Sayaka Miki was simply passing by on her own way. She had always enjoyed glancing into the garden, though she could never stay for long. Today however, something seemed... Off. She wasn't sure what it was at first, until Sayaka finally noticed the black substance in front of the door. Without wasting any time, Sayaka checks her Soul Gem, just to be safe, before jumping over the wall and landing inside of the garden. Sayaka glances around, no one seems to be here at the moment, perfectly fine. The girl initially looks to the black orb... Before deciding to inspect the statues first Alright, looks like we're going it alone this time. Sayaka grins, even if there's no one around, it may be a decent chance to prove something to herself. If people show up, even better.

[Kazuya was just walking around the city wondering what to do in his usually vast free time. After getting lost in the massive city that is Tokyo, he suddenly felt some sort of chill down his spine. He couldn't really put it into words but he felt cold, but at the same time a sensation of familiarity. Kazuya, who was now taking a closer look at the two statues, decides to move towards the door.] What is this place? And this..."thing"? [He gets his face closer to the black ball shaped object.]

As Kazuya moves his face closer the object itself bounces up and smacks him in the nose. The object is then sent flying against the closed door due to the collision. It proceeds to bounce in place until two rabbit-like ears pop out from the top of it and a brilliant blue gemstone comes out of it's front. Parts of the black shaped object then form into tiny stub limbs as a twin set of rounded lines form beneath the gemstone. More lines form to accompany the first two creating a face with a wide pink mouth, but shut eye lines. The object finally finishes its transformation by taking in a deep breath and exhaling. M: Huwahhh~ It's been a while since Mokona was well Mokona~ The object speaks in a high pitched male voice as one of it's ears twitch with life. M: My nap was just too good.

Sayaka shivers, the.. Watching feeling. If nothing else its confirmation that something is very, very wrong here. Sayaka takes a deep breath, it'll be fine. After inspecting the statues, Sayaka glances around, to find Kazuya around as well. Its strange, somewhat of a relief to have someone so much more experienced around, yet for some reason she still feels uneasy. The girl giggles when "Mokona" hits Kaz in the face, before finally addressing the others Oh, hey Kazuya.. and I take it you're Mokona, right? What're you doin' sleeping in front of the door? Sayaka grins and gestures to the rest of the garden I mean, surely there are more comfortable spots than that, right?

[Kazuya would fall back as the ball hits him on the nose. The more experienced and battle hardened young man from a post-apocalyptic world covers his nose in pain as he rolls on the ground, whimpering and moaning loudly, also writhing. After a good bunch of seconds of this, the young man would stand up slowly, still covering his nose with his left hand. The area around it seemed a bit red. With one eye closed as well and his red cheeks making his embarrassment painfully obvious, he waves at both Sayaka and Mokona.] H-Hey uh... Hello, I was just wondering what this place is...that's all. [He would then try to look somewhere else.]

Mokona raises a stubby arm in cheerful gesture. M: Yep Mokona is Mokona! Mokona rapidly switches tracks from the introduction and frowns a Kazuya. M: Hmm? How can you be sleeping when your in front of this amazing place? Seeing Kazuya fully attentive leaves Mokona even more confused. M: Do humans sleep with their eyes open of something? I don't get ... Suddenly Mokona brightens up as an idea comes to it. M: Oh I now! I could just ask Yuuko-sama about this! His two eye slits suddenly open wide revealing two white orbs with tiny brown pupils. M: Get ready folks for you are about to see the one the only Space-Time witch!!! M: In person~ The closed doors carefully slide open after Mokona's prompt announcement revealing a dark hallway going forward. A chiming sound comes from within accompanied by various wails of every kind. As if finishing the effect a cold wind blasts forth hitting both Sayaka and Kazuya directly in the face.

Sayaka brings up her cape to block some of the cold wind. The girl blinks for a moment, glancing between Mokona and Kazuya What is even happening right now? You'd think one could have seen everything, and then there's always a new level of surprise. This Space-Time witch.. Probably not the kinda witch she's used to, after blinking for a moment, Sayaka grins at Kazuya Stay behind me alright? I'm a bit more durable than I look, so at least if something goes wrong I'll be able to recover pretty quickly got it? Without bothering to wait for a reply, Sayaka runs down the hallway, right hand hidden beneath her cape as she glances about, just in case something seemed off about the place

Yuuko...? That name sounds oddly familiar. But I can't exactly put it into words. I wonder... [Kazuya shakes his head, his nose doesn't hurt anymore and so he stopped covering his face. Giving Sayaka one quick look before turning his gaze back to the front. After thinking it over, he decides that he has no reason to simply stand outside. He didn't feel anything could go that wrong, and so, he moved ahead.] The term "Space-Time Witch" is quite the title, you think she has actual powers over it, Sayaka?

