(2025 Edit) Technomancer: A Magical Girl's Sidekick [Post-Apocalyptic][Mecha][Magical Girls]

"C'mon I'm treating you to a meal," Midori said. "No ifs and buts."

"You've been doing that all day."

"And I intend to keep it up!" she teased, poking my cheek.

I sighed. I'd already learned that Midori wasn't going to take no for an answer when she wanted to be generous.

I took out a cheap pair of sunglasses I'd bought for 500 credits and put them on. The afternoon sun was reflecting off the harbor through the glass windows, and it was a bit blinding.

Midori laughed at the sight of me wearing them and I grinned.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"No, no," she chuckled. "I'm sorry. That just came so suddenly I didn't expect it. Let me grab my sunglasses too. You have the right idea!"

Midori pulled her own sunglasses down from her head and crossed her arm with a stoic expression.

I laughed at her, and she nudged me.

"I can't let you outshine me in style!"

"You look great, Midori," I said, grinning at her.

She struck a pose, crossing her arms and putting a hand on her hip, her chin tilted up.

I smiled at the older girl. It felt like we had been friends forever.

We made our way up an escalator down a brightly-lit, marbled hallway that was dotted with small shops. They looked expensive and chic. I could smell the aroma of spices and roasted meats, as well as corn, beans, and cacao all the way out here. Eventually, we made our way down to a set of large glass doors, and stepped out onto the balcony.

The restaurant itself was beautiful, with dark wood floors, and dim, ambient lighting from lamps and chandeliers. Red paper lanterns and calligraphy scrolls covered the walls and ceilings, giving the whole place a warm, cozy atmosphere. Murals of feathered serpents adorned the walls as well. It was an eclectic mixture of styles and designs, but it worked somehow.

There was also a bar at the other end, where a group of people were gathered.

"This is the best place in the city, you'll find," Midori said. She gestured towards a table by the window, where there was a nice view of the harbor.

We took our seats on the inner half of the room, and looked out over the water. Midori ordered a glass of something called a 'Pulque', and I ordered sparkling water. She smiled at me and I shrugged, not really sure what else to order.

"Might I recommend the lava beef stew and tea-soaked grilled quail? It's my favorite!" a waiter suggested as he handed us the menus.

I scanned it for something I'd recognize, and I chuckled in curiosity as I saw the Chinese characters next to English translations.

"Can you handle spicy food, Ikki?"

"Yeah," I said, nodding. "It looks interesting."

"We'll have the lava beef stew then. On top of that, let's get two orders of white rice, hand-pulled cold noodles with black bean sauce, garlic sauce eggplant, the cold okra with chili oil, and a plate of lotus seed paste corn cakes. Thanks," Midori ordered, handing the menus back to the waiter.

He took the menus back with a polite smile and turned to walk off.

"You didn't need to do that, Midori. Really. I don't need anything too expensive."

Midori laughed, waving me off. "I don't know about you, but I'm hungry! It's a pretty late lunch."

The older girl leaned back in her chair, watching the ocean waves crash against the harbor.

"Spicy Chinese food aside, this place reminds me of home in Japan."

"Did you live by the coast there too?"

She nodded. "Yes. Avoiding the coasts is actually pretty difficult, considering Japan is an island chain."

"Right. You did say something like that. What was Japan like for you?"

Midori's expression grew distant, her gaze focused on something far away.

"It was beautiful. There was always so much to see. So many different things to experience. I miss it, but at the same time... I don't think I'd go back."

"Why's that so?" I asked, curious. "Don't you have a family back there?"

She nodded and gave me a bittersweet smile. "I do. But they're better off without me, I think."

"I can't say I know what that's like," I said, shrugging.

"Your parents sound lovely from what you've said," Midori said, smiling. "Fourth Chaos War aside, the only family I was really close to was my brother. My father was supposed to succeed our grandfather as head of the household but he ran off to Jo Loon Queen's University to be a researcher. The man was brilliant, but it didn't suit him."

