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

After neatly organizing the contents of my grocery bags, I quickly freshened up, going into the bathroom for a quick wash and comb. Then, I changed into a clean, casual outfit with a t-shirt and jeans and tucked away my uniform at the back of my closet.

My school uniform had survived intact from the kidnapping incident yesterday, but I didn't need to be walking around in it off campus. I still needed to get it dry cleaned before classes resumed after the break. The last thing I needed was people staring at me, asking questions, or trying to be supportive when I just wanted to move on and focus on what mattered.

After tidying up my apartment and putting away the groceries, I pulled on my shoes, grabbed Bishop's card from my desk, and headed out.

The early afternoon sun bathed the neighborhood in faint hues, casting long shadows on the sidewalks. The streets of Greenhaven were quiet today, with only a few people out and about. The cool air was refreshing, and I took deep breaths, trying to clear my head.

I walked down Pallas Road, the main road cutting through Greenhaven. It was a mix of old and new, with small shops lining the street, and a few new developments popping up here and there. The buildings were a mix of brick and stone, some well-maintained and others looking a bit rundown. It had an authentic feel to it, like a place where people actually lived and worked, rather than just passing through. And that was part of the reason why I liked this area.

My soon-to-be classmates at the academy would probably think I was insane to live in the ghetto. I'd heard stories of the fancy apartments, villas and condominiums the kids who could afford it stayed in, the kinds of places I'd only ever seen on TV back home.

The air was tinged with the smell of street food and exhaust, creating a unique scent that was comforting and overwhelming. Graffiti art adorned several walls, their vibrant colors bringing life to the otherwise dreary buildings.

Soon, I arrived at the address Bishop had given me. I pressed the buzzer, feeling curious and anxious.

"Hey, it's me," I spoke into the intercom.

The door clicked open with a buzz, and Bishop's voice called from inside the apartment building and intercom simultaneously. "Come on in, lad! Second door on the right."

I stepped into the dimly lit hallway and walked forward, knocking on the apartment door. The sound of footsteps approached, and the door opened to reveal Bishop wearing an apron, his face wearing a tired but welcoming smile.

"Hey, kid. Glad you could make it," he said, stepping aside to let me in.

I stepped into the dim foyer and glanced around the apartment. There were half a dozen trophies and certificates from some sort of 'RMA Sandhurst', and a shelf filled with books on various topics, from history to strategy.

The living room was cozy, with a worn-out couch and a small coffee table covered in newspapers and magazines. A faint smell of freshly cooked food hung in the air, making my stomach growl. A worn sofa faced a tiny TV, and a small dining table was set against the far wall underneath a rustic-looking crucifix.

The kitchen was open and cramped, with pots and pans hanging above the stove with a rustic-looking crucifix hung up on the wall. A faint aroma of stewing vegetables and spices filled the air.

Bishop walked past me, wiping his hands on a dish towel as he pointed me toward the open kitchen. "You're here just in time, boy. I've been packing dumplings and minced cabbages here for the past hour."

"Is that what's for lunch?" I asked.

He nodded, his eyes sparkling. "And then some. My Nan's family recipes. Can't wait to hear what you think of it."

I looked up to find Bishop looking at me intently, his gaze assessing. I couldn't help but feel self-conscious, knowing I was about to have lunch with someone I hardly knew.

As I made my way to the table, I continued to take in the little things here and there that told me who Bishop was. There was a prominently displayed framed photograph of a younger Bishop in military uniform, standing proudly with a group of soldiers on a shelf near the dining table.

He had a strong sense of pride and nostalgia in that image, starkly contrasting with the tired man before me.

The walls were adorned with more family photos, some old and faded, showing happier times in an old London, arranged around a statue of the Virgin Mary. There were also several proudly displayed drawings which looked like they done by a child. Each piece in the room told a story of love, loss, and a life once filled with more vibrant colors.

"Hope you're hungry," Bishop said, bringing over a plate of food. "It's not much, but it's a hearty bunch we've got here."

