"Oooo! Oooooh!"

Hana of the Dawn winced at the sound of her best friend's excited squeals as Violet Tempest bounded ahead of her. They were on a rooftop over a particularly part of the city, Violet Tempest's cloak billowing in the evening wind as the last vestiges of the sunset disappearing on the horizon.

"Come on come on, look Hana!" she shouted, gesturing wildly down the street.

With an exasperated sigh and an eye roll, the golden Magical Girl moved to join her companion, her gaze following where she pointed. A warm smile tugged at the corners of Violet Tempest's lips, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I found the ice cream shop that just opened up this summer! They've got all kinds of flavors, and we're going!"

Violet Tempest giggled at the petite girl's sudden change in attitude. She could sense the shift in Hana's demeanor, her golden eyes narrowing with a mix of anticipation and confusion.

Hana of the Dawn was a Magical Girl who always seemed to front a demeanor as cold and stoic as the icy winter winds.

But Violet Tempest knew that underneath her tough exterior, she possessed a hidden softness that only a few were lucky enough to glimpse. And ice cream was one of the keys to unlocking that hidden treasure, it seemed.

"You know, I'm surprised that you can eat that much and maintain that figure of yours," Violet Tempest remarked, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Violet Tempest's words floated between them, hanging in the air with a palpable weight.

"Hana is a growing girl. She is making up for lost time. Much lost time,," she replied defensively, her gaze still focused on the ground below as the pair jumped down.

She couldn't quite bring herself to make eye contact with her friend after that. "And this one knows you have a sweet tooth as well, do you not, Tempest? Or should Hana remind you about that incident at the buffet in Jo Loon?"

Violet Tempest let out a gasp, feigning shock. "How could I forget?" she said with a mischievous grin, her tone laced with mock incredulity.

"Hmph," Hana of the Dawn rolled her eyes once more. She had known the other Magical Girl for a couple of years now and they had grown inseparably close.

Despite her cool demeanor, the golden-eyed Magical Girl found a strange warmth in Violet Tempest's presence, something she had never quite felt with anyone else before. Something about their friendship seemed to defy all the rules she'd ever known about people, yet it felt oddly right. As a matter of fact, Violet Tempest seemed to defy all the rules she'd ever known about anything.

The two Magical Girls made their way down the street, the sun casting a soft golden glow over the bustling city. The air was filled with the smells of street vendors and the sound of cars and chatter. As they approached the ice cream shop, Hana of the Dawn's nose crinkled up, a slight frown tugging at the corners of her mouth. Her golden eyes flickered, taking in the sight of the small crowd gathered around the store.

"Ugh. This place is too popular. There's a line," Hana of the Dawn grumbled, her voice filled with disdain.

Her companion simply laughed. "What, scared of mingling with the masses?" she asked, nudging the golden Magical Girl with her shoulder. "Besides, I heard the line moves pretty quickly."

Hana of the Dawn grumbled something under her breath but reluctantly followed Violet Tempest towards the line. As they got closer, the sweet aroma of freshly made waffle cones and sugary ice cream filled the air, causing Hana of the Dawn to scrunch her nose up.

"Hmm. I think I'll have the mint chip," Violet Tempest said with a grin. "What about you?"

"This one will think about it."

Violet Tempest chuckled, a knowing twinkle in her eyes. "You can take your time," she said. "I'm sure you'll make up your mind by the time we get to the front of the line."

And she did. Mint chocolate chip for her, and something with caramel, cookies, and chocolate for Hana of the Dawn. Butterscotch! Butterscotch definitely was more up Dior's alley.

"Hey, how about the Butterscotch?" Violet suggested with a wink, pointing at the flavor listed on the menu board.

The golden Magical Girl hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning the menu. "Hmm… perhaps," she mused, her golden eyes glinting in the fading sunlight.

Violet Tempest's smile widened as she watched her friend ponder the decision, a hint of amusement playing in her eyes. It was moments like these, when they were simply enjoying a sweet treat, that Violet Tempest cherished the most. Despite her cold exterior and her often rigid demeanor, Hana of the Dawn was a good friend and companion. Violet knew.

Her gaze softened, and for a fleeting second, she allowed her thoughts to drift to their past. The poor girl had truly gone through unspeakable horrors, but she seemed to have found a home within her companions.

It warmed Violet's heart to see her find some measure of happiness and joy in these mundane moments.

"Hey, is that Violet Tempest and Hana of the Dawn?" someone called out.

"If not, those are amazing cosplay costumes," another person said excitedly.

"Hey, you're right. That really IS them!"