Mokona begins to pad behind the group and the wooden door slam shut behind them. Walking down the cold corridor there is now a notable absence of light save for a small beam up ahead. Every footstep taken creates an echo effect in the dark replacing the obvious wails that existed before. No matter how far the three walk the small beam of light only seems to move farther and farther away. Sayaka and Kazuya suddenly feel a clawed appendage grab against each of their right arms as two side panels carefully open up in the dark. Unseen by the two these panels release twin gusts of cold air that bring a chill down everyone's spines. Another grabbing sensation can be felt around the feet, but this time the possible appendages feel feathery. Mokona almost shatters the atmosphere with a candid remark. M: This walk is so much fun~

Sayaka shrugs as they walk down the corridor for a few moments The kinda witches I'm familiar with can do pretty much anything in their own homes. I guess its not too much of a stretch for..... The girl is interrupted by the appendages, her right arm grabbed Sayaka wastes no time in pulling a sword out from under her cape with her left and slashing at the arm Ok, yeah, this is starting to get a little too familiar for comfort. Don't worry Kaz, these arms probably aren't very strong, more of an annoyance before the actual Witch herself.

What the-!? [Kazuya tries to look around and free himself from this bizarre feeling, he didn't like being grabbed out of nowhere and even less when he couldn't see any of it. Then, he can feel a chill down his spine and this unerves him further. Soon after Kazuya would just smile at Mokona and speak in a rather nervous voice.] Y-Yes, so much fun!

(Just as Sayaka surmised the arm grabbing at her easily disintegrates after being cut with a sword. Yet the arms grabbing at Kaz refuse to budge at his basic movements. Their hold tightens after his failure to destroy them and they begin to pull him off to the left side. If he looks to the left he will see a black mass with plenty of red eyes waiting for him should he be unable to escape. The arms around Sayaka's feet follow the same actions and pull her to the ground in an attempt to drag her to the right side. Toward that side awaits a large black beak with various rows of jagged teeth inside.) (Wailing once again can be heard and the light up ahead appears to be diminishing as time passes through.) M: You better believe it boy~ (Mokona leaps onto Kazuya's shoulder and begins to sing with both ears up.) M: Mokona yes its true~

[Kazuya would laugh at the rythm of the singing, not really bothered by anything but his own helpless situation. Kazuya's laugh would the get a bit colder, perhaps a bit fake as blue flames erupt from his body and a mechanical samurai with two swords is unleashed. Musashi quickly moves in to slash away the general areas of the arms pulling him in, after this he would try to move away from the walls.] So much fun, yeah, this really is fun! [Kazuya's face would reveal him to be a bit...creeped out by this. Turning to Sayaka, he hopes she is doing better than him at this moment.]

Her arm freed, Sayaka is able to wield her weapons with ease once more. Though the arm gets Sayaka on her back, the girl is able to slash the feathery arm around her feet. Without bothering to wait and see what happens with it, Sayaka pulls out a second blade from beneath her cloak to throw at the arm around Kazuya's legs Kazuya, snap out of it!! I dunno what's going on, but you can't just stand there, do something already. Looking at the large beak on her side, Sayaka takes a moment... Definitely not something she'd want to get more acquainted with, if it can be helped in any capacity

(The arms rapidly disintegrate as they are slashed apart one by one through excellent swordplay. With no more arms coming out the duo is now freed and the side walls slam shut over two hungry faces. The corridor itself has now become quiet as the light upfront finally snuffs out leaving the group behind in darkness. Monoka's tune provides a calming tone to the situation yet even it has to quiet at some point looking around. With trembling ears and wide open eyes, Mokona climbs on top of Kazuya's head with concern.) M: I sense something big coming! (Two cold blasts come from each end of the corridor ruffling every hair upon Kazuya's and Sayaka's heads. A fog promptly seeps it making it more difficult for the two to see each other.) M: It doesn't feel too nice either!

Sayaka takes a deep breath, the chill.. Usually they're a bit less... Unsettling than this. No matter, This is just the kind of situation Sayaka had been hoping for, first off is to find whatever is making the fog, then fight defensively to learn what it can do, and figure something out from there Just stay behind Kazuya ok Monoka? He'll be able to take care of you. I'll go see what it is, if we're lucky I might just have this whole situation taken care of in no time. That said, Sayaka runs ahead down the corridor, where the light initially came from, that's probably where the thing would be, if anywhere. To test, Sayaka spins around and throws one of her swords down the corridor, listening for the sound of it striking something

It's not. [After all this is said and done the young man realizes he should take this a bit more seriously, since their lives could be in serious danger right now. With Musashi still right behind him, the young man decides to dash forward towards where the light used to be. Unsheathing his blade, the young man keeps a rather stern look on his face, and a calm voice.] If something is coming then we are also going for it. I don't like standing around and waiting for something to happen. Sayaka, be careful too! We don't know if sword will cut it or what we'll find.

