NOVEL NEXT Interlude 2: New Beginnings
The door to the entrance hall opened with a soft creak, revealing a grand room bathed in a bright, ethereal glow. Polaris took a hesitant step forward, her anxieties and worries still lingering in her mind as she adjusted the freshly pinned badge on her chest.
She stepped out of the waiting room, her cape trailing behind her like a wave of shooting stars. The building where the Assembly Ceremony was being held was a marvel of architecture. It was a colossal underground complex, nestled in the heart of the hidden island, with several identification checks to ward off the uninitiated.
Polaris lifted her gaze to admire the magnificent fresco above her. The intricate painting was breathtaking. The original piece, by her judgment, that captured the rich history of Magical Girls on Terra. The fresco spanned the entire length of the grand hall, reaching up to the high vaulted ceilings.
She recognized several of the figures portrayed, each a hero of the past. Each companion was carefully crafted based on historical accounts, their features so lifelike that it seemed they could step out of the artwork and into reality.
These were the 108 Companions. The heroes of the First Chaos War. 102 Magical Girls, and six young men.
Though she had only read about them in her studies, seeing their images come to life in front of her was a completely different experience. The heroes portrayed varied in appearance and abilities, each with their unique tale and contribution to the war. They had come together from all corners of the world to form a united front against the First Imperatore.
They had triumphed, but at a great cost. Less than ten of the 108 had survived the final battle.
At the edge of the fresco stood the academy's namesake —St. Antonia herself. Her radiant presence drew all eyes to her. She was depicted in the midst of battle, her long blonde hair flowing behind her and her piercing blue eyes shining with determination and power. Clad in her distinctive nun habit and wielding the massive crucifix-like weapon, St. Antonia had a commanding aura about her that left Polaris in awe.
Polaris strolled through the grand hall, her gaze fixated on the last figure in the fresco at the. It was a woman holding a spear with long black hair cascading down her back, dressed in lamellar armor adorned with Taoist symbols. Her expression exuded compassion and unshakable resolve. She was, of course, the Transcendent Empyrean. The First Magical Girl.
Shaking her head, doubt crept in her mind. These heroes were larger than life. She didn't belong among their ranks.
As Polaris continued through the hall, she couldn't help but wonder if she had what it took to follow in their footsteps. She didn't know how she could possibly compare to such legendary figures. She was still so inexperienced, her abilities still developing. Could she ever hope to live up to their legacy? These thoughts weighed heavily on her as she made her way toward the crowds.
Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the hum of murmured conversations, and light footfalls echoed throughout the space. Here, Magical Girls of all backgrounds had congregated, each standing out with their unique style and energy. Some wore elegant dresses with intricate designs; others sported sleek, advanced armor that glimmered with magitech. Some laughed and chatted animatedly, while others sat quietly, preparing for the impending ceremony. The floor was lined with booths showcasing the newest advancements in technology and enhancements for Magical Girls. Polaris wandered among them, her eyes taking in all the displays with curiosity and wonder.
In the center of the hall, a large, circular stage was set up, surrounded by rows of folding chairs for the informal commencement speeches from guest speakers later. Above the stage, a massive holographic display showed the faces of various magical girls, their names and titles floating beside their images. Polaris could count at least a hundred faces on the screen, each representing a Magical Girl registered with the Hammurabi Nexus. Her face and her Magical Girl moniker, Polaris, would have also appeared in the feed at random.
Polaris navigated through the crowd, her eyes scanning the room for friendly faces. The gathering was a melting pot of diversity Polaris had never seen before, with girls hailing from various backgrounds. It was customary for those who'd awakened to their powers early to experience schooling in at least two locales. There was an air of camaraderie and shared purpose among the girls, even those from distant lands. Many of the attendees had come to see old friends from the other side of the world and were engaged in animated conversations, catching up on the events since they'd last met.
It was a heartwarming sight, witnessing the connections formed and bonds strengthened by shared experiences and struggles.
