blue comet

Tonight, it seemed that things were pretty quiet. Although Lapis was diligently searching for witches, there wasn’t really much activity. Maybe witches liked to have days off too? Or... more likely, maybe Lapis’s territory was just too small to sustain herself. She didn’t want to accept it, but if she wanted to keep her soul gem sparkling bright she might have to start thinking about reaching out.

That was such a pain though. Things were fine as they were, if she started to make her territory larger she’d probably get on the bad side of the other local magical girls.

Thinking about such serious things put a damper on Lapis’s usual upbeat personality, and she didn’t like that one bit. So, with only somewhat forced enthusiasm, she pulled herself up and made herself continue her rounds of the district.

It was when she reached the small park near the center of the town that she noticed it- a very familiar flash of white fur. With a grin on her face, Lapis decided that she could take another break.

so first, while re-reading restart i realised that bell was over lapis’ house when she died. can you even imagine lapis coming back after that session, after seeing bell’s cyber-self dead and then having to deal with her real body being dead too? how would she explain that to her father? how would she even cope with that herself? we’re not given any of lapis’s pov in that offline period, which makes sense considering the reveal, but i have no idea how she managed to cope with that

Top Speed’s eyes widened at the Lapis’ awesome pose.  This must be what a professional magical girl was like.  She should do whatever she could to help her out.  “Well if you gotta get somewhere fast you’ve definitely come to the right person!”  Top Speed scooted forward on her broom and patted on the free space behind her, “Hop on! Between my knowledge of this city and Rapid Swallow’s speed we’ll get that errand done in no time!”

Lapis’s gaze lit up and she quickly jumped onto the back of the broomstick, “Woah, this is so cool, Speedy! I’ve never been on a real witch’s broomstick before! Is this your magical girl or just a part of your costume?”

Oh God, hearing it said back just made it worse. She felt like a child using that nickname. This girl didn’t even bat an eye at the fact Ripple just said that to annoy her. She took it completely seriously. And even worse still… she wanted to be friends. 

She clicked her tongue again. As much as she wanted to punch this girl she knew better. As stupid a rule as it felt right now, Ripple wouldn’t attack someone that without them showing signs of fighting back. Not without being truly provoked anyway.

“You’re a magical girl too.” Less of a question and more to change topics (anything to stop hearing that stupid nickname). “Magical girls in N-City are territorial, so don’t wander around without a guide.” Save for Calamity Mary and Ruler’s territory, everywhere else was pretty save to wander, but… best to be weary.

That was new information to Lapis- she hadn’t been aware of any magical girls in N-city, let alone multiple ones. Had they only just been assigned this city? N-city was pretty big, so Lapis supposed that could make sense. Or... maybe there was a selection test happening? That could make sense too. Lapis wasn’t too concerned about finding the answer though.

“Wow, really?” It seemed counterproductive for magical girls to be territorial. They were supposed to help people! Surely it was a better idea to work together, right? “That sucks.”

“Tch,” She called her that stupid nickname again. Was she just stupidly ignorant or just trying to get a rise out of her? Lapis’s words did little to convince her of the former. It felt like she was trying to tease her and play ignorant, and Ripple had dealt with enough assholes like that to know what shut them up.

‘Ripple,” She corrected, forming a fist and taking a step forward. 

“You’re acting like a wild blade. You need to calm down.”

Ugh, even when she wasn’t here she could hear that damn witch’s words. She clicked her tongue again, looking away. “Fine. You’re Lapsie then…” It was the closest thing to a revenge punch she could do without actually punching her.

This other magical girl was very confusing. She seemed to be very angry about something, but Lapis couldn’t for the life of her work out what. She considered that maybe she’d bothered her when she’d asked for assistance, but surely that couldn’t be it- if it was, she would’ve said something by now, right?

Then, she spoke and everything clicked into place. Ah! she thought, Rippsie must not have many friends! That would explain why she didn’t know how to behave.

Ripple didn’t think her mood could tank so fast. Rippsie? Did this girl really just call her Rippsie? There was being annoyingly friendly, and there was… that. Even Top Speed didn’t give her a stupid nickname outside of Tsundere (which was annoying in itself, but still).

“Are you trying to pick a fight with me or something?” Because she just close enough to punch the girl right now.

Lapis blinked and tilted her head to the side in confusion. A fight? Why would she be trying to pick one of those?

Well... it’s true that magical girls need to be physically powerful, so they’re prepared to take down powerful enemies when the situation calls for it. Lapis has been trained in fighting and considers herself pretty talented. But trying to pick a fight with a stranger for no reason... that isn’t something that a magical girl should do.

“… …” Wow, that was… that was one way to introduce yourself. This girl was really into it. The flashy power, the flashy introduction. This girl was definitely a magical girl, and an annoying one at this. Was she new to this or just… trying to act cool? “Tch…” Either way, this was probably going to be a pain.

