandering into Kyouko's territory, and.. Things went south." Akahana trailed off, staring at the spider lilies as a memory floods into her brain.