speak to me, o'muses

Misaki Okusawa | DJ Michelle - Bang Dream! Girls Band Party

(note: this is loosely based off the concept of doppels from the mobile game that i’ve always been interested in and realized i could use it to my advantage here)

doppels are the materialization of despair from magical girls that, if used correctly and under proper control, the magical girl in question can call upon the power of her would-be witch self in battles within barriers. 

upon gaining that needed control over one’s despair, the doppel comes about in a form that almost appears as a fusion of sorts between magical girl and witch. the two are physically connected, and proceed to remain as such until the doppel is called back into the far recesses of the user’s self.

the older and more experienced the magical girl seems to have an effect on a doppel as the range of emotions for their master is considerably smaller compared to younger, novice magical girls. because of such, a doppel will be unable to completely separate itself from its user and thus maintain a form where the two exist as one being. 

His enthusiasm made her shy smile wider as her eyes followed, looking out to the lines of neon and fluorescent lights that stretched down the street. There was an odd comfort to it. Though the idea of nightlife was still something that made her want to run and hide she’d been more fearless lately. The crowds that partied late into the night weren’t really her thing but she no longer froze at the idea of being seen by someone beautiful in a place where she didn’t belong. Not to mention with Kuranosuke at her side she didn’t feel like she had to face something like that alone. 

“O-Onward march! To fun times ahead then! And a really good meal!”

 She adjusted her glasses once more and glanced back at Kuranosuke beside her. Even in her lumpy over-washed hoodie and mismatching outfit he still left her feeling odd. The way the city lights caught in his hair and his eyes. She was sure that he had no idea just how terrifying he could be, terrifying and so wonderfully comforting. It was thrilling in it’s own way. She felt his fingers tighten against hers and her heart jumped in her throat and her legs felt like jelly all at once.

Mom? When did I get so lucky? I still don’t quite understand why he decided he wanted to stay with me but… I don’t know if I want to question it anymore. I’m too happy.

As they began to walk she walked a little closer, still socially acceptable but close enough that she could feel his arm lightly brushing hers too. “Trust me, you didn’t miss much,” she replied wryly to his question. “Jellyfish was the same circus that it always was. Banba did pick some amazing place for lunch though but o-of course they pushed me to the door to speak to the delivery man.” She loved her friends even if they were overbearing and could frankly be a little terrible sometimes. She scuffed her worn keds against the concrete before looking up at Kuranosuke beneath lowered lashes.

“How was your shoot though? I’m sure that was more exciting than the usual stuff at Jellyfish. Did they bring out the big fan for your pictures? I always thought that was cool…”

Hearing her genuine attempt at going along with his late night ridiculousness made his heart soar tenfold, a feeling of overwhelming proportions that he was more than certain he’d never grow tired of. How could he, when the one walking beside him was someone he could openly admit to all those willing to listen (and the occasional select few sticks in the mud that didn’t want to be bothered) to being his sweetheart? Of course, Kuranosuke would never resort to such means of getting the word across... not only because it wasn’t in his style, but because Tsukimi would probably die on the spot and he never did bother learning proper CPR procedure. Instead, he’d just stick to the reality of the situation at hand. It was late at night, he had a craving for breakfast foods after a long work day, and he was strolling along a somewhat busy intersection with the love of his life.

There was nothing more he could ask for, honestly. Outside of those fluffy pancakes, obviously but they would get there eventually. For now, he found soft laughter bubbling it’s way out of his system at the visual of Tsukimi being shoved to the forefront to retrieve takeout from a delivery man who couldn’t care less about what they saw at the front door. Figures that even after everything, the lovely ladies of Amars stayed true to themselves. Even as messy as that turned out to be from time to time. It was somewhat endearing, to say the least. 

“Hmm, oh me?” He blinked, then realizing that most of the day had been a blur of flashing lights and requests to move a certain way here and there. 