"Wow, you cooked all this yourself?" I asked, looking at the spread of food on the table. It smelled amazing, a mix of spices and savory aromas that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

"Aye, it's one of the few things I'm good at," Bishop chuckled. "Cooking's always been a bit of therapy for me."

I nodded, appreciating the effort he put into the meal. It was a far cry from the simple dishes I'd been making for myself lately. My gaze wandered back to the photograph of the younger Bishop with the soldiers. The image was striking, and I couldn't help but be drawn to it.

"That's a cool photo," I commented, trying to sound casual. "Where was it taken?"

"That was taken a year or two into the Chaos War," he said, his voice steady but distant. "I was part of a special strike force, trained in Terran Anti-Aberrant tactics and some experimental technology. Those men and women were some of the best of the best Earth had to offer at the time."

I noted how he almost seemed to exclude himself from that remark, his tone carrying a hint of self-deprecation.

"That must have been beyond intense," I said, trying to keep the conversation light. "I can't even imagine what it was like to be in the thick of it."

Bishop's eyes darkened, looking distant as he stared at the photo.

"It was more than intense, lad," he murmured. "We were thrown into the pits of hell itself, fighting an enemy beyond human comprehension. Every one of us knew what we were signing up for... out of the 500 assembled SOFCOM combat operators, less than 40 of us made it to the end of the war. And not all of us came back whole, either in body or spirit. I was one of the lucky ones. They did say I had the Devil's luck."

I swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. I looked at the photo again, seeing the faces of the soldiers in a new light.

"You're a war hero, then," I said, a hint of admiration in my voice."

Bishop shook his head slightly, his lips forming a thin line. "Hero? No, my boy. I did what I had to do, but it wasn't about glory or honor. It was about survival. Humanity survived, but in many ways, we lost. The heroes were the ones who didn't make it back, who gave their lives for a chance at a better world. I was just another soldier, fighting to protect those I cared about and hoping to see another day."

He took a deep breath, his eyes still locked on the photograph as he continued, his voice heavy with sorrow. "War is a terrible thing, lad. It takes everything from you and gives nothing in return."

His words struck a chord with me. I had heard stories about the Chaos War, but hearing it from someone who had lived it and fought in it was different. It gave a human face to the tragedy and the struggle.

"I'm sorry if my questions brought up painful memories," I said softly, breaking the silence. "I didn't mean to pry."

Bishop let out a weary sigh and looked at me with tired eyes. "No need to apologize, lad," he replied, his voice filled with sadness and resignation. "Sometimes it's good to talk about it. Helps me remember why I fight so hard to protect what's left."

Then, I noticed something - or rather, someone - familiar in the picture. My eyes landed on a tall, dark-haired, grinning woman smoking a cigar. "Is that Doberman in the photo with you?" I asked, pointing at the image.

Bishop's hand tightened, and for a brief moment, his eyes glazed over as if he was transported back to a place he'd rather forget. Then he composed himself and nodded slowly. "Aye, that's her alright. You met her last week, yeah? Sorry about that. She's mostly harmless these days, but she's always a bit on by default if you catch my drift."

I nodded, remembering the tall, intimidating Doberman that had caught me off guard after my chess game with Bishop.

The aura she gave off terrified me, causing me to instinctively scurry away from the cafe as fast as I could. Bishop had assured me that she was harmless, but in that moment, she had seemed anything but.

Bishop's gaze softened as he looked at the photograph, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "She was the third woman to ever qualify for the Green Berets. A bit of a marvel, she was. She blew away the exam entirely, unlike the two ladies before her who were fine soldiers in their own right, but nothing like her."

"She seemed... beyond intimidating," I said, recalling my encounter with her.

Bishop chuckled, a hint of fondness in his voice. "Oh, she had a way about her, that's for certain. But underneath that tough exterior was a fiercely loyal soldier and teammate. She had this uncanny ability to sense danger before anyone else did and never left someone behind if there was even a chance. Saved our hides more times than I can count."