Connections that Polaris lacked, as a late bloomer.
Despite the festive atmosphere, there was a palpable tension that hung in the air. Polaris noticed a group of girls huddled together, their voices hushed as they exchanged worried glances.
Sweeping her eyes across the crowds, Polaris noted the clusters of girls huddled around maps of the city and surrounding areas. She could hear them discussing strategies to repair the damage caused by the recent Magnitude 6 event, and how to best protect the citizens. It was an unfortunate fact of life that chaos beasts would sometimes break off from the hordes in the large Chaos Events. These creatures would cause devastation in smaller towns and settlements in the region.
As she looked around at the confident expressions and higher-ranked identification badges worn by some of the other Magical Girls, Polaris couldn't help but feel intimidated and slightly inadequate. Being classified as a C-Rank Magical Girl under Babylon's classification system meant that she was average in power and experience compared to others here, which sparked a twinge of insecurity within her.
Like her, most Magical Girls took on the duty of protecting small rural communities from Aberrations and everyday petty crimes. However, some gained recognition in big cities for successfully surviving Magnitude 6 and 7 events, and saving countless lives.
She'd gone to boarding schools practically owned by the conglomerate her family ran, and her training as a Magical Girl had often taken a backseat to her obligations as an heiress. She couldn't help but wonder if her lack of experience would hinder her ability to make a real difference. Polaris couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy towards the ones who seemed to have it all figured out here.
Among the crowd, Polaris spotted a group of Magical Girls sporting D-Rank and C-Rank badges huddled together near a large holographic city map. They were engaged in a lively discussion, their voices filled with confidence and determination. With her curiosity piqued, Polaris approached them, eager to join the conversation and maybe network a bit. After all, she'd only recently arrived in the city and hadn't had the chance to connect with the local Magical Girls yet.
"Hello," Polaris spoke up, her voice filled with curiosity and respect. "Pray forgive my intrusion, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Would you mind if I joined you here?"
A small girl around Polaris's age with pale, delicate skin, pink hair, and matching eyes caught Polaris's attention as she turned toward them. She was dressed in a pink and white angel costume, her smile beaming with excitement. Polaris couldn't help but flinch at the sudden enthusiasm. "O-of course! The m-more, the merrier," she said, her voice filled with stuttering excitement. "I'm Magical Girl Heart Majesty P-pink! I-it's great to meet you! Friends c-call me HMP. Or MP. Or Maggie."
Polaris smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "I am known as Polaris," she introduced herself, her voice gaining confidence. "I am afraid I am quite inexperienced in both the city and the occupation alike."
Next, a statuesque girl with Nahuatl features, cascading aquamarine locks accessorized with seashells, and an ethereal robe caught her attention. "Well, you've come to the right place I tell you," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Ocean's Whisper, Magical Girl and Scourge of the Tides."
Polaris let out a breath she didn't know she was holding as she found herself surrounded by friendly faces. These Magical Girls seemed genuine and welcoming, and Polaris couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
Heart Majesty Pink turned, pointing to various red hotspots marked on the display. "T-these are the areas on the edges of the, er, city where A-aberration surges have been reported lately," she explained.
"We've been tracking their m-movements and t-trying to come up with a plan to eliminate them. Flameburst A-aria here thinks there's an Ayakashi nest building up in the abandoned factory near the South River."
At Heart Majesty Pink's gesture, another girl stepped forward to greet Polaris. She was a short, fiery-haired Magical Girl with a tablet, a short, straight orange and red ponytail, and spectacles.
Flameburst Aria looked like she was about thirteen years old, with East Asian features. Her eyes were a fiery orange and yellow that glowed with the same energy as her hair.
"Yes, I've been quite thorough monitoring the energy fluctuations in that area for the past week," she said, adjusting her glasses. "The Ayakashi pack there has been steadily increasing, and if left unchecked, it could pose a serious threat. It would be best to have a crowd of us D-ranks and C-ranks join up to take them down without bothering the veterans."
