A Demon's Labyrinth

by Lord22

Sayaka Miki continues to remember no matter what Homura does. Homura continues to stop Sayaka no matter what she tries. And all the while entropy marches on. Until the day Homura gives a chance to save Madoka. All she has to do is navigate a demon's labyrinth and stake her soul in the process. Hints of HomuraXSayaka, MadokaXHomura and SayakaXKyoko.

2. Throwing Down the Gauntlet

Chapter Two: Throwing Down the Gauntlet

Time passed. It was hard to tell how long. Sayaka would wake up and go through the motions, but she felt like her whole world could change at a moment. Whenever she got too weirded out by something she'd find herself waking up somewhere else.

But some things stayed the same. Every so often her mother would almost bring something up, and then put it off. Then they would forget about it for a month or so and everything would have been going great. Then Sayaka would get the feeling that something was wrong again. And things would start all over again.

She wanted it to stop! She didn't want to keep living like this! She wanted to be able to go to school, be with her friends and live!

And gradually her doubts were beginning to fade.

Then one day she arrived back home and found Mom and Dad waiting for her in the living room. They looked up, and Sayaka could tell at once that they were upset. They didn't want to talk to her about something, but it was something which was important.

'Sayaka, honey, could you sit down, there is something we need to talk about.' said Mom.

'What is it Mom?' asked Sayaka, sitting down.

'Honey, it's about Kyoko. She's been with us for a while now and we've grown very fond of her but…' began Mom.

'What?' said Sayaka.

'We can't afford to keep supporting both of you.' said Dad 'I wish I could keep her here but with the economy doing poorly it's hard to support three people, let alone four.'

'You can't kick her out onto the street!' said Sayaka.

'I know, we don't intend to. We'll do everything we can to try and find her a proper home.' said Dad 'But, I'm sorry about this. We just can't keep this up.'

Sayaka found a lump filling her throat. 'Does she know?'

'Yes. We told her earlier today.' said Mom 'She stormed out. If you see her could you talk to her? We'll gladly put her up until we can find somewhere else for her to stay.'

Sayaka did not see Kyoko for the rest of the night. She went looking throughout the streets, calling for her. But she didn't find her. Eventually, tired, cold, and bitter she went to bed and slept alone.

The next morning at school things didn't get better. During lunch, Sayaka was spaced out, and she wasn't the only one. Mami was also looking distant.

'Mami, you okay?' asked Madoka.

'Yeah, I'm just…' Mami composed herself. 'I've been having budget problems is all. After my parents passed away I was all alone, but I could make due on my inheritance. But now that Nagisa is with me it's getting a bit hard to balance my finances.

Just don't tell her. I don't want to break her heart.'

'Nagisa is the lucky one.' said Sayaka.

'What's wrong Sayaka?' asked Madoka. 'Is something the matter?'

'I… my mom and dad are going to have to send Kyoko to an orphanage.' said Sayaka.

'What? Why?' said Mami.

'That's horrible.' said Madoka.

'They just can't afford it.' said Sayaka 'My dad doesn't make enough in his work to support her.'

'Where is Kyoko now?' asked Madoka.

'I have no idea.' said Sayaka 'I looked all over last night but I couldn't find her. She was living on the street before my parents took her in. I don't think she'll accept being sent to an orphanage.'

'We should go and look for her after school.' said Madoka 'We'll figure out a way to make this right, Sayaka. I promise.'

'It'll be fine.' said Homura suddenly.

Sayaka looked up and for once didn't see her as a demon. 'What do you mean, Homura?'

'By tomorrow morning everything will be all right again.' said Homura 'For both you and Mami.'

'What makes you so sure?' asked Sayaka, suspicious.

'Don't look at me as though I were a demon, Sayaka.' said Homura with a smile. 'I'll make all the arrangements.'

'…Sure you will.' said Sayaka 'I'm going to go look for Kyoko.'

'We'll go too.' said Madoka 'If we split up and meet back at the school we can cover more ground.'

'Good thinking, Madoka.' said Sayaka.