As he spoke, Bishop's eyes became distant once again. It was clear that memories of their time together were flooding back to him. "Intimidating... yeah. Aye. That's one way to put it," Bishop muttered. "She was one of the best damned soldiers I'd ever met. But she was also... different back then. War... it changes you, you know? Leaves its mark in ways you can't imagine."

I leaned forward, intrigued by Bishop's words. I wanted to know more about Doberman, about the woman that was becoming a living puzzle for me. About Bishop and what made him the man before me today.

Before I could ask another question, Bishop suddenly sucked in a deep breath, and his voice boomed throughout the room, causing me to startle in my seat. "Emily, love! Food's ready! Get your little tush over here before it gets cold!"

I heard a brief scampering noise from the hallway, followed by small footsteps approaching the dining room. I turned to see a young girl peeking from behind the doorway. Her messy, unkempt hair had been cleaned up and brushed into soft curls, framing her cherubic face. She had bright, inquisitive eyes that mirrored her father's and a mischievous smile that broke free when she spotted the table laden with food.

"H-hi again," she said shyly, giving me a small wave.

"Hey, Emily," I greeted her with a smile. "Ready for lunch?"

Emily nodded eagerly with a giggle and sat opposite me at the small table. The food Bishop had prepared filled the air with mouthwatering aromas, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. Bishop served up the food, placing hearty portions on each of our plates.

The meal was hearty, filled with the kind of comfortable chatter that made the small apartment feel like home. Bishop's cooking was nothing short of amazing, each dish bursting with foreign and comforting flavors to my palette. Emily's innocent and energetic personality brought warmth to the room, which seemed to lift some of the heaviness in Bishop's eyes.

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The conversation eventually turned to lighter topics, with Emily excitedly sharing her experiences at school and her love for drawing. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she spoke, and it was clear she was the light of Bishop's life. He listened to her with a soft, affectionate smile, his tough exterior melting away in the presence of his daughter.

The way Emily talked about her drawings, her eyes lighting up, reminded me of my own sister when she was about that age. Izumi had the same kind of innocent excitement about the things she loved. Listening to Emily, I couldn't help but miss my family. Moments like these made me realize how much they meant to me, even if I was a world away.

Still though…

Bishop was a great listener, nodding and chuckling at Emily's stories. It was nice to see this side of him, not just the tough, grizzled man I met earlier, but a caring father who loved his daughter more than anything. It made me think about my own dad, how he had been since mom passed away, and how we were trying to find our way without her.

After eating, Bishop leaned back in his chair, looking more relaxed than I'd seen him before. "So, my boy. Fancy another game of chess?" he asked, a playful challenge in his tone.

"Sure, I'm up for it!" I replied, excited for the challenge. My first chess game with Bishop really felt like a mental workout, stretching my strategic thinking and pushing me to my limits. I was determined to improve and eventually give him a good run for his money.

We cleared the table and set up the chessboard. Emily watched with interest, her eyes following every move we made.

Bishop was a scarily strategic player, always thinking a few moves ahead. I tried my best to keep up, to anticipate his set-ups. He didn't go easy on me, and I appreciated that. He pushed me to think critically and challenged me to improve my game. The pieces danced across the board, each move calculated and deliberate on our parts. A sense of competition filled the room, but it was a friendly competition that brought us closer together.

"Mate in 6..." I finally whispered dejectedly as I stared at the chessboard, trying to find a way out of the impending checkmate. Bishop's sly grin told me that victory was within his grasp.

"Not so fast, lad," Bishop chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Always look for the unexpected."

I furrowed my brow as I looked down at the board. I was half-tempted to use Rai-Chan for an Analysis, but that felt like cheating, and I wanted to win this on my own merit.

So, I focused on seeing the board from a new perspective.

"It's quite fascinating how you use your Queen, boy. You use her to set up traps and protect your other pieces, but you're hesitant to take risks with her," Bishop observed, his eyes twinkling with insight.

I glanced at the Queen, positioned safely between my other pieces. It was true; I had been wary of using my Queen too aggressively, fearing that I might expose her to unnecessary risks. Bishop had punished me in our last game, and the lesson had been painful.

