The classroom door slid gently open as Sayaka stepped through; looking behind her to make sure her companion was keeping up okay. As she stepped out of the entryway, Kyouko hobbled on in after, taking advantage of the support provided by the crutches she had been lent. "This is really embarrassing, y'know…" She mumbled, a blush forming on her cheeks as she made sure to look anywhere but at the other students in the room. She had her pride, after all. To be sympathized by random strangers, or even people she knew, would just make her feel even worse. Dang it, why did that Majuu have to be fast? Sayaka looked back at her, hand on her hip and a smile on her face. "It's your fault for being careless, Kyouko. I keep telling you not to hurt yourself." Although the injury was rather severe, Sayaka couldn't help but smile at the childish pout her redheaded friend was making.
A flash of raven hair caught Sayaka's attention, and she soon realized that the class president had come up to their side. Homura stopped in front of the redhead, a concerned expression playing on her features. "Are you alright, Sakura Kyouko? What happened?" Azure eyes narrowed in confusion; since when did that Devil start paying attention to what Kyouko did? Was there some kind of relationship between them that she'd missed? Kyouko shrugged, taking care not to lose her grip on the crutches. "Ehh, I just got a little careless, is all. It'll heal in time, but I guess I won't be able to do PE for a while."
"However did you manage working with those kinds of wounds in the past?" Kyouko heard in her head, at which she just gave a nonchalant smirk. 'Most of the time I was too fast to get hurt. And if I was injured? Well, people weren't going to worry too much about an injured street rat. In many ways, freedom from commitment served to help me.' She nodded, flashing a fanged grin, her eyes closed in a cheerful manner. Sayaka looked towards the redhead, then back at Homura. "What is this? Can you guys communicate through eye contact alone?" She frowned, taking charge and leading Kyouko towards her seat, causing the redhead to open her eyes in surprise. "You never told me you'd gotten close to Akemi Homura! Didn't you agree that she was the Devil?" She whispered harshly to her companion, grabbing her roughly by the shoulders, but taking care not to force her movement too badly.
Kyouko looked to the blue-haired girl. "I did…for a time. She's not as bad as you think. Or even as I thought." She closed her eyes in thought as she was helped into her seat. "It's kinda complicated, I think. She's bad…but she's also good. That's kinda how it's always been." She muttered as an afterthought, Sayaka staring bemused at the girl. "…You've really been acting weird lately, Kyouko. More so than usual." Kyouko chuckled. "You think so? Do you even remember what I was like before? Or how we met?"
"Be careful what you say, Kyouko. We don't want her regaining her memories." Homura narrowed her eyes at the redhead as she made her way to her seat. Kyouko's eyes remained closed, as if she hadn't heard anyone communicating telepathically to her. But she heard. She'd just had plenty of experience in maintaining a straight face when she spoke through the mind, when she felt like it. 'Correction, Homura: YOU don't want her regaining her memories. I said before I wasn't going to directly try stopping you. But I never said I wouldn't drop a hint.'
"Huh?" Sayaka blinked a few times, thinking about Kyouko's question. "Well, you were cheery and kind of child-like, without a care in the world…you always loved to play, and hated having to take care of responsibilities…you reminded me of a kitten, actually." She placed a finger to her lip, thinking hard. "As for how we met…umm…" She frowned, narrowing her eyes in concentration. "I…actually can't remember. Come to think of it, you'd have had to get through my parents before you could stay at my place, and they're always away." She looked down at Kyouko, who was grinning from ear to ear. "You see? Things are weird, anyway!" It was only after Sayaka sat down, when Saotome-sensei was entering the room and preparing to take roll, that Kyouko stood up from her seat with a start, facing Sayaka incredulously. "Wait, did you say I was like a KITTEN!?"
Naturally, this attracted all sorts of attention, causing Kyouko to immediately sit back down, her face flushed from embarrassment. Aside from her circumstances in life forcing her to stray away from other people, she was naturally rather shy. Therefore, having the entirety of class paying attention to her, and not even for a class-related issue…was rather embarrassing.
"Nice going." Kyouko frowned at the sarcastic remark in her head, proceeding to try ignoring the snickers she could easily hear from the rest of the class. Sayaka, for her part, couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl; having all the attention thrown on her all at once couldn't have been a pleasant feeling. Although, she noted with a smile, the adorable blush on her soft features, along with the childish pout she sported, kind of made it worth it. Plus, she did bring it on herself.
Unsurprisingly, the rest of the school day had been uneventful. Classes had been the same, lunch had been the same; it just felt to Sayaka that, save for the refreshing differences provided for her by Kyouko, everyday had felt like a loop. It felt strange to think that, yet she couldn't shake the feeling. Packing up their school-bags, she glanced over at the redhead that appeared to be struggling with the crutches. "Kyouko, did you wanna come with us to Mami-san's apartment today?" She asked again, making her way over to help the redhead with the supports. As expected, Kyouko shook her head. "I'm good. I'll just find some way to pass the time until you get home." Sayaka frowned. "You're not hanging out anywhere again, are you? That's how you got hurt the last time!" She helped the redhead to steady herself, reaching down to grab Kyouko's school-bag and slinging it over the girl's shoulder like a messenger bag. "I'd really feel more comfortable if you just came home with me."
