In Outer Heaven, Men become Demons

Outer Heaven, 1995.

It was another day in Outer Heaven; A world with infinite warfare. Soldiers would have their place in society, not to be manipulated by nations that they once belonged to. Or at least, that was the intent. Their commander was hailed as a hero among heroes, a soldier among soldiers, a man among men. He was Big Boss. Or at least, that was his public persona. Big Boss was merely a phantom of the real one. Big Boss's medic, his most trusted soldier was chosen by Big Boss to become his phantom. This phantom, known as Venom Snake furnished Diamond Dogs, building a mighty mercenary army. After defeating Skull Face and losing his loved one Quiet, Venom learned the truth. His loyalty persisted to his CO, leading him to continue to imitate Big Boss, building an faux-Outer Heaven while Big Boss builds the actual, fully realized version.

The plan was to utilize Metal Gear, a weapon that could fire nukes at any angle, to allow OH to have much leverage. Things didn't go as planned. Venom Snake learned of a lone rookie, Solid Snake. Serving as a fake command, Venom eventually faced off against the young, untested FOXHOUND agent. To his surprise, Venom lost. Outer Heaven was to self destruct, with Venom caught in the blast. Prior to that, he had recieved a call from his CO, Big Boss.

Venom slowly activated his comms, chest still bleeding from the bullets.

"Ishmael...is that you?" Venom asked, coughing up blood. Static. Then, Big Boss replied.

"Correct. I have to say Ahab, you did remarkably well for my phantom. I should commend your efforts. How's Metal Gear?" Ishamel asked, slightly concerned.

"It's done. The base is going to self destruct. It's all over now. There's no chance of escaping." Venom said, lighting up one last cigar.

"It's settled then. Ahab, I congratulate you once again. You can finally rest. You're no longer Big Boss. It's an ideal at the end of the day, a title. An ideal that all soldiers aspire to. You will die, but also live on through me, like I once did through you. See you in hell Ahab, and make sure to save a seat for me there."

Venom chuckled, coughing more blood. "I'll get some drinks when I see you down there." The radio line was closed. Venom could hear the rumble of the exploding base, the putrid smoke filling his lungs. The environment grew significantly brighter, and he could see a figure off in the distance: It was a lightly-clad sniper. Quiet.

"Did I keep you waiting?" Venom asked. Quiet stretched out her hand. Venom firmly grasped it.

But something was different.

Her hands lacked the soft, warm feeling that Venom was quite accustomed to. Suddenly, Quiet's appearance changed significantly. Gone was the sniper, and there was instead a much older man, with glasses, black attire, and messy white hair.

"What the hell?"

The next moment, Venom found himself in a white void, with no noticeable exit, ceiling, or anything. The only person in this strange new realm was Venom and the new, mysterious man.

Venom pulled out his M1911A1 pistol at the man. "Who are you?!"

The man readjusted his glasses, a sinister grin soon forming. "I am the Sorrow. War is a cruel parent and is full of emotions. Joy, Fear, Pain, and Sorrow. You have reached the end, and have experienced sorrow."

"Why am I here? Where's Quiet?" Venom asked desperately.

"Well, that's not important. What's important is your future. You'll have a shot at heaven."

Venom Snake lowered his pistol, curious to hear more. "Heaven? Don't kid me. I'm no angel. I'm just a demon. It's who I am." Venom said, feeling the top of his horn, a twisted piece of shrapnel stuck in his head. Strangely, it was quite elongated, befitting that of an actual horn. A demonic visage indeed.

"For all of your talk of being a demon...you were much more moral than some of your foes. Especially Skull Face. Enough talk, for I have other duties to attend to mention you need not to know everything. You'll wake when you know it. The dead never stay silent. Goodbye, Venom. Perhaps your new host will prove to be just as...lucrative has you have been."

Mitakihara, 2011

The city was in complete disaster. Destroyed, black buildings rotting in the rain. The rain never relented, not for a second. The rain was clearly affecting one Akemi Homura. Cast aside by most people throughout her life, there was one who showed her a shred of kindness: Madoka Kaname. Homura became enamored with the plucky girl, discovering a secret world of Magical Girls. For Homura, it was a new beginning, with new friends, new things to discover, and a new lease within life. Until Walpurgisnacht, a ruthless witch arrived. Madoka was able to stop her, but at the cost of her own life. All of Madoka's other friends have either died or become witches, the result of overwhelming despair.