The last thing Yuuko had expected was for Hime to return from her surprise call in such good spirits and calling for her. She had prepared a small lunch date for them which included an array of cutely decorated rice balls among a variety of other dishes. Okay perhaps this was only small by Yuuko’s standards. She couldn’t help the fond smile that crept it’s way on her face as her girlfriend posed with such flair and drama she could never hope to achieve. It was in little moments like this, seeing Hime so excited, that Yuuko’s chest tightened in familiar affection.

Hime’s next words though were quite a bit of a shock. A banquet? Now that was some fancy stuff. As a special guest in Hime’s home as well? Yuuko couldn’t help but feel a little pressure in accordance with that invite, it was sometimes easy to forget occasionally that her girlfriend was actually a princess in every sense of the word. But despite that the thought thrilled her too. A chance to go to attend an even with Hime is something she would never turn down.

“A banquet hmm? I’m not sure…” Yuuko pretended to mull it over, not being able to resist teasing Hime just a little although her smile gave her away.

“I would be delighted to accompany the princess to such an event” she responded with an attempt at a noble bow of her head. “Is this some sort of special occasion banquet? Would I need to bring a gift?”

It went without saying that Hime was eager to see Yuuko’s reaction upon hearing the wonderful news she’d been waiting to share. Eager barely nailed it out of the park as she squirmed excitedly across the Embassy’s living room on the heels of her feet, most definitely scuffing her newly purchased socks. Sure, Ribbon was going to scold her the very minute she found out Hime managed to ruin a pair of pristine white stockings in record time, but the Princess wouldn’t bother dwelling on that anytime soon. Not until Ribbon confronting her on the matter, at least! Until then, she’s keep up with attempting to get the gold in sock skating. Nothing could possibly get her down on this glorious day! Not now, not ever... especially when things were going incredibly right for her--EHH?!

Shock washed over Hime almost instantaneously, as if she had somehow been washed away and tossed into the unforgiving sea by a wave that managed to get the sneak on her. She hadn’t even thought of the possibility that Yuuko might decline, because it was something she didn’t bother placing in the equation of this gracious invitation from her loving parents to her loving girlfriend.

Could the world possibly be so cruel?!

“Y-you aren’t sure? B-but, mommy and daddy w-wanted to see you...” Maybe she was whining a bit, but Hime was this close to adding up the theatrics to her waterworks before realizing that Yuuko was teasing her. She couldn’t help the pout that found it’s way across her face afterwards, folding her arms across her chest in yet another dramatic huff. Hime didn’t bother looking away from the other girl though, because she still needed answers. “You better be, missy!” 

“Well… when you put it that way…” She couldn’t help but feel her mouth water at the promise of syrup soaked pancakes. Tsukimi’s stomach seemed to gurgle in agreement much to her embarrassment. Well it had been a while since she’d eaten and the promise of pancakes with him of all people made the prospect even more enticing. Her mouth quirked up in a fond smile as she watched him pose. It was her turn to appraise his style of dress.

“I’d say you’re uh… more presentable than I am” she muttered. Not only did Kuranosuke look better in her clothes but even with this ridiculous ensemble he didn’t look bad. The socks and skirt showed off his long legs nicely and Tsukimi had to keep from staring. The people who had dressed him for the photo shoot really knew what they were doing. She pushed her glasses further up on her face instead of continuing to ogle her boyfriend.

It was his next action that really left her bright red and speechless though. She no longer petrified when he got too close but this kiss to her hand managed to make her freeze and melt all at once. It took her a moment to find her voice again and when she did she hardly had enough breath to use it.

“I-If you’re sure…” she practically wheezed. “Uh …w-well lets go get those pancakes then.” Tsukimi couldn’t help the nervous laugh that bubbled up within her afterwards but she did manage to close her shaking hand around his. Willing her body to do what she wanted was difficult but this was better than nothing.

