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[That only makes her hesitate even more.]

Mm... I wonder about that...

[2cool4guardian]

[He notices that hesitation, and looks at her with worry.]

Hibiki? You wonder about what?

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If... magic is really better. In my world, that is.

[Magic here is fantastic, as far as she's concerned. But when it comes to using it where she comes from...]

[2cool4guardian]

Why wouldn't it be? Does it scare you?

[He's having thoughts about black magic and he. Is. Not. Amused.]

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It doesn't scare me! It's just...

...You have to sacrifice something to use it. And... people I know got hurt because of that.

[2cool4guardian]

[Jack's eyes widen and suddenly he's feeling a bit bad for the advice he's given her.]

...sacrifice? Are you sure all your magic is like that?

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[She nods.]

In order to use magic, you have to make a sacrifice. Your voice, memories, life-- things like that. That's what makes it so magical.

Until I got here... I didn't know there could really be magic that didn't need sacrifices like that. I... wanted to create a magic that didn't need any even when I was at home, but... I still don't know if it's even possible, and I'm not really good enough at real magic to even begin trying.

[It was so spur of the moment; Ahito questioned her belief in magic, and she couldn't think of any better answer.

"Then I'll create a new magic that doesn't need any sacrifices" - in the end, it's no real surprise that he had laughed.

But after witnessing the pain so many people have gone through... and after seeing the magic here, she wants to try.]

[2cool4guardian]

That's... that's awful, Hibiki. And definitely not what I meant. You should never use magic like that, you hear me? It's not worth it.

[It's amazing how he suddenly changes his speech, but he doesn't want her to get hurt for a few tricks. It sounds too much like dark magic.]

But the magic here, and in other worlds, that's good magic. And you can practice your skills. [Know what time is it? Time for petting her cute kid head.] I'm sure you'll be successful one day.

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But that's just how magic is at home. And... I want to learn it!

[She's very determined, even despite the head pats.]

...At first I only learned because my Master was the one teaching me. [The research didn't matter to her; it was the fact that she was in a kind, caring environment. She wanted him to be proud of her.] But now... I really do want to get better. At all the kinds of magic, both here and at home.

I... I want to be able to help people. To use magic for good.

[2cool4guardian]

And that's wonderful, Hibiki, really. But I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for it.

[Yeah, he can see the head pats aren't working this time, so he just drops his hand.]

Go ahead and learn, but don't use anything dangerous for yourself, got it?

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...I don't think it's possible to avoid danger. But... I'll try to be careful when I use it.

[She's not really the risk-taking type anyway.]

That's just how magic is in my world, so... I think, if I want to find a way to change that, I need to learn how it is right now. And then... maybe I really can find a way that won't need sacrifices anymore. And my friends won't have to--

...Won't have to get hurt so much.

[2cool4guardian]

Sounds like you have a plan. I know you can do it.

[He realizes they're touching another bad topic when he's supposed to be distracting her. Maybe it's time to call it a night. He ruffles her hair before speaking again, he's just addicted to that gesture.]

But I think ti's a little too late to think too hard about that stuff. I've kept you up, sorry, kiddo. Just wanted to make sure you're alright.

[saving_sound]

[Well... At least someone has faith in her. To be honest, Hibiki still isn't all that sure she can really do anything, as much as she's determined to try.

She closes her eyes for a moment at the headpat. It's comforting as ever. It's just a moment before she opens them again, looking a little apologetic.]

...Mm, sorry. It's pretty late, isn't it? I kept you all this time...