"Why? Just...why?" Homura said, trying to choke back tears. It wasn't successful. The once alive and energetic body of Kaname Madoka was limp with death.

Homura out of the corner of her eye saw the peculiar figure of the rat-like Kyubey, a creature who granted Madoka's powers in exchange for their souls. But to see her smile again was an enticing desire, a desire to return to normalcy. Homura was well aware of the costs. Even if it costs her own life, she would do it for her.

"Shame that she died like that. Rather poetic." Kyubey remarked, scratching his ear. "A young girl, full of hope, dying in a city of despair. Humans are really funny like that. It wasn't for nothing, but it wasn't for something

"Kyubey!" Homura said, or rather yelled at the white rat. Kyubey tilted his head in curiosity. "Oh? You ready to make a contract? I'll be more than happy to provide."

In Homura, Kyubey saw something almost frightening: Never before has the once-shy and meek girl looked so determined ever before until now. She pointed her finger at him. "I wish to rectify my mistakes! I will save Madoka by my own hands, even if it costs me my own life, even if I will become a witch or a demon! I will protect her! I will protect her. I will..." Homura then began crying. Kyubey nodded, ignoring Homura's tears. Human emotion was an unusual endeavor for Kyubey, one that he was incapable of understanding.

"Your wish will be granted."

The next thing Homura knew, she was right back at the hospital in which she stayed at. Homura had a terrible heart condition, which the hospital had been monitoring and trying to solve for years. While she had survived, her physical condition wasn't the best. For a different reason now, things were different. She felt stronger, much more adept. She opened the palms of her hand, revealing a black seed: The Soul Gem. A metallic ring with a small purple jewel was on one of hr fingers. She remembered how to take care of it by hearing about it when Madoka was conversing with Tomoe Mami. Everything else she needed help with. With her more adept awareness came a realization:

"Madoka...Kyubey...oh no..."

Soon when Homura got into Mitakihara Middle School, she was about to be introduced to the class as a whole. Instead, she quickly darted to Madoka, grabbing her hands.

"Madoka! Don't trust Kyubey! Don't become a magical girl!"

Madoka squirmed in embarrassment. Unbeknownst to Homura, Madoka was already a magical girl. To Madoka and Homura's classmates, it was completely random.

"Magical girl?" One of the male students remarked. "So what, like Sailor Moon? In the name of the moon! Ahahahhaa!"

The teacher, Kazuko Saotome awkwardly laughed. "That's an admittedly unique introduction Homura. Chuunibyou is in full effect this time of year huh?"

Homura glared at her, annoyed. "It's...nothing. I'd just...never mind." Homura said, walking to her desk, burying her head in shame.

After the class, she was still there. Someone lightly tapped her on the shoulder. It was Madoka Kaname.

"Kaname?" Homura asked inquisitively.

"Homura...that's your name, isn't it? Do you mind if we talk for a minute?" Homura followed Madoka to a lightly-paneled hallway, where no one else was around. Madoka sat down on a bench, positioned near Homura. Behind the bench was a beautiful view of the tall, steel skyscrapers of Mitakihara, which seemed to stretch on for miles on end.

"Wanna sit down?" Madoka asked, patting a nearby space.

"Erm...sure." Homura said shyly.

"Try not to do that in the future. I doubt anyone would really take too kindly if they knew we fight witches." Madoka said kindly.

"We?" Homura asked skeptically.

"Yes, we. You have a soul gem right there, don't you?" Homura rummaged through her baggage, pulling out a dark seed that was the soul gem. Homura swiftly put it away. "True. I only recently became a Magical Girl."

"What was your wish?" Madoka asked. Homura looked at Madoka. She couldn't disclose her motivations for becoming a magical girl."Madoka would probably think that would be weird...plus she'd think I would be a stalker. I can't tell her. In that case..."

"I wished...well...there was this cat that was ran over by a car. I couldn't help but pity the poor thing. Kyubey was right there. No one else seemed to notice him. I wished the cat to be back alive and well."

