Magia Record Main Story Part 2 Chapter 12
Episode 6:
Summary by bigscarythings
Kagome says it's been sometime since the final battle, and yet more since the APS spread throughout the world. Iroha, Ui, Touka, and Nemu are all still gone, with only megucas remembering them clearly - muggles are described to remember them "as a blur," as though they were fictional characters. Even so, things are finally returning to normal, and Kagome has been going around interviewing the megucas.
First things first, Kagome visits Sakae to speak with Karin, now that Alina has disappeared. We learn that Karin has been devoted to drawing every day at school, even on holidays - Karin insists she must catch up with Alina one day, even though she doesn't know where Alina has gone. In a flashback, we see their parting - Alina explains she's traveling abroad, having learned that true art shines in our struggle against death. Karin doesn't get why this entails Alina quitting school; Alina explains that despite all the grief she's caused, things ultimately ended on hope, so Alina needs to study abroad to keep her promise to Karin. Karin protests, saying this is all too sudden, and by "promise," is Alina referring to the Conversion Plan? Alina does not answer, simply saying she'll make art in a world where life shines brilliantly; she's already getting goosebumps just thinking about it...!
Back in the present, Karin explains she'd gotten her passport ready and was determined to go after Alina, but mysteriously, her passport went missing... Just when she says that, though, she gets a text from Alina, saying she's arrived at her current destination. If Alina's art will be a strong drug for the world, then she supposes Karin's comics might be the neutralizer. The world will be just fine with Gray, so Karin needs to hurry up, Alina will wait for years, come quick! Karin is confused by it, but attached to the message is Alina's new piece - a massive LED light above a battleground in a forest.
In her narration, Kagome remarks she's wanted to interview Alina the most, for all of her enigmas, but she never got the chance. Next, she explains that Folklore of Zero has disbanded, now just a regular group of four friends. Each has taken refuge with the faction of their choice. First, Kagome describes her visit to the Nayufam, where Rabi still works, and the professor has settled back home. Rabi asks how Kagome's book is going; Kagome says she's not finished putting it together, but has the material ready for it - it's not like a novel or essay, so it's difficult to summarize it all (you tell me, Kagome!). Tasuke figures that means Kagome is here for advice on how to assemble the work. Here, Nayuta explains that Tasuke has forgotten some stories about Iroha, too, which is why she invited Kagome to visit.
Right on cue, Mikage caterwauls for Nayuta at the house's front door and barges right inside. Mikage excitedly asks if Kagome and Tasuke are done with the book, and asks when they're going to publicize magical girls!! Nayuta scolds Mikage to use her indoor voice, and wonders how Mikage was able to let herself right in; Rabi realizes she must've forgotten to lock the door after fetching the newspaper. Nayuta remarks that it's very unusual for Rabi, and Rabi figures she must be losing her diligence in her role as the head of the house...which Nayuta nods along to at first, then squawks, "Wait, THAT'S what's going on?!"
Still, Tasuke explains to Mikage that they have a lot of revision to do before the book's ready to be published. And even that book alone won't be able to tell the stories of all megucas - so they need to learn from what they've seen and take things one step at a time, especially because of how resistant people are to having their ideas and beliefs challenged. Rabi figures it'd be better if they take an incremental approach to revealing magical girls, like how complex subjects have introductory books. Tasuke says this process won't be complete in even ten or twenty years from now. But at least now, they have the time to do so.
Kagome says they talked more about how to assemble the book and reveal the truths of megucas; it's a particularly sensitive topic, because they know people will be in denial that their ways of interaction and being is the direct cause of why magical girls make their contracts. And that's what segues into the Neo-Magius section. She says they've regained their composure and have returned to their quotidian lives, but on the day Kagome visits them, things are unusually hectic. In the ruins of the Kamihama Civic Center, San is ordering the feathers to find and destroy any trace of NM's presence, while Miyuri dies a little over all the stacks of her own doujins she's manged to find... Basically, in Kanagi and Mitama's wrath, the ceiling of the civic center collapsed, just as construction was about to resume. NM has decided to take responsibility for what happened and are cleaning up everyone's tracks.