Polaris nodded, her excitement growing. She had hoped for this when she joined the Assembly Ceremony. Working alongside experienced Magical Girls and contributing to the city's safety while she studied and trained here was a dream come true.
"I would like to offer my assistance in this endeavor," Polaris spoke, leaning into her formal and aristocratic tone. "Though I may be inexperienced, I am committed to honing my skills and proving myself worthy of the title of Magical Girl. I attended a boarding school in the Massachusetts Territory, so my domain was in the Fields. However, I look forward to learning from you."
"Sheesh. That was a mouthful from ya, sweetheart. Don' worry 'bout impressin' us with fancy words," a husky voice drawled from her side. Polaris turned to see an older girl with long, flowing red hair lined with blooming flowers and vibrant green eyes approaching her with a warm smile. "Howdy there, name's Floral Dawn Fresia. I reckon it's mighty fine to have ya joinin' us, Polaris. We could sure use an extra set of hands 'round here."
Floral Dawn Fresia radiated with confidence and a touch of mischief. Polaris couldn't help but be drawn to her vibrant energy. Her attire was a breathtaking sight to behold. She wore a gown adorned with intricate floral patterns, the fabric shimmering with an ethereal glow. Delicate blossoms seemed to dance along the hemline as if they were alive, their petals swaying in an imaginary breeze.
"Nice to meet you, Floral Dawn Fresia," Polaris replied shyly. "I am happy to be of service."
Floral Dawn Fresia leaned closer, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Oh, it'll definitely be a whole lot more than service, darlin," she whispered playfully. "But don't worry none about it. We'll have ourselves some good ol' fun too. Please just call me Fresia, sugar. Ain't no need for all them fancy preenin' and bowin'."
Polaris blushed, feeling overwhelmed by the attention from the group of Magical Girls. Formality had been a part of her life for so long, and now, being around these girls who were so free-spirited and open, she couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. She admired how effortlessly the other girls interacted with one another, their camaraderie shining through their words and body language.
Ocean Whisper noticed Polaris' discomfort and touched her shoulder reassuringly. "Hey, don't worry about fitting in right away," she said kindly. "We all come from different backgrounds. What matters is that we're all here to protect this city and grow together. You'll find your place — That's what this little mixer and ceremony is for after all."
She paused, blinking as she touched her chin. "And hey! Why don't we add each other on the Nexus and we can link up. I'll make sure you're roped in on the big group chat we're putting together. The more girls we have on our side, the easier it'll be to track 'em down and clean them out."
Polaris nodded, grateful for Ocean's suggestion. She took out her assigned Nexus device and quickly added Ocean as a contact. Then, her device blinked as she was added to a local group chat called Mahou News Net Meetup: Shoreline City with over eighty active members.
She blinked, scrolling through the Nexus interface. She couldn't help but notice how connected and organized the Magical Girl community was. The group chat was buzzing with activity and filled with casual conversation.
With anticipation bubbling, Polaris entered her name into the group chat and introduced herself. Almost immediately, the chat exploded with welcoming messages, emojis, and exclamations of excitement.
It was overwhelming, to say the least.
She breathed deeply, closed her phone, and took a moment to collect herself as she smiled nervously at Ocean's Whisper. The Amazonian girl offered Polaris a warm, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Polaris. We'll help you navigate through all this. It's normal."
"WOAHHH! Look at that! Sheesh! I never get tired of these events."
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Polaris' thoughts were suddenly interrupted as a vivid, loud, colorful figure burst into the grand hall. She turned to see a vibrant and bubbly Magical Girl with long purple hair tied up in a braid and eyes that seemed to brim with storm clouds, her hand firmly clasped around a petite figure trailing behind her.
The newcomer's attire was an eclectic mix of black, purple, and electric hues, adorned with frills and ruffles that danced with her every movement.