They did just that. Sayaka found Kyoko far more quickly this time. The streets seemed to rush out under her feet until she found her sitting under a bridge. The red-haired girl had her arms wrapped around her legs. She was looking forlornly at the water flowing by.

''Hey, Kyoko. How are you doing?' asked Sayaka. What a stupid question.

'Fine.' said Kyoko, drawing up a stone and tossing it into the water. 'I should have known it was too much of a good thing, y'know. Having a roof over my head, a family. I haven't had one of those since my dad died.'

'It won't end like this Kyoko.' said Sayaka 'We'll work things out.'

'Don't worry about it.' said Kyoko, looking upward. 'I survived on the street before, I can do it again. Just let me borrow your shower and store my clothes with you and I'll take care of myself the old fashioned way.'

'You don't have to sound so cheerful about it.' said Sayaka.

'Ah, whatever. Let's head back.' said Kyoko, standing up. 'While I've got a roof over my head I'd like to use it. Just tell me when your parents find somewhere for me to stay so I can go back on the streets.'

'Right.' said Sayaka, feeling a smile creeping to her face despite herself. Kyoko was a survivor if ever there was one. Why was she so happy? Nothing was solved.

Or was it. It was the exact opposite news when Sayaka and Kyoko got into the house. Her Dad approached them and hugged them both. 'Kyoko, Sayaka, great news! This is wonderful!'

'What is it, Dad?' asked Sayaka.

'Well I was just mulling over this whole situation. I passed by a place where they were selling lottery tickets.' said Dad 'I went in on a whim and I bought one. And… I just won. We're rich!'

'Seriously? I didn't even know there was a lottery going on right now.' said Kyoko.

'Neither did I., Of course, I've invested a large part of it.' said Dad 'We're not going to waste this. But that doesn't mean we can't have a celebration.'

'How about we all go out to eat then?' asked Mom.

'Sounds good to me.' said Sayaka.

'Yes! This is great, Sayaka!' said Kyoko, hugging her. 'It's just like Homura said!''

'Yeah. Yeah it is.' said Sayaka.

Then she stopped.

Wait. How had Kyoko known what Homura had said? Was that really important? Of course, it wasn't. Homura probably found her beforehand and told her. That would be just like her.

They ate dinner at a fancy restaurant that night and had the time of their lives. And for once it didn't seem wrong. This was real. This was reality.

The next morning they met up with Madoka who saw them approaching. Sayaka and Kyoko waved as they got up to her.

'You guys look a lot happier.' said Madoka 'Good news?'

'Yeah, Sayaka's dad won the lottery!' said Kyoko 'I've still got a roof over my head!'

'That's great!' said Madoka 'Let's tell the others.'

There was such a thing as coincidence, Sayaka reminded herself.

'Wait a minute, Mami, you won the lottery too?' asked Madoka.

'Yeah, well it seemed like a worthwhile risk all of a sudden and it worked out.' said Mami.

'That's two winning lottery tickets bought on the same day.' said Sayaka. And Homura had called it. There was no way this was a coincidence. 'Homura, what did you do?'

'What makes you think I did anything?' asked Homura.

Sayaka knew she'd done something. But for the first time in a very long time, she wasn't sure how long, she didn't think of Homura as a demon. '…Well whatever it was, thanks. Thanks a whole lot.'

After class Sayaka and Kyoko made their way out of the school together, just sort of talking. Eventually, they stopped at the edge of the road home. Here Sayaka stopped. Homura had done something. Changed something, warped something. She didn't know what.

'So are we heading home, or what?' asked Kyoko.

The road beckoned to her. It promised to quickly lead her away from her doubts. To a world of happiness where she and her friends could have everything they wanted. But it was a bit too convenient for her liking.

'I figure I'm going to take a walk.' said Sayaka.

'You want company?' asked Kyoko 'We could go do DDR.'

'Nah, I kind of want to clear my head if it's all right with you.' said Sayaka.

'Fair enough.' said Kyoko 'Tell you what, I'll meet you at the arcade.'