Despite all the labor, though, everyone seems chipper. Himena explains she and Hiko have designed a special course in boosting self-esteem, and it's already worked wonders - she's been helping her friends find something to be proud of in themselves. Hagumu, for example, has had people started to compliment her for her clothes and acting, and it's made her days a little brighter. Miyuri complains that no one's complimented herself on her legs, as she starts taking footage of San's legs by instinct...San scolds her to cut it out for now. Meanwhile, Sasha remarks she feels a bit like a criminal, given what they're doing here, but still, she's glad that she, Himena, and the others are all spending time together like this. Himena agrees, and remembers that she wanted to ask Sasha to help out with their next self-esteem class; Sasha apologizes, saying she'll be in Yukuni that day with her Folklore friends. Himena pouts, asking who's more important, her or Folklore...? Sasha says that's not a very nice question to ask, but Himena insists on an answer!
We do not see it, as Kagome returns to her narration - it seems NM has been keeping their supremacy in check by addressing their own issues with self-affirmation. That leads into the Tokime Clan, who have been discussing their futures together. Kagome's most recent visit saw the Tokimes at their most buoyant - upon arriving, the room was noisy with chatter and shouts, with Ryouko "explaining" roller coaster rides to Shizuka ("When you sit down on the ride, a metal weight slams into you, keeping you in place while the iron snake starts to move... Then, just when you reach the peak of the mountain...you flip upside-down!") Kagome realizes they're all planning a trip to Minagi Land before their return to the Tokime Village. Charu's got her eye on a Kouichi Todoroki-themed escape room event at the park, while Sunao's trying to carefully choose what treats to indulge herself in...Shizuka says Sunao won't have to plan if she just buys everything, to which Sunao protests.
Meawnwhile, Asahi is already practicing for the prize shooting booths with a replica gun. Chika explains it's a character toy that she'll be using as an indicator stick as a nature guide, thinking kids would get a kick out of it. Asahi remarks that Chika's already doing a good job. With all the enthusiasm, Kagome wonders if they're going to the park today, but no - Shizuka says it's just a rehearsal for tomorrow! Kagome marvels at their eagerness.
Kagome wonders if this trip will be what finally allows the barriers between the main and branch families to break down. As the Tokimes plan to return to their village, Kagome moves onto Promised Blood, who have been making trips to Kamihama now and then. She expected they wouldn't ever visit again after the war, but quite the contrary, they seem to have formed a sense of camaraderie with the Kamihama girls. On this occasion, though, PB doesn't come to visit KMU, but for a different cause... Meeting in an arcade, Kagome notes that Yuna seems somehow more and less exhausted than ever... She and Hikaru explain that whenever they hang out with Juri, they get into some kind of trouble. Juri grins, saying hey, at least they don't get bored that way!
At the arcade, Juri swiftly breaks the punching machine - alas, they haven't invented magical girl-friendly games yet, Hikaru laments...but Ao and Ranka demonstrate there's still much more to do! She and Ranka do some game talk as they sit down to play in a game tournament; Ranka tells Ao not to screw up, and Ao says likewise - but adds that they can't go in expecting to lose, or that's what will happen; they gotta believe in their new strategy, tailored against their Kamihama rivals, and that they'll win! Ranka notes that Ao really has changed, and Ao says yeah - she's come to learn the difference between truly having courage and pretending not to be afraid.
Kagome marvels over the tournament, and asks the others what the prize will be; tickets and accomodations to the next level of the tournament, Yuna explains. Hikaru remarks it sounds like she wants all her PB friends to go, and says it's nice to have family trips together, isn't it? Ao's moms agree, and start cheering for their daughter in earnest - Yuna shouts, "You must win!" And by reflex, Ao shouts, "Yes, Mom! Gah...!" Ranka chuckles about how Ao still can't fix that habit.
As Kagome watched PB's antics, Kagome fully understood that the APS did more to save magical girls than just preventing witching out. She also reveals that PB had come to Kamihama City that day to say their farewells to Puella Care, too, which transitions us into the latter's segment, with Mitama and Kanagi present as well. Livia admits she's somewhat reluctant to leave, but even with the end of witching out, their services are still needed. Yozuru agrees, saying they still need to redeem themselves, then asks if Sudachi's said goodbye to Mikage, too. Mikage fumus yes, and Livia explains that Sudachi joked that since she and Mikage don't have many friends, their bond will remain as strong as ever, even when apart!