It was a distinct style Polaris recognized that had caught on from Earth in recent years.
Her cape flowed dynamically and resembled purple storm clouds in perpetual motion, adding a dramatic flair to her already striking appearance. Her movements were animated, almost theatrical, and her eyes sparkled with wonder. She exuded a scatterbrained but endearing aura.
"Wow! So many this year! What a turnout!" exclaimed the girl with the stormy eyes and effervescent energy.
Polaris couldn't help but be intrigued by this newcomer and her stark contrast to the serious, tiny girl beside her.
Her companion's short, golden locks fell down her neck, contrasting her serious and almost scowling expression. The Magical Girl gave off a practical vibe with her outfit - a mix of light yellow, gold, and black. Instead of the traditional frilly dresses and robes most Magical Girls favored, she wore a miniskirt paired with combat boots.
A black beret with a golden viper emblem sat upon her head, and her jacket was a sleek, poncho-like mantled cloth with black and yellow accents that accentuated her petite and slender figure. It seemed more suited for guerrilla warfare than a classic Magical Girl outfit, with multiple pockets and holsters containing various tools and weapons. She seemed to be in a constant state of readiness, her eyes scanning the room even as the storm-themed girl dragged her along.
Polaris couldn't help but be captivated by the arrival of the dynamic duo. She leaned in closer to Ocean Whisper, her curiosity piqued. "Do you know who that is?" she whispered, her eyes fixed on the vibrant girl with stormy eyes and effervescent energy.
Ocean followed Polaris' gaze and grinned. "B-Rank, borderline A-Rank Magical Girl Violet Tempest. She's got a hell of a Signature Motif and personality to match. She always brings a literal storm of artistry wherever she goes, quite literally. And the one walking beside her is... well, that's Hana of the Dawn. One of the youngest A-Rank Magical Girls to date. I'm not one to pay much stock in rumors, but let's say a lot of the girls who came in from the training programs in Z.L City are terrified of her. They are likely two of the strongest girls in our cohort," Ocean Whisper whispered, a hint of admiration in her voice.
"Woaahh, what do we have here? Are you all discussing how to deal with the Aberrations and Chaos Events in the area? How cool! Can we join you? Ugh! There are so many of you. Gosh. Okay. Let's see..."
The other Magical Girl, the petite and serious-looking one, sighed heavily, as if she had heard that same line over a million times. Then, she yelped in surprise as the stormy-eyed Magical Girl suddenly pulled her in for a hug. The petite blonde squirmed as Violet Tempest began to bounce in place.
"Oh. Oh! Hey, you guys over there!" The storm-themed girl beamed at Polaris's group, waving frantically.
Hana tugged at Violet's sleeve, trying to hold her back, but Violet seemed to pay her no mind.
With a flourish, Violet Tempest took to the air as her companion quickly latched onto her arm, clinging on for dear life. Polaris watched in awe as Violet Tempest twirled and spun through the air, creating colorful streaks of lightning and gusts of wind that followed her flourish. The wind whipped around them, creating a whirlwind of palpable energy and excitement as they appeared in front of the group in a flash.
Polaris heard the petite blonde let out a small sigh as the storm-themed Magical Girl landed gracefully in front of Polaris, a mischievous grin playing on her lips as she steadied Hana and let go of her.
"Hey there, everyone! I'm Violest Tempest, and this grumpy gal beside me is Hana of the Dawn," she said, nudging her companion playfully. "She's a bit shy, but totally awesome! It's her first time going to one of these."
Hana of the Dawn gave a curt nod, her lips tightly pursed and her eyes flickering around the room as if searching for a way out. Her face showed signs of frustration, though she was trying to conceal it. Polaris couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl, knowing how daunting and unfamiliar this setting must be for her.
At least Polaris was here alone without an overly energetic girl dragging her along. The girl reminded Polaris of a very close friend she had from childhood, and the thought of it made her smile a bit.