Violet turned around and looked to the source of the voices. "Hello, hello," she waved with a grin. "We were in the neighborhood, and just wanted some ice cream. I hope you all are staying out of trouble," she said playfully.

The small group of gawking civilians, consisting of four girls and two guys in their early twenties, beamed excitedly at her. "Ohmygodohmygod," one of them stammered. "Can we get an autograph? You're both our absolute favorites, and it's not everyday you meet such famous celebrities like yourselves."

Hana's face contorted in surprise and disbelief, while Violet Tempest just smiled wider and chuckled.

"I'll do it," Violet replied.

As the group approached her with a marker, Hana's surprise quickly turned to relief as she realized that the entire group seemed to ignore her, instead opting to surround her friend and fawn all over her.

"Goodness..." Hana sighed.

Hana was content to stand to the side, her eyes scanning the menu as she waited for the crowd to thin out, and for Violet Tempest to finish interacting with the crowd. Hana of the Dawn was still relatively new to this culture and the ways of its people.

The sight of Violet Tempest, effortlessly engaging with the fans, made her wonder if perhaps her own interactions could be a little less cold. It was not something she wanted to think about at that moment.

The golden-haired Magical Girl watched her friend, her eyes flickering with curiosity as Violet Tempest smiled and quickly finished signing autographs.

It wasn't long before the group dispersed, their excitement still palpable as they waved goodbye to the Magical Girl.

"Thanks, guys," Violet said with a wink, giving the group one final wave as she turned back to her companion.

Hana of the Dawn's gaze followed the departing fans, her golden eyes thoughtful.

She wondered what it would be like to be able to connect with others in such an easy way sometimes.

"You ready to order?" Violet asked, nudging her companion with a playful smirk.

"Oh! What have we here?!"

Violet and Hana turned around, eyes settling on a portly-looking woman with a warm smile. The woman was wearing a pink apron and holding an ice cream scoop, and she was looking right at the two of them. "My my, I'm not going to get robbed, am I?"

"Oh, goodness," Violet said with a chuckle, shaking her head and placing a hand on Hana's shoulder. "Not at all, Miss..."

"I was joking," the woman laughed, wiping her hands off on her apron. "Name's Lucy. Lucy Wong, owner of Lucy's Ice Cream Parlor! Welcome! And to what do we owe the pleasure of having two highly-regarded Magical Girls visit my store? Are you on a patrol, perhaps?"

"Something like that," Violet said with a nod. "I heard a rumor that your establishment served some of the best ice cream in town. I thought I'd come check it out!"

Lucy laughed and gestured for them to approach. Hana shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the numerous people on the line - but she was greeted with nothing but warm, friendly smiles.

"Oh, it is! How about I get you two lovely ladies some cones, on the house?" the owner said cheerfully, her voice filled with pride.

Violet glanced back at her friend, her smile growing even wider.

The store owner turned to face Hana, gesturing towards the colorful array of flavors. "Go ahead and choose what you like, Hana."

Hana of the Dawn hesitated for a moment, her golden eyes darting nervously between Violet Tempest and the store owner. While she was no stranger to gestures of goodwill, it was still a novel experience to receive such generosity without any expectation of something in return.

She was still learning how to trust others, especially people who she'd only just met. Her previous experiences with people, after all, hadn't been particularly kind.

Hana turned her attention back to the ice cream, her golden eyes scanning the various colors and flavors, only to be suddenly taken by a bright, vivid hues in the sea of pastel shades.

The color was bold, almost shocking in its intensity. Hana stared at it for a moment, transfixed by its vibrancy. The shade was so bright that it almost seemed to pulsate, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. The names of the flavors, written in a cursive, whimsical script, only added to the allure.

She had only begun to truly enjoy the boundless flavors and cuisines major cities like Shoreline had to offer in the past two years.

Hana's gaze lingered on the colorful concoction before her, her mouth slightly ajar. A memory flashed in her mind, a fleeting moment from a childhood she barely remembered, a long time ago, in another life. Two smiling girls she considered sisters. Sunflower fields. And then a taste - sweet and buttery. Buttery, like caramel.

She'd never forgotten about them, and she'd made sure to keep an eye out for them. She knew she would have to see them again, someday. But that day wasn't today. Today was about her. About her and her new friends. And about ice cream. New flavors.

"Buttcerscotch...?" Hana murmured.

Lucy smiled warmly and nodded. "Butterscotch, then. One scoop or two?" she asked.

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Hana glanced back at Violet Tempest for guidance.

"Come on, Hana," her friend urged gently. "Just enjoy yourself! The world won't end just because you had ice cream, you know."