Livia asks if MitaKana are sure they ain't comin' along? Kanagi says as intriguing as becoming a bodyguard for Puella Care would be, she'll be staying in Kamihama, especially after all the work everyone put in to bring together the East and West. She and Mitama will be working to bolster the East-West Student Conference. Besides, Mitama, there are so many magical girls here that Mitama loves - she doesn't want to betray them by letting her emotions get the best of her. Livia points out yeah, Mitamaa has Momoko, Kanagi, and lots of East-side girls fond of her; she's not like the rest of the Puella Care hermits. At Mitama's questioning, Livia confirms she'll keep on keeping on as a Coordinator, but also working for the certain someone she wants to destroy...and demonstrates such with her iron grip on Kyubey. From the sound of it, Iroha's allowed Kyubey to remain present on earth because she truly wants to coexist with the Incubators. Livia says Iroha admires Kyubey's endeavors to keep the universe going, so Livia remarks she ought not to live for the universe, but for Kyubey... Kyubey remains silent, understanding this veiled threat, and it sounds likes he's given up on Kamihama as a lost cause.
As MitaKana prepare to leave, Livia wonders what will have changed the next time they meet. Mitama says who knows, maybe she'll be mayor, and Kanagi will be the chief of police! Livia chuckles, happy to hear it - she's never been so excited about what the future may entail.
With Puella Care having faced their pasts, they now look to the future - and Kagome understands again that Iroha didn't just save magical girls, but gave them new futures as well. Really, it seemed impossible that this day would come to pass, given the rage and despair that opposed Iroha's ambitions...but now megucas the world over have been liberated from their fates. Though Kagome and the others feel pang of loneliness at times, the best thing to do with the miracle they've been given is to smile. Kagome, specifically, is determined to respond to Iroha's thoughts and feelings by writing her book, giving it the title they all chose together.
Even so, as Mikazuki and KMR gather for a picnic...she remarks it's still sad. She wonders - is Iroha really still here with them...? Rena doesn't know, but she does feel a flow of magic all around them, with all sorts of impurities being gathered, and Kyubey checking on them. KMR figure that Iroha is probably just invisible, but still right next to them - doing her job of watching over magical girls the world over. Tsuruno remarks the feeling is particularly strong right near this tree - she points out how here, they can see all the impurities of girls who would have once Witched out now ascending into the skies.
Yachiyo is the one who noticed this particular spot is where the magic feels strongest, after visiting this place several times. Felicia teases Yachiyo that she's figured it out after coming here every week; Yachiyo points out that Felicia and the others have been doing just the same. Momoko says she gets it, though - somehow, this spot just feels so warm, soothing, and safe. Under this cherry blossom tree, they know for sure that Iroha and the Hospital Trio are still around. The Mikazuki girls say they feel like Iroha is right next to them, even...and Iroha says yes, she's looking right down at them! The girls all look up, though it seems like they still don't see Iroha and the trio sitting up in the branches. Yachiyo says they'll all be making regular trips here, starting with this picnic - and asks that Iroha joins them.
As much as Iroha wants to, it sounds like she can't make it today. It seems like Sakurako is still able to commune with Iroha and the trio, and has warned Iroha that Touka and Nemu are grumpy and need her help with something - they've gotten a massive boatload of records regarding magical girls, and need her help putting them in order! It sounds like TouNemu are still doing their part in helping spread the truth of magical girls - which is all the more work for Iroha! As Iroha reluctantly leaves, Yachiyo remarks she feels a magic presence pulling away; all Iroha can do is promise she'll join them next time they come. Yachiyo says aloud that she still misses Iroha.
Iroha says someday, she doesn't know when, her magical girl friends will all be collected, and they'll all be reunited again... Someday, somewhere, they'll all meet again... Yachiyo asks aloud where she can find Iroha... And Iroha answers: in the place where the records of all Magical Girls are gathered. And perhaps the Magia Record, the book of magical girls that will someday be published, will be the beacon that guides them there.
And with that...