(Sayaka's sword flies down the corridor and as if directed by some force strikes true in the space where the light used to be. It hangs from the space with it's hilt up in the air and a series of blackened arms sprout from it. Each of the arms make their way down toward the duo with claws momentarily illuminating the space. If they manage to reach the two there is no telling how many new wounds will be created. Kazuya in particular is at the mercy of them having run toward the space from whence they came.) (Mokona lets out a shriek and jumps off of Kazuya's head out of self-preservation. It's eyes remain wide open as it continues to sense a danger within the area.) M: Ooooooh it's coming it's coming it's coming!

Now that some.... Thing is visible at least, Sayaka wastes no time, Sayaka pulls three more blades out from under her cape and throws them at the arms, if nothing else that should take care of a few of them, before she pulling out one more, this one to use herself as she hurries to position herself next to Kazuya, ready to slash at the arms as they near This is why you should let me go ahead, I can heal pretty easily, so anything happening to me is no big deal. You might actually get hurt, or worse... Just.. Sayaka briefly glances over to Kazuya, he might be much older and more experienced than she is, but Sayaka can still fight perfectly well too. This is an excellent chance to prove it If you end up hurt tell me, alright? I can fix you up quickly

I can see that. But it's not over yet! [Given the amounts of objects getting closer and closer he is forced to stand his ground and prepare his blade along with Musashi. A magic aura covers his arms as Musashi stands right by his side. Letting this aura explode, Kazuya attacks with a series of lightning fast slashes, one after another aimed at each arm along with Musashi, who is mimicking this move. At the best of cases he would avoid any major injury, but he shouldn't be able to get out unscratched.] Relentless Fury, SEVER!

(Kazuya's lightning fast slashes easily slice apart a majority of the arms as if they were made of paper and as for the rest. Well those arms do makes contact with the sword duo, but upon hitting the two they immediately explode into black powder. The kind of power that gets into everything and sticks on it as if it were paint. No other arms are released from Sayaka's sword yet Monoka falls off of Kaz and hits the floor with a squeak. It's widened eyes are now a frozen expression of sheer terror and it's once upright ears lie limp on the wooden floor. In such a position Mokona appears to be dead or potentially close to it.) (A terrible sensation of pressure encompasses the two as if forcing them to the ground and suddenly Sayaka finds a pale hand on her right shoulder. The hand's touch is like pure ice freezing itself upon Sayaka's skin as eyes as black as ink appear behind her.)

Damn it what is...!? [Musashi would then disappear due to the tension Kazuya's body feels after this demanding attack. Taking nothing more than a few seconds to understand the entire situation, he tries to move towards Sayaka first, but the pressure keeps him down for a moment.] Sayaka...! Take care of Mokona, I will make sure...you are fine...! [Reaching towards his willpower, Kazuya aims a quick slash at the hand on her shoulder, almost unable to do much else than that.]

Sayaka tries taking a deep breath. This is fine.. Nothing she hasn't handled before. Sayaka looks back over her shoulder at a pale, white hand, backed up by inkish black eyes... How long has it been there? Was it just above them the whole time? No.. Not important right now. Sayaka switches her sword over to her left hand and turns around, slashing at the creature's hand as she does so. Sayaka nods, not even thinking to go against Kaz's suggestion G.. Got it. J.. Just as soon as I can. If Sayaka gets freed, she would next make sure to run to Mokona's side, weird as the creature may be, it was their friend for a moment

My dear Mokona I believe this prank has gone on long enough. (A cheerful female voice intones as the pale hand on Sayaka's shoulder lets her go only to deftly catch Kazuya's blade. The slash does get the hand directly yet the hand lacks any signs of outward damage. A second pale hand then appears to capture Sayaka's blade between two fingers. Once again no damage seems to be incurred from the strike. The pressure surrounding the duo is suddenly gone as the corridor is bathed in regular light. The light reveals a normal hallway with a lack of doors along the side and a big majestic screen patterned with butterflies. Sayaka's sword is now revealed to be caught between the panels of the screen.) Oh ho ho ho~ That was certainly a new way to greet new customers. (Mokona resurrects and with a speed unknown to most it quickly scales up to the new person within the corridor.) (A lady of tall proportions and long black watches as Monoka settles on her shoulder. Monoka appears to almost be a fitting decoration for the lady's peacock patterned kimono that lacks any particular adornment. Pleased the lady focuses her terribly black eyes on the duo while gripping their swords with nothing, but her pale hands. A knowing smile graces her face as she does so.) Do you mind putting down the swords? This place carries special wares that can be easily damaged. Some more volatile then others.