'Sounds fun.' said Sayaka.

Then she took a walk. She thought about things and how they didn't add up. But even if they didn't add up, it wasn't like Homura had done anything bad. She'd saved Kyoko from having to go on the street. What was wrong with making changes if they helped people.

Then she saw it. It looked like a cross between a rabbit and a cat and had two golden rings on either ear. Its eyes were beady and bright red. However, its fur was badly messed up and it looked like it was in pain. 'Hello, Sayaka Miki.'

'Who the hell are you?' asked Sayaka, feeling a surge of hostility.

'My name is Kyubey.' said the creature in a cheerful voice.

'So are you a feline or a rodent?' asked Sayaka.

'Neither.' said Kyubey 'I'm an incubator and I'd like to show you something.'

'An incubator?' asked Sayaka 'What is that?'

'We're a race incapable of emotions who are dedicated to preventing the heat death of the universe.' said Kyubey 'And we'd like to show you something.'

'Okay, sure.' said Sayaka 'Why not, I wasn't feeling very sane today anyway.'

'Great.' said Kyubey 'Follow me.'

He walked into an alley and Sayaka followed him. As they walked the buildings became run down and the streets cracked. People here walked ten feet away from each other at all times. Sayaka didn't feel safe here.

'I know this part of town. Mom told me never to walk here.' said Sayaka.

'Don't worry, no one can see or hear us.' said Kyubey 'Just up here.'

Then Sayaka saw him. He was sitting on the pavement looking down in misery. There were others there, and all of them looked horrible. Sayaka felt a surge of pity come to her heart. 'Who are these people?'

'I'll tell you a little about them.' said Kyubey, scurrying up to one. 'Yesterday this man had a house. Two children. Three square meals a day. Today he is homeless, his wife has left him, and he is utterly miserable.

And that woman over there. Yesterday she and her daughter had an apartment. Now they live on the streets, stealing for a living.'

'What?' said Sayaka 'How could all that happen in one day?'

'It didn't exactly.' said Kyubey 'It would be more accurate to say that they've always been this way.'

'What do you mean?' asked Sayaka.

'Reality Warping. A being of unfathomable power twisted reality. Her goal was to ensure that the two people close to them would be extremely fortunate.' said Kyubey 'The changes they made to those two lives made many ripples in the fabric of reality. Many things changed.'

'Who were these people?' asked Sayaka.

Kyubey stared into her soul. 'I think you already know, Ms. Miki. For all the happiness you wish for someone, someone else gets cursed with equal misery.'

The words unlocked something in her. And Sayaka had her answer. 'Homura. You mean Homura.'

'Yes.' said Kyubey 'Homura has been interfering with the nature of reality in order to create her view of an ideal world.'

'What are you talking about. My world isn't ideal!' said Sayaka 'Kyoko lost her whole family and spent years on the streets! Mami's parents died in a car crash!'

'Of course, they did.' said Kyubey 'Homura never knew either of them. She has no interest in people she doesn't know. She knows Mami and Kyoko and wants them in her life out of friendship. If their parents were still alive it is unlikely they would have entered her world. Thus she allowed those tragedies because they fit into her ideal world.

She knew that Kyoko was friends with you and so arranged for her to be close to you. She knew that Mami disliked being alone and so arranged for Nagisa to live with her. When these changes created complications she simply warped reality to remove them.

Strange, isn't it? Even the slightest change can spiral out of control.'

'And Modaka?' asked Sayaka 'Why is she so interested in her?'

'Homura's entire reason for existing is Modaka.' said Kyubey 'She tells herself it is out of a desire to protect her. I suspect that is merely out of a desire to possess her. Homura has warped reality many times already, and the universe is beginning to wear at the seams.'

Something didn't add up. 'But what about me?' asked Sayaka 'What is her interest in me?'

'Nonexistent.' said Kyubey.

'What do you mean?' asked Sayaka.

'Homura has no strong feelings for you one way or another.' said Kyubey 'I believe she finds your personality irritating. However she is largely indifferent to your existence. Nor does she understand you. She does not truly know you, as she knows the others.'