"What do you mean?"

"He's good with people and calculations and was the oldest of three siblings. But our household was one that was used to being in the center of everything. Politics. Military. Academia. We're an old clan that prided itself in its history and lineage. We are descendants of one of the most influential families in the country's history. But that also meant we were... stiff. Unmoving and stagnant. He wanted to break away from that."

"Is that why you came to America? To get away from it?"

Midori shook her head. "Not exactly. I didn't run away from it, but I didn't like the pressure that came with being a part of that household. But it was taken out of my control not too long after I went public with my relationship with Talia. My mother wasn't pleased, to put it lightly. I kinda feel like it was the straw that broke the camel's back."

"Damn," I muttered.

"My parents were always kind and doting on us when I was a child, though," Midori explained, a sad look crossing her features. "They were loving and caring. I loved my parents, even though I knew they weren't the most supportive people in the world."

She took another sip of her drink before continuing, staring off into the distance again.

"It's become a bit of a thing for the nobility to take concubines in the east. Male or female. A bit of a holdover from Chinese influence. As long as you sire an heir proven to connect your houses, you have some leeway to pursue your personal desires. There are a lot of people that marry into a family for the money, power, or connections, and then have a consort or two on the side. And sometimes... they're more than that."

"Consort? That sounds pretty... weird to me."

"It is a strange concept to people from Earth," she replied with a nod. "I've come to understand that much, but I'd grown used to it. Polygamy is historically considered destabilizing for societies that much more peaceful and egalitarian, so even in cultures that weren't influenced by Roman Christianity, I've read that it's been dying out. Here... not so much. We lose too many people to the Aberrations."

"So what was the issue with committing to a relationship with a girl then?"

"Well, it's a complicated subject. You see, I swing both ways, but my mother wanted me to have a child with a man that would carry the bloodline and maintain the house's standing. At the same time, I'd demonstrated a lot of talent with both the sword and spear, and potential to wield our family's most treasured Divine Relics. However, we were in a difficult situation because my uncle's son was stillborn, and my aunt has been missing since before I was born. My uncle isn't the sort that'd be suited for being the next patriarch of our clan."

"I'm guessing that led to some friction?"

"It did. It did," she muttered, shaking her head. "But it wasn't just that. My younger brother Momotaro was being groomed to succeed my father as the next patriarch, and to be honest he was quite suited for it. He has the same charisma and leadership that my father has, but with a little more bite to it. The friction really started after he died three years ago."

"Oh," I murmured. "Oh..."

The conversation lulled, the two of us staring out at the harbor and listening to the waves. After a moment of contemplation, Midori spoke again, her voice low.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "That's a bit of a mood dampener, I know. It weighs on me though."

"It's alright," I assured her.

"But yeah. The assumption was that I would marry a man from another of the Five Houses in Japan, or one of their branch families, to continue the line and keep the peace. And my father and uncle both tried to get me to agree to it. I refused, because Talia was already the most important person in the world to me, but then..."

I nodded, understanding her dilemma. "And your mother took it poorly when you came out."

"Well she was livid about that," Midori said. "But that wasn't the issue. Remember, consorts and concubines aren't taboo in our society. It's actually a pretty common thing. The issue was I was the only living person that could wield our Divine Relics."

"So, the issue was more of a practical one then?"

Midori nodded, sighing heavily. "Yeah that was part of it. She knew I was more useful to the world on the field. But she also didn't understand why I couldn't just take Talia as a concubine, have a kid or two with someone else, and be done with it. However, that was taken out of my hand when it was discovered my father's research led to the death of Momotaro. My brother. His son."

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"Wait... your father?"

She gave a solemn nod.

"I'm afraid so."

I stared at her, stunned. Midori was a kind girl. She didn't deserve something like that to happen to her. My heart sank at the thought of it. It reminded me of the pain that I'd felt when I'd lost my mom.