Polaris exchanged a glance with the other girls, noting the mixture of awe and unease in their expressions. Violet Tempest's presence was like a whirlwind, disrupting the steady atmosphere with her vibrant energy.
Heart Majesty Pink hesitated momentarily, then quickly recovered her poise, pointing to the map with renewed vigor.
"W-we're discussing the recent surge in A-aberration activity near the South River. We think there might be an Ayakashi nest there, so we're planning to team up to take it down," she explained.
Violet's eyes lit up. "That sounds like a blast! Oh man, you've really been making strides haven't you Maggie? C-Rank already? Have you been working on your Lumina exercises? Man, oh man, that was quick!"
Maggie blushed slightly, and a mix of pride and bashfulness crossed her face as she shrank and made herself smaller. "Y-yes, I've been practicing a lot. It's been... challenging, but I'm getting there," she stammered while twiddling her fingers, clearly pleased by the acknowledgment from Violet Tempest.
Violet nodded enthusiastically, her eyes scanning the map. "That's fantastic! It's important to always keep pushing ourselves, right? Anyway, I'd like you all to meet Hana here and give her a warm welcome."
Violet Tempest's tone was gentle and encouraging, but Hana just shrugged, avoiding eye contact.
As Violet Tempest drew attention to Hana, Polaris suddenly felt the temperature in the room drop by several degrees. Polaris swore she saw a flash of fury cross Flameburst Aria's face. Ocean's Whisper was the only girl other than herself who didn't immediately change the moment Violet gestured to Hana.
Flameburst Aria clenched her jaw, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at Hana, then looked away as Hana looked back at her out of the corner of her eye.
Heart Majesty Pink, on the other hand, quickly turned away to avoid Hana's piercing side-eye. The sudden tension in the room was thick, almost tangible, and Polaris felt the air crackle with unseen energy.
Hana of the Dawn's presence seemed to cast a shadow over the group, and Polaris noticed the subtle shifts in body language among the other Magical Girls. Some edged away while others whispered among themselves, casting furtive glances in Hana's direction.
Violet, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents of tension, continued with her bubbly enthusiasm. "Come on, Hana, don't be shy! These girls are super cool, and I bet you'll get along great!" She beamed, her energy undiminished by the chill in the air.
Hana remained silent, her golden locks partially obscuring her face. Her posture was stiff, and her hands clenched at her sides. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes that Polaris couldn't help but notice.
It was a familiar scene to Polaris. She'd never quite been the Queen Bee in the private boarding schools she'd been at, but she was quite close. She was used to being the center of attention, commanding respect and admiration from her peers. Polaris had mastered the art of diplomacy and socializing, effortlessly navigating the complex viper nest of popularity.
All too many times, she had been the one to shun and isolate those who didn't fit the mold or challenged her position. The girls who were obsessed with horses. The ones who were too quiet or didn't conform to the cookie-cutter image of perfection. She had seen the pain and loneliness in their eyes, but she had never chosen to intervene or stand up for them. It was easier to look the other way and maintain her own standing.
Polaris bit her lips, hesitating for a second before she stepped forward and extended a hand towards Hana. "Hi, Hana. I'm Polaris. It's nice to meet you," she said with a warm smile, hoping to break through the icy barrier that seemed to surround Hana.
Hana hesitated momentarily, her eyes flickering between Polaris's outstretched hand and her face. Slowly, she raised her hand and shook Polaris's. "Nice to meet you… too," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability.
Polaris felt a pang of empathy as she saw the vulnerability in Hana's eyes. It was clear that she carried a burden, one that weighed heavily on her shoulders. A part of Polaris wanted to reach out, to offer help and support, but she knew better than to push too far, too soon. Instead, she squeezed Hana's hand gently, offering a reassuring smile.
"It's a pleasure even, Hana," Polaris replied warmly.