Madoka tilted her head. "Hmm...that's awfully sweet of you. Turns out, that was my wish as well. Was it a black cat?"

"I don't remember."

"I see." Madoka got up again, hoisting her schoolbag behind her, ready for future action. Homura couldn't help but admire how enthusiastic Madoka was. It reminded Homura of the girl that she adored so long ago, even if it was only a few weeks ago. Today was a new start for Homura.

"You're definitely new to the whole magical girl business. Don't worry, I'm here to help. Me and Mami will all help."

Homura stammered again out of embarrassment. "Well, wouldn't th-th-that complicate things?"

"Nonsense! We can train together! Don't sweat it, you'll do fine. And if you don't, you will do fine." Madoka skipped across the hallway, off to her next class. "Meet me at Mami's place! She's popular around here, so it won't be hard to find it! See ya then!"

Homura watched Madoka as she skipped off away. Homura nostalgically smiled. Things would get better.

"Fallen for her? That's cute."

Homura was flabbergasted. There was a new voice. It sounded weary, yet strong. Very masculine. Despite that, there was no one else in the hallway. She frantically looked around to see if it was a prank or a voice recording. Nothing.

"Who are you?" There was no one around, so no need to worry should she be caught speaking to herself.

"Me? You may call me Ishmael. Your name is Homura? Do you mind if I call you Ahab instead?"

"Ahab? What's that? Sounds like a whale dish." Homura casually remarked, still trying to figure out where the noise was.

"You're too funny. It'd be easier if we talked tonight. You'll see then. When you go to sleep, I'll be there." The voice stopped. Homura had completed her search. No one was there at all. Something wasn't right. She decided later this afternoon she would talk to Mami and Madoka about it, given how much experience they've had. In the meantime, she set off for the rest of her day.

Later that day she was in Mami's apartment, which as quite stylish. Homura never asked how her apartment was this luxurious. She presumed her parents had inherited it long ago. It didn't matter. Homura was with Mami, a person whom she liked, and Madoka, a girl who Homura liked beyond mere friendship.

Mami took a small bite out of a piece of cake, which she quickly swallowed. "So, Miss Akemi, you're a Magical Girl now? Did Kyubey contact you?"

Kyubey was sitting on Mami's shoulder, looking at some of the cake. "Not necessarily. Let's not delve into the details, shall we?"

"Fair enough," Mami muttered, sipping some tea. Madoka also sipped some of her tea, eager to hear more. "That's a bummer. Anyway Homura, it's so nice you were able to be here even though you have health issues." Madoka said. "I think it's quite admirable of you."

Homuraslightlyy blushed. "Th-thanks Madoka. How do you guys stand on the magical girl scale? I mean, like how good are you?"

Mami sat down her teacup, and folded her hands, clasping them together in an introspective position. "I've been doing this business for quite a while now. It's not easy, which is why I have Madoka on my side. She's strong, but a little uncoordinated."

"Well I do try my best. And if I try my best, that's what matters! At least, that's what I think."

"I see." concurred Homura. "Do you know where we should train?" Homura asked, rather excitedly. The prospect of training to be a more capable magical girl was heavily enticing. If she could become strong enough to protect Madoka, she'd finally be able to find true happiness. Or at least, that was the intent. Homura and the rest of the clique sent out to set a date to train. It would be around tomorrow, as there were important exams tomorrow. In the meantime, Homura would be able to get some rest. Mami had mentioned earlier that she would be able to also teach Homura magic techniques to not only take care of herself in battle, but also with her heart condition.

As Homura got into her bed, and under the tight blankets, she was feeling quite optimistic. While she wasn't fond of Kyubey, Kyubey's abilities at least allowed her a new lease on life. As she rested her eyes, things started to rapidly change.

When Homura woke up, she was somewhere very different. Gone were the all-so familiar setting of the hospital. Gone was the view of the window, showcasing Mitakihara's expansive skyscrapers. It was an endless, white void. Nothing was visibly seen. There was only one man placed in front of her. She was in her hospital garmets.