"It's a long and tragic story and even I don't have the full picture. And I don't think I could forgive him for the other things he was involved with even if I did know everything. But, well, the family did and they cast him out of the clan."

I looked away. It was clear that this was a subject she didn't like talking about.

"So what did you do? Did you just run away?"

She shook her head and gave me a wry grin.

"No. Not yet at least. I wanted to find a way to bring honor back to the family, or at least do something good for the world. Because he was removed from the line of succession, I was also cut from being an inheritor to our position in the nobility. I was also disowned for the incident, and my uncle became patriarch. However, I am still technically enfranchised as a member of the family as the sole wielder of our heirlooms and artifacts. I was able to move to America, enroll in St. Antonia's, and attend the academy as an independent. But it was hard, especially without the family's support. I know my relationship with Talia wasn't the only thing that finalized their decision, but I'm pretty certain it tilted the scale."

"So that's where you were, huh?" I murmured. I remembered how hard it was when my dad left for his missions.

I couldn't imagine how it would have felt if I'd been cut out of the family as well.

"St. Antonia's had a scholarship for me for my performance in fencing tournaments. Plus, my grades were good, and the recommendation from the previous patriarch helped me a lot, even if my gramps didn't approve of my choice in partner. So here I am. A full-ride student."

I stared at the table, thinking about it all. "So, you were basically exiled?"

"No. My grandfather didn't exile me, and my mother would never have let that happen. I think it was an unspoken compromise. I still visit and they still send letters and gifts, even if I am effectively banished. My uncle has to keep up the appearance for his own sake."

"And you've just been living here since?"

Midori nodded.

"I've had Talia and a few other friends to help me get by. But yeah, this is my home now. I can't exactly say I hate it."

She gave me another smile, this time a genuine one. "The city is nice, the school is great, and the people are nice. We have a house in a nice part of the city with a picket fence and a cat and we're only eighteen. I can't really complain. I miss my brother every day. And the memories hurt sometimes, but I've learned to move forward."

"You've got a lot of courage," I said, smiling back. I could tell she was putting on a brave front. "It takes guts to keep moving after something like that happens."

She gave me a soft laugh.

"Anyway, you smell that? Food's here!"

As the waitress came over with our orders, Midori gave me a wink and turned to face the window, gazing out over the bay. The sky had grown darker, and the lights of the tall buildings illuminated the setting sun,, giving off an aura reminiscent of a beacon.

A waitress approached with a large, steaming pot. She carefully placed it on the table between us, and my mouth began to water at the delicious scent that filled the air. The overwhelming smell of savory broth and tender beef wafted through the air, and I stared at it in wonder for a moment. The pot was filled with a mixture of tender strips of meat, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that bubbled over a candle. A small basket with two ladles and small, porcelain bowls rested next to the pot.

Midori eagerly picked up one of the ladles and scooped some of the broth and meat into her bowl, the rich aroma of the stew wafting up to her nose. The spicy scent of chili pepper and garlic was unmistakable. I grabbed a bowl of my own and filled it with the stew, my mouth watering as I did.

I could see why she liked it here. It was a great place, with great food and a great atmosphere. And the view of the bay was spectacular. The waitress also laid a few other dishes of food around the simmering stew and pot. I inspected the porcelain chopsticks and took a deep breath, savoring the scent of the stew and all the spices and seasonings.

I was hungry.

I lifted a piece of cabbage to my lips and took a bite, letting the flavors of the stew fill my mouth. My tongue tingled with heat from the chili peppers, but it was also savory, salty and a touch sweet from the corn. It was an amazing mix of flavors and spices that left me feeling full and warm.

I looked up to see Midori was eating her stew, her eyes closed as she enjoyed each spoonful.

We ate our stew and enjoyed the quiet. It was peaceful here. We didn't speak much, just enjoying the food and each other's company.

I took a bite of the spicy beef stew, and let out a soft hum of satisfaction.

"This is delicious," I said.

Midori grinned and took another sip. She swallowed and sighed, before taking a sip of water. "Yeah, it really is."

