NOVEL NEXT Interlude 2.5: New Beginnings Part 2
Polaris and Fresia took their seats amidst a sea of Magical Girls, each dressed in a dazzling array of costumes. There was an electric energy in the air as everyone eagerly awaited the start of the Assembly Ceremony.
As the crowd began to settle, a hush fell over the hall. All eyes turned towards the stage, where a figure stepped up to address the audience.
Her silver hair, long and lustrous, cascaded down her back and her dress shimmered like moonbeams. She held a staff with a white flame encased within a glass cube atop, casting a soft, ethereal glow. Her top and sleeves were long and flowing, tapering into fine points that seemed to dissolve into stardust. Around her waist was a belt of interwoven silver threads, each pulsating with a faint, magical light. Her boots, rising right below her knees, were adorned with tiny stars that twinkled as she moved.
The woman carried herself with an air of calm assurance, her movements graceful and measured as she took the center stage.
Polaris recognized the figure on the stage immediately. Seraphina, the legendary semi-retired S-Rank Magical Girl, rarely did much in public these days. It was a rare treat for the Magical Girls gathered here to catch a glimpse of the famous veteran in the flesh. Polaris could almost hear the excitement in the room rising, like a wave cresting towards its highest point.
She glanced around, seeing eyes filled with admiration and anticipation as Seraphina stepped up to the mic. The hushed whispers faded, and a palpable energy buzzed in the air. Seraphina was about to speak.
"Welcome, esteemed Magical Girls, to the annual Assembly Ceremony of Shoreline City," Seraphina began, her voice resonating through the grand hall. "We are honored to have you here tonight, as we commemorate the valiant efforts of those who have gone before us, and prepare ourselves for the battles that lay ahead."
The room fell silent, every Magical Girl hanging on to Seraphina's every word. "As many of you are aware, we recently faced a Magnitude 7 Chaos Event that tested the limits of our strength and resolve. We fought valiantly, but not without loss. Today, we honor those who fell, their sacrifices a reminder of the dangers we face and the responsibilities we bear."
Polaris felt a lump form in her throat as Seraphina spoke of the fallen. She glanced around and saw similar expressions of solemnity and respect on the faces of her fellow Magical Girls.
"But today is also a day of renewal and connection," Seraphina continued, her tone shifting to encouragement. "Each of you is a beacon of hope, a guardian of peace. Look around you; see the faces of your comrades, your allies. Today, we forge new bonds, strengthen old ones, and stand together, united in our purpose."
Seraphina's gaze swept across the room, her eyes shining with a fierce determination. "Let us use this assembly to network, to strategize, and to prepare. Some of you are students here at St. Antonia's Academy. Others, at Blackstone Intermediate and Feynman Tech uptown. Some, have declined the scholarships and are pursuing other interests or attending mundane institutions. Regardless of where you hail from, we respect this choice and hope you find yourself at peace with the path that has been set out for you."
Seraphina took a deep breath, her expression growing more somber. "Our battles against the Aberrations have become more perilous in recent years, but we must never forget why we fight. Our city, our world, our people, and our loved ones are what make all the difference. The challenges we face are ever-changing, but so are we. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, more capable. Let us stand united, for we are the guardians of this world, and we will not falter in our duty."
As Seraphina continued her speech, the mood in the room became solemn yet hopeful.
Polaris glanced around the room, her gaze falling upon Hana sitting on the other end of the assembly hall.
Their eyes met, and Hana flinched briefly before she offered Polaris a small, almost imperceptible smile. It was a subtle gesture, but it held a world of meaning for Polaris.
The older woman's voice took on a softer, more personal note. "I understand many of you are still finding your way, grappling with your identities both as young women and as Magical Girls. Remember, though. Your power comes from the desire to protect, from your conviction to be the light that drives back the darkness. Regardless of what triggered your awakening as a Magical Girl, remember what matters is your actions today and tomorrow."
Seraphina looked at each of the young Magical Girls, her gaze steady and reassuring. "As a collaborative effort between the host institutions in Shoreline City, we have organized advanced training programs — not only in combat and magic but in understanding and harnessing your unique abilities and identity. The world is a dangerous and often unforgiving place. We hope that this will provide a sanctuary of safety for those of you who need a home. Please take advantage of this opportunity. If we work together, support each other, and stay vigilant, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way."
A ripple of murmurs spread throughout the audience as the girls exchanged glances and nods of agreement.
Seraphina paused before continuing, "Some might not feel worthy of this calling, of this responsibility. But I implore you, my fellow Magical Girls, do not doubt yourselves. Each and every one of you has been chosen for a reason. Your presence here is no coincidence. You all have the potential to make a difference, to protect and bring hope to those who need it m—"
Just as Seraphina reached the crescendo of her inspiring speech, the grand doors at the back of the hall swung open with a flourish, halting her words mid-sentence. Every head turned in unison towards the unexpected interruption.
