The streetlights flickered on one by one as evening settled over the city.
Mio and Hina walked side by side toward the station, shopping bags swinging gently between them. The air was calm, almost too calm, and Hina hummed quietly to herself.
"I'm really glad we did this today," she said softly. "It felt… peaceful."
Mio smiled, but her heart skipped.
That feeling again.
That subtle pressure in her chest. Like the air itself was holding its breath.
She slowed.
"Hina," Mio said, her voice tightening, "wait a second."
"Hm?" Hina turned. "What is—"
The streetlight above them shattered.
Glass rained down as a sharp wind tore through the alley, plunging the street into shadow. The air grew cold, heavy, wrong.
Hina gasped. "Mio—?!"
A figure emerged from the darkness, her steps soundless, her presence suffocating.
Long dark hair. Eyes like frozen glass.
Shizuku.
"So," she said calmly, her voice echoing unnaturally, "this is where you were hiding, little dreamer."
Mio's blood ran cold.
"Shizuku…!" She stepped instinctively in front of Hina. "This has nothing to do with her."
Hina stared, confused and terrified. "M-Mio…? Who is that…?"
Shizuku's gaze slid past Mio, landing on Hina with interest. "Ah… a civilian. How unfortunate."
A dark ripple surged from Shizuku's hand.
"Mio!" Hina screamed.
Mio didn't think. She reached into her pocket and clenched the Aurora Pin.
Light exploded around her.
"Hina—close your eyes!"
Too late.
Dreamlight burst outward, wrapping Mio in spiraling ribbons of color. Her school clothes dissolved into shimmering fabric, her hair lifting as her magical form bloomed into existence.
Hina watched everything.
The light.
The transformation.
The girl she knew becoming someone unreal.
"Mio…?" she whispered, trembling.
The light faded.
Mio stood transformed, breathing hard.
There was no going back.
Shizuku smiled. "So you showed her after all."
"Hina—run!" Mio shouted. "Please!"
But Hina's legs wouldn't move. Her chest burned, her heart racing as the world she understood shattered in front of her eyes.
"You're… a magical girl…?" Hina's voice broke.
Shizuku raised her hand again. "Enough sentiment."
Dark shards shot toward them.
Mio threw herself forward, shielding Hina. The impact sent her sliding across the pavement.
"Mio!!"
Hina ran to her side, hands shaking. "You're hurt—why didn't you tell me?! Why were you carrying this all alone?!"
"I wanted to protect you," Mio whispered. "I never wanted you to see this."
Shizuku's shadow loomed over them. "How touching. But dreams are fragile things."
She reached for Hina.
Mio tried to stand—failed.
"No!" Mio cried. "Take me instead!"
But Hina suddenly felt it.
A warmth blooming in her chest.
A memory.
Her quiet wishes.
Her fear of being left behind.
Her desire to stand beside Mio—not behind her.
"I don't want to run," Hina said shakily.
Both Mio and Shizuku froze.
"I don't want to be protected if it means losing you," Hina continued, tears falling. "If your world is dangerous… then let me step into it too."
The air shimmered.
A soft voice echoed—not cold, not cruel.
Gentle. Ancient.
Do you wish to awaken your dream?
Light wrapped around Hina like a cocoon.
"H-Hina—?!" Mio reached out.
Hina's body lifted slightly from the ground as petals of light unfolded around her. Her clothes transformed into flowing pastel layers, soft ribbons of starlight forming at her waist. A crystal pendant bloomed at her chest, glowing warmly.
Her eyes opened—clear, steady, no longer afraid.
"I'm scared," Hina said softly.
Then she smiled.
"But I won't look away."
Shizuku stepped back, eyes narrowing. "Another…? Interesting."
Hina landed beside Mio, instinctively reaching for her hand.
"I don't understand everything yet," Hina said, voice trembling but firm. "But I know this—"
She looked at Shizuku.
"You're not touching her."
Light surged between the two girls, their hands glowing together.
Mio stared at Hina in shock, tears spilling freely.
"Hina… I'm so sorry…"
Hina squeezed her hand. "You can explain later."
She lifted her gaze, determination shining.
"Right now… let's protect our dreams."
Shizuku laughed quietly. "Very well."
The battle had truly begun.