“Keep practicing,” Or better, just give a name like a normal human being. Still, that kind of behavior was expected for a magical girl she supposed. Well, she gave her name, so… “I’m Ripple,” No flash, no posing. She refused to join in that game.

If that was an insult, it went right over Lapis’s head. She laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of her neck, “Yeah, I’m gonna! I’ve got to get it more fluid and natural.” This is what her mentor had told her last time she had shown her, and Lapis was determined to get it perfect.

Ripple nearly fell over seeing the girl spring out of the gem. That was definitely some magical trick. It confirmed Ripple’s suspicions of her being a magical girl. Now the only question was if she was friendly or not. Given her personality she didn’t seem hostile. Annoying and loud, but not hostile. 

“Yeah, you could give me a name for starters.”

Lapis straightened up and brushed a few specks of dust off of her dress- that was pretty pointless, though, as most of the dirt was on the back of her cape. She didn’t seem to be aware of that.

A… gem? Ripple could see it clearly thanks her magical girl vision, but… what was she planning? Actually, looking at the flashy attire of the other girl. Another magical girl… God, there were already so many in N City, what was this one doing here. Okay, I need answers now. “Alright.” She sat along the hole, waiting to catch the jewel. 

“Whenever you’re ready.” She had plenty of questions after this magic trick happened.

Lapis beamed, and threw the gem up with all of her might. When the other girl had caught it and retreated, she called out, “Super Lazuline mode: activate!” and in a flash she disappeared, quickly reappearing from the gem. As her feet touched the ground she whooped and punched her fist into the air.

Top Speed landed in front of Lapis.  “It’s a good thing I’m here then!”  Top Speed smiled and gave Lapis a big thumbs up.  “The magical girl Top Speed is here to help!  So, just what kinda errand is this?”

“I gotta deliver this to someone!” She presented the candy, holding it between her thumb and index finger, “I dunno what’s in it but apparently it’s super duper important that I do this right! If I get it wrong... then my mentor’s gonna be nagging me for ages!”

Lapis returned the candy to her pocket and seemed to suddenly realise something, “Oh! I didn’t introduce myself!”

Alice looked to Lapis as she sang her verse. She admired how Lapis was giving it her all to try and cheer this boy up.  It reminded her of Snow White.

Suddenly it dawned on Alice.  She had the last verse of the song.  It was up to her to end the song on a high note.  If she messed this up and upset the boy again, all of Lapis’ hard work would go down the drain.  She couldn’t let that happen.

Alice took a few steps forward ahead of the two. She turned towards Lapis and the boy and closed her eyes, if she saw them watching her she’d be too nervous to sing anything.  She took a deep breath to try and calm herself then belted out, “Alright everyone, let’s not wait around, let’s go go goo-!”  She emphasized each go buy punching straight up into the air.  She kept her eyes closed, hoping she didn’t just ruin everything.

Lapis watched her new friend with interest as she darted in front of them, curious as to how she was going to present the final line. Her face lit up in a bright smile at how enthusiastically she punched into the air. For a moment she was silent, before she began clapping and cheering.

Somehow… this girl go into a hole. A trap hole, likely made by some kids. Ripple had noticed it a few hours ago when she was heading to school and planned to fill it after classes. When she arrived… this girl was there.

“… … … …” She wanted to walk away. She wanted to just pretend t didn’t matter to her, if only so she didn’t have to show herself. She’ll be fine. Someone else should find her soo-

“Someone! Someone’s gotta be around!”

Goddammit… Her conscience wouldn’t let her leave the girl alone in good faith. She had to do something to help her out. At least see if she was okay. She clicked her tongue, peeking into the hole. “Need a hand?”

Hearing a voice, Lapis felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Someone had heard her! She wouldn’t have to spend hours stuck in some dark hole!

“Ah! Thanks a bunch! Listen, I have this gem here, see?” She held up a gem as far as she could, “I’m gonna chuck it up to you! All you gotta do is catch it and then take a few steps back! It’ll be like a magic trick!”

Alice’s nerves began to calm at Lapis’ high energy singing. Alice looked over to the boy, and saw that he was also looking a lot calmer now.  That was right, this was all to help out the boy, Alice needed to be brave for him.  “S-she’ll crush all defense with her Daisy Kick. H-Hyup…” She recited, her voice was shaky but much more audible than before.

Lapis Lazuline was an intuitive, talented veteran magical girl. Despite her youthful appearance and personality she had enough experience under her belt to make the right decision in most situations that she found herself in. And yet... she was now stuck at the bottom of a rather deep hole.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t known it was there. She had noticed it while walking by, and pulled the plants covering it away. It’s just... she hadn’t seen a hole that deep before so she had been curious about it, and one thing had led to another and here she was. Stuck.

The hole was so deep she couldn’t jump out of it, and she couldn’t find any footholds to climb out of it. It was also too deep to throw a gem out of the top. This was a problem.