A lone magical girl walked in, gliding across the marble floor with confidence that demanded attention.
She had long, brilliant pink hair that cascaded down her waist in loose, bouncy waves, framing a cute face adorned with a sparkling tiara shaped like music notes that seemed to emit a melody of its own. The girl's outfit was a striking combination of frilly pink and baby blue lace and shimmering gold accents, giving her an ethereal and whimsical appearance.
Her dress, a spectacle of pink and blue ruffles, shimmered with each step she took, casting a storm of lights that danced across the walls. Golden musical notes twirled around her, creating a soft, soothing melody that filled the room, harmonizing with the stunned silence of the assembly. Her eyes were closed, and she gently brushed her pink hair out of her face. She opened her eyes, and her soft, porcelain skin and sparkling blue eyes seemed to glow with an otherworldly radiance.
"Hiii!~" she declared in a melodious voice.
Her presence was like a bright, uncontainable force, impossible to ignore. "Pardon me for the interruption!"
She curtsied theatrically, her dress flaring out in a whirl of pink and blue. "I'm terribly late, but I simply couldn't miss this fabulous gathering!"
Then, she opened her eyes with a mischievous smile that seemed to hold a secret.
Polaris exchanged a shocked glance with Fresia and Heart Majesty Pink, their eyebrows raised in surprise.
Initially stunned into silence, the room gradually erupted into a buzz of excitement and whispers.
"Isn't that...?"
"When did she...?"
"I can't believe she's here!"
"OH MY GOD!" Violet Tempest shouted as she flared her own stormy aura and flew up in the air. "ARE YOU SERIOUS?! YOU'RE HERE TOO?!"
The magical girl who had just made her grand entrance turned towards Violet Tempest, a playful glint in her eyes as she winked. "Absolutely serious, my dear Violet Tempest! The one and only!"
"V-violet Tempest," Hana stammered, her voice barely audible to Polaris amidst the commotion. Her eyes widened as she watched the interaction unfold before her. "Please sit back down..."
The pink-haired girl twirled gracefully, her dress billowing around her like a cyclone of colors as she flared a pair of wings made from golden light. Her blue eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint as she sashayed into the room.
"I do apologize for the disruption," she continued, her voice filled with playful enthusiasm. "I just couldn't resist an entrance like this. After all, what's a gathering of Magical Girls without a touch of whimsy?"
A few chuckles rippled through the crowd, the tension from the interruption easing slightly.
"H-hey Fresia," Heart Majesty Pink started. "I'm n-not imagining things, am I? That's her, right? Celestial Sonata?"
Fresia nodded, her eyes wide with admiration. "Sure as sugar, it is," she whispered back. "Sweet baby Jesus."
There were a total of seventy-one living Magical Girls with an S-Rank designation scattered across the globe. Among them, Seraphina stood out for her extraordinary strength and experience.
But then there were girls like the one who had just entered the room. They were considered monsters amongst monsters - rare individuals who could defeat a Duke-Class Chaos Beast on their own. Polaris couldn't help but idolize the girl before her, known as Celestial Sonata.
Her heroic feats, rapid rise in power, and grand displays of emotion for those who fell in battle had made her a sensation on platforms like Mahou News Net for the past seven years. To Polaris's generation, Celestial Sonata was the embodiment of heroism.
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The pink-haired girl exuded an aura of confidence that seemed almost otherworldly. Polaris couldn't take her eyes off her.
Despite being the same age, the difference between them felt immeasurable.
Celestial Sonata held the title of the youngest girl to ever achieve an SS-Rank designation, a prestigious label reserved for the most exceptional and powerful Magical Girls throughout history. Only a select few - less than twenty Magical Girls, had ever reached this rank, and she was the youngest among them.
Every aspect of her presence commanded attention and respect, from the radiant light emanating from her wings to how she carried herself with an air of grace and authority.
As the pink-haired girl made her way towards the stage, the girls in the crowd who chose to stand parted like a sea, creating a path for her to walk.
Whispers of awe and curiosity filled the room as the pink-haired girl gracefully fluttered in and approached the stage where Seraphina stood. Polaris watched in fascination as the two powerful titans locked eyes, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
"Ah," Seraphina greeted with a hint of amusement. "Always one for dramatic entrances."
The pink-haired girl bowed humbly before Seraphina, her wings folding behind her in a cascade of golden notes. "I'm so sorry for my... less than timely arrival," she spoke, her voice a blend of cheer and remorse.
"I hope finding your way here wasn't too much trouble, Celestial Sonata," Seraphina finished with a curious frown. "It isn't like you to show up to a formal event late at all."