Lucy chuckled at Violet Tempest's words. "Make that three, then?"

"Um, one will suffice, thank you," Hana of the Dawn said softly.

"Make that two," Violet repeated. "She needs to learn how to splurge on occasion," the violet-haired girl said with a chuckle. She turned to face Hana. "Right?"

Hana of the Dawn simply sighed and nodded. "Very well."

"Two scoops of butterscotch coming up," Lucy said cheerfully, turning to grab the tub.

"And mint chocolate for me!" Violet chimed in, pointing at the tub with the green and chocolate swirls.

"Coming right up!" Lucy said.

Lucy expertly scooped up two generous scoops of butterscotch for Hana of the Dawn and handed it to her, followed by a single scoop for Violet. Hana of the Dawn gingerly took her ice cream from the owner, her golden eyes lingering on the frozen treat.

"Lemme just shout your shop on socials real quick," Violet Tempest said, quickly taking out her phone. "You got any pages, Miss Lucy?"

"Yup! We've got a website, a page on So-Share and Chatter," she said, beaming proudly.

Violet tapped her phone screen, smiling as she held up the device and snapped a picture of the ice cream.

She tapped away, posting the photo to the pages, and tagging the parlor's pages.

Hana watched in curiosity as the owner's eyes widened at the sudden surge of likes, shares, erupted.

"Wha-wha?" Lucy asked in surprise. "That's… wow!"

Violet smiled mischievously, waving her phone. "The perks of having over 200 thousand followers," she replied with a wink. "Now, we'll be on our way. Take care, everyone!"

With that, the two Magical Girls stepped back out into the city streets, ice creams in hand. The friendly faces along the line gave them smiles and waves as they passed.

Lucy smiled as the two girls made their exit. "Well, I'll be," she muttered, shaking her head in amusement.

"Good luck," one of the patrons on the line said, chuckling at her awestruck expression. "They just gave you guys a lot of exposure. I bet you'll be swamped with business for a little while, if you can keep up!"

"Well, thank you, miss," the owner replied with a laugh.

"You've got a good thing here, Lucy," he continued, his eyes sparkling. "And it looks like those Magical Girls really appreciate it."

Lucy laughed, her expression a mixture of amusement and pride. "Well, I appreciate the sentiment," she replied. "I'm just happy that my ice cream is being enjoyed by such amazing young ladies. Why, my dearest Ricky and all his family recipes from Earth wouldn't have made it here without girls like them."

Violet Tempest and Hana of the Dawn continued on their way, the two of them eventually ending up on the roof of one of the nearby buildings. It was a quiet spot that overlooked the city, with a view of the bustling streets below and the vibrant colors of the morning sun in the distance.

The portal terminal between Shoreline City and New York City glowed in the distance. Hana was always surprised by how quickly Violet Tempest could get through sweets, considering how picky she could be. Her own butterscotch ice cream, on the other hand, was barely even half-finished by the time her friend was finished.

Hana glanced over at the mural painted on the rooftop, her golden eyes widening with wonder. It was a work of art she had seen before, a depiction of the two girls in action poses against a backdrop of stars and swirling clouds, their signature colors and weapons vivid and bold against the dark sky.

"So, how's the ice cream?" Violet Tempest asked with a smile, taking a bite of her own mint chocolate chip.

"This one enjoys the flavor very much. It is not overly sweet, but just right," Hana of the Dawn replied with a rare smile, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"See, I told you," Violet teased with a wink. "You really should learn to let loose and have a bit of fun every once in a while. Life's too short to always be so serious, you know. Then again, I probably sound like a broken record, huh?"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, though," she added with a chuckle.

"This one supposes she does need to learn how to indulge once in a while," Hana admitted with a sigh. "It has been quite difficult to adjust to this life. It has been nothing like the world she knew."

"Tell me about it," Violet Tempest replied with a sympathetic nod. "I've been through the same thing. It takes time and patience to adapt to a new way of life. You'll get there eventually, just take your time. You're among friends, after all, right?"

Hana of the Dawn remained silent, her gaze drifting to the horizon as she savored her ice cream, the taste and texture melting away some of the weight on her shoulders.

"Now, what shall I paint for the other wall?" Violet Tempest mused, her gaze drifting across the empty canvas. "Perhaps a scene from a movie we both enjoyed? Or a landscape from one of our travels? The possibilities are endless!"

The violet-haired girl turned her gaze to her companion, her eyes softening as she watched the dawn of the sun reflect in Hana's eyes.

"Well... I'll be. I think I've got it!" Violet Tempest smiled.