He was a tall, stocky man wearing combat, desert fatigues. He had a ruggedly handsome face, with a small ponytail complimenting his brown hair. He was missing one eye, evidenced by his eye-patch over his now-defunct right eye. A massive, charcoal black horn was protruding from his forehead, elongated very sharply. A scar formed on his remaining, functional eye. In his mouth lodged a then-smoking cigar, almost whittled down.

"Where am I?" Homura asked, looking around. Homura began sprinting towards an exit.

"Don't go, there's no exit. You'll only escape when your dream is over." The new man replied. He had a very commanding voice.

"Who are you? Why are you dressed so weirdly?"

The man took a puff out of his cigar. "Like I said back in your school, you may call me Ishmael. And if you don't mind, I'll call you Ahab."

"What on earth is an Ahab?"

Ishmael grinned, resting his cigar down. "It used to be a name a certain friend gave me. It dates back hundreds of years. I didn't like the name at first, but I grew to get used to it. Come to think of it, there are a lot of things I've taken for granted.

Ah, enough sentimental talk. I'm the mentor, you're the student. We really need to sit down and talk, because asking meaningless questions is useless."

Homura reluctantly sat down, finally ready to hear what the man had to say. She didn't know who he truly was, or how they were able to understand each other. Even though he was speaking English, for some peculiar reason she could understand him. Not to mention this was just right after making a contract with the peculiar Kyubey.

"So...Ishmael. Why are you in my head? Does th-that mean you can know what I'm thinking?" Homura asked. The prospect of another person living inside of her, knowing what she desires, wants, while being fully aware of it all made Homura panic internally. That internal panic was beginning to rear it's ugly head however, as Homura started to shake.

"It does entail that. I don't everything about you though. Only when your thoughts are the most emotional I can read them. Like back then at the school with you and that pink-haired girl. Other than that, I don't know what you're thinking. Except at nighttime. That's when we can easily interact with one another."

Homura fell down out of nervousness. "Anything else?"

Ishmael walked over to Homura, offering his hand to her. Homura gripped it, getting back up.

"I was able to be here ever since you became a magical girl. When your soul went into your gem, your body essentially became a puppet. Should your soul gem be far away from you, the only soul left in your body would be mine. We can also switch consciousnesses when the situation calls for it. I don't think that should be a problem. It's not that hard to keep stuff close to you. Losing it is the only thing that's difficult..." Ishmael trailed off, his eyes looking quite sad.

This was a lot for Homura to take. A 40 or so man was living inside her body, who could potentially control her.

"S-s-stop being such a pervert!"

"Don't bother. I'm not into underage girls. I don't know anyone who would anyway. I'm not a bad person. Just let me talk for a minute."

"I understand that you're a magical girl now. It seems that it's not too common even today for children to pick up the gun. You want to protect your lover-"

"-FRIEND!" Homura interjected, blushing red akin to that of a tomato.

"Friend, and I'll help you with that. There is something additional you should pursue: Revenge. Kyubey dragged you into hell, and you should drag him with you as well. After all, didn't he result Madoka in getting a contract? He's like a predator. There are no songs to be wept once he's finished. I know you love your friend dearly. She's your top priority."

"And how do you know all this? Where's your experience?" Homura asked skeptically.

Venom chuckled nostalgically, hinting at plenty of past experiences. Ishmael, or Venom Snake was now in control. He had personally perferred not to use a child for these circumstances, recalling his experiences in Angola-Zaire. However, if he were to achieve "heaven" that the Sorrow discussed, he would have to take action. Venom Snake was sensing quite the potential in young Homura. She appeared devoted, eager, and capable. There was something even greater in Homura: the spark for revenge.

"It's a long story. Sit down, stay awhile, and let's talk. If you drift off and sleep I wouldn't blame you. Chances are you'll probably miss most of it anyway."

"Please let there be little of these cryptic references." thought Homura. Little did Homura know, that the references would be even greater.

Homura didn't know what to think. She was admittedly impressed with all of the achievements that Ishamel was able to accomplish, such as destroying Sahelanthropus, founding Diamond Dogs, defeating Skull Face, and ultimately succeeding and becoming the title of "Big Boss." Even if this Ishmael wasn't the true Big Boss, she could tell that Ishmael inherited his charisma and charm.

"What about you? You look like you've seen some things. I can see it in your eyes. I don't really do monologues all the time, so sorry about that."