Hana's grip on Polaris' hand tightened slightly before loosening again. Polaris couldn't help but wonder what had caused that initial fury in Majesty Heart Pink and Flameburst Aria's eyes when they saw Hana approaching. There was clearly some history here that Polaris wasn't privy to yet. But she was determined to find out. She had always been curious by nature, and this encounter only fueled her curiosity further.
Polaris's gesture seemed to ease some of the tension in the room, and Violet beamed at the interaction. "See? Told you they're nice! We're all in this together, after all," she chirped, her gaze flitting between Polaris and Hana.
The mood in the group slowly shifted, the earlier unease replaced by a tentative acceptance of Hana's presence.
As if sensing the change in atmosphere, Ocean's Whisper floated gracefully as she stepped towards Hana, her blue hair shimmering in the room's soft light.
"Hana of the Dawn, it warms my heart to have you here with us," she said, her words filled with a gentle sincerity that demanded attention. "I'm... not going to mince words. Many folks in the community still bear a grudge because of the Zhou Ling City Incident. Still, I believe that most people deserve a second chance. We are all here to protect and serve. We may have different methods and different pasts, but we Awakened all the same, at the end of the day."
She turned around, "How about it, everyone? Shall we give Hana a chance to show us who she really is?"
The group fell into a hushed silence as the other Magical Girls took in Ocean's Whisper's words.
Polaris glanced around, catching glimpses of contemplation and uncertainty on their faces. What kind of incident had Hana been involved in? Polaris wondered, her curiosity intensifying. Hana seemed earnest enough, and people never became Magical Girls without at least a modicum of noble intent. Even Polaris, for all her vanity and selfishness, did risk her life to protect Bluestone of her own volition.
It was clear that Ocean's Whisper's request had struck a chord within them, stirring up a mix of emotions. The atmosphere in the room was heavy with anticipation as each Magical Girl weighed their own thoughts and judgments. Polaris could feel the tension building, a pivotal moment hanging in the air.
Finally, Heart Majesty Pink stepped forward, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and determination.
"I... I'm sorry, Hana," she stammered, avoiding direct eye contact. "But I... just... let's start over and work t-together this time."
Hana's expression softened, and she nodded in acknowledgment. But Flameburst Aria just looked away, scowling.
Violet Tempest beamed, and Polaris did a double-take as she made a 'squee' noise.
"Well! I'll leave you to it for a minute. Be right back!" Violet exclaimed, her eyes glowing with excitement.
She rushed out of the room, eliciting yelps of surprise on the floor as she transformed into a spinning blur of purple and blue, leaving Polaris and Hana to exchange curious glances.
"Is she always like that?" Polaris asked in surprise.
Hana chuckled softly, twirling her hair. "Yes, she is quite the literal whirlwind." she replied, her voice filled with fondness. "But beneath all that energy, she is a genuinely caring and supportive friend."
Polaris nodded before she made a snap decision. "Hey Hana, let's add each other on our Nexus devices. It's always good to have more connections in this field, right?" Polaris offered with a gentle smile, holding out her Nexus.
Hana looked at the device in Polaris's hand with a mixture of hesitation and curiosity before her eyes lit up in realization.
Her fingers fumbled slightly as she reached into a pouch and took out her Nexus phone.
The Nexus device trembled in Hana's trembling hands as she gazed at it with awe and uncertainty. Seconds passed, and Hana fumbled through the screens of her Nexus device, her brows furrowing in concentration. She opened a "Connections" app, frowning as she scrolled up and then. Then, she backed out and opened one labeled "Network."
Soon, it was clear to Polaris that Hana was entirely lost.
Polaris watched her keenly, her curiosity piqued by Hana's lack of familiarity with the device. She hadn't missed that Hana was an A-Rank Magical Girl. Still, she seemed completely unfamiliar with the phone issued by Babylon. Although its sophistication had leaped forward dramatically with digital technology imported from Earth, older magitech-based variations had been a staple for all registered Magical Girls for the past forty years.
