Third Deduction [Open]

[modernholmes]

 [The setting was an empty corner of an amusement park at night.  In the distance you can hear the tinny sounds of carousel music and the screams of happy roller coaster riders.  But here there was only a grassy lot, empty in the darkness.

And sitting in a shallow depression in the center of the room?  A tiny boy with blood running down one side of his face, dressed in clothes far too big for him.  His breathing is short and panicky, but he says nothing and makes no move to stand.]

Comments

[braidstobows]

[Homura isn't normally one for amusement parks, but somehow in her dream, she finds herself drawn to one. She goes on a few of the rides - mostly the ones known as wild or fast or strictly for daredevils - and doesn't seem very impressed by any of them.

After awhile, she's taken a break and wandered off the typical paths to look for somewhere out of the way. She can feel something in the air...

She sees a little boy instead of any threat. She steps towards him, concerned as she takes in the blood, the tears. She can't just leave some little boy like this.]

Are you alright? Are your parents here?

[modernholmes]

...Go away.

[braidstobows]

[Homura has endless experience with people rejecting her help. As such, it doesn't quite offend her or put her out, though she also doesn't go away just yet.]

You're hurt and alone. That's not a good situation. You should have some help. [And, she supposes, magical girls should help even in small things like this.]

[modernholmes]

I don't need any help. Go away. You don't want to be here when they come back.

[braidstobows]

[That's different, and for a moment Homura hesitates, brushing her hair out of her way almost as if ready to move already.]

Who are 'they'? [It couldn't be a demon after all, could it?]

[modernholmes]

That is my business.

[braidstobows]

In that case, I'll be going now.

[This is said as calmly as her offers of help, and Homura does indeed turn to go. It's no ploy to make him change his mind, but she also won't go far. She'll simply conceal herself nearby. If there is a chance of a demon appearing here, then she's exactly who wants to be here when 'they' get back.]

[modernholmes]

[At first nothing happens but the shadows slowly growing darker.]

[braidstobows]

[The normal progression of evening... or is it truly becoming dark? Doesn't matter, really; Homura stands firm and stays concealed, watching. Almost as if she's already planning to settle in for a long time, she folds her arms.]

[modernholmes]

[At long last he stands up and waits.]

[braidstobows]

[Something's happening, then. Homura looks to the sky first; is it a bit darker, or is she getting caught up in imagining things?

Then she watches Conan again. He's expecting someone, or something, to return to this spot. She unfolds her arms and makes light fists at her sides, preparing.]

[modernholmes]

All the color and sound seems to fade out of the world, save for the distant sound of the carousel]

[braidstobows]

[This is more and more like a brewing battle for a magical girl. Homura doesn't wait any longer. Unhurried and cautious, but purposefully, she creeps towards the carousel for a better look at what seems to be source, if it's the place where color and sound remain. She pushes her hair back out of her way.]