"I... I don't know," I admitted. "I guess I just want to play it safe. I know she's one of the strongest pieces on the board."

"Sometimes playing it safe is a mistake, boy," Bishop said, a hint of a smile on his face. "Sometimes, in chess... as in life, you have to take risks. You have to be willing to sacrifice even your most valuable piece for a greater strategy."

His words did strike a chord with me. I had been playing it safe, trying to take control of the center while using my more important pieces for support. Bishop's strategy, on the other hand, was more dynamic. He wasn't afraid to lose his Queen or his Rooks if it meant gaining a better position.

I looked at the board again, a new plan forming. "You're right," I said, nodding. I moved my Queen, putting her in a position that would cause it to be penned in within three turns but opened up a new line of attack.

Bishop raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Ah, now you're playing a real game!"

The game continued, the tension rising with each move. I could see Bishop analyzing my strategy with a massive smile. But this time, I was less predictable. I was taking risks, making bolder moves that I wouldn't have considered before. The pressure I'd opened up with by opening the other side of the board had allowed me to maneuver my Queen out of danger.

As we reached the endgame, the intensity of our match only grew. Bishop's experience and tactical acumen were evident, but I was holding my own, adapting to each new challenge he presented. It was exhilarating, feeling my mind stretch and adapt to each new scenario.

Yet, as the game progressed, I realized that my new aggressive strategy had its drawbacks.

Unfortunately, in my eagerness to use the Queen more effectively, I had left my flanks vulnerable. Bishop took advantage of this, forcing my bishop, king, and a knight away by sacrificing his queen and capturing three of my five remaining pawns and a knight one by one. My focus on the Queen had cost me the balance of my defense.

As much as I tried to turn the game around, Bishop had built momentum already. He maneuvered his pieces with such expertise that I was cornered despite my best efforts. With a few final, decisive moves, Bishop put me in checkmate.

I leaned back, feeling both defeated and exhilarated. "Good game," I said, shaking his hand.

Bishop chuckled while taking it, a look of satisfaction on his face. "You played well this time, lad. Just remember, though. We focus so much on protecting what we think is most important, we sometimes forget the bigger picture. And when we tunnel vision, we drop the ball entirely. Lord knows you reminded me of that today."

"I guess I have a lot to learn," I admitted.

"You're getting there," Bishop assured me, a warm smile on his face.

His words lingered in my mind as I helped him clear the chessboard. Emily had watched the entire game with fascination, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Chess is like dancing, isn't it?" Emily remarked innocently.

Bishop chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "That's right, pumpkin. Life's a bit like that too."

I looked to the side as the sun descended, casting a warm afternoon golden glow across the room. With a respectful nod, Bishop and I gathered the fallen chess pieces and returned them to their designated spots in the intricately carved wooden box. Dust particles danced in the rays of sunlight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as they floated through the air.

As we finished tidying up, Bishop glanced at his watch and sighed. "I suppose it's time for me to head out," he said reluctantly. "Got some business to attend to tonight. The foreman wasn't happy about me clocking out like that, but family comes first."

I nodded, understanding the tightrope he walked between work and family. "It was really great of you to have me over, Bishop. And the food was amazing," I said, genuinely grateful for the hospitality and the insight into his world.

Bishop's eyes softened. "It was my pleasure, lad. You helped my Emily, and that's not something I take lightly. You're always welcome here." He stood up, towering over me with his solid, imposing frame. "Take care of yourself."

"I will, Bishop. Thanks for everything today," I replied sincerely.

Emily ran up to me, her small arms wrapping around my waist in a quick hug. "Bye-bye, Ikki!" she chirped, her voice filled with energy.

"Bye, Emily. Take care of yourself and your dad, okay?" I smiled, ruffling her hair gently.

I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. The day with Bishop and Emily had been an eye-opener. It showed me a different side of life in Greenhaven, one filled with struggles but also with love and resilience.

The cool late afternoon air brushed against my face, and I took a deep breath. The city's sounds enveloped me — distant laughter, car horns, and the faint melody of street music.