The Shoreline City portal terminal between Terran and Earth had only been completed over the past year, and she had traveled through it countless times at this point to aid in the initial wave of reclamation mission. Violet had traveled through it countless times, but each time felt like a new adventure, a chance to discover something extraordinary.

Of course, once most of the entrenched Chaos Beasts had been cleaned out, the missions dried up and became more sporadic. The portal terminal was now primarily used for trading and diplomacy, but Violet Tempest still thought about the other side.

Magical Girls fundamentally represented hope. Hope of a new beginning, hope for a brighter tomorrow. The world may be a mess at times, and the future may be uncertain, but hope could make all the difference. It could give people the strength to face the darkness and find the light. Violet Tempest was silly like that, always dreaming about a future that was bigger than the present. But, in the end, it was that hope that drove her to continue her fight against the darkness, and it was the same hope that fueled her art and inspired others to follow her dreams.

"A New Dawn..." Violet Tempest mused as she glanced at Hana, her lips curled in a smile. "Yes, that's what this mural shall represent."

She summoned her scythe, transforming it into its brush form, and began to paint the image of the rising sun, its warm hues and vibrant energy casting a warm glow over Hana and herself. As she painted, the mural came to life, capturing the beauty and majesty of a sunrise.

Hana of the Dawn stared from her seat, slowly savoring her butterscotch treat. She tilted her head in curiosity at her companion's work, the golden-eyed girl's face filled with a mixture of confusion and wonder. "What are you doing, exactly?"

"Oh, nothing," Violet replied with a chuckle. "Just painting away as usual. You know me. Commissions and all."

Hana's gaze lingered on the image before her.

"Why does Violet draw?" Hana asked suddenly. Her voice was soft and filled with curiosity as she stared up at the violet-haired artist.

"Hm? What do you mean by that?"

Hana of the Dawn hesitated for a moment before elaborating further. "This one does not quite understand the purpose behind all this painting."

Violet paused, considering her words carefully before answering. She smiled softly and turned to face her friend.

"Hmm, why do I draw?" she repeated, her voice soft and thoughtful. "I guess it's a way for me to capture moments and emotions. To freeze them in time and share them with others at the end of the day."

Hana tilted her head slightly, curiosity evident in her golden eyes. "But why? Why not just take a picture?"

Violet Tempest set her brush down and faced Hana fully, her expression twisting into a grin. "Oh, you silly bean! It's because a photograph captures what is seen, but art captures what is felt. It's... an expression of my soul, sort of. My perception of the world around me. It's my way of connecting with others on a deeper level."

Hana grumbled softly, her fingers nervously tracing the edges of her skirt. "Hana wishes she had a way to express herself like that."

Violet Tempest's giggled, dismissing her brush to walk over to her friend. She gently took Hana's small hands in both of her own. "Hana," she began, her voice filled with warmth and kindness. "Everyone has their unique ways of expressing themselves. Art comes in many forms, Dior. It could be through writing, dancing, singing, or even just articulating your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust."

Hana looked down at their intertwined hands, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. "Hana has never really thought about it like that," she admitted quietly. "Hana has only begun appreciating beauty. People always see her as a weapon, a monster... hard to think about much else."

Violet Tempest didn't understand sometimes, why Hana was psychologically incapable of removing the narrative she had of herself. It was a quirk that Hana had developed after her... rather screwed-up childhood.

A defense mechanism to shield herself from the pain and guilt that always threatened to consume her. Violet had watched as Hana retreated further and further into herself after the tragic day they'd met, wearing a mask of indifference to protect her fragile soul.

But Violet had refused to let Hana drown in her own sorrow. She swore she would do whatever it took to help her break free from the chains that bound her. Violet leaned in closer with a determined glint in her eyes, her voice filled with unwavering belief.

"Hana, you are not a weapon or a monster," she said firmly. "You are so much more than that! You are a survivor, a warrior with a heart of gold. I see the beauty in you, even when you cannot see it yourself."

Hana's lips trembled as tears welled up in her eyes.

Violet Tempest reached up and gently brushed away the tears from Hana's eyes. The touch was tender, filled with a love and understanding that transcended words. Hana leaned into the comforting gesture, allowing herself to be vulnerable in Violet's presence.

"You are safe with me," Violet whispered, her voice soothing and gentle. "I'll always be here for you, Hana. No matter what. That's what friends are for. Besties for life."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Hana's lips. "Thank you, Violet."

"Of course," Violet replied, her own smile widening. She released Hana's hands and picked up her brush once more.

Violet Tempest's perception of the world had always been a bit different from most people's.

She saw the world as a delicate tapestry woven with threads of emotions and hidden meanings. This perspective fueled her art, allowing her to create pieces that stirred something deep within the souls of those who beheld them.

