Chapter 9 – Grumpy Grandma Gemgem

I walked home alone in the dark. "Tch, so much for playing it cool," I muttered. "Should've asked Miki or Aoi to come with me." I shrugged. "We need money, though. Can you make some appear, Gemgem? Or maybe I should hit up Kyoko for that scouting fee." Halfway home, the Gem finally answered. For once, it sounded almost... annoyed? Like a teacher dealing with a student who just didn't get it. "Your tactical sense is... inconsistent. You take down the city's strongest hero, then worry about walking alone?" "You have four dark magical girls who'd kill for you, yet you sent them away. Fascinating." The voice paused when I mentioned money. I swear I could feel it judging me. "War funds. Yes, resources are necessary. Can I create money? Mortal, I am a reality-warping nexus of power." "Making paper is child's play. I already did so for the karaoke bar. But large amounts? That draws attention. The wrong kind." "Your other idea has merit. Why create when you can take? Kyoko profits from our assets. A broke Master looks weak. Get your fee from her. Simple." "You're no fun, Gemgem," I said, flopping onto my bed. "I already owe that woman, and she just helped Miki and Aoi out." "Money can wait. Can you make those papers into five amusement park tickets instead? Or is that too hard for a 'nexus of power'?" The silence that followed felt exactly like a sigh. "You have an army of super-soldiers, and you want to take them for roller coasters and overpriced food. Not what I expected." "But... team-bonding in a high-stimulus environment could prove useful. Fine. Turning worthless paper into different worthless paper is trivial." I heard a soft thump on my bedside table. Lying there were five pristine, brightly-colored tickets to "Dreamland," the city's biggest amusement park. The date was for tomorrow. "The resources have been provided," Gemgem stated. "Watch how they interact. Look for problems. See if they work as a team outside combat. Do not simply go to ride the teacups, you fool." "You know," I chuckled, picking up a ticket. "For a timeless nexus of power, you're starting to sound like a grumpy grandma who secretly cares." I smiled. "If you had a body, I'd give you a big hug right now." A wave of disgust hit my mind so hard I actually flinched. "Do. Not. Speak. To. Me. Of physical contact." The voice was dangerously quiet. "I am a timeless power. You are a sack of organs and fluids. The very thought is an abomination." "If I had a body as you so crudely put it, and you attempted such a violation, I would unmake you atom by atom. Your... sentiment is noted and summarily rejected." "Focus on the mission! The tickets are a tool, not a gift." The Gem fell silent, but a lingering sense of cold outrage remained. I had definitely found a new button to push. Smirking to myself, I picked up my phone and sent a group text to the team: "Meet at Dreamland entrance, 9 AM tomorrow. Tickets from a grumpy grandma." My phone immediately started buzzing with replies. From: Dark Heart Princess ???? DREAMLAND?!?!? MASTER, YOU'RE THE BEST!!! ???????? A date with you AND a team trip?! It's like a dream come true! I'll wear my cutest outfit! Can we ride the giant Ferris Wheel at sunset? ???????? From: Dark Ruby ???? HELL YEAH! Dreamland! I'm gonna ride the Death Drop roller coaster until I puke! ???????? And who's the grumpy grandma? Is she a new magical girl? Can I fight her? See you at 9! From: Homura Understood. Dreamland. 9 AM. Thank you for the invitation, Master. Aoi's reply came last, typical of her careful nature. From: Aoi Tanaka I have received the message. An excellent choice for morale. I will be there. ...And Master? Maybe don't call your benefactor a "grumpy grandma." It seems disrespectful. I could practically feel the Gem's cold satisfaction at Aoi's defense of its honor. The plan was set. The stage for our "team-bonding" exercise was ready. "Aoi's loyalty is noted," Gemgem's voice stated, the undercurrent of revulsion gone. "Your juvenile nickname is... acceptable if it motivates them. Now rest. The mission begins tomorrow."