'Okay. So why am I here?' asked Sayaka.

'Because you are the key to Kyoko's happiness.' said Kyubey 'And because you are Madoka's best friend. If you are removed from the equation then making Madoka content more difficult.

But because she has no emotional investment in you she finds it difficult to control you.'

'…Okay, this is impossible. I think I fell down and hit my head or something!' said Sayaka 'This can't be possible!'

'It is. And reality is dying.' said Kyubey 'Every time Homura makes a change it hastens the rate at which entropy consumes this world. When she first changed reality the heat death of the universe was far away and getting farther away.

Now it is approaching faster with every passing day.'

'If that's the case then how do you remember?' asked Sayaka.

'Homura despises my kind.' said Kyubey 'It is her desire that we suffer and so she has forced the grief of the world upon us. With every waking moment, we experience the despair of untold trillions. All so that others do not have to face it.

More than that, however, she wishes us to know why it is that we are suffering. Thus we remember two universes which have since been rewritten. And when you have been freed from Homura's grip, so will you.'

Sayaka could hardly believe what she was hearing. But… it all rang true. She didn't know why. 'So what do I do?'

'You must wake Madoka up. She is the key.' said Kyubey 'If Madoka becomes aware of who she is then Homura will be defeated.'

Everything froze. Suddenly the street was empty except for Sayaka and Kyubey and she felt a chill on her back.

'Oh is that so?' asked an amused voice.

Sayaka turned around and found herself face to face with Homura. 'Homura?'

'Really, you can't seem to go anywhere without triggering your memories can you?' asked Homura. Then she put a hand to Sayaka's face and she froze.

'What happened? I can't move my body.' thought Sayaka.

'And you, Incubator?' said Homura 'You are defying my directives.'

'Your illogical actions are resulting in the destruction of the universe.' said Kyubey 'Forcing us to experience the negative emotions of sentient creatures does not solve the underlying problem.'

Homura grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up. 'Enough! I won't have you ruining everything for Madoka!'

'And when the universe grows cold and everything dies?' asked Kyubey, voice unchanged. 'What will be left for Madoka then? Other than realizing too late what you have done, and what she could have done to prevent it.'

'The universe will outlive her.' said Homura.

'I find that highly unlikely.' said Kyubey 'You are a being of godlike power who has made her sole reason for existence possessing Modaka. Now that you have her, it is very improbable that you will simply allow her to grow old and die.'

'You could never understand how I feel about Modaka, you who are incapable of emotions of any kind!' snarled Homura 'Now be silent, while I render judgment.' Then she reappeared in front of Sayaka, holding Kyubey. 'Now, I can't very well let this go unpunished can I?'

'Causing me agony does not change the reality of the situation.' said Kyubey 'With your advanced perception you must realize that the situation is spiraling out of-'

'That's enough from you, Incubator. I'll deal with you later.' said Homura, before touching Sayaka's face. 'Now Sayaka, what do you have to say for yourself?'

Sayaka remembered everything. Every timeline. Every loop. Every memory Homura had taken from her. Anger boiled over as she found herself able to speak. 'Say for myself? I told you everything I had to say a long time ago! I'll never forget that you are a demon, and no matter how many times you wipe my memories, I'll keep remembering!' snarled Sayaka 'I'll keep remembering until I get Madoka to listen!'

'Hmm, well that's unfortunate. I can't very well remove you from existence, you're too important to Madoka.' mused Homura 'You really are an exceptionally troublesome girl you know.'

'Bite me, Homura.' said Sayaka.

'Why don't we make a deal? Is there anything you wish for?' asked Homura 'Just name it and I can give it to you. Perhaps that boy, Kyosuke.'

'I've already seen what your wishes result in.' said Sayaka 'Every time you do something good for us it hurts someone else. I refuse to be a part of that.'

'Well if I can't convince you to stop willingly, then I suppose I'll use more direct methods.' Then leaning in she kissed her.