Violet Tempest was self-aware that she had difficulty picking up on social cues sometimes and wrapping her head around core ideas people took for granted, like romance and sexual attraction, which usually eluded her.

Strangely, though, her sensitivity to the intricacies of human emotion was unparalleled. It was as if she had an uncanny ability to see beyond the surface, to capture the essence of a moment with her brush strokes.

As Violet continued to paint, her strokes became more deliberate. Each sweep of her brush carried the weight of a memory, a feeling, and an understanding of the human condition. The colors on the canvas seemed to dance, each one telling a story of its own.

Her paintings were magical in nature, of course. But her use of color, composition, and technique were honed through sheer hard work and effort. The colors literally came to life, hovering in the air before her, shimmering and dancing as she guided them across the canvas.

It was a gift that set her apart, but also made her an enigma to those who could not understand the depths of her perception. But to Violet, it was as natural as breathing.

"There, it's done!" Violet declared, stepping back to admire her completed masterpiece. The canvas depicted a breathtaking sunrise over the city, a field of sunflowers in the foreground. But it wasn't the colors and details that truly brought the painting to life.

In the center stood Hana, her golden eyes filled with strength and vulnerability. Her body language exuded a quiet alertness as if she were ready to spring into action at any moment.

By her side stood Violet Tempest, her own expression filled with warmth as she smiled at Hana with unwavering support.

As Hana took in the painting, her breath caught in her throat. She traced the delicate lines of her own figure, feeling a surge of emotions welling up within her.

Tears pricked at the corners of Hana's eyes as she turned to Violet, her voice trembling with gratitude. "Violet... this... it's... Thank you."

Violet's eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she crossed the distance between them, enveloping Hana in a warm embrace. "You deserve to see yourself as I do," she whispered into Hana's ear. "Beautiful, strong, and worthy of love."

"Violet..." Hana's voice trailed off, overcome with emotion.

"Yeah, buddy?"

"My butterscotch is melting onto your shoulder."

The two of them burst into a fit of laughter, their bodies shaking with mirth. The sound echoed through the quiet rooftop, a moment of pure joy amidst the complexities of their lives.

"Anyway, you've got orientation in a few days, right?" Violet asked, wiping the last of the tears from her eyes.

"Ah, yes. This one does. Thank you for all your assistance, once more."

Violet Tempest grinned, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief.

"You got this," she reassured, placing a hand on Hana of the Dawn's shoulder. "Just remember, the academy is all about experiencing new things and making connections with others. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, Hana!"

Hana's expression shifted slightly, her brow furrowing in thought as she considered Violet's advice. She knew her friend was right, but the prospect of navigating unfamiliar waters, especially among other Magical Girls, filled her with a sense of unease. And given her history and reputation...

"This one will... try her best," she said slowly, her words measured. "But she does not know if she is... ready for others just yet. This world is very strange."

Violet's smile faltered slightly, understanding the weight behind her words. She knew the challenges Hana had faced in the past, the scars that lingered beneath the surface.

"Hey," Violet Tempest said softly, her tone gentle as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her friend, enveloping her in a warm hug. "You'll do great, Hana. I believe in you."

Hana's body stiffened for a moment, her instinctive reaction to physical contact.

But as she felt Violet's reassuring presence again, the tension in her muscles slowly faded, and she found herself sinking into the comforting embrace.

"Hana supposes you are right," Hana conceded, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Perhaps she should not worry too much."

Violet stepped back and smiled, her gaze meeting Hana's golden eyes with a mixture of determination and warmth.

"And who knows," Violet continued with a wink, her tone playful once more. "Maybe you'll even meet some news friends along the way!"

Hana of the Dawn shook her head with a smirk. She couldn't help but feel a glimmer of amusement at Violet Tempest's unwavering optimism.

"It is more likely that they will run away from her, knowing who she is," Hana of the Dawn mused with a wry expression. "Aside from You, Spencer, Midori, Ranjika, and Talia, Dior does not intend to socialize much with her fellow classmates. This one has had enough of such interactions, after all. Those she has considered friends, sisters, and even a family have all left her in the end."

"Aw, girlie..."

Hana of the Dawn shrugged. "But, this one does not mind. It will give her more time to study, at the least. So, this one will simply focus on the things that matter and not get distracted."

Violet Tempest giggled. "Hey, you never know, Hana. The future has a funny way of surprising us. I wouldn't count on not making friends just yet. I mean, you told me your 'blood sister' won you over with a plate of sandwiches, after all."

Hana scoffed.

"...It was one time."

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