I thought about my family back on Earth, my little sister Izumi and my dad. I missed them more than ever but knew I had to stay strong and forge ahead. I was responsible for making the most of my time here on Terra and ensuring a better future for us.

I reached my apartment building, the increasingly familiar sight of the old, worn structure somehow comforting. I had a lot to think about and process from everything that'd happened, but for now, I was content just to be here, in this moment.

I unlocked my door and stepped inside, feeling a sense of peace. It was good to be home — I had survived another day in this strange, new world and was ready for whatever tomorrow would bring.

Closing the door behind me, I leaned against it, taking a deep breath. The day had been long and exhausting, filled with highs and lows, and yet, I couldn't help but feel thankful for the people I'd encountered along the way. It reminded me of the importance of connections, no matter how small or brief.

The room was dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the noise and bustle of the city. I walked over to the window, gazing out at the twilight skyline.

I felt a tug at my navel, and Rai-chan's hologram projection materialized next to me. Her translucent body glowed in the darkness of the room. Her eyes fixed on the city outside, a thoughtful expression on her face.

I sighed, feeling the weight of the day settling on me. "What a day, Rai-chan," I muttered.

Rai-chan looked at me, a hint of mirth in her glowing orange eyes. "At least it was a quieter one compared to yesterday, Ikki," she quipped, her voice laced with a digital twinkle.

I laughed softly, nodding. "Yeah, I suppose you're right there. No kidnappers, no terrorists, and I didn't get nearly killed."

She chuckled, her holographic body shimmering with amusement. "See? Things are looking up already," she joked.

"True, but it was still eventful. I learned more about Bishop and Doberman. Do you have anything on her yet, by the way?"

Rai-chan shook her head. "Not much beyond her being a veteran. The files are classified, even for me."

I frowned. "Well, she seems to be the same person as Morgan, but she didn't seem to recognize me at Greene's Groceries today."

"It's strange, I agree."

I shrugged, not knowing the answer either.

I moved away from the window and sat down on the edge of my bed. It was still relatively early in the evening, but my mind and body were tired from everything that happened.

Rai-Chan, ever perceptive, noticed my fatigue. "Perhaps you should get some rest, Ikki," she suggested gently.

"Yeah, I should," I agreed, lying down and staring at the ceiling. "I'm not exactly sleepy yet, but..."

I trailed off, lost in thought. I didn't know what to do with the rest of my night. I was exhausted, but sleep was still out of reach.

"Ikki," Rai-Chan interjected, her voice soft but firm. "I've been monitoring your stress levels. They've been quite high since you arrived. It might be beneficial to engage in a relaxing activity."

"Relaxing activity, huh?" I echoed, pondering. "Any ideas?"

She nodded. "You could listen to some soothing music or try meditation. I could also suggest some yoga poses, if you prefer a more active approach."

As I considered her options, a thought popped into my mind. It had been a while since I'd really indulged in one of my hobbies — something I enjoyed just for the sake of it, rather than as a means to an end. I hadn't had the time or space to do that since arriving on Terra.

I reached underneath my bed, drawing my sketchbook and a pack of drawing supplies that had cost me a small fortune on the open market.

"What's this?" Rai-Chan asked curiously as I settled back onto my bed.

"Just a little something I enjoy doing," I explained, flipping the book open to a clean, fresh page.

"Drawing, huh?" she mused. "That's a pleasant hobby."

"Thanks," I said, smiling softly. I uncapped one of my drawing pens and began tracing lines on the page.

"Violet Tempest, huh?" I murmured as I sketched, thinking of the girls who had saved me yesterday.

The memory of the purple-clad girl's swift movements, the determination in her eyes, and the strength of her resolve played through my mind as I slowly brought her likeness to life on paper.

I began to hum absent-mindedly, recalling my encounter with the two Magical Girls. As I worked, I allowed myself to be transported back to a time when things were simpler, to a world where danger and strife seemed so far away. I found comfort in the familiar melody and the soft scratch of pen against paper, my fingers deftly bringing my imagination to life on the page.