"Um...well...don't you already know why I became a magical girl?" Homura retorted.

"Yes, I do. Back when I was Big Boss, I made an effort to know my soldiers. To them, they were my family, my diamonds in the rough. But what about you and Madoka? Is there actually something between you and her? Not that I mind."

Homura blushed ferverntly, being very uncomfortable. "T-t-there isn't! It's just that w-w-we're friends! That's it! Friends! Yeah! Friends!"

The expression on Venom Snake was unmoving, unflinching. Cold. Then he loosened up, cracking up in laughter. Even a man as hardened as himself couldn't help but laugh along at a happy moment like this.

"Your stuttering tells me everything. I understand that she's important to you, and that you treasure her above all else. I understand your desire. I'll assist you. But first, I need you to assist me. Tomorrow, I need to use your body."

"What for?" Homura asked. If someone was actually going to use her body, Ishmael had better use it for good uses.

Tomorrow was an good day for Venom Snake. Or at least, that was the intent. It was interesting getting adjusted to Homura's body. Being the first time that Venom was possessing physical strength in years, he was intent on testing it out. While on the way to Homura's school, a young boy was flirting with him. Somewhat irritated, Venom practiced his CQC techniques on him, slamming him on the ground. He almost put a fulton recovery device on him, until he remembered that he had none. Assuredly, the boy wouldn't repeat that same mistake again.

"Damn..."

Eventually Homura, or rather Venom Snake made it to the classroom, guided by Homura. There, the teacher was discussing classic literature. More specifically, the American classic Moby Dick. Considering that Venom's current monkier and the real Big Boss's title Ishmael was derived from the novel, he found much amusement to it.

"Now, who can tell me the central theme of the novel?" Kazuko Saotome asked, pointing at Madoka. Madoka squirmed, trying oh-so desperately to remember.

"Erm...whales?" she asked. Kazuko shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Well, whaling is a big part. But it's something even greater than that. Do you know Homura?"

"Revenge. Ahab pursues revenge against the white whale Moby Dick, with the help of Queequeg under the helm of the Pequod, while the true main character Ishmael narrates over the novel." Now Venom truly realized why his helicopter pilot Pequod was named after a ship, or why Ishmael referred to Big Boss. Ultimately, Venom was nothing more than a pawn in Big Boss's plans. This made Venom ponder, would he become Big Boss again? Playing the role of Ishmael, shaping up Homura or Ahab to pursue revenge against the white rat Kyubey, at the cost of their own morality?

"I can't think of this now. Now I need to...focus on playing the role of a student. Well, that's certainly a step down from taking care of Skull Face, I can tell myself that much."

Right now, Venom needed information. It was over a decade since he died, and he was 100% certain things were changing. The only question was how they would have changed. What happened to Miller? Ocelot? Was Cipher eventually vanquished? Eli? If he could get into contact with anyone who knew them, or one of his Diamond Dogs, he would very much appreciate that.

In the meantime, it was a free discussion/work period before they went off to the next class. Some of the students were chatting with one another.

"Hey, did you hear the news?"

"What now Hideki? Some bullshit about giant robots?"

"Nah. Rumor has it that Solid Snake is somewhere in Mitakihara."

"Solid Snake? That's nonsense! He died on that tanker, 4 years ago! He's a terrorist!"

"I'm not making any claims to his morality, I'm just bringing up a topic man, that's all."

"Why would he do that though? I thought he was famous."

"My dad said he's famous, but now everyone swears him off thanks to the Tanker incident."

While the conversation droned on, Venom made a mental note to himself.

"This Solid Snake character seems to share a relation with myself. I need to seek him out. Granted, while it might be difficult, it is understandable. I'll also make sure to ask the teacher about some current events after this class ends."

The class ended after a while. While everyone else left to go to their next class, Venom had decided to continue staying in there. "Erm...Mrs. Saotome? You there?" Venom asked, trying to sound innocuous.

"Yes Homura? What did you want to talk about?"

"Erm...do you like politics?"

"Of course! It's something I really like! Too bad all of my stupid boyfriends in the past didn't care for that! Who cares about the different parties they said! They don't appreciate the value of a good woman and her mind! I'll implant that to you in the future Homura!"

