"It's been a while, Mitakihara."

Overlooking the city, the scarlet-haired girl transformed out of her Puella Magi outfit into her plain clothes, if they could be called that. The zipper had broken off of her green sweater, and her shorts fit even less than before. I probably look like a prostitute, she mused to herself. I guess I could steal new ones or somethin'.

She knew it would've been wiser to steal them before returning to this city, but she assumed she'd just have to make due, since her decision to return had been so rushed. As the harsh winter air cut deep into her skin, and her thoughts were quickly replaced.

It's 2 in the damn morning. Ain't nothin' I can do right now, she pulled a box of pocky and a flask from her bag. At least I can stay warm with this... She laughed in a way that could all but hide her shame.

After an hour of trying to keep her food in her stomach, and chasing around small animals with her spear pronouncing them "tomorrow's breakfast," she collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

.-.-.-.

"Kyouko?"

The familiar voice sprung her into consciousness She sat herself up to face the girl who'd woke her from her rest.

"Sayaka?" she met the blue eyes of the girl who had awoken her. "It's been a while... How in the hell did ya find me!?"

"Homura told me she saw you. And a while? It's been about two years! Was the whole solo witch-hunting routine too much for you out there?"

Kyouko shot her a familiar fanged grin. Opening her bag to show her a surplus of grief seeds. laughing, she declared "Nah, I said I'd be back if I missed your stupid faces, didn't I, fool?"

With that, the red-haired girl turned over to her side and vomited "Dammit, ya made me waste food! An why in the hell did Homura send you to wake me up? She too good to wake me up herself?"

Much to Kyouko's displeasure, Sayaka just broke into an uncontrollable laughter.

"The hell is that for? You think this is funny or some shit?" Her face turned a light shade of green, but there was no way she'd let herself lose anymore food.

"It's just.. you finally come back.. and all you can do.. is shout stupid questions at me.. guess you haven't changed very much!" Sayaka was doing all she could do to suppress her laughter at this point. She wasn't doing a very good job of it. She paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "In ANY case, Homura wouldn't risk missing a day of class with Madoka, so she told us 'it would be best if someone came to check in on you,' and Mami has been preparing for exams so that just left me. But, man, you seem like you're in bad shape. I guess she was right!"

Kyouko nearly snapped at her for that last remark, but she stopped to look down at herself, then looked up, shooting her signature fanged grin once again, "Well I guess I do need some new clothes, and the fact that your-honorable-highness ditched school to come greet me, I should feel privileged," Sayaka rolled her eyes. "Well c'mon! You gotta show me how much the city has changed!"

.-.-.-.

Sayaka caught up with Kyouko just to notice her shoving money from an ATM into her pocket. She entertained the notion of Kyouko actually having a job somewhere and a bank account. She laughed it off the moment she pictured the red haired girl dressed similarly to Junko Kaname. "...you really need to stop stealing"

"And what would you suggest then? I put on a suit and go join the rest of the slaves? Nah, I'll enjoy my freedom," she cracked open a can of soda from her bag.

Sayaka shot her a quick glare and sighed, "Well, it looks like we have 4 hours until we have to go to Mami's apartment. Try not to cause anymore trouble and at least put that money into some fitting clothes or something. Yours look like they're ready to fall right off!"

With that, they headed into the mall, where Kyouko treated herself to new clothes: a dark blue shirt, a red jacket, and black shorts. She decided her boots still had some life in them, so she kept the excess money to buy herself some lunch. She exited the store in search of food, Sayaka trailing behind her. There was a lot of catching up to be done and questions to be answered, but it could wait until they got to Mami's apartment. For now, the company was a welcome change for Sayaka.

A/N well, I'm a bit disappointed that this chapter was a bit short, I swear they'll be longer next time. For format, three dashes(.-.-.-.) signifies a gap in time, and italics are for thoughts, in case there was confusion. This is semi-AU, based upon the PSP game best ending. And yes, the gaps will be filled in. Reviews/tips would be appreciated as this is my first story ever. (also please tell me if my colors are wrong/weird I'm colorblind and I get nervous over it)