Celestial Sonata flashed a sheepish grin. "You know me so well, Miss Seraphina," she chuckled softly. "I got a little caught up in a bit of... songwriting and lost track of time, I'm afraid."
Polaris noticed a brief flinch that crossed Celestial Sonata's face before she brightened again, her demeanor flawlessly cheerful. "Not at all! I just couldn't miss this. I apologize for the interruption, everyone," she chimed, her voice echoing through the hall as she turned around and flashed the crowd a smile.
The assembly erupted into applause, the buzz of excitement reaching a fever pitch
Polaris joined in, clapping her hands together fervently.
Celestial Sonata had always been a source of inspiration to her, a symbol of hope and strength. To see her here, in the flesh, was beyond anything she could have imagined.
Seraphina stepped forward as the applause died down, her face beaming with pride. "Welcome then, Celestial Sonata," she said warmly. "We are honored to have you grace us with your presence."
Celestial Sonata curtsied again. "The honor is all mine," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity as she turned to look over the crowd with a smile.
Then, Celestial Sonata feigned a dramatic swoon, catching herself with a giggle. "Oh, my! But look at all of you! So many shining stars in one room." She winked playfully before finishing the swoon and gently dropping herself to the ground, causing a ripple of giggles to sweep through the crowd.
Seraphina chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, it seems our beloved Celestial Sonata has quite the flair for the dramatic," she teased, earning a playful pout from the pink-haired girl. "I had planned on formally introducing you at some point, but why don't you tell everyone why you're here?"
Celestial Sonata sighed, standing up and stretching her shoulders. "Way to put me on the spot, Miss Seraphina," she said with a mock pout before her expression turned serious. "Well! I suppose it's time to let the cat out of the bag now, then."
She turned to face the crowd and began to speak resolutely, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Now, I'm sure many of you are wondering why I'm here. Well, let's just say I have an announcement I simply couldn't wait to share with all of you."
The crowd leaned in, their anticipation palpable as Celestial Sonata took a deep breath, her voice filling the hall with unwavering confidence.
"I'm pleased to announce that I'll be studying at one of the four designated five-year programs in this city! I know I do get around the world a bit, but I am only fifteen years old," she declared, her words hanging in the air like the sweetest melody. "I do have one simple, humble request. Please do respect my privacy and personal space during my time here. I am simply another student here to learn and grow just like the rest of you."
A thunderous applause erupted again, mixed with gasps of awe and excitement. Polaris clapped harder than ever before, her heart soaring with elation.
"I'll be attending the optional weekend training sessions as well when it doesn't conflict with my work in music. So if any of you want to spar or exchange techniques when I'm there, I'll be more than happy to oblige," Celestial Sonata added, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I've heard great things about the level of talent in this city, and I absolutely can't WAIT to and see how much we can learn from each other!"
Polaris felt her heart race with excitement at the thought of training alongside someone as exceptional as Celestial Sonata. She had always admired her from afar, watching countless battles and performances through holographic recordings. To have the opportunity to learn directly from her was a dream come true.
As the announcement settled in, the energy in the room shifted. People began whispering excitedly to their neighbors, their eyes alight with anticipation. Polaris could feel the collective buzz of inspiration reverberating through the air.
Seraphina stepped forward again as the crowd began to settle down, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. "We are truly fortunate to have Celestial Sonata with us. I'm sure she'll be an incredible asset to our city, both on the battlefield and off."
Celestial Sonata smiled warmly at Seraphina's words, her gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd. "Thank you, Miss Seraphina," she replied graciously. "I have always cherished your guidance and support throughout my journey. I am humbled to be here, and I promise to give my all in both my studies and my training sessions. Together, we will reach new heights and make this city shine even brighter!"
Once again, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement and anticipation palpable.
As Celestial Sonata moved to the side, allowing Seraphina to retake the spotlight, a hushed anticipation settled over the crowd. Polaris and Fresia exchanged a glance, the unspoken words between them echoing the excitement and curiosity that hung in the air.
"Now, I do apologize for stealing your show, Miss Seraphina," Celestial Sonata said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "But I couldn't resist the opportunity to make a grand entrance. After all, what's a little showmanship among friends?"
Seraphina looked at Celestial Sonata in shock for a moment before chuckling, her eyes alight with amusement. "No need for apologies, Celestial Sonata. You've certainly added a touch of excitement to our assembly. I'm just glad you made it."
Celestial Sonata grinned, her smile dazzling like a cascade of stars. She gracefully somersaulted through the air, executing a flawless aerial twist before landing directly in an empty seat near the front row. The crowd erupted into laughter and applause.
Seraphina joined in on the applause, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "My dearest Celestial Sonata, it seems you always manage to steal the show," she remarked, a playful glint in her voice.