The End
Epilogue
Translation by Cheironyx
Sae: Got accepted into university via recommendation, and is aiming to become a lawyer. While hiding her true nature, she overcomes things through sheer guts, and is living happily with her family.
Maria: Accepted a proposal from her sweetheart. She was uneasy about being a magical girl, but in future there would be something sparkling on her left ring finger.
Meguru: Started a personal radio show as a hobby. The results allowed her to pass an AO entrance exam to a highly selective university. She has taken a step closer to becoming a commentator.
Moka: Her defenceless personality remains the same even after graduating from high school. But she is able to spend her time in peace thanks to the Moka-chan Circle.
Rui: Her Final Testament analysis website was highly rated and MacQueen invited her to join his circle. But she declined and continued to be a good fan.
Kushu: Became a hot topic after achieving top marks despite not showing up at school. She is using the power of her nighttime high potential to write children's books.
Yuuna: Alongside her schoolwork, she is helping out the family business and is already standing out in Kamihama's political and business circles. The mass media calls her the "young empress".
Yukika: After reaching adulthood, she can now play forbidden games. While her eyes are sparkling, she is desperately exercising her self-control.
Hotori: Acquired the role of female Red Ranger, a rarity in a Sentai series. The way she fights with a scared expression has won her popularity with young boys as well.
Rion: Not wanting to be parted from Hotori, she acquired a Sentai villain role. The way she abuses people with harsh words has won her popularity with young boys as well.
Mikura: She has calculated the location of Kamihama's lost bandit fortress, and continues to research history as a hobby. As a result, she is even getting research invitations from universities.
Temari: Demonstrates her gifted literary wit and intelligence through book reviews. After taking the stage at bookstore talk events, she has gained more opportunities to exchange words with authors.
Seira: Took on debt to complete a tokusatsu movie, which became a hot topic through word-of-mouth. She has paid back the money and is showing an ambition to launch a studio.
Hotaru: Entered university since she didn't want to work. Apparently she wants to gain enough passive income by the time she graduates from university that she can live without working.
Akari: Lately she has been putting her efforts into cooking and making gifts of food for Haruto-oniisan. But as always, he still treats her like a little sister.
Ashley: She is continuing her efforts to spread kawaii culture through vlogs in her university's International Cultural Exchange Association, and popular gossip says that she too is kawaii.
Riko: She is still helping at Chiaki-ya, and dreams of opening a town creche and after-school childcare centre for kids with busy parents.
Masara: After graduating, she plans to study overseas in search of stimulation. She has already felt a new waver of emotion from imagining parting ways with her friends.
Kokoro: As she grows up, she is gradually coming to understand her parents' feelings that led them to divorce. They also have more chances to talk to each other, and her family's relationship is improving.
Aimi: After a series of coincidences, she successfully had a one-on-one date with Hayato...! But she still has a long way to go before confessing her love.
Natsuki: She has started activities to promote girls' baseball in order to support girls who want to play. She is aiming for further developments in girls' baseball.
Kanoko: The mushrooms she incorporated into clothes she made were established to be a new species. While bewildered by her unexpected path to fame, she is fighting hard to promote herself.
Konomi: Inherited Blossom. She also holds flower arrangement classes regularly, and preaches the wonder of flowers to the people around her.
Tsumugi: Her connections led to her having a food review corner in a local Kamihama magazine, which is popular for conveying her love of food through its text.
Manaka: Walnuts was featured in a certain famous guidebook. She and her father have started attending English lessons in order to deal with the customers flooding in from across the world.
Ria: She plans to start full-fledged work as a model after she graduates, and wants to express her own identity.
Mayu: Entered an art university aiming to become a conservator-restorer. Ria rescued her from being invited into a weird club, keeping her safe from trouble.
Sayuki: Was invited to have a worldwide debut after her high school graduation. However, she wants to continue her studies into university, so she has put the offer on hold.
Hinano: She is continuing her kids' chemistry experiment classes while attending university. She has grown 3 millimetres taller than before, which she reported to Ryou and Ikumi's graves.
Emiri: Word of her Trouble Consultation Office spread and she was interviewed by the media. It also started trending on social media, so she'll be a charismatic gal in no time.