Sayaka struggled as she felt Homura's will going into her. She tried to push her off, but her grip was like iron. The feel of her kiss stirred up something inside her which had part of her wanting to beg for more. As Homura broke the kiss, Sayaka collapsed to her knees.

'What… what have you done to me?' gasped Sayaka.

'From now on, you can remember as much as you like.' said Homura 'But you can't talk about it or act on it.'

'I don't care what you did to me!' said Sayaka 'I won't stop… won't stop…'

'Won't stop what?' asked Homura with a smile.

'I… why can't I talk about it?!' screamed Sayaka.

'I just told you. By the end of this you'll be begging me to take away your memories again.' said Homura 'And we'll be friends again. Good night, Sayaka.'

'I won't… I won't…' gasped Sayaka. 'I WON'T!'

She sat up with a start and remembered everything. Everything was there. She had to tell Madoka, she had to tell… wait Kyoko was getting dressed in front of her. Sayaka felt a blush coming to her features.

'Hey, Sayaka.' said Kyoko 'Weird dreams?'

'No, I'm fine.' said Sayaka.

Sayaka was not fine! She had to tell them! She had to tell everyone!

But she couldn't. The words wouldn't form. She couldn't even make her expression change. And then she got hit in the face with some clothes.

'Good, your mom is making breakfast.' said Kyoko 'You'd better get dressed.'

'Uh, sure.' said Sayaka.

As she began to get dressed she began to think about things. Maybe she couldn't tell people directly, but maybe she could hint at it. Get around it. She finished dressing and looked to Kyoko.

'Kyoko…' she began.

'Let me guess, you want to know if thing seems weird?' said Kyoko.

Yes, yes she did. But the words wouldn't come. 'No I wasn't. I just wanted to say… uh…'

'Yeah?' asked Kyoko.

'Well I wanted to say you looked good in that uniform.' said Sayaka.

Kyoko blushed and said nothing for a moment. This was really awkward. '…Let's head downstairs.'

'Right.' agreed Kyoko.

Sayaka met Madoka on the way back from the school like clockwork. Oblivious to what was happening. She shouldn't have been here. She should be the law of cycles. Sayaka opened her mouth and tried to speak. She put all of her will into the next words she said.

'Hey, Madoka! How are you settling in?'

Damn it.

'Oh, pretty good I guess.' said Madoka 'You feeling better Sayaka?'

'Yup.' said Sayak 'Better than ever.'

'That's good to hear. You had me worried for a bit.' said Madoka.

'Sorry about that. I guess I just needed to clear my head.' She was smiling and laughing as though nothing was wrong. But everything was wrong! Then she saw her. 'Hey, Homura.'

'Oh, hello Sayaka.' said Homura 'You look like you want to tell us something?'

The bitch was gloating.

'What are you talking about, Homura?' asked Sayaka 'No secrets here.'

She had to get away. Now.

'Hey guys, I'm going to go on ahead, okay.' said Sayaka.

'Why?' asked Madoka 'Is something wrong?'

'No, I just feel like running is all.' said Sayaka 'See you guys at school!' And she raced on ahead.

Later at class, the teacher was in one of those moods. 'Now class I know I predicted the end of the world before and nothing happened, but I'm feeling incredibly good about this month. The whole world will end soon, I just know it.'

'Is she ever going to let this go?' asked Sayaka.

'Doesn't look like it.' said Madoka.

'Oh that reminds me.' said the teacher 'We have a new transfer student here. Everyone, say hello to Shi Entoropi.'

Shi Entoropi entered. He had pale skin and long white hair, and he regarded everyone around him with a friendly smile. His uniform was very neat. 'Hello everyone. Most of you haven't met me before, but I can promise you we'll all become acquainted before long.'

'Wow, he's really handsome isn't he?' said one of the girls.

'Tell me about it.' said another.

Homura's eyes widened slightly and she looked worried. What could worry her? She held all the cards. Suddenly Sayaka realized Shi was approaching her. He took her by the hand. 'Sayaka Miki. Do you remember me?'