Celestial Sonata shrugged playfully, her vibrant pink locks shimmering like a celestial aurora. "What can I say? I just can't resist a little bit of flair," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. "Life is too short not to have a little fun along the way."
Polaris was excited about studying and training alongside Celestial Sonata, someone she admired greatly. This was a rare opportunity that she couldn't let slip by.
Despite being a Magical Girl for two years, Polaris still felt inadequate compared to others, like the girls on stage. She yearned for the same confidence, strength, and ability to unite people that she saw in Celestial Sonata.
She had come to the Assembly feeling overwhelmed and out of place, but now she felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. The community here was diverse and more welcoming than she had thought, and it was surreal to think that she was now a part of it. For a fleeting moment, she was just Magical Girl Polaris and not the wealthy debutante she'd played the part of a month ago.
Polaris was brought back to the present as the crowd erupted into applause again, signaling the end of Seraphina's speech. The room buzzed excitedly, and everyone began to disperse, eager to do an impromptu meet and greet with Celestial Sonata.
Polaris hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest as she stood up. She wanted to approach her idol, to introduce herself and express her admiration. Still, she couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety as she glanced at the famed Magical Girl.
"You alright there, hun?" came a warm voice beside Polaris. She turned to see Fresia standing there with a friendly smile.
Polaris nodded, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little nervous, I suppose. I'm uncertain if I should join the crowd swarming her. I... do want to meet her, but..."
Fresia chuckled softly and placed a comforting hand on Polaris's shoulder. "Don't you worry none, sweetheart. It's natural to be jittery when meeting someone you look up to. But let me tell ya, Celestial Sonata is one of the kindest souls you'll ever meet. She puts on quite the show, but deep down she's just a regular girl like you and me. End o' the day, it's up to you."
Polaris watched Celestial Sonata, who was now greeting a group of younger Magical Girls with a bright smile and words of encouragement.
Despite Fresia's reassurance, Polaris couldn't shake off the feeling of awe mixed with a slight intimidation. Celestial Sonata was an enigma - both approachable and untouchable, radiating an aura of confidence and strength that Polaris aspired to.
She took a deep breath, gathering her nerves. Did she really want to approach Celestial Sonata?
Polaris weighed her options, her eyes flickering between Celestial Sonata and the crowd surrounding her. She had come to this Assembly to learn from the best and make some friends, but doubt crept in now that the opportunity was at her fingertips. What if she stumbled over her words? What if she embarrassed herself in front of someone she admired so deeply?
"I guess... I'll catch her around later. Perhaps during a training session," Polaris murmured. She glanced at Fresia, finding comfort in her encouraging nod.
With that decision, Polaris stepped back, allowing the crowd to envelop her idol. She watched Celestial Sonata from afar, her smile never wavering as she gracefully handled the attention.
'Celestial Sonata really is the epitome of what it means to be a Magical Girl,' Polaris thought to herself. 'If only I could muster a fraction of... everything that made her, her.'
Polaris turned away to the nearby bathroom, hoping that a splash of cold water on her face would quell her nerves for the rest of the Assembly. She wished to one day be as put-together as Celestial Sonata was, and to finally feel worthy of the title.
"H-hey," Heart Majesty Pink reached out, "A-are you sure you're a-alright?"
"Oh, um...yes, I'm fine," Polaris stammered, a slight flush rising to her cheeks. "Just feeling a little overwhelmed, that's all. I need a minute to freshen up."
Heart Majesty Pink's blue eyes softened with empathy.
As Polaris entered the bathroom, the vibrant chatter of the Assembly faded into a distant hum. She stood before the mirror, studying her reflection with a critical eye.
The polished version of herself, the heiress that made up the other half of her identity, was nowhere in sight. With her newfound role as Magical Girl Polaris, she felt as if she were shedding an old skin.
The cool water splashed against Polaris's flushed cheeks, providing a refreshing sensation that momentarily alleviated her nerves. She gazed into the mirror, transfixed by her own reflection. The image staring back at her seemed different somehow, as if the transformation she had undergone was beginning to manifest more than physically.
Her eyes, once filled with coldness and arrogance, now sparkled with an almost-unfamiliar softness and a hint of mischief and anxiety. Her normally painfully straightened and meticulously conditioned hair now cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders.
Polaris took a deep breath. She reached into a pouch by her side and withdrew a small compact mirror, tracing delicate fingers along the intricate designs etched into its surface as she held it up and checked her caramel complexion. Despite the supernatural beauty granted by her transformation, it was a far cry from the poised polished perfection she had strived for all her life. The slight blush on her cheeks, and the way her lips and starry eyes curved into a shy smile at the sight of her reflection, revealed a vulnerability and authenticity that she had never allowed herself to show before.
But in that moment, she realized that this newfound authenticity felt more right than anything else ever had.
"This is it, then," she whispered to herself.
"A new beginning..."