[Kazuya would look at the woman with wide eyes as he can...easily stand up now. He knew this woman, but he couldn't get rid of this strange feeling of...confusion. He can only tilt his head. Finally, his mind went blank.] ... Yuuko?

Sayaka breathes a sight of relief, glad to see that over with, she stands there for a moment, hardly having heard Yuuko, it takes Sayaka a moment to sheathe her weapon Err.. S.. Sorry about that miss.... Just gotten a bit.. Wary is all.. hehehe Sayaka laughs faintly, awkwardly scratching the back of her head as she does so. On the one hand, its somewhat of a relief, but on the other this whole mess was kinda embarassing

Yuuko continues to smile as her hands are released from the blades and she takes a good look at Kazuya. It's always a pleasure to be remembered by someone. She ponders for a second. Though i'm terribly embarrassed to admit that I barely have any recollection of you. Her black eyes then stray to Sayaka with an odd gleam to them. As for you ... I don't think our paths have crossed yet. Better late then never I say! My name is Yuuko the Time-Space witch and proprietor of this shop. Mokona starts to giggle as if on cue. Usually I don't greet visitors like that but this little mochi bun wanted to have some fun. I hope we didn't scare the two of you too bad.

[Kazuya then returns his own blade back to its sheathe as he rubs the back of his head. Certainly this entire event was...embarrassing. Luckily it was only Sayaka there and maybe Yuuko who he never saw around much. After all, he saw her once.] It's fine, it was so long ago I can't really blame you. No...hard feelings anyways. [Kazuya sighs before returning to his more usual, laidback stance.] So...what do you do in this shop of yours? I've been wondering that for a while now, considering all that happened...

Sayaka awkwardly scratches the back of her head, its a mixture of.. Disapointment and relief for her, learning that it was all an elaborate prank. No matter, Sayaka puts her grin back on and looks Yuuko in the eyes Yeah. This would be the first time we've met. My name's Sayaka Miki, a Magical Girl and hero of justice. I've passed by this place a few times before, but... Its usually been a bit... Calmer. Yeah, that's the word for it

Well some disturbances have been felt these past few days. Yuuko's face momentarily darkens as she says this, but the shadows disappear as she turns to face the screen door. She walks up to the twin peacock decorated screens and runs her hand along the slit between them. But enough about that. I'll show you something that will appease your curiosities more. She playfully winks at the two and pulls aside a screen as if tempting them. Hitsuzen brought the two of you here today. So you have earned the right to learn of my business. All you need to do is walk past this door here~

Sayaka blinks for a moment, glancing around the hallway, it would be a shame to come all this way only to walk out at the last minute, so Sayaka walks over to Yuuko, glancing back at her companion Kazuya A... Alright then. Guess its some trade secrets stuff? Sayaka grins, a bit more in her element now and gives Yuuko a thumbs up before walking through the parted screen Don't worry, I do pretty well at keeping secrets. Just ask Kazuya.

"Keeping secrets"? How am I supposed to know what she means...? [Kazuya would cross both arms above his chest as he turns to look at Yuuko with a certain hint of curiosity in his eyes. He didn't really ge what she meant by "Hitsuzen", so he figured he should ask as me made his way through the parted screen.] Who or what is..."Hitsuzen"? I hope I'm not intruding too much. [With this said, the young man would focus on what's ahead of him, still paying attention to whatever the woman will say.]

As they walk through the parted screen both Kazuya and Sayaka are greeted with a traditional tea room. The walls are carved with the images of various animals and a small space in the room is cut off by a white curtain. At the center is a small table surrounded by green cushions and a few items take up space on the table. The most obvious item being a tea set with fumes coming out of it hinting at already done tea. The other not so obvious items are a strange appendage wrapped up with white bandages, a metallic pipe-like item with elaborate floral print, and a pile of glowing colors held at a standstill. Welcome to the backroom of my store~ My marvelous trade happens to be the exchange of items. Following behind her eyes narrow with a smirk. It is the nature of my trading that requires all the secrecy. She then takes a seat on one of the green cushions with her back facing the white curtains. Hitsuzen better known as fate requires it.

[Kazuya stands in place as he looks around the room with a gentle and amazed smile. It was so beautiful to him, such a nice room to look at and be in. He felt at peace somehow, even after all that happened before. At first his eyes dart at the strange object, but he doesn't pay them much mind as he moves ahead and sits down on one of the green cushions.] "Fate", huh...? [The sudden mention of such a simple and universal concept felt...weird to him. For a moment his smile drops, but he doesn't allow it to keep him down for much. After clearing his throat, the spoke again.] Exchange of items...? Is it something like...magical objects for something else, is it anything specific or anything you may happen to possess?