Sayaka had the memories of literally thousands of different timelines in her mind. And she'd never seen him before in her life. Still, words came back to her.

'I was stupid. So stupid…'

And then she had died.

'Er, can't say I do.' said Sayaka.

'Well don't worry.' said Shi, releasing her hand.

Later during lunch, everyone seemed off. Except for Sayaka who was physically incapable of looking off. 'That Shi Entoropi is really kind of strange, don't you think Sayaka.' said Madoka 'Even Homura seemed surprised at his presence.'

'Yeah, he is.' said Sayaka 'I feel like I know him. But I don't know from where.'

'It'll come to you soon enough.' said Shi.

Sayaka glanced back and saw him standing at the door. She felt her heart beating as though she had been running and cold sweat fell from his brow. His shadow seemed to lengthen unnaturally. 'How long have you been standing there?'

'As long as the universe has existed.' said Shi 'Or if you want a more traditional answer: Long enough. Sorry if I startled you, I have a way of happening suddenly and without warning.'

The whole world around her seemed suddenly grayer than ever. Suddenly Sayaka looked around her and no longer saw a city, but a ruin. A wasteland of decaying structures devoid of life. Soon even the remnants were gone and she was looking at an endless wilderness under a red sun.

Then that sun winked out and all was dark.

Except she was still standing here on the school rooftop with this weirdo. 'That's a weird way of putting it. Have we met somewhere before?'

'Many, many times. I don't expect you'd remember though, I'm more of a middleman, and you weren't exactly in the best state of mind at the time.' said Shi 'And Madoka, you look like the last person I ought to be meeting.'

'Sorry if this seems rude, Mr. Entoropi, but I don't think we've ever met.' said Madoka.

'Fair enough.' said Shi.

'Is there a reason you came to see us?' said Sayaka.

'Well I just thought I'd let you know that this world is going to become mine soon enough.' said Shi.

'Just what is that supposed to mean?' asked Sayaka. Who the hell was this guy?

'Just what I said.' said Shi 'Do you know how long you've been in school?'

'Um, we're fourteen.' said Sayaka 'You do the math.'

'I think we both know the situation isn't that simple.' said Shi 'Time and space are intimately connected. One of the reasons people believe time travel is impossible is because the laws of entropy indicate that the energy of the universe is constantly decreasing. To go back in time you'd have to reverse that trend, which is supposed to be impossible.

I guess what I'm saying is that even if someone managed to manipulate time, the universe might still decay at the same rate. So I'll ask you both again, how long have you been in school?'

'Well, um, are we just talking middle school here or…' began Sayaka.

'Time sometimes seems much faster than it actually is. Especially when you are enjoying yourself.' said Shi 'Especially if your memory is limited.

You know what, forget it. I'm just going to let this be a surprise. I'll be seeing you.'

Then he turned and walked out.

'That guy is really bizarre.' said Sayaka.

'Maybe. Sayaka, I… I've been thinking about what you said before and…' Madoka paused. She was remembering. Hope surged in Sayaka's heart. 'And I think you are right. I think something is very wrong here. I can't remember almost anything about America, and neither can Mom or Dad.'

'Madoka I was just spaced out. It was probably just my imagination.' said Sayaka. Please god, don't let Madoka believe her. Don't.

'No Sayaka, I don't think it was.' said Madoka 'Don't get me wrong, I like spending time with all of you. I like not having to have a lot of responsibilities. But I feel like if you have responsibilities, then you have them for a reason. And if you don't fulfill them… who will?

I… I think…'

And then Homura was there, wrapping her arms around Madoka. The girl struggled against her grip. Sayaka wanted to help her, but she couldn't move. 'No! Not again! Madoka, I won't let you!'

'Homura, stop! Let go of me!' said Madoka 'I can't stay this way, I can't-'

'Madoka! Let her go!' said Sayaka, forcing herself to stand.