“Well, there we go! It’s unanimous then!” Giving a dramatic wave of the hand that held Tsukimi’s with his own, Kuranosuke pointed in the direction opposite of them. Despite it being at least a good twenty minutes or so after 1 o’clock, the couple’s surroundings were still fairly active with some sense of energy. That was the city nightlife for you, continuing forward with it’s usual hustle and bustle as the average person instead slept soundly til morning. There, of course, were the occasional ups and downs of being a denizen of this metropolitan jungle, but the fashionista could wholeheartedly admit that tonight was not one of those nights where he preferred the comforting embrace of suburbia. With after hour restaurants galore, their options for their after midnight meal were endless! 

“We’ll have fun yet, you’ll see~” As if to emphasize such a statement, he squeezed her hand once again in an act of reassurance. It was second nature these days. Even with the lack of having to deal with a petrified Tsukimi in instances where her nervousness got the best of her, it’d be an understatement if he said he didn’t enjoy even the smallest gestures that came with assuring her that everything would be okay. They were in this together, no? 

“Pancakes? Now?” If there was one thing the Amars had instilled in Tsukimi, it was that she was ready for good food at any time of day. Eating past midnight would probably do no favors for her figure but it’s not like she was watching that anyway. “I mean… I could eat but… I’m not exactly dressed for the occasion you know?” Tsukimi muttered as she glanced down at the sweats she had just thrown on to meet Kuranosuke. They were warm enough to keep away the chill of the night air and shapeless enough that no one would spare her a second look on the way over. So basically, her normal attire. But… Kuranosuke had been away so long, what kind of welcome was this?

“I came to meet you because I-I’ve missed you but I don’t want to embarrass you while we go out to eat…”

“Yes. Now. I know it isn’t the most healthy of choices... but doesn’t sharing a plate or two with nice, warm syrup drizzled  on top with your darling significant other sound delectable?” Granted, this is the same person who just a moment ago asked Tsukimi why she bothered listening to his last minute request of meeting up after he was done for the night, but did those details really matter? Not at all, if you asked him... hence why his semi-focused stare gave Tsukimi a quick one over at the mention of her choice of dress. “Well, neither am I but I don’t think that’ll stop us from getting breakfast for a late dinner, y’know?”

Nodding reassuringly, Kuranosuke gave a dramatic wave of his arm, revealing his own ‘not-so-stylish’ evening wear. From the large pullover hoodie swiped from Tsukimi’s side of their bedroom closet, to the blatant fact that he was still wearing the flared skirt and loose socks from tonight’s photo shoot, they were surely a sight for sore eyes. “We got an interesting looking going on for sure, but I’ve missed you more than I could possibly care about appearances.”

“...Sooo, do 1 o’clock in the morning pancakes sound good to you too, or is my appetite speaking out of turn again?” The fashionista couldn’t help but ask, knowing that his back-to-back schedule this past week played a significant role in throwing his daily eating routine for a loop. Suddenly he was having a late breakfast around mid-afternoon, after midnight felt like a reasonable time of night for dinner... and now, there was this urgent craving for pancakes? Get yourself together, Kuranosuke. Goddamn. “Unless you wanna go back home? I mean, I did... kind of sort of ask you to meet me after I was done with everything tonight and shit, it’s later than I thought.” Clicking his tongue in blatant frustration, he glanced over at his girlfriend with curious eyes.

“I mean yeah that’s what I’m here for on this team but… I don’t know how closely that other team is paying attention. Maybe they’ll get a bee Cure to join up… I hope so anyway.  But you don’t need some special powers to see what kind of animal represents you, I’m pretty sure we can figure it out. I guess I can sort of get it though… you want the flashy outfit too, don’t you?”

“...”

“...Maybe. And well, sure I might not need special powers from a whole other transformation to see what animal I am, but what if I wanna be extra cute too? They get to flaunt their adorable ears and tails, and have sweets themed hero names and attacks and I’m PRETTY SURE they work at a cute bakery thing too!” She huffs, folding her arms across her chest to further emphasize the pout growing on her face. Some things never change, do they? 

“They’re not that great, Tamako. There’s not even a bee cure on the team. It’s a missed opportunity if you ask me…”