Sayaka looks around the room, with all its carvings, some of the animals actually look kinda cool. She briefly considers changing into her more casual attire, but shakes her head, no real reason to after all. Besides, this is comfortable enough. Sayaka grins, laying back a little, arms behind her head and smiling wide. This is the sorta thing she could get used to. Glancing over to Kazuya, looks like he has most of the important questions down, so Sayaka just adds one of her own If this "fate" of yours brought us here, does that mean you need us to do somethin'? Or is it just a saying of yours for all the customers?

Yuuko pours everyone some tea in a languid manner as her keen eyes study Kazuya's reactions. My customers receive what they need in exchange for something important to them. Whether the object be magical or mundane is really up to what they need as determined by them. Though sometimes fate can be a funny mistress in the exchange. She finishes pouring the tea and carefully picks up the bandaged limb. Staring at it for a moment she then points it toward Sayaka with a laugh. The minute the limb is pointed at her Sayaka suddenly feels the pressure from before, but this time centered toward her chest. This is the feeling of fate Lady Miki. Pretty heavy isn't it? Handing the limb to Mokona who puts it back in its original placing. Yuuko passively looks at the two other people in the room with an air of brevity about her. Now as to your second question Lady Miki. Yes fate has brought the two of you here for a specific purpose. She suddenly claps her hands clearing any possible tension in the room. But! Before I tell you of that purpose one of you here owes me a trade. I am but a free agent of fate and as such I am at its whims.

A trade...? What do you mean by trade? Do I really have to do something like that? [Kazuya would take a drink from his tea carefully eyeing the woman who was asking for something from them already, and again the whims of fate pulling him in. He didn't like that kind of thing a single bit, it was too limited, like a simple story someone else is enjoying.] Well...I at least have to listen to what you want from me...us.

Sayaka holds one hand over her heart, this pressure.. Well, she's always been told Magical Girls had a pretty heavy fate, this seems to fit in with that perfectly well. Sayaka takes a deep breath, whatever Yuuko means they probably won't be able to learn without giving something or another up, based on what she said earlier. Sayaka looks up S... Sorry, I don't really have much of anything to give. Almost everything is... Well.. Sayaka glances off to the side, its been what, two months now? Since she's last seen her friends back home. Time sure does fly doesn't it? Sayaka shakes her head, not the time to be thinking about that stuff. More important to focus on the now. Sayaka remains silent, probably best to let Kazuya talk for now

Everyone has something to trade~ Her black eyes focus in as if she were picking Sayaka and Kazuya apart with nothing but her gaze. A sudden silence envelops the room as Yuuko continues to sniff out the ties of fate. Eventually, she is satisfied with what she finds and her eyes once again take a kinder gaze. The both of you have something of value to give. Something so valuable that to take it would be the equivalent of altering your destinies. She jabs a finger in the direction of Kazuya with a solemn expression. Your connections to those dear to you will satisfy fate. She then moves the finger over to Sayaka. The purpose you have behind your current state of being will be of enough value as well. Yuuko lowers her finger and takes a calming sip of tea after sharing the price. Now as you know I only need one trade. Decide among yourselves who will pay the price.

My...connections...? [Kazuya would instinctivelly take hold of his right hand, especially his right little finger. He would look down, wondering what to do, if there was any way around this all. Given the implications of this, he figures that just leaving isn't going to cut it. He would look at Sayaka, and he would realize the fear on her face, and her doubt. He knew what her deal was too, her past breakdown as well. He would silently take a sip from his tea, and close his eyes.] I want to know what you think first, Sayaka.

Sayaka pauses for a moment, watching Yuuko. Its sort of a... Weird request. All things considered, its just a secret thing, right? That would be no problem at all, Sayaka's always glad to share her decision, but... Considering all the trouble they got to even enter the place, that almost seems a little too simple. Sayaka shrugs, guess we won't know until we try I can tell you that much easily. As a Magical Girl my purpose is to hunt down Witches and similar monsters in order to make sure they don't get to harm anyone. Sayaka begins toying with a few stray strands of hair as she goes on talking, unsure of whether or not this was actually the request So... I guess the simplest way to put it is that I wanted to become one in order to be able to protect people better... Right? Is that good enough for ya? It looks like she might have missed the whole point of that discussion, glancing back over to Kazuya, she's a bit nervous if anything. Its weird for the decision to effectively fall in her hands, but she's already tried it, if nothing else... Though. Sayaka thinks back. There is a little more, but hopefully they wouldn't know the difference anyways

