Walpurgisnacht ended badly. Again. Homura Akemi was about ready to reset the timeline. Again. Homura had done this more times than what she could remember. At least 500 times, she mused. Actually, a lot more. She looked down sadly. Why did she eternally do this? Oh yes, for Madoka's sake. It was all for Madoka. She couldn't care less if all the other Magical Girls lived or died. All that mattered was Madoka's survival. And to unsure that, Homura had failed, yet again. So, it was time to reset. Another time, another chance. Maybe this time would be her way out.
Then, from behind her, she heard a voice. It wasn't at a person's usual volume. It was hysterical yelling. "Madoka! Madoka! Wake up Madoka! This isn't funny! Don't leave me like Mami and Kyoko! Please Madoka, don't be dead. Please." Homura began to turn to the voice. Of all the magical girls, it had to be the one that was least likely to survive. Sayaka Miki. The blunette cradled the body of what had been Madoka Kaname. Suddenly, it hit her that her best friend wasn't coming back. Tears began to flow liberally from her eyes as she wailed in agony and disbelief that of all people, she lost her best friend who had promised to be there forever.
An emotion passed in Homura's heart. Pity, was it? No, pity did not feel like this. This was empathy. Homura still remembered when she first lost Madoka, before she made the contract that changed her destiny forever. The overwhelming pain that almost completely consumed her. She understood what it felt like to lose her best friend. She understood Sayaka's pain for once in all of the timelines. Then again, Sayaka didn't normally survive a timeline to the end. Unless, she never contracted.
Homura also understood that she just couldn't leave Sayaka like this. And besides, Sayaka might become an ally. And she definitely needed those. "I can save her, but I may need you help. Can you keep your despair at bay? Or will you allow this pain to consume you? It's your choice, Sayaka Miki." She waited patiently for Sayaka's reply.
Sayaka takes one final look at the empty shell that was her best friend. Her expression gets more resolute as she looks up to meet Homura's eyes. "Let me help you. I want to save Madoka, no matter the cost! I won't allow this to happen to her ever again! I don't know how you can save her, but a little hope is better than no hope at all. And besides, Madoka would have wanted us to work together rather than fight." Sayaka gently set down Madoka's body. She stood up, albiet a little shakily at first. Homura almost smiled.
"Very well." Homura held out her hand. "Hold on." Sayaka grabbed the outstretched hand a little tentatively at first, but held on tighter as the time-traveling magic kicked up into full gear. Homura led her to the past, back to where everything was alright again. Where they all where still alive. Homura made a mental note to check up on Sayaka later. Time travel had the potential to make one sick if they weren't used to it. She knew from first-hand expirience. She was the time traveller after all. Little did either girl know that this would change both of thier fates forever.
A/N:
Another fanfiction! Woot! This one is going to be more Sayaka-centric once we get to the main timeline where this fanfiction will take place. The next chapter is the highlights of the first timeline where Sayaka helps out Homura. It will be the last Homura-centric chapter! Then on to the main story! Once again, please R&R!