Venom sighed, eager to get to the point. "Yes, well I'm most interested in current affairs. I've heard of this Outer Heaven. What happened to Outer Heaven?" he asked Kazuko. Venom remembered that the Outer Heaven he was running was merely a fake imitation of the real thing. While Venom ran his Outer Heaven, Big Boss was constructing the bona fide version. As cryptic an mysterious as Big Boss may have been, he was still Venom's commander.

"From what I recall, it was eventually dismantled from within, thanks to the former hero Solid Snake. He was a legend alright, renowned worldwide by every soldier worth their salt. Their leader, Big Boss was said to have been killed."

Venom might as well have been shot right in the head. His eyes widened with shock, upon hearing those words. Big Boss, the man whom he had idolized and exalted as a soldier among soldiers, was dead. All thanks to this Solid Snake. He may have used him as a ruse to combat Cipher, but he still obeyed him out of loyalty. Perhaps it went beyond loyalty, love even. Venom couldn't believe it. Legends never die after all. Or rather, the legend of Big Boss was surpassed by the legend of Solid Snake. He tried his best to regain his composure.

"I...I see. I never knew that. I'm so sorry. It's just been a while since I've heard things in the hospital. Haven't been keeping track of affairs."

Kazuko put a hand onto Venom's shoulder in a sign of support. Clearly, she meant no harm whatsoever. "I understand Homura. Unfortunately I have a class to teach next. Do I have your email? I can send you some links to catch you up. Sorry about yesterday by the way. I didn't mean to call you a chuunibyou."

"Chuunibyou huh?" Remarked Venom Snake, hearing that term for the first time.

"Yup. See you then." Venom waved back at Kazuko. Kazuko closed the door. Not making the same mistake as last time, Venom went into the women's restroom. He closed the door to one of the stalls, and tried to recollect himself.

"Big Boss...dead. I can't believe it. What about the others? Ocelot? Kaz? Any of my Diamonds? Anyone? Please...someone. Anyone..." Venom started to tear up a little. He was waking up to an unfamiliar world. Decades ago, he woke up in Dhekelia Sovereign Base with no knowledge of the world. At least he had Big Boss, Kaz, and Ocelot to support him. Waking up in Mitakihara, there was no Kaz, no Ocelot to support him. The only thing he could do was support Homura and her endeavors. And thankfully Homura herself had plenty of support.

"Ms. Akemi?" A calm voice asked. Mami.

Venom quickly tried to regain his composure, opening the stall. "Y-yes?" he asked quickly.

"You alright? I thought I heard you crying." Mami asked Homura, or rather Venom. "No...I'm fine. I just have allergies. That's all." he said. He had to go to the next class. After school, he would switch control back over to Homura.

School was finished. Venom sat down. If he couldn't return control back to Homura, then he would switch over control to her later. Thankfully, he was able to return Homura's soul back to her body. Venom's soul currently resided in the Soul Gem. Homura regained consciousness. As a test, she flexed her fingers, and stretched. Nothing was different. Venom didn't do anything deplorable. Homura was quite thankful.

"The grief seed is darker." She said, looking at it. While purple at first, she could see some black spots. She had only noticed this just now.

"Hey Homura!" Madoka said, skipping over to where Homura was. "Hey Madoka!"

"Heya~! You ready to practice? Mami knows a great location. It's under this derelict bridge. It's kind of creepy, but it's away from common sight. And besides, we have weapons."

"Yeah! It'll be good!" Homura said excitedly, ready to begin training. Her soul was absent for quite some time. Getting some practice done would invogorate Homura greatly. Homura and Madoka located Mami near the entrance of the school.

"Where is your blue-haired friend Madoka?" Homura asked. If she could recall, her name was Sayaka Miki. She seemed full of spunk, and would be a natural fit for a magical girl.

"She's visiting a friend." Mami replied. "Let's give her some space. She won't be a problem. Anyway, let's go!"

Eventually the trio (minus Venom) made to the bridge. It was like Mami said, a very derelict bridge. It was quite dark and grimy, with the overhead monorail making a rumbling noise. No one would be here.

"Homura, do you know how to transform?" Madoka asked.