Ren: Founded an organisation with Rika to support children who are having hard lives. She aims to confront and improve issues of bullying.
Rika: Was invited by Ren to participate in activities supporting children. She holds lectures about diversity and lets kids come to her for advice.
Konoha: Achieved excellent grades and went on to university with her tuition waived. While she feels the pressure of her grades, she is trying her best with her two little sisters as comfort.
Hazuki: At high school, those around her encouraged her to become student council president. She has learned the weight of being a leader and the importance of relying on others.
Ayame: She has grown rapidly, and after growing taller than Konoha, she now pats her head every day. Apparently Hazuki is her next target, and she trains daily.
Nanaka: While honouring tradition and protecting Kashin-ryuu, she has also succeeded as a young investor. She regularly holds lectures and shows off her business acumen.
Meiyui: Established the Blue Seas Group as a company. They are tightly knit with the community and have started to spread their locations across the world. She has also become famous as a pro mahjong player.
Akira: Works as an assistant instructor at a dojo and has also set up a troubleshooting office. Apparently it is famous for its very cute interior design.
Kako: Is helping out the Natsume Bookstore while aiming to become a librarian. Her read-aloud events for kids to teach them the charm of books have an excellent reputation in the community.
Asuka: She has continued her training and reached the point of full initiation into Ryuushin-ryuu. However, her carelessness has not improved, so the initiation is actually on hold.
Sasara: Was shocked to find out that she could not actually become a Rescue Squad member without leaving her father's home. However, she was encouraged when she learned of Asuka's efforts.
Shizuku: Revised the customer service at her family's cafe to make it more comfortable. As a result, apparently there has been a strange increase in customers who come there to see her.
Ayaka: Got a message of support from Needle Roller. Delighted at the support from someone she looks up to, she is continuing her battle as a solo comedian without giving in.
Reira: Held a sweet-making experience in order to broaden the circle of apartment kids, which proved highly popular and became a regular event.
Seika: Mustering the bravery she acquired through comedy, she asked to join a theatre troupe. She is aiming to become an actress who can perform in a hot-blooded sports story.
Mito: Became one of the mediators connecting the east and west. Her natural attitude and innocence have made her a key player in connecting everyone's hearts.
Himika: Earned a reward from helping the CEO of a certain food manufacturer, but turned it down. She persists in honourable poverty, but apparently the CEO intends to hire her someday.
Livia: She is still travelling the land for the sake of the universe. Lately she has also made plans to create a food truck for when she is low on income.
Sudachi: After returning to her hometown and facing her past, she has gradually started regaining the ability to speak. She has talked to Livia and Mikage over the phone.
Yozuru: In the process of mastering kind interactions, she has won popularity as if she were a host, but apparently she wants to become a child carer and be kind to children.
Lavi: Is managing Earth's Cradle with her mother. She has entered a university in Yukuni and sought teaching from a scholar with connections to Tasuke.
Nayuta: Entered a university her father does not teach at, in order to research magical girls in her own way. Even now, Lavi regularly comes to her boarding house to clean it.
Mikage: Upon receiving word that Ashita-ya was closing down, she forcefully became the second-generation shopkeeper. She is learning from the old lady's knowledge and trying to liven it up.
Himena: Started a nail salon, which has been smooth sailing. She plans to use the power she gains in the business world to make people acknowledge magical girl supremacy and her relationship with Hiko-kun.
Alexandra: Still loves singing and playing the harp, and holds small concerts. While performing at a certain shop, she was reunited with the teacher she had feelings for.
Shigure: Participated in a tournament using her homemade robot and won first place. She became the face of Koushou Academy, but fumbled too much in her speech and ended up crying.
Hagumu: A senior in the drama club asked her to make cosplay outfits, which became popular. Huge amounts of orders are pouring in, making every day hectic.
San: While studying for her civil service exams, she found documents about the Fire Festival that were confirmed to be historical records. There are signs that the Fire Festival may resume.
Miyuri: Won a national inline skating tournament without getting nervous. However, the plane ride to the world tournament was so scary that she has no memory of the journey.
Mitsune: Her legs recovered thanks to the power of the Uwasa. Apparently she is now supporting Kagome, making use of her own experience in social media.
