Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Ever onward time marched forth.

It was strange really. Having come to Japan to find the hotel room her family and her were staying in for the time held so many archaic technologies was curious indeed. The amenities were all present and comfort was certainly afforded but it certainly did clash with the technophilic surroundings of this prefecture.

On the surface she had come with her family to Japan so her father could attend a business meeting. In truth the real reason she was here was simple: The Hex Night.

Having managed to gather the information required to learn of this event and it's location she knew very well what it meant. She had to attend this battle or else she would miss out on the only opportunity to have a wish granted. The constant pain of her heart and lungs straining against her ribs were a constant reminder that she wouldn't be alive to see a second hex night. As far as she has managed to discover there are no alternatives available. In a world of newly discovered magic it was difficult to learn that she was so little she could do to extend what little time left she still had.

_
She gently sipped her tea as she sat at the table in her wheelchair. The wheelchair wasn't for lack of use of her legs but rather it was to keep her from collapsing and hurting herself each time her body fails her. Her breaths were short and shallow like a mouse's and often, especially in more intense moments, she wouldn't get the oxygen needed to keep from fainting.

[b]"Excellent news Sophia! This hotel has an international meal selection."[/b] Her mother chimed cheerfully from another room. [b]"Shall I place an order for you as well or..."[/b] Her sentence trailed off as she came to remember. [b]"Oh, that's right. Do not worry, I'll have your food ready for you when you return."[/b]

Her mother did so enjoy spending her evenings doting over her. Part of it was out of concern for her health and part of it was to cram as many happy memories spending time with her daughter as she could in before tragedy took it's seemingly inevitable toll. They did hope ever so strongly that she'd rise above the estimates of her doctors and live longer than they'd said she would. They spent a small fortune exploring medical solutions only to come up empty in every direction.

While it moved her to know just how much her parents cared for her despite how much of a burden she's been to them her whole life she loathed to see them worry. It tore at her so very much anytime they were scared for her.

She needed not speak a single word. Her intent was already understood.

_
As evening drew near she slowly rolled her way on the pathway up a gentle green hill. Her chair was automated to save on the strain of needing to roll it with her arms so it was with relative ease that she made her up. This hill was home to a quaint shrine at the very top. Sadly it's only path of access was over stairs, something her chair was ill-equipped to deal with. Instead she moved behind a tree and sat within it's shadow. As it was evening there wasn't a soul around, just her and the wind which played across the tree tops.

Activating her transformation she changed into her magical girl form. Using her power over the darkness she melded with the shadow cast by the tree, concealing the majority of herself, wheelchair included, by bending her silhouette until it was almost wholly congruous with the shadow of the tree itself.

From the forest numerous ravens manifested from the shadows it held. A large flock of these tenebrous birds formed above, taking to the darkened skies before scattering above the city. They would serve as her eyes and her ears, surveilling the city for signs of other shadow manifestations or perhaps other magical girls. She was keen to keep tabs on those who would prey upon her in the nights to come. Soon it would come time to pick her fights very carefully lest she fall with ease. One as frail as her lacked the capacity to even run without losing consciousness and possibly dying. She stood little chance of standing toe to toe with any one of them. She needed to remain aware lest she let that happen.

Failure meant death.

Tick. Tock.