>How unprecedented are the generalities of this event, to the best of our knowledge and experience? Certainly unpleasant magical altercations must happen from time to time, even if not normally on this sort of scale. How much of this do we think could be swallowed by the public without major repercussions, and how much do we think would be crossing that line?
>You take a moment to consider this. While it's true that supernatural disruptions such as this are not uncommon in Yamato, they are somewhat uncommon in Mayoiga itself. Obviously the city does have a magical subculture, but its practicioners keep to themselves more often than not. To your knowledge, there hasn't been an incident of this sort in Mayoiga within your lifetime, at least none that you can remember.
>No, wait, now that you think about it, that's not entirely accurate. The somewhat dubiously legaldrag races that happen on the fringes of town just as frequently spawn duels of some sort, either with daggers, swords, or sometimes even the odd magical duel, and these do make the news as often as duels between motorcycles or cars. These magical confrontations are treated as nothing out of the ordinary; in fact, you believe it's expected for that sort of crowd.
>If anything, the thing that you think will be the most newsworthy will be the involvement of the shrine maidens. The four shrines have been the cornerstone of Mayoiga life in one way shape or form dating back centuries, but the shrine maidens themselves are not known as spellcasters. Kiku told you that they have protected the city from supernatural disturbances for some time, but have managed to keep themselves out of the public eye. Makie however, at least, was seen by quite a large number of bystanders going into the school to handle the Keine situation. Depending on how far back the police kept the crowds at bay, she may have been seen by quite a number of people during the battle with Ice.
>In our experience prior to recent events, what would the term 'demon' mean to us, in terms of specific referents? Do we know anything of the distinctions which the miko implies?
>Before you met that first doll and put on the magic ring, the term 'demon' was something out of fantasy to you. Something to be read about in stories, or seen in video games. Every culture in the world, you thought, had something called a 'demon', and what it was depended on who you talked to, or what story you were reading. While most agreed that a demon was something utterly evil, sometimes even the definition of the concept, you yourself never really believed in a being that could be only evil. Nothing that can choose, can act, and that possesses a soul is totally beyond redemption. Almost totally, perhaps, but not totally.
>"Yes, I expect that last display could be seen from quite some distance."
>"But that doesn't mean we were." the feather-winged miko counters. "Well, at least you weren't, Makie, you stayed here on the ground. I might have some questions to answer."
>"I've got one for you, though." Makie says to you. "You didn't seem at all surprised to see me using magic. None of you did." she adds, including Rin and Lily in her statement. "Why?"
