Turbulence at the Flip Park (7)

“Look! It’s magical girls!”

As the sealed shelter door swung open, sharp-eyed children were the first to spot Raging Flame and Huang Xing standing at the entrance.

“What? Magical girls? For real?”

The kids’ shouts stirred the crowd. Adults scrambled to their feet, craning their necks toward the doorway.

Unlike the carefree children—who treated hiding in this cramped bunker like a field trip—the adults had spent the ordeal in silent dread.

Some had lost family. Others feared for their lives.

Now, the arrival of figures representing justice and hope was like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart.

Raging Flame and Huang Xing had only meant to drop off the little girl and leave.

But the moment they stepped inside, they were instantly surrounded by an eager, emotional crowd.

“How bad is it out there?”
“Have the monsters been defeated? When can we leave?”

A flood of impossible-to-answer questions poured in. Trapped in a sea of desperate faces, both girls exchanged awkward glances.

“The… uh… the monster…”

Raging Flame stammered, tongue-tied as always in social situations.

Watching her fumble, Huang Xing smirked. Then, she raised her arm high.

“—Everyone, listen up!”

Her voice rang clear and strong through the shelter.

The queen of classrooms and social circles—long accustomed to commanding attention—revealed her natural charisma.

“I am the magical girl—Huang Xing.”

She placed a hand over her chest, beaming with radiant confidence.

“And this is—this is the magical girl—Raging Flame.”

“We’re also members of the Fifth Ring Line. We deeply regret and mourn the large-scale aberration attack that occurred within our jurisdiction.”

“We understand how much you want to leave, to reunite with your families and friends. But right now, above ground, magical girls and the SOB are still clearing out the remaining threats. With so many aberrations, it may take some time.”

“But don’t worry about safety. We’re here. Just like this little girl.”

With that, Huang Xing gently placed her hands on the child’s shoulders and stepped her forward.

“We rescued her from the monsters moments ago. Bringing her here isn’t just for her safety—it’s to show you one thing.”

“We never abandon anyone.”

“And right now, there are others out there—just like her—waiting for us.”

“So—”

Huang Xing swept her gaze across the room, sincere and steady.

The crowd instinctively parted, clearing a path for them to leave.

Before departing, Raging Flame crouched down and gently stroked the girl’s head.

No words were needed. The two who had saved each other shared a quiet nod.

“Stay safe, okay?”

“Yes. I will, Onee-san.”

After their farewells, the two began ascending the stairs back to the surface.

“Big sisters! Good luck!”

The little girl’s voice rang out behind them. Then, the entire shelter erupted in cheers.

“Go get ‘em!”
“Don’t lose to the monsters!”

Feeling the weight of everyone’s hopes, Huang Xing paused.

She turned and called down:

“I’m Huang Xing! Remember that name—Huang like brilliant, Xing like star! We will win!”

Then, with a dazzling smile that lived up to her flower name, she flashed the crowd a bright victory sign.

“You guys are awesome!”

Suddenly, someone shouted, “You’re so cute, big sis!”—and the whole place burst into laughter.

Watching the interaction, Raging Flame lightly elbowed Huang Xing.

“You’re acting like an idol.”

“Well duh,” Huang Xing said, tilting her chin proudly. “I love being admired.”

She repeated her famous line with flair:

“I became a magical girl just to show off.”

“But…”

Here, her expression softened—seriousness replacing pride.

“If we don’t stay calm and confident, they’ll only get more scared.”

Raging Flame stared at her, surprised.

For a fleeting second, something flickered in her eyes—jealousy, maybe, or awe.

“…Yeah,” she sighed.

“You really are better suited to be a magical girl than I am.”

“What’s with the defeatist talk?” Huang Xing rolled her eyes. “Careful, or your soul gem might reject you again.”

They reached the hatch to the surface.

Sunlight streamed in, cutting through the dim tunnel.

Thick smoke hung in the air. Wind carried the distant roar of gunfire.

“It’s already started,” Huang Xing said, face grim.

“Started where?”

“The Ferris wheel.”

“When I flew in, I saw a giant octopus-like aberration. That’s what brought it down.”

“Brought it down?”

Raging Flame frowned. In her memory, the FanDou Paradise Ferris wheel was a 100-meter steel giant. She couldn’t imagine such a structure simply being “knocked over.”

She looked up—and froze.

The towering landmark, once visible from anywhere in the park, was gone.

Just… gone.

A cold shiver ran down her spine.

“What? Scared already?” Huang Xing teased.

“Of course not!” Raging Flame snapped.

“Then let’s go, Captain.”

With that, Huang Xing shot into the sky.

Raging Flame blinked. Did she just say Captain?

That new title caught her off guard—warmth spreading through her chest. Recognition. Respect.

“Wait—what did you call me?!”

She hurried after her, flustered.

“~Nyeh~”

Huang Xing glanced back, sticking out her tongue in a playful grimace.

“I said idiot, idiot idiot idiot!”

“Liar! I’m not an idiot!”

Toward the fallen Ferris wheel, the two magical girls soared—one chasing the other—red and yellow trails streaking across the sky like racing comets.