[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/FaKd6S6.jpg[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/B77fM5x.png[/img][/center]


A girl with long black hair wearing a long gray dress, topped with a dark coat was walking down a bustling city street. It was early evening and the sun was slowly setting on the horizon. The young lady was happily humming to herself, but still made sure to walk with a poised posture. She was holding a plastic store bag that had the logo of a local game store, the way she caressed the bag would signify it as being the source of her high spirits. She reached into the bag for a moment and pulled out its contents. It was a box that was decorated with what could only be described as 'wacky' artwork. It depicted several characters standing together adorning various poses, some of the characters had animal, demonic, and angelic properties. The supposed title of the contents could be seen on top of the box and read 'Lazeria: Eternum of Souls - Royal Edition'. It apparently was the latest entry in a series of RPG titles. The royal edition was an exclusive pre-order version that came with extra goodies, most notably was a 1:7 scale figure of the main heroine of the game.

Indeed, Setsuko planned to ensure she set aside time to pick up the game and still make it to her daily patrol. She looked at the package with starry eyes and a wide grin, very pleased she was able to obtain it on launch day. However, after a moment her blissfulness faded and her smile was replaced by a melancholic expression. [color=ed1c24]"You know, this was one of our favorite franchises. We played all the entries to completion, and were even part of forums that were dedicated to the series, official and fan made. We'd talk about plot theories and character ships for so long our parents yelled at us to go to bed! You know, it really sucks…"[/color] A tear began to run down from her eye and her hands trembled while still holding the box. [color=ed1c24]"We promised we'd beat them all together, Wakaba, but now…"[/color]

She caught herself, remembering her new role. The danger of negative emotions was what she was to defend the innocent against!

[color=ed1c24]"No, no need for that! Wakaba is always with me!"[/color] She said, holding her scarlet feather charm close to her chest. She remembered vividly when her fairy visited her, explaining the new power she'd be granted along with the responsibilities she'd take on. She'd lost something, but then gained something that gave her the strength to go on. Regaining herself, she reaffirmed her strengthened feelings with a nod and placed the package back in the bag.

[color=ed1c24]"I'll beat it for the both of us, Wakaba. Count on it!"[/color]

[hr]

[center][h2][u]Nerima Ward[/u][/h2][/center]
[center][h3][u][color=ed1c24]The Vermilion Bird takes Flight![/color][/u][/h3][/center]

The lush greenery of the countryside wasn't a new sight for Setsuko. She has family who lived in such areas that she visited from time to time. She much enjoyed walking on the dirt roads on moonlit nights, it reminded her of when she saw such areas in anime or video games. However, she also knew she couldn't let her guard down, taken in by the gentle night breeze or the gentle chirping of insects.

Shades.

The grotesque creatures born from the accumulation of negative energy. They reminded her of those shadowy things from the game that had a boy with a strange blade. What was the name of it again? Nevermind, she thought, now wasn't the time for that! 

Speak of the Devil.

Ahead of her in the grass at 2:30, a shade had begun to form. This one had slowly taken on the form of a large lizard; it swayed its head about and hissed,  revealing its long slimy tongue. When it finished forming it was roughly the size of a small car; it was complete with a long tail that it whipped across the grass, spraying little blades of it up everywhere. It rose up on its hind legs for a moment, briefly showing its sharpened claws. 

Hmph, time to expose this scrub.

[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUsQKKWfJn4]🐦[/url][/center]

[center][i][color=ed1c24]Flames of Indignation, rise forth and cast thy rage on the wretched.[/color][/i][/center]
[center][i][color=ed1c24]Wings of Propriety, imbue me with your strength and envelop the heavens in your holy glow.[/color][/i][/center]
[center][i][color=ed1c24]God of the Southern Sky, lend me your power![/color][/i][/center]

Enveloping herself in a bright vermilion glow, Setsuko's appearance took a drastic change. Now dawning her magical girl attire, she struck an extravagant pose while shining embers rippled around her. [color=ed1c24]"Yes, I nailed it!"[/color], she mused to herself. [color=ed1c24]"They'll make an anime of me in no time!"[/color]

It would seem during her self absorbed monologue, the creature was already charging at her. Its countless beady eyes had their sights set on the fiery magical girl. Had her foolishness gotten her killed, was Setsuko's story already over? 

Hardly. The wheel of fate was turning in her favor this time around. 

The creature would find itself blown away by a sudden burst of flame right to its face, it roared hideously as it tumbled back. It managed to get back up on its feet, but the attack was still quite effective. The creature had part of its face singed off, revealing its orange insides along with dripping black goo on the ground.

[color=ed1c24]"Just rushing in and not expecting a counter hit? No wonder you're stuck in the lower ranks."[/color] 

It was impossible to tell if the creature could understand the jab or not, but regardless it began its charge again. [color=ed1c24]"You're seriously going to try the same tactic again? This is why fighting scrubs is no fun…"[/color]

Instead of blasting the shade, Setsuko gracefully leaped to the air to avoid its jaws. At this point her arms had become brilliant wings, allowing to remain airborne. [color=ed1c24]"You really need to learn better mixups."[/color] She continued to taunt the lizard.

Not missing a beat, her leg turned into a fiery talon, which she used to deliver a powerful kick to the shade back. [color=ed1c24]"Sparrow Kick!"[/color] She exclaimed, the creature made another yell at the searing pain. It rolled over on its side.

[color=ed1c24]"You should stop rolling so much, makes it easier for me to oki!"[/color] Setsuko decided she had enough playing around, it was time to end this.

Not letting the shade get up for another time, Setsuko began channeling energy into her wings, their aura glowing more and more intensely.  [color=ed1c24]“Disappear with the flames! Incandescent Purification!”[/color] Setsuko pushed her wings out forward and let loose a large burst of combustive energy that completely engulfed the shade. The creature one last weak roar before being engulfed completely. After the attack had finished, all that remained of the shade were charred blobs and outlined cinders on the ground. Claiming victory, Setsuko slowly descended down to the ground and inspected her kill. Seemed like it was all over. 

[color=ed1c24]“Yes! Perfect EX Finish!”[/color] She exclaimed, quite pleased with herself. 

Still, she wasn’t expected to run into one this large here. Usually the shades in this area were small fry, wonder what caused this one’s birth? A disgruntled couple, unhealthy household, a group of angry kids? No matter, it was over now, he wouldn’t be hurting anyone.

[sub][@Shiyonichi][@LuckyBlackCat][@FrogRFlowR][/sub]

Before she had more time to ponder, she sensed more magical energy stirring, not just another shade but more magical girls as well? She knew of others like her in her general vicinity, and it seems like they were engaging opponents of their own. She took one last look at the shade she defeated as its remains began to fully dissipate. She then promptly made her way to where the energies were gathered to assess the situation. 

Upon arriving at the scene, she saw that they were three other magical girls, two of them looked younger than her. The shade seemed to have gotten a hold of what appeared to be a fairy, probably belonging to one of the other girls. Two of the girls were already letting loose their attacks on the shade. 

Not wanting to interfere with their tag team attack, Setsuko decided to remain on standby in case they needed more backup.