Hana scrolled through the menu hesitantly, her eyes darting across the screen, like she was searching for something she couldn't grasp.
Polaris watched as Hana's fingers hovered over the screen, tapping a few times before pulling back. It was clear that she was struggling to navigate the device. There was an awkwardness in her movements, a lack of certainty that seemed at odds with her otherwise confident demeanor.
"Need some help?" Polaris asked softly and quietly.
Hana glanced up, a brief flicker of embarrassment crossing her features before she nodded quietly.
Polaris stepped closer, leaning over Hana's shoulder to guide her through the Nexus device. It was like a typical Earth-based smartphone in many ways, but with intricate magitech functionalities that linked it to their civilian phones.
As Polaris navigated through the interface, she pointed out the key features: a secure messaging system, a portal for detecting ambient Chaos Energy, and an emergency beacon for rapid response during Chaos events.
Hana watched intently, her eyes following Polaris's movements with growing understanding. "It's... different," Hana admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Hana didn't have much need for... this kind of technology before."
Polaris glanced at Hana, noticing the slight tremble in her voice. "It's okay; technology can be overwhelming at times. But something like this is important, especially when coordinating in the field," she explained reassuringly. "Here, let me add you while you get the hang of it."
Hana nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Thank you, Polaris."
As Polaris entered her information into Hana's Nexus, she briefly glimpsed Hana's contact list. It was sparse, with only six blurred-out contacts, two marked with Magical Girl icons and the others with civilian identification. Before Polaris could ponder further, a notification flashed on Hana's screen—a message from someone named 'Sandwich Boy.' Hana quickly swiped it away, her cheeks coloring slightly.
Polaris respected Hana's privacy, holding her urge to comment and finishing the contact exchange. Then, she returned the Nexus, placing it gently in Hana's small hands. "There, now we're connected."
Hana nodded silently, and Polaris returned it with a smile.
Just then, Violet Tempest bounced back towards them, her eyes alight with excitement. "Heyyy. Are we all good here then? Hana! How about we check out the booths? They've got some cool new gear this year!"
Hana sighed in relief and met Violet Tempest's eyes, a hint of curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"Yes, that sounds pleasant," she said.
Polaris watched as Hana took a tentative step towards the booths, her posture slowly relaxing. Hana briefly looked back at Polaris, a grateful expression crossing her face before she disappeared into the crowd with Violet Tempest.
"Well done there, darlin'," Fresia cut in with a warm and drawling voice. "Helpin' out a Magical Girl of obvious ill repute. That's mighty kind of you, Polaris. And risky."
Polaris smiled at the redhead and nodded in response. "We're all in this together, right?" she replied, her voice laced with sincerity as she tried desperately not to think about her past actions. "I feel I'm in quite a similar situation to her. It'd be hypocritical of me not to."
Fresia chuckled and adjusted her hair, eyes scanning the bustling floor. "That we are, sugar. That we are. I ain't know nothing about this 'incident', but I sure do appreciate y'all helpin' out Hana. She's a good kid, just been dealt a bad hand in the Magical Girl game."
Suddenly, the intercom crackled to life, its announcement slicing through the chatter. "Ladies, please congregate around the center stage. The keynote speech will commence shortly."
The grand hall erupted in a cacophony of murmurs as girls from various backgrounds and costumes shuffled toward the stage, their eyes brimming with anticipation and excitement.
Fresia smiled, "That'd be my cue, ladies. See y'all on the flip side, yeah? Gonna grab us some good spots. C'mon Polaris, walk with me."
She turned to join the crowd, her long, flowing red hair trailing behind her like a fiery river.
Polaris's heart fluttered with a mix of curiosity, determination, and trepidation.
She didn't know what awaited her here or in her future. But she knew, without a doubt, that this was a chance to start afresh, to make a difference, and to forge bonds that would stand the test of time.
She only hoped she would not be found lacking.