"So, Ikki," she began after a few more bites of the spicy beef stew. "I know I've bugged you about your family a bit. But I was wondering if I could ask about something else."

I glanced at her, a bit of concern crossing my face. She smiled, and my worries faded.

"What is it?"

"You seem to know a thing or two guns and martial arts. Where did you pick up those skills? I don't think there's many teachers around to show a fifteen year-old the proper way to fight with a rifle."

I scratched my neck awkwardly. "Erm. Truth is, I've never been a great shot or fighter. I'm a pretty good aim at close range and with the right rifle I can make shots from 100 meters or so, but nothing impressive. But it's just become a thing in the United States across the portal for everyone to own guns and rifles. It's not uncommon to be taught to use one. My dad got ahold of a couple for the house, and his friends taught my little sister and I how to shoot and maintain them. I was decent with it, but nothing special."

"Oh," she murmured, taking a piece of cold okra into her mouth with a piece of cold noodle. She looked away in thought, then looked back to me. "And the martial arts?"

"Dad wrestled when he was in university and kept up with it when he could. So he taught my sister and me a few things as we got older," I said.

Midori looked at me, then down at my arms.

"Did he ever take you to a gym?" Midori asked. I looked down at my forearms.

"I helped my dad a lot at his auto shop. He's a mechanic," I said, smiling at the memories. "It was fun. He taught me a lot of useful things, like how to fix a car or a motorcycle, how to change oil and replace brakes. He taught my sister how to do some of that, but she's probably already forgotten half of his lessons."

I laughed, thinking about all the time my sister and I had spent in the garage working on the cars and learning the ins and outs of how to repair them. My sister had never really had the patience to do a lot of that sort of work, but I'd always enjoyed it.

Midori smiled, a wistful look on her face. "Sounds like a fun guy," she murmured, her eyes closed as she leaned back in her chair.

"Yeah. I love him a lot."

She smiled and took another bite of the spicy beef stew, humming in pleasure. I looked out the window at the view of the bay and the city beyond. The sky was darkening, and the city was lighting up in the twilight. The lights of the tall buildings and skyscrapers twinkled like stars in the night.

"Hey," I started, my voice hesitant. "Can I ask you a question?"

She looked at me and nodded. I fiddled with the sleeve of my shirt. "Why are you so nice to me?" I asked. "I mean, you've been treating me to a bunch of things today, and even saving my butt more than once."

She laughed, and I blushed.

"Well... I think it's because you remind me of my immediate family, in a way. A sharp mind, an iron will, and a sense of duty to your family and those around you."

She put a hand over her mouth as she laughed.

"Maybe that's what it is. I'm not really sure. But it's worth protecting. You're an honorable guy."

She gave me a genuine smile.

"Maybe that's what it is. I don't know. All I can say is that it feels good to be able to help you, even if it's a little. You deserve it. And you've got a bright future ahead of you."

I looked away, blushing. I felt a little uncomfortable, and I wasn't sure why.

I took a deep breath.

"Thanks, Midori," I said.

"Hey. It's nothing. I just think you're a cool dude," she said, chuckling. I took a bite out of the black bean sauce noodles and chewed, thinking about what she said. Maybe I was being a little too hard on myself. Or maybe I just wasn't used to having someone think I was cool. It was a weird feeling.

"You know, I've always been fascinated by Earthborn like you, who come here," Midori said. She looked up at the ceiling, a thoughtful look on her face. "Like I said, I grew up surrounded by the samurai and warriors of the Five Houses in Japan, and their branch families. But when you look at it from a global perspective, there are very few societies that value honor."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by this.

"Really?"

She nodded. "Yeah. A lot of societies that place a lot of emphasis on military strength tend to be pretty utilitarian and focused on efficiency and effectiveness in combat."

"Interesting..." I mumbled.

