Puella Magi Madoka Magica : Rebirth

Chapter 23 : New Acquaintances (Chaos)

The ash-blonde visitor stared down at Shika arrogantly. Everything about her screamed of richness, power and control, from the way she dressed in expensive silks down to the very last pin, to the way she held herself in posture and speech. The girls milling behind were presumably under her command, and a brunnette with striking gold eyes standing next to her, arms akimbo, was possibly her top henchman. Animosity hovered between them; Shika did not like the looks of this girl and her company at all.

"Are you going to just stand there and block the doorway?" said the stranger. She spoke as if she were addressing a bug, a mere annoyance that could easily be brushed away. Shika cringed ever so slightly at her high-and-mighty tone. She definitely knew how to throw her weight around others.

"Hey, can't you speak? Are you dumb or somethin'?" growled the brunette, clearly annoyed. Shika furrowed her brows at her, replying tartly, "I'm not dumb, thank you. And who might you be?" She had aimed the question at the ash-blonde. The girl pouted, getting irritated by the holdup, and looked ready to slap Shika. Although her muscles told her to back off and flee, Shika forced herself to stay and face this new threat.

"I was hoping for introductions to be made inside, but if you insist," said the stranger imperiously. "I am Oriko Mikuni, a Puella Magi from Mitakihara City, and I have come here with my forces to recruit you into our cause." Here, she stopped, and one could only wonder how she could expect a person to invite her into their house just by that statement.

At that moment, Rikka stepped into the tense exchange casually, her serene smile playing on her lips. The hidden depths of her eyes, however, were filled with unspoken menace, belying her beautiful, lilting voice. "Pray tell, stranger, what makes you think we would trust you and let you in without a proper explanation? One doesn't simply go around demanding things like a crude beggar. If I were you, I'd be more humble, and humbleness goes a long way." Rikka flashed another venom-filled smile at the tall girl. Even Oriko had to step back a bit, stunned and unnerved by Rikka's deceptive sweetness.

Mami, tired of listening to useless arguments everyday, joined the conversation. She put on the best apologetic face she could, then said to Shika and Rikka, "I am most sorry for that rude introduction by my comrade there, but I can assure you that we bring no harm. We are seeking assistance from other Puella Magi to combat a certain threat in the form of a Demon. We would really appreciate it if you would allow us in so as we can discuss more about this."

Shika froze. They knew about Homura Akemi as well. This was another opportunity for her to obtain more allies. The larger their numbers, the harder it would be for Homura to oppose them. But, the larger the group, the more difficulties would crop up from clashing interests and ideas. Should she let them in and explain themselves, and possibly form an alliance, or should she turn down their offer and handle things herself, with her own friends?

The protesting creak of her bedroom door told her that Akira had come out, and her resolute footsteps were heading towards them. Shika's mind worked quickly. If Akira found out that the leader of the Mitakihara group was a power-hungry, contemptous girl, she would surely try to show her who the real boss was... namely herself. She couldn't stand rich people who used their status to act all snobby and commandeering, and that was what made Akira different from the many nobles and higher-ups. She was down-to-earth and as humble as earth itself.

Shika lowered her voice so that only Oriko and her members could hear, saying, "I would let you in on the condition that in no way must you upset anyone in this house. Speak politely, be respectful... and don't start any arguments."