Faces like Masks
Summary: Vignette. V and Homura talk about life lessons, V's goals, and Evey.
Genre: General
Rating: K plus for context
Disclaimer: As they say, if you recognize it, you can safely assume I don't own it.
[A/N:] A strange scene I thought of tonight as I was reading my PMMM manga. Seems like V and Homura have enough in common that they would understand each other pretty well, which is how this vignette came about. I've only watched the movie, so this is based off that, though it can probably fit in with the comics just as well.
The fingermen in the alley didn't know what had hit them. When they were found in the morning, the bullets would not be matched to any gun known registered in Britain.
"I see you've beaten me to the punch this evening, Miss Akemi."
The dark-haired Puella Magi shoved her handgun back into her shield before she turned to face the masked man on the rooftop behind her. "I see you've been busy, V." Homura Akemi said.
"Very." He replied as he hopped down off the roof to join her in the alley. "And you're on which time cycle now?"
She shrugged, as though the numbers didn't matter. "I lost count. I had some time tonight. I thought I'd stop by. I see you've put the whole government into turmoil."
"Well that was the long term goal."
"More fingermen on patrol then before, graffiti of the letter V covering up Norsefire posters. Graffiti was never your style."
V took a step forward. "It's good to see some verve in the people of London again."
"What will you do on the fifth? It's less than three months away." Homura Akemi asked.
She heard him chuckle. "Playing your cards close to you chest, I see." She said, then changed the subject abruptly. "I met your protégé this evening."
Just like that, the mood changed.
"And how is she?" V asked.
"Just fine. She still seems a little shell-shocked over your stunt, though."
"Well, to be fearless is a hard lesson to learn." V said.
Homura nodded.
"But she's learned it now. And that's a lesson that can never be lost." He continued as he looked at her. "You know this to be true." And he knew it was. He could see it in her eyes, just as she could hear it in his voice and see it in his actions.
"Oh, I do know it." She replied. "But you were the one who tortured her. I inflicted my never-ending maze on myself."
"Sadly, the most important things we learn in life must be learned through the hardest lessons."
She nodded, then turned away. "I should go." She said. "There's no telling what damage Kyubey may have wreaked while I've been away. Good luck. I hope you reach your goal."
"I'll reach it." He said quietly, too her retreating back. "But I won't see it. There's no place for me there."
"What a pity." Homura replied, knowing he heard her. "And she did so seem to like you." Then she faded into the night and was gone.
[A/N:] Well, I don't know where this scene came from but I thought I'd write it down anyway. I hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know what you think – feedback is always appreciated!