the magical girls of war: Obsessive Tendencies

From the top of the vehicle, Ari leaned out and called down, her voice echoing across the quiet street. "Captain Luck!"

Miss Marcy’s face instantly paled. She slowly lifted her head, her eyes widening as she locked eyes with the crew. White, Alice, and the others looked up as well, completely confused by the sudden recognition.

Ari proudly clambered onto the chassis of the tank, crossing her arms with a grin. "Long time no see, Captain! I can't believe you're... uh... a magical girl now? How does one even apply for a gig like that?!"

From inside the hatch, Bianca lazily leaned back against the rim, rolling her eyes. "I don't think she applied, idiot. You know how those anime shows go. You don't just get to be a magical girl—you're chosen."

Miss Marcy stood up, dusting off her jeans as a look of profound discomfort crossed her face. "Please... don't call me that..."

Tom popped his head back up, his expression turning serious. "Why not? You know, ever since you left the service, you've been an absolute legend around the barracks. You somehow single-handedly held off two enemy squads with three injured soldiers in your care..."

Miss Marcy didn't let him finish. She turned on her heel and began walking away down the shattered street. "I... I can't do this. Not today. This entire week has been... something else..."

The rest of the magical girls watched her go, then looked back up at Tom and the two women flanking him.

Ari blinked, her proud demeanor softening into confusion. "Why... why is she acting like that? She's a literal hero."

Tom stared at Marcy's retreating back, letting out a heavy, solemn sigh. "Maybe... the scars overshadow the title."

Miss Marcy kept walking, her hands trembling so violently that she had to hug her arms tightly against her chest to try and force them to stop. She had spent so long trying to bury that day, but just looking at those active military uniforms had violently dug up the memories.

Suddenly, she could smell the choking scent of gunpowder and iron. She could feel the stinging in her eyes from the tears she had desperately told herself weren't there. She remembered the flashes of muzzle fire from different angles, and the terrified faces of the three soldiers she had promised to bring back alive.

Suddenly, a gentle hand touched her shoulder.

Lost in the nightmare of her own mind, she hadn't even heard the soft footsteps approaching from behind.

White stood beside her, offering a warm, compassionate smile. "Please don't leave..."

Miss Marcy looked at the magical girl, a thick knot forming in her throat. She sniffled, her voice dropping to a vulnerable whisper. "Why?"

White’s expression softened. "Because healing alone is much harder than healing together."

Miss Marcy’s lower lip trembled, and she bit down on it hard, trying to fight back the sudden rush of emotion. "Why... why are you so good at making me feel like I'm actually competent?!"

Tom walked over, having climbed down from the tank alongside Ari and Bianca. "Because you've always been competent, Captain. You just convinced yourself that you couldn't be anymore."

Miss Marcy looked at him, instinctively straightening her posture out of old military habit. "I barely even know you..."

Tom shrugged, offering a small, respectful smile. "That's fine."

Ari nodded eagerly, stepping up beside him. "Besides... we never actually got to thank you properly for saving us back then. You are the sole reason we're even standing here today, Captain."

Miss Marcy swallowed hard, looking between her former comrades and her students. "But..."

Bianca shook her head, a rare, genuine smile breaking across her face. "How about we go get something to eat instead of reminiscing about the past?"

A collective murmur of agreement rippled through the group.

Miss Marcy paused, wiping a stray tear from her eye as her stomach let out a timely, loud growl. She offered a small, watery laugh. "I... I actually am really hungry."