Shizuka: Is considering the Tokime Clan's future with her companions while learning the Tokime Isshin-ryuu from her mother. Apparently she actually wants to go to a fashion school.
Chiharu: Her drama knowledge and analysis became famous and she ended up writing columns for a magazine. She is becoming a mystery drama critic.
Sunao: She has collected a great number of qualifications for helping people, such as caregiver qualifications. Apparently she wants to create a facility herself in the future.
Asahi: Lives in the mountains, away from other people. She has opened a wild game restaurant near the Tokime village that only operates on days when she has secured ingredients.
Chika: Has opened a shelter while continuing to work as a nature guide. It serves as an oasis for the hearts of people caught up in the tempests of the city.
Ryouko: Is making a pilgrimage around the country to mourn for magical girls in various locations. Many curious people come up to talk to her.
Yuna: Announced the disbanding of Promised Blood. She is trying to become a parliamentary secretary to prevent the existence of magical girls being misused.
Juri: Became a professional boxer after graduating, but couldn't follow the rules when she got heated up, so quickly switched to being a trainer.
Ao: Became a famous DoTuber overnight through her gaming streams. She faced backlash over a verbal slip, but her popularity is skyrocketing again after she joined a pro gamer team.
Hikaru: Studying hard to get into university so she can help Yuna. For some reason, she apparently has a feeling that she would live a slack life if she didn't make it into university.
Ranka: She is standing out as a pro gamer, and added the down-and-out Ao to her team, propping up her popularity.
Urara: Joined a circus troupe and is travelling the nation, continuing to perform. She has asked Kurara to co-star with her again, but has already been declined ten times.
Alina: Has stopped making art based on destruction and begun making art based on the radiance of life resisting suffering. Her activities provide hope to people in rough situations.
Karin: Spends every day continuing to draw art so that she can chase after Alina as an assistant. However, she can't resist new volumes of Magical Kirin.
Kanagi: Was given an award from Kamihama City for her efforts in creating a future without discrimination between east and west. She has reported the latest situation to Ryou and Ikumi's graves.
Mitama: She resumed her Coordinator business, but her affection for magical girls exploded, leading to a string of odd injuries. Momoko has ended up becoming her chaperon.
Tsukuyo: Upon her graduation, she announced to her family that she would leave home and "live with Tsukasa". It caused quite an uproar, but there are signs she will be given permission.
Tsukasa: The bamboo workshop was shaken by the announcement that she would live with Tsukuyo. However, the workers gave her father a push, and he is now shifting the Akatsuki family.
Mifuyu: Even after entering the university pharmaceutical department, she is still studying intensely to escape from her family. She reflects on her appreciation for Touka and Nemu every day.
Momoko: The position of Coordinator's chaperon was pushed onto her, and she fell victim to Mitama's appreciative cooking. Rena and Kaede's growth makes her feel a little lonely.
Kaede: Borrowed some farmland from the city and grew some vegetables, which were a big hit. Seeing her business spirit as she sells them without fear, her parents can feel how their daughter has grown.
Rena: Has made more friends at school, possibly as a result of her personality mellowing out slightly. Even now, she stays in contact with Ranka and plays with her.
Yachiyo: As her non-modelling work increases, she continues to wait for Iroha's return while making Mikazuki Villa a place for magical girls to relax.
Tsuruno: She has handed over her role as drawcard for Banbanzai and has started to inherit her father's flavour. Also, apparently there is a chance her older sister will return and help out again.
Felicia: Inherited the role of drawcard for Banbanzai from Tsuruno. However, she swipes food while setting the tables, so customers complain that the portions are smaller than before.
Sana: Received a publishing offer for her picture books, but since she is invisible, she is getting support from the people around her as she begins her writing career.
Iroha/Ui: They continue to gather and file records along with the impurities from all over the world. They manage them in the Magia Record so that they can someday be conveyed to people.
Touka/Nemu: While compiling the gathered records of magical girls, they are also searching for a way to save magical girls using Uwasa.
Sakurako: The Uwasa itself remains in Kamihama, but she now lives in the same place as Iroha and her companions, assisting them.
Kagome: While making plans to publish her notes, she is currently considering her future course, in order to fulfil her dream of interviewing magical girls around the world.