Then there was a wave of power. Sayaka was thrown from her feet and she saw Homura rising into the air, with wings of black feathers. In her arms was an unconscious Madoka whom she set down gently. 'It's for her own good. I'm the only thing giving her a chance at happiness.' said Homura 'You should both be grateful to me, but that isn't your style, is it?'

'Grateful for what?! You haven't given any of us a choice!' snapped Sayaka 'We aren't marionettes you can play with and make do what you want! The universe doesn't revolve around you!'

'Actually, it does.' said Homura smugly.

Good point. 'Well it shouldn't.' said Sayaka.

'Well, that is a very interesting statement.' mused Homura, beginning to circle around her, examining her like one might a new dress. 'Who are you to decide what should and shouldn't be?

You act as though I'm the self-centered one. But it's really you. Do you have any idea how much trouble you are causing the universe? I have to constantly spend my time making sure you don't wake Madoka up. Even when I keep you from saying anything you find a way to interfere.

Maybe I should just lock you up somewhere far underground. Where you can never oppose me again.'

'If you do that Madoka will know.' said Sayaka.

'Oh?' said Homura 'Are you sure?'

'She will.' said Sayaka 'Maybe she won't remember, but she'll know what you have done to me deep down inside. And she'll hate you for it.'

'You really are making my life difficult aren't you?' mused Homura 'Here I have given you your life back, and you won't stop defying me. What will it take for you to stop this pointless defiance? I have in my hands the ability to do anything. Anything.

I'm serious. What is your price?'

Sayaka could have shouted defiance. But it wouldn't do any good. And they were running out of time. Then she came up with an idea. 'I want a chance to save Madoka.'

'You aren't listening.' sighed Homura.

'You wanted my wish, I'm giving you it!' snapped Sayaka. 'I'm talking about a wager, Homura. A wager. You give me a chance, a fair chance to save Madoka, to put things back the way they were.'

'Now that seems like an awful risk for me to take.' mused Homura 'Why should I humor you?'

Sayaka thought about it. What did she have that she could offer? What did she have that Homura would value? Homura clearly enjoyed rubbing her helplessness in her face and had absolute power. So what was the one thing she had left?

Her mind. 'My mind.' said Sayaka.

'Hmm,' said Homura 'could you be more specific.'

'You know exactly what I'm talking about!' said Sayaka 'If I don't save Madoka you can do whatever you want to me. I'll be your slave if you want, and you'll never have to worry about me again.'

'So,' said Homura 'you are willing to bet your free will in exchange for Madoka? That does sound like a fun little game, doesn't it? All right, Sayaka. You have your chance.'

She snapped her fingers.

The white school building melted away and they were standing atop a bleak hilltop. Madoka was gone, only Homura and Sayaka remained. Before them Sayaka could see a gigantic labyrinth of black stone. A withered tree stood beside them.

Sayaka looked at her clothes. She was wearing her Magical Girl outfit again, and she had her swords again. 'What the… I have my powers back.'

'Of course.' said Homura 'I have to give you a fair chance, after all.'

'Where are we?' asked Sayaka.

'Welcome to my labyrinth!' said Homura 'The whole of this world has been recreated for our little game, Sayaka. And all the people in it are our pieces. And Madoka, Madoka is the prize…' She flourished her hands dramatically. Her hair went flowing around her. 'You have three days, Sayaka. Three days to get Madoka out of this labyrinth. If you succeed then everything will be back the way it was.

If you fail, however, on the third day your soul gem will go completely black. Then you will become my willing plaything. Understand?'

'Yeah.' said Sayaka 'And when this is finished… whichever one of us wins has to deal with entropy. We have to make sure it doesn't destroy everything. Can we agree on that?'

'But of course. I doubt Madoka would enjoy living in a universe of ruins.' said Homura 'I'd wish you good luck, but then, when have you ever had it?'

And then she was gone.

It was the first day of Sayaka's adventure in the Demon's Labyrinth and she would not waste it.

---

Authors Note:

Wow, six follows in one chapter. That is a pretty good start I guess. Either way, I'd appreciate if you guys could leave a review in the comments section. It helps me stay motivated.