Posted 10 November 2011 - 11:25 PM
As the hot afternoon sun started to slowly make its way towards the west, Usagi stood up and stretched, a quiet mewl escaping her lips as she did so.
Her violet-themed magical girl apparel dissolved into little bits of purple light, leaving behind a Mitakihara Middle School uniform in its place.
”We’d better get going.” She bent down to scoop Kyuubey up into her arms before continuing, ”Don’t wanna be out here after dark. That killer’s still on the loose, apparently. Let’s get back into town where we’ll be safe.”
---
Deafening metallic crashes rang out across the air as the Puella Magi raised her right hand, summoning numerous massive wrought-iron bars to come shooting out of the ground.
”Looks like the end for you.” She called out mockingly to the tall alabaster figure that stood some yards away from her, who was desperately trying to escape its iron prison.
After a few more moments of cat-and mouse, the girl launched herself into the air, swinging her weapon behind her as she did.
A red-violet fire suddenly engulfed the blade of her scythe, and the familiar charging sound met her ears as she prepared to destroy the last maaju with a signature Usagi-style finisher.
What happened next happened fast.
In a frantic attempt of self-preservation, the demon gave an unearthly shriek and shot a stream of light at Usagi, who was caught off-guard by the surprise attack.
"Ahhhn!” She yelped as she was shot out of the air like a bird, and spiraled towards the checkered floor of the barrier.
Her body met the ground with a sickening ‘thud’, and slowly, painfully, Usagi lifted herself up with a groan as she rubbed her shoulder, which she assumed was already badly bruised.
’I’m ok.’ She assured Kyuubey via telepathy, though the creature didn’t seem concerned in the least.
”Y-You’ll pay for that!” She yelled, wiping away the hot tears that were now streaming down her face.
With a quick lethal strike, the Puella Magi ended the maaju’s reign of despair, collecting the final Spirit’s tear as she did.
The barrier quickly evaporated, and Usagi dispatched her battle attire for the final time that day.
”Your fighting is getting sloppy, Usagi-chan.” The incubator commented coolly.
”If you continue to fight in such a manner; I doubt you’ll be around for much longer.”
Usagi bit her lip and turned away, doing her best to hide her obvious frustration.
She knew Kyuubey didn’t care one way or another about her display of emotions, but she refused to look weak in front of the one who had restored her legs.
”Yeah, well, whatever. It was just an off da-“ She turned around to see that he (or at least she thought it was a he) had disappeared, probably off to make more contracts or communicate with the other magical girls of Mitakihara.
She sighed, and picked up her school bag. She knew her parents would say something to her about being out after dark, but at this point, she didn’t really care.
All she could think about was going home and nursing her wounded shoulder in hot water.
---
”Another victim of the serial killings was found in the downtown area earlier today. Authorities are searching feverishly for the murderer as the city continues to live in fear for the young women of…
The sound of the front door slamming interrupted the television as Usagi burst inside and flung her bag on the living room couch, breathless from running.
”Young lady, where have you been?!” Mrs. Tatsuno wasted no time in grabbing her daughter by the collar of her uniform, clearly distressed.
”I was at the café with my friends.” Usagi replied, struggling to get free of her mother’s grip.
”What have I told you about staying out late?!” The older woman chided, ”There is a serial killer out there on the loose and I’ll be a monkey’s uncle if I let you roam around the city after dark!”
Usagi sighed and wiggled away from her mom, taking a moment to adjust the collar of her shirt before speaking up again.
”Mom, I’m fine, you really shoudn’t-“
”No, I should. What kind of mother would I be if I was responsible for your murder?! No ifs, ands or buts, missy. If you decide to go anywhere after school, it had better be with friends while the sun is still high in the sky! None of this late night business! Now go wash up for dinner, your father will be home any minute and supper’s on the table.”
The younger woman huffed, blowing her bangs into the air as she did and tromped up the stairs, sore in more ways than one.
She could only hope that whatever they were eating was good enough to change her mood around.