If only Lady Miki. Yuuko sighs at having to this but it appears there is no other way. She has to make them understand the gravity of the situation even if they hate her after it. Standing up with an empty look on her face she holds out one hand with it's palm open. Fate is an almighty master upon us all. A giant magic circle appears in the room capturing both Kazuya and Sayaka in two empty section of it. At the center is a crescent moon with angel wings separating the two from the center of the circle. The information that you seek has a terrible price upon it. Mokona's ears suddenly twitch up and it's eyes go fully wide. The blue gemstone on it's forehead glows with deep blue light as a set of angel wings grow on it's back. To pay this price you must give something that has value in your soul. The angelic statue in front of the store begins to glow with an unearthly blue light. Let fate show you! String of blue light suddenly shoot out from the circle and strike at both Kazuya as well as Sayaka. The blue strings aiming for Kazuya quickly wrap around her COMP and from there weave up to his heart. He can almost feel his connections to his demons shattering right then and there. Whereas Sayaka's strings tie around her head and she instantly finds it hard to remember why she became a magical girl. The memory is still there, but it becomes a chore to retrieve it.

What...!? [Kazuya does his best as he tries to break free from this magical circle binding him. But he finds himself unable to do so. He doesn't feel too worried until the weird creature changes forms right in front of their eyes. His own eyes widen in surprise when the atmosphere changes completely, and the blue string begins to toy with him.] Let me go, what the hell are you thinking...!? [Soon he would feel...strange. Something really unusual about this whole thing. He would turn to see his COMP and it was still there, he knew his demon were there and he could easily summon them to get him out if necessary but the idea felt alien, for some reason.] What did you do...?

Sayaka looks around, it didn't seem that complicated, all things considered, but... Of course, when magic's involved who knows what could happen. What do you mean.... She doesn't get any further before the magic circle appears, preventing her from moving around much. Was it because she didn't say enough? After all, there was a wish to go with it.. But... No, its too embarassing to admit out loud. Looking at Monoka, now resembling some sort of angel, much like the front, perhaps this is a punishment for being dishonest. Sayaka would try to wave away the strings, to little avail as it goes around her head. L... Look, I can tell you a little more if you want.. I just.. Didn't think... No matter how hard she tries, Sayaka finds her initial wish to be eluding her. Just why did she become one in the first place? Surely it had to be something important, something that mattered, at least to her, yet... There's something there. She knows that much, but what is it? Sayaka takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but it does little to hide the panic in her voice What did you just take? What.. What on earth are you doing?

Yuuko now has a rather grim expression on as the effects of the strings grow worse. I have done nothing yet. Just showed you the price that is currently being demanded. She grabs Mokona and holds the now angelic creature close to her chest. Now that you have an idea of what is at stake. Decide.

I will. [Kazuya keeps his eyes closed the entire time. He sealed his fate by walking in here, but the least he could do was take the full price of someone far younger and promising than himself. He didn't really get it, but he felt like he had to do it.] I will pay this time, it's just one of us who has to do it, isn't it...? Then it has to be me, I already had my time in this earth, as short as it may have been. I...don't think it'll be too bad, it'll be fine. [He would turn to Sayaka for a moment before looking at Yuuko again.] As long as I have a reason, I'm not letting anything stop me.

Sayaka takes a deep breath, its growing fainter and fainter, yet, its really all memories of home, in a way it made her sick, thinking back on a number of people she may never see again. It might be a shame to forget, yet, thinking about it only hurts. Unsure what to do, Sayaka looks over at Kazuya, she takes a deep breath, but is unable to hide the shakiness in her voice K... Kaz.. Do you know if there's any way back home? I mean.... I kinda left some people behind. Am I just stuck here forever now because of one bad day? Sayaka promised herself she wouldn't cry, but the whole situation is messed up. She never even got to enjoy her wish before it was all torn away from her. She has a new life now, effectively, it might be best to forget as much as she can about the old one, lest it only hurt worse. In spite of herself, a few tears streak down her face. Maybe the older guy knows what to do. She looks up for a moment, he.. It was so fast, without hesitation, but in a way this "price" could end up benefiting her. Without wasting any more time, Sayaka looks up to Yuuko C... Can we have another moment to discuss this? I mean... I don't want to rush into it if we don't have to. clearing her throat, Sayaka looks back at Kazuya, he shouldn't have to do this, that's part of why she's here after all, a hero's duty is to bear such burdens themselves after all. J... Just please, answer my question first... I... I'm not scared. You don't have to treat me like a kid

Yuuko sympathetically gazes at Sayaka and offers a slight nod of her head. Take all the time you need. Hitsuzen can wait for just a moment.