"What's that you're humming?" Rai-Chan inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

"It's a song my mom used to sing to me when I was little," I explained. "It was an old Japanese folk melody, one she always said reminded her of home."

"Lullaby?" Rai-Chan prodded. "It sounds quite calming."

"It was," I confirmed. "She would sing it to me when I had trouble sleeping, or when I was upset or worried. It always made me feel better. And then I'd sing it to Izumi when I was a little kid."

"Your mother must have been a wonderful person," Rai-Chan remarked.

I paused for a moment, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over me. "She was," I agreed, a sad smile on my lips. "I really wish she was still with us. I miss her every day."

Rai-Chan moved closer to me, the glow from her holographic body casting a soft light around the room. She watched me draw for a while in silence, and I found comfort in her quiet companionship. Eventually, the drawing began to take shape — the figure of Violet Tempest emerging from the page with the trails of lightning I saw from her.

"Are you going to show her when you next see her?" Rai-Chan asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

I laughed softly. "Nah, that'd be weird. It's not that good anyway."

"It looks beautiful to me," she countered, a smile on her digital face. "Art isn't just about the technical aspects. It's also about the feeling it conveys. I think yours conveys a lot."

"Thanks, Rai-chan. But I'll stick to just admiring her from afar. It's enough for me to just be a fan and support her from the shadows."

"If that's what makes you happy, Ikki."

I chuckled. "And what's art to an AI like you, huh? Don't tell me you're secretly a romantic at heart, Rai-chan."

"I'm full of surprises," she teased.

She was seriously becoming more lifelike every day; it was eerie. Still, it was nice to have someone to banter with.

"Does the lullaby have lyrics?" Rai-Chan asked, shifting back to our previous topic. "If it's not too personal, that is."

"It does, actually," I responded, smiling fondly. "It's one of the oldest lullabies from her culture."

"Could you sing it for me?" she asked softly.

I felt a twinge of nervousness at the request, but her sincere interest outweighed my hesitance. "Sure, I guess," I conceded. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I tried to remember the exact words.

My voice was slightly hesitant, my memory fuzzy at the edges, but I sang, my mother's voice echoing in the back of my mind.

"Nen...nen korori yo, Okorori yo..." I started, the gentle melody filling the quiet room.

As I continued singing, I felt the weight of the day melting away. The melody brought a sense of calm, a balm to my frayed nerves.

"Boya wa yoi ko da, Nenne Shina..."

Rai-chan floated around the room, her eyes closed as if she, too, was caught up in the song. I found myself wondering if she could really appreciate the beauty of the lullaby or if it was merely a simulation. Perhaps it didn't matter.

When the last note faded away, we sat in silence for a while, each lost in thought.

"Thank you for sharing that with me, Ikki," Rai-chan finally spoke. "It's a beautiful song."

I smiled at her. "You're welcome. I think mom would be happy knowing it still brings joy to others. Even if it's just me and you here."

I yawned, stretching. The events of the day had caught up with me, and the exhaustion I had felt earlier returned. Rai-chan noticed the change and looked at me.

"Your vitals suggest that you're ready to sleep, Ikki," she observed. "I believe it's a good idea to rest."

I nodded in agreement, setting my drawing materials aside before heading for the bathroom.

"Goodnight, Rai-chan," I said, stifling another yawn. I stepped into the bathroom, the door closing behind me.

After I'd showered, brushed my teeth, and slipped into a fresh pair of boxers, I made my way back into my room.

Rai-chan's hologram flickered to life once more as I entered the room, her translucent body floating nearby. I flopped onto the bed, the soft mattress embracing my tired body.

"Goodnight, Ikki..." Rai-chan's voice faded, her hologram flickering out.

"Sweet dreams, Rai-chan," I whispered, closing my eyes as I settled in. "Thanks for being there for me today..."

The darkness embraced me, wrapping me in its gentle caress.

Sleep claimed me quickly, pulling me under, away from the thoughts and worries of the day.

My last thought was a faint, distant whisper of my mom's voice singing the lullaby once again. Then, everything went quiet, and I was lost in the world of dreams.