FINALE: ARE YOU WAITING TO WAKE UP? (1)

New Year's Eve. The last day of the year. The day we take on Sonora.

It's normally a holiday... b-but I don't think any of us feel like celebrating right now.

It's hard to believe the day's finally come-- up until yesterday, it felt so far away. We were more readily able to prepare, to distract ourselves. Yet... it feels like as soon as midnight struck and it became 24 hours until the day in question... our sense of preparedness was completely thrown out the window, and all of our collective anxiety as a group came spilling out all at once.

We're all sitting in Fue-chan's car, waiting for s-someone to get the courage to suggest that we actually start heading out. No one wants to break the silence and set the proverbial dominos into motion, even with us all knowing that waiting will just make things worse. We never actually coordinated a time with Sonora, after all-- we all just assumed it would be by sundown so we could keep a low profile. Though... from what little I know of her, I'm sure she'll wait. At least until midnight.

...On a related note, Asa-chan's probably taking it the worst-- g-given she's been turning into an Anxi. I think she's starting to get taller, but I don't have the courage to ask her to check. I just hope we can take out Sonora and reverse the process before she starts to lose herself.

Is taking Sonora out even going to reverse anything, though? I mean, it'll stop any new Anxi from being formed outside of breeding pits and infection, but...

Ahhh, I don't know, don't know, and don't want to think about it. I let out a low growl, breaking up the silence.

"Let's go, I-I'm getting tired of s-stewing in my thoughts..." I sigh. Still have a bit of wolf instincts in me, I guess, given I literally just growled. I chuckle at the thought.

I'd offer to drive, myself, but I don't know the first thing about driving an actual car, and I'm too scared to learn. If we were driving go-karts and throwing shells at each other, then I'd be more in my element.

Fue-chan nods, wordlessly turning the car into ignition and pulling out of her designated parking space. As we start driving on the road proper, I rest a hand on her shoulder as if to reassure her that things will work out in the end. I notice in the rear-view mirror that Mizu-chan's made Asa-chan rest on her shoulder, so I'm glad they're trying to keep spirits up as well.

The drive is quiet and uncomfortable, other than that. Normally, I'd be listening to my music to try and calm my nerves, but right now I'm forcing myself to be in the moment. Staring at every crack in the road, at every confused passerby. The street signs Fue-chan meticulously looks over, both to remind herself where to go and to get a feel for our distance to that destination. I don't feel like I should be distracting myself this time around, especially when so much is possibly at stake. Who knows what she's planning... honestly.

"Whatever happens... we've got each other." I say, having rehearsed that line several times in my head. "Things will work out, n-no matter how rough it'll get."

Asa-chan smiles lightly.

Mizu-chan, on the other hand, chuckles. "Don't normally see ya' bein' the reassurin' one, here-- tryin' ta' take Fuetchi's spot as leader, or somethin'?"

"Take it." Fue-chan interjects. "You've grown so much, Chisaki. That... and I don't mind being chauffeur to the demon lady."

I blush, quickly turning to stare at the car door to hide my flusterment. I... don't know how much she's joking. Ah, w-well, at least I've lightened the mood! ...E-even if it's not how I'd expected to do so...

After a bit more time passes, we eventually reach our destination. A modestly sized park, one I'd always heard of but never had the opportunity to go to. Though... depending on how tonight plays out, I don't know if I'll ever want to come here again.

I get out first, not wanting a repeat of earlier. We're the only ones here, as far as I can see. Most people are probably off celebrating, or otherwise heading home before curfew.

"She must be further ahead." Asa-chan meekly speaks. I feel so bad, seeing how much her confidence has drained from her. Though, maybe she's always been like this, and was just better at hiding it than me. I admit I haven't known her long enough to say.

"Well..." I close my eyes, placing a hand to my heart. The sigils form around me as the ground cracks, a crater quickly forming around me. Rocks shoot up and encapsulate me, before they too crack and shatter, revealing my magical girl outfit.

I look down at the ground. No cracks, no crater. It's always been funny to me. Despite my transformation being so showy, it's always been just that-- for show. But... like I said to Asa-chan a few weeks ago. It's about the presentation. If it doesn't hurt anyone, if it makes us feel magical, then it's good for us.

And honestly, it makes me feel fucking amazing to be a real life magical girl.

Fue-chan follows suit, followed by Mizu-chan.

Asa-chan hesitates, staring vacantly further into the park. I look to Mizu-chan, who clears her throat.

"If yer' too scared to do this for yerself, Asahin..." She embraces her partner from behind, being careful to not bump her mask into her. "... then do it fer' me."

Asa-chan sits there, feeling the warmth of her lover... before nodding with an uncertain smile.

"You're... right. You're right."

She places her hand to her heart, transforming into her outfit. Thank god it still fits her, even despite her impending corruption.

"Okay...

Let's do this."