I'm not treating you like a kid, I'm doing this out of respect. You said you had people back there, didn't you? You asked me if you will ever comeback or if you are staying. [Kazuya would fiercely turn to Sayaka with the rare, serious face almost nobody ever gets to see. His words were firm and without hesitation, clear and sound. When looking at his eyes it was clear that he was...scared, the eyes are the window to the soul after all. However, said fear was right besides anger, determination, but brightest of all was hope with no apparent boundaries.] I can't answer your question now because I don't know what tomorrow may bring. But I've seen it before, I came back to my own world, to my own people once before being brought back in here again. I saw them. If you lose all that now, what will you do when you get to go back? Will you, "The Hero", leave them all for your own sake? I know I can't, I have to comeback and I will go back. If you find a way back home, whether you go back or stay has to be your choice when the moment comes. [He would then turn to Yuuko again.] I never had much of a choice anyways, so do it, I'm okay with this. I'm not letting anything, not even fate stop me from going back.

It appears a decision has been made. Yuuko flicks her hand and Sayaka is released from the circle of her imprisonment. The blue threads once tying around Sayaka instantly disintegrate and her memory feels whole again. The item of trade today shall be the bonds of this young man. The blue threads tying around Kazuya's COMP and heart carefully tighten with precision. As they grow more taut they tear away at Kazuya's emotions toward his demons while killing the life spark of the COMP. Let the exchange commence! Kazuya suddenly feels nothing as the strings in one fluid motion snatch away his ability to feel anything for his demons as well as his COMP. Kazuya's materialized feelings appear to be a cloud of green that is trapped within the center of the circle. While his device finally becomes unusable in nature and joins the cloud at the center. Yuuko then walks forward and reaches her hands beneath both items. The items shortly disappear once she does this and the magic circle finally breaks apart releasing Kazuya. With his connection now severed his fate has certainly been changed today. Hitsuzen's price has been paid young man. Yuuko looks to Kazuya with a sad gaze and once again sits down on a cushion. Now you may have all the information you desire in addition to what I will give. As well as an additional gift that fate shall deliver later.

[Kazuya would then fall to ground while looking down in complete silence. He would look to his left and see nothing but his empty arm. He didn't have his COMP anymore, and yet...he didn't care. He couldn't even figure out why it was so important to him. Faint images of a woman with brown hair would torment him for a second before he looked up.] What do you mean additional gift? What kind of information would I even get...? [Kazuya, despite everything else, looked or seemed normal. He had to hold his head with his right hand however, as he still felt pain, the memories of the same woman with brown hair torturing him further.] Just who was that...?

Yuuko with a smirk once again beckons the two to sit. As I said the gift will come later once you need it the most. It's best not to question things like this two much or else you just may jinx yourself. Now as for the information ... Taking another sip of her now cold tea she tries to make herself comfy for the long story to come. Well allow me to regale the two of you with a tale that has led up to present calamity. Best for you two two to get comfortable for this will be long.

Yuuko dramatically begins her enthralling tale while keeping a watchful gaze on Sayaka and Kazuya. Before I arrived in this world I had crossed paths with a demon. One that wanted to rip apart the fabric of this world. Yuuko's faintly smiles at her recollections. She was a kindred spirit of time and space. A friend I made that claimed to hate hitsuzen for all it had done to her. Hailing from a world of witches and mages she had no affections left for it. She had lost too much and thus claimed that she would destroy it with her bare hands. Whether the inhabitants of the world we arrived at wanted such a thing or not. Truly a selfish being she was of overruling free will. Yuuko's smile then becomes a cold mask. Yet even if her wishes were selfish she still was of the same power as me. So I was unable to destroy her before the arrival. All I could do against someone of my caliber was to send her to this world at a point when it had defenders. This came at the cost of my own personal trapping in the void, but at least the world could fight back if she did anything. Soon enough I made it as well to a place with hitsuzen still intact. Yuuko's gaze darkens on Sayaka and Kazuya. Yet it won't be for long as the threads between time and space are unraveling. Her work is clear in this occurrence. Yuuko finally brightens up and opens her arms wide in cheer. Which is why the two of you are here! To stop the cataclysmic destruction of time and space at the hands of an all power demon! Any questions?

much of Sayaka's earlier bravado is gone by now, replaced with a faint feeling of dread. The reason they're here.. Is to supposedly stop something all-powerful, with what, a few swords? Without them Sayaka's proven to be pretty much useless, unless all-powerful beings happen to be weak to getting katanas thrown at them, she's starting to doubt just how much she can help. After all, she couldn't quite bring herself to make a sacrifice, Kazuya did it. Sayaka looks back up at Yuuko, eyes empty of their usual fire A... Are you sure about this? I mean, no offense, but you just picked two people with swords and basically told them to fight God. Is there a plan beyond that, or are we just supposed to do our best?

