So, one day, I was musing, as usual, on the drive home from band practice, when suddenly I found myself pondering why there were so few "normal" Madoka fanfics out in the infinite universe that is the internet.

Okay, not really, but still. I haven't a clue where this idea came from, but I do remember thinking to myself, I wonder if our favorite Megucas would play any instruments in an alternate universe? And what if they were all really good? And by some huge coincidence, all had completely similar goals but completely different means of achieving them?

That's where this fic comes in. It makes very little sense, and obviously, none of them are magical girls, but...I'm really enjoying writing this. I hope you enjoy reading it half as much! Muchas gracias, and bon voyage.


Deep breath in… deep breath out...

Her footsteps echoed throughout the gray hallway, marching perfectly in time with her rapidly beating heart.

Breathe in…breathe out….

Her shaking fist clenched tightly around her music.

Slowly in…slowly out…

The sunken faces lined up against the wall barely glanced in her direction. One boy rapidly fingered his instrument, singing hoarsely under his breath. His eyes were wild with desperation, a blatant contrast his neighbors 'numb appearances.

In…and out…

Room 232.

The woman beside the door didn't even raise her eyes.

"Kyouko Sakura?"

She swallowed dryly.

"Yes."

"Enter, please."

Without a response, Kyouko sucked in a heavy breath, and stepped into the barren room. Her taiko drum of a heart pulsated in her ears.

A long black screen was the only object of interest in the room…or rather, what sat behind it. The judge, pen ready to scratch her fate onto a piece of paper.

A single bead of sweat appeared on her forehead, dripping down the side of her left eye. She flashed a toothy, albeit trembling, grin in the direction of the judge, although he couldn't even see her, and raised the French horn to her lips.

She expanded her diaphragm, glanced one last time down at her audition music, and played.


The ride home was silent…although, when you're the only person in the car, it tends to be that way. At this point, even Kyouko's favorite classical radio station was not enough to placate her wild nerves. In fact, if anything, it would make her even more anxious. At first glance, she was the very definition of laid back. But when it came to music, her do or die attitude frightened even her own section, back in high school.

"Her accuracy would make Dennis Brain himself weep with joy," Her instructor would crow to anyone unfortunate enough to hear. "She's got the tone of an angel, the ferocity of a demon, and the raw power of their unholy offspring."

She chuckled darkly to herself at the thought of her teacher. Namely, her extremely persuasive method of recruitement. Why the hell did I even agree to this? Moving to an entirely different country…I had to learn a fucking weird-ass language, study up on their stupid customs, stay in a shitty apartment while I wait for those all-important results…it's idiotic. Completely idiotic. She accented the idiocy with an incredibly loud and obnoxious groan.

And yet, she knew deep down, it had been worth it. Or at least, it would be worth it when she received that full scholarship to the university she had chased for nearly half of her relatively short life. There wasn't a single doubt in her mind that she had indeed gotten it.

That's right, you American bastards, there's a new horn player in town, and her name's Sakura Kyou-er, Kyouko Sakura. Godammit. Her mental gloating was interrupted by irritation at incorrect name placement. Which, in hindsight, was quite an odd thing to be irritated by. That revelation in turn served to annoy her even further.

Whatever. I know what I mean. Once I get back to the apartment, I'm packing up, and heading for Union University…home of the best fucking marching band this side of the Western Hemisphere…or at least, it will be when I get there…heh.

She laughed aloud, slammed the gas pedal onto the car floor, and zoomed wildly into what she thought would be her musical salvation.

Too bad it turned out to be her damnation.


Whelp. There it is. Kyouko opens it up, and I suppose we'll see who's next...next. What a shocker.

Thanks for reading, and please, let me know what you think. It's pretty awesome when even just one person leaves their half-hearted opinion, you feel me? Figuratively speaking.

Anywho, stay tuned for more Puella Musicus Madoka Magica...without the Magica.