"It is! It's fascinating. Even here in America, most people value efficiency and results in combat over any sort of chivalric ideals or notions of warrior-honor," Midori said. She grabbed another ladleful of the spicy beef stew and took a sip. "And it makes sense. The world of combat is dangerous and dirty. You can't be expected to be honorable and chivalric if you're trying to kill the enemy, right?"

"Yeah, that's true. But there are still people who try, right?" I asked. She smiled and nodded, looking down at the pot.

"Yeah, there are. And I'm not going to pretend that the Houses don't have their own issues with that sort of thing. Some are better than others, but some of them... Well, I think some of them are pretty shitty."

She took another sip of the stew and closed her eyes, humming in contentment.

"I'm a fan of the chivalry and honor of the samurai," Midori explained. She took another sip of the stew, then opened her eyes and smiled. "My brother, for all the faults I found with him, was a promising magician. His talent for sealing and defense were top-notch, and his potential as a swordsman wasn't too far behind mine."

She took another bite of stew and swallowed. She closed her eyes, a pained expression crossing her face.

"But that will never come to pass now," she murmured. "And that is a shame."

I looked down at the bowl in my hands, feeling a pang of sorrow.

"He was a good guy, right?"

"He was..." Midori said.

She opened her eyes and smiled, a faint trace of tears in the corners of her eyes.

The two of us fell silent again as we finished up our meals. It was getting late, and the sky was turning a deep shade of orange. I leaned back in my seat, letting out a satisfied sigh. The food had been great, and the conversation with Midori had been nice too. I didn't want the evening to end.

I glanced over at Midori. Her eyes were fixed on me, and I couldn't read her expression.

She squinted at something in the distance.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Something's wrong..."

"What?"

"I'm not sure..." she muttered. She stood up from the table and leaned against the railing.

I looked around, trying to figure out what had caught her attention. She seemed fixated on something far in the distance, and I couldn't quite make out what it was she was focused on.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

She fell silent, and I noticed her fingers grabbing almost subconsciously at her hips, searching for something.

Rai-chan suddenly chimed in as my HUD activated, the Augmented Reality lines turning red.

"Ikki," Midori began. "Grab your bag. We have to leave. Now!"

"Ikki!" Rai-chan followed up immediately. "There are a pair of massive magical signatures heading directly toward our position! The mana density of the surrounding air has begun to increase rapidly. There appears to be a number of massive magical entities in the air!"

A number of massive magical entities?

I scrambled to grab my bag as Midori took out a small device and tapped the screen furiously.

"Call 1. Priority call." The device spoke in response.

The waitress returned with a check, smiling, and then she frowned as Midori tapped the screen again.

"Hana. Something bad's coming to town. Do you feel that?" Midori asked, dropping into a whisper. "I'm with Ikki downtown..."

The waitress, a blonde in her 20's, frowned.

Then her eyes widened in horror. She turned, facing the windows, and I saw a bright light flash across the city. The entire restaurant went quiet, and I heard people gasp and cry out in fear. I could see the light glinting off the glass and steel buildings outside, and it was blindingly bright.

I grabbed my bag and ran down the railing, looking for a better angle to see what was happening. I stopped next to the waitress and watched in awe as the sky lit up in a flash of blinding red light.

"What the hell is that?!" I cried.

The waitress was looking down at the city, her mouth open and her eyes wide.

And before I knew it, Midori had slammed her body into mine, tackling me to the ground as the glass of the windows I'd been staring at me exploded in a wave of flames. I could feel her arms wrapped around me as I hit the ground, her head pressed against my chest, and the searing heat of the flames as they washed over the room.

I looked up as a ball of crimson 'lightning' with a molten orange floor rocketed through the air and slammed into the streets in front of us, causing a massive explosion. Fire and debris flew in every direction. The building rocked and groaned, and the floor of the balcony buckled under the weight of the explosion, and the lights went out.

Then, as quickly as the fireball had arrived, it was gone. The air smelled of burnt wood and charred flesh, and the sounds of people crying out in terror echoed in my ears.

And then, the air raid sirens began to sound.