[center][i]Playful innocence, hidden behind a mask...

The desire to help another, undermined by those around you...

Locked away, unable to do the things you wished you could...

Say...

What is your wish?[/i][/center][hr]Light filtered through a small gap in the curtains of Nico's room, falling gently on her waking features. Her eyes flickered open, finding the desk and wall opposite to her to come into sight. Notebooks were still lying half-open on top of it and several papers were scattered haphazardly across the floor. The girl gently pushed herself upright, pausing for a moment to stare wistfully at her hand.

"My wish, huh?"

"..."[hr]Nico's days always felt so strange to her. She walked to school like any ordinary person, gently carrying her bag with both hands and talking to any friends she met along the way. Sometimes she'd catch a boy staring at her as she passed them by, other times she was left entirely alone. She laughed and argued just like anyone else, her classes coming and going... and yet, she couldn't help but catch on to more and more things each day. How people will try to subtly complain about things, or just put it out in the open. The gentle expression changes as someone talks about the things they don't like. These negative emotions, festering and growing over time until that person isn't able to take it anymore, forming a monster from the darkness of their heart...

To think she was no better than anyone else only a short while ago.

It's that part which was strange to her. All these things Nico hadn't noticed before, but now, a constant reminder of her task in life. Even if nobody was aware of it, the free spirit which was unleashed at night that fought for everyone's sake was walking among them, acting just like any ordinary person. It felt nearly hypocritical of her to act the way she did. Especially on the day she found herself in, still taking notes as the evening bell rang to signal school's end. While remaining somewhat focused, Nico's thoughts nevertheless wandered to a greater purpose which had to be fulfilled soon. The big showdown filled with people like her... the Hex Night. It filled her with excitement and fear alike, anxious nerves counteracted by a childlike eagerness to start.

Even after Nico was done writing down everything she needed to, the girl stayed behind and helped her fellow students to clean the school building during after-hours. It helped get her mind off of things. Nico took less than an hour to get done and leave the building, though she'd preferred to have stayed a little longer. The girl didn't have any particular desire to head straight home. As soon as she passed through her school gate, Nico spotted a large, black Burmilla cat on a perch around the corner. It stared back at her with curious golden eyes, then got off its platform to walk up to the girl. Nico crouched down to meet it halfway, scratching behind its ears and offering some treats she'd kept in the pocket of her uniform.

"Were you waiting for me again? You must be such a troublemaker..."

The girl smiled as it rubbed its head in the palm of her hand. This particular cat has been meeting her outside of the school nearly daily for the past few weeks now. It seems to have taken a liking to her, and even though the feeling was mutual, Nico couldn't help but worry for its owner. She pet the Burmilla's head again.

"It's going to get pretty exhausting for me soon... cheer me on, okay?"

After feeding it another treat, Nico motioned for the cat to leave her alone as she ruffled around in a different pocket. She pulled out some Yen and stared at it for a short while.

"Maybe... maybe I should pray at the shrine."

Clutching her hand, Nico gave herself a determined nod before setting off towards the local place of worship. She wasn't particularly superstitious, but it was nice to believe in the little things sometimes. Besides, she'd need any help she can get, with how much of a rookie she was...

Once the girl reached the steps towards her destination, though, she could see another young lady walk down them. Nico recognised her from the few times she visited. Nico couldn't help but call out to her.

"Ah... Yukimura-san," she began, then paused to see if Yukimura Himeko had noticed her.

"Are you done with your duties for today? I was just stopping by for a prayer..." the girl explained, looking up towards the shrine's local caretaker.