"Strangely enough, I do. It's like a second instinct." Kyubey, seemingly popping out of nowhere was rested on Madoka's shoulder.

"Along with summoning their weapons, transforming into their combat uniform is one of the few things that magical girls know by instinct."

Madoka's body glowed pink. The pink energy enveloped her, and once the transformation was done, she was donned in her magical girl outfit. To say that it was impractical would be an understatement. White and pink, it was very, very frilly with plenty of ribbons, and a large petticoat underneath it. While fitting for Madoka, by the same token no self-respecting warrior would wear such a garb. Homura then thought of how this was the same universe in which a talking cat resided.

On the subject of the talking cat, Homura shot a deadly glare at Kyubey. "You little rat. One day, you'll be nothing but a corpse. Be careful, or else venom'll get to you."

It was Mami's turn to transform. Mami's appearance like Madoka was vastly different, yet strangely fitting. It was a white and yellow dress, with a fairly wide skirt. She had a remarkably nice hat. Mami's outfit reminded Homura of a fairy tale almost.

"Nice outfit Mami!" Homura said, complimenting Mami. Mami giggled, humored by Homura's praise.

"You're quite welcome." Mami said, slightly blushing. "Homura, it's your turn to transform. You ready?"

"Yeah!"

Homura transformed. Once done, she looked down at her outfit. It was black and grey with a hint of purple. It was a long-sleeved dress with a gray knee-length skirt. It was simple compared to Madoka's, yet elegant.

"Alright, let's get started Homura!" Mami said.

"For starters, let's test off your power. What is it?" Mami asked. Homura knew her power: She was able to slow down time. To what extent she was unaware. She remembered her father telling her something a long time ago:

"You never know something until you try it. Remember that Homura. Keep it with you wherever you go, to heaven, purgatory, hell and back. I'll be your Virgil to your Dante."

"Father..." Homura thought. She never really knew her mother. She disappeared when she was very young. For much of her life, the only one she was able to confide was her father. He was a very knowledgeable man. Most of what he said flew past Homura. Her father probably knew that. He was probably just glad to have someone to talk to. One day, she and her father were injured in an accident. While she left injured, he was gone. Not dead, nor alive, but a phantom.

"Could he be connected to all of this somehow? I have no idea. I want to see him again. After Madoka, I'll find you next father."

In front of Homura was Madoka. Leaning in, Madoka poked Homura's cheek daintily. "Hey Homura? You there? Earth to Homura?"

Homura was snapped back to reality. "Oh, so sorry! I'll get to it!" Homura activated her power. Everything besides Homura became gray, flickering. Homura looked around. Only she was able to move. Homura walked around, inspecting her surroundings. She looked at Mami. Testing her abilities, she took off Mami's hat. Mami had no reaction. Homura noticed on her shield there was a ticking noise. It had stopped ticking. Time returned to normal.

Mami noticed the dainty black hat on her head was missing. She felt around her head, searching for it. "Where's my hat? Oh, you have it Homura? I never noticed."

"Hmmm, then Homura's powers must be time! It makes sense." Commented Madoka. "Can I have my hat back Homura please?" Mami asked, eager to be reunited with her hat.

Homura gratuitously gave Mami her hat back. "Now, why don't we test your power out on this object?" gestured Mami, pointing at a barrel. Next to it was a golf club. Homura put it to the test. After freezing time temporarily, she abused the club on the barrel. It wasn't easy for a scrawny girl like Homura. She tried her hardest though. If Ishmael could pulzerive a passerby, surely she could do the same for the barrel. The timer ended. Minimal damage was inflicted to the object.

"S-s-sorry if I didn't do well!"

"No. You did your best. Well, looks like we all found something out. Your strength doesn't lie in something like pure brute force. Your time powers have a lot of applicability. I suggest you recuperate your long-range capabilities? Explosives? Guns? We could always use more guns." Mami said quizzically.

"U-understood."

Madoka hugged Homura tightly, suddenly. While Homura didn't expect the hug, she at the very least welcomed it. "Why are you hugging me?"

"Why aren't I hugging you? You did great today!"

Homura smiled. To know that someone cared for her, that someone supported her, filled a void in her heart. All the time she was thinking one thing:

"I will not lose you again."