What guarantee do we have that what you are saying is true? Or rather...why should we listen to you? [Kazuya was now sitting with both arms crossed and over his chest. He had more than a few doubts with this entire talk about "fate" and what not, even the nature of this "selfish free will" seemed familiar. Of course, back then he faced an issue such as this for an entire year, maybe close to a month? How much it didn't matter, because that was all he knew now, all that mattered. Questioning this story, he looks straight to Yuuko's eyes.] So while you want to protect fate which is almost set in stone, you are asking us to go defeat a being that wants to destroy said absolute control over our lives. I...that's what I'm getting anyways. Given the nature of this ordeal, of two godly figures battling each other over something no different from preference over beef or chicken... [Kazuya would turn to Sayaka at his side, who seemed cofused and fearful. He closed his eyes for a moment as he sighed. Then, he showed her his bright, hopeful eyes of color grey.] I want to know what this other being has to say first. I refuse to just accept this task you are giving us. It's true, all we have is swords...but it's not the tools we use what makes a human dangerous, but their own minds and how they apply them. You saw that before, didn't you Sayaka? There is always a way.

Well first of all kiddos I never mentioned God in all of this ... Yuuko casually rests her head against an arm and blows smoke out of a surprise pipe. The two of you are getting ahead of yourselves with such meaningless concepts. I simply offered the two of you exactly what was paid for. The direction that fate intends you to go. Now if you wish to fight against the path laid out then you are free to do so. Her grey eyes casually rest on a butterfly print opposite of her. But you will effectively reap the truth you seek after sowing conflict. Her eyes finally shift to the two and they suddenly feel a weight in their hearts. Remember that the two of you don't exist for yourselves.

Sayaka looks back into Kazuya's eyes. Sometimes there are things you literally can't beat. It happened to her teacher, she met one earlier in this city... There are.... No.. Sayaka takes a deep breath to calm her nerves Its a little shameful, in a way, but he's right. She can't just give up. What kind of hero does that? None of them. No, even if it ends up killing her, Sayaka still needs to stand up for what's right, what she believes in. Initially Sayaka recoils from the sudden weight in her heart, yet, in a way its a wonderful reminder. She's not doing this for herself, never has been. We're here to protect people, not some fate, people. Sayaka looks back up to Kazuya with a grin I... sorry about that, no, you're right. Whatever happens I'll just need to find a way. I mean, what kinda hero would give up? Sayaka leans back in her cushion, looking between both Kazuya and Yuuko Thank you for reminding me. I don't know much about this whole situation, but you're right. Both of you. I'm here to help however much I can. I can't lose sight of that now. For now I'll... Just have to see where it goes

[Kazuya was looking straight at Yuuko as she turned to them. He felt the weight of one and many others, how heavy his chest suddenly felt now. His expression didn't change and his mind didn't doubt, nor did his heart falter. The young man sighs as he feels a headache. It hurts, it's as if many needles would stab his brain, and even worse was his heart accelarating. His left arm was shaking slightly.] The only truth is that I will do whatever I find necessary in order to fulfill what I think is the right thing. I won't get any more information until I confront this other person and it doesn't seem like I can just leave. [The young man covers his face with his right hand before deciding to stand up, he didn't like being sit when he was thinking, much less when he felt his usual stress coming back.] I want to see what will happen for now, it's too early to decide.

Yuuko stands up and walks over to the screen doors. Wise choice for the both of you. She opens one of the doors revealing a street right outside of it. The sun is just beginning to set outside creating a colorful effect upon the concrete. Though I do hope you remember that your personal wishes guided you to me. Her eyes shift to Sayaka. A wish to be recognized. Her eyes shift to Kazuya. A wish to be right. Mokona jumps up to her shoulder and Yuuko closes her eyes as if in deep thought. Yet the two of them immediately begin clapping as if celebrating a joyous occasion. The two of you are now free to go back to your wonderful world. Please visit me again soon~ She respectfully lowers her head at the two. Alas you may not have the choice since there is no coincidence. Only hitsuzen.

[Kazuya would turn to the exit as soon as the doors open, he had been waiting for this moment. However, before leaving he would turn to face Yuuko and bow to her as a show of respect before turning around and leaving through the door.] Even if there is, I will cut my way right through it. I suppose...see you next time, Yuuko, Sayaka. [With both hands inside of his pockets, Kazuya begins to leave feeling a bit...empty. Something really was missing.]