"How about if I offered to escort her?" A cool voice spoke up beside them, directing their attention to the one who spoke. Akemi Homura was standing by, school-bag in hand and a diplomatic smile upon her face. "I'll ensure she doesn't get herself injured any further." Sayaka frowned; this girl was the Devil. Could she really trust her to take care of Kyouko while she hung out with her friends? "…And you'll make sure she doesn't stay out late?" She turned her head to the side, azure eyes glaring sidelong at the raven-haired girl. Homura nodded her head. "Of course. By any means necessary, I'll ensure she returns home in time, safely."
Kyouko glanced over at the class president, eyes narrowed in suspicion. 'Hey, Homura…what are you up to?' She looked to Sayaka. "Well, that's it, then. Homura can escort me around. She's pretty smart and efficient, so that way you'll know I'm in good hands!" She flashed a grin. "Right?" Sayaka's frown deepened; she still wasn't too sure. She cared too much about Kyouko's well-being to trust her in the hands of someone she felt suspicious about. Still, this could also be a good opportunity for her to actually TALK with Madoka and Mami-san…without the prying eyes of the Devil. "…Okay, then."
'Sorry, Kyouko. I guess I have to use you as a distraction.'
Homura's eyes lit up, though just slightly. "Thank you for understanding." She gave a quick nod of thanks before proceeding to lead the redhead carefully out of the classroom. "I'll make sure she's in good hands." She assured as they rounded the corner, leaving the blue-haired girl by herself. Sayaka watched them go, azure eyes shaking. This was the right choice to make…right?
Sayaka walked down the sidewalk, following the pink and yellow duo that appeared to be having a cheerful conversation about a new cat that Madoka had found, although the blue-haired girl's mind wasn't really focused on the present. It was true. She couldn't remember how she and Kyouko met. And to have just picked her up off the streets would have been laughable. After all, Kyouko wasn't a street rat. She was a regular girl, just like the rest of them. Wasn't she?
She couldn't shake the image of seeing the girl in that ragged hoodie, though. Everything about her spoke street rat. No, more like stray cat. Even now, with the girl being cleaned up and living a normal lifestyle, she couldn't help but think about how wild she was. And maybe that was more fitting. After all, it was exactly the thought she had about her when Kyouko had first stopped her from fighting-
Wait. Fighting what? Images of an alleyway came to mind, the redhead being obscured by the shadows of the sunset, wearing red. Her shadowed eyes were sharp and cold, her expression cruel and uncaring. But no, that couldn't be right! She could never imagine the girl to be so feral-looking!
Another image came to mind; this one of a fiery background. The fire was not a natural color – rather, it appeared to have a soft, light-violet shade to it. And sitting in the midst of that, staring straight back at Sayaka…a girl who could be no one else but Kyouko knelt in the flames, hands clasped together in prayer, loose scarlet hair blowing softly in the wind. She was injured really badly; she looked as if she could drop from exhaustion at any time. Yet, somehow, she was at peace.
Because she knew that she would be able to save Sayaka from her suffering.
Sayaka could feel a pounding sensation forming, and she gripped her forehead in pain, groaning softly. Come to think of it, wasn't Kyouko reacting this way before? Her groaning attracted the attention of Madoka and Mami, and the two turned to face her. "Are you alright, Sayaka-chan?" Pink eyes drooped in concern. "Maybe we should sit down somewhere and rest."
"My apartment's still a fair bit away," Tomoe Mami stated, looking around their area. "Perhaps it would be better if we just ate at that café over there?" She pointed to a nearby shop, one that was known for its quality and low prices. Sayaka thought for a bit before giving a small nod. "Sure, let's do that. There's actually something I wanted to ask you guys." The trio nodded in agreement, proceeding to make their way into the café.
Homura watched cautiously as the redhead hobbled along with the crutches, the two of them making their way down the sidewalk of Downtown Mitakihara. "I'm not entirely sure where you plan to go in this state, Kyouko…" She frowned, brows furrowed in concern. "After all, it's not as if you can play DDR with your leg like this. I wouldn't recommend it, at any rate." The redhead carefully came to a stop, keeping her injured leg elevated. "So…you really can't just heal me better? Don't you have god-like abilities or something?" Homura glanced to the side. "…Even I'm not omnipotent. Although I have the ability of time, and I can make it as if everyone were in an alternate reality…in the end, my power is just a farce." She closed her eyes, her expression pained. "It may be futile, what I'm trying to do…" She opened her eyes again, glancing over to the redhead. "But as long as I'm able, I'd like to continue this happy dream. So long as I can ensure you have a comfortable life…I'll be fine."
"The heck is with that?" Kyouko frowned in confusion, feeling the urge to scratch the back of her head but realizing she was holding the crutches and so couldn't. "Not too long ago, it was all about Madoka. Now it's suddenly shifted over to me, has it?" Homura nodded, eyes narrowed. "Yes…even after trapping Madoka, I realized I still couldn't quite sort out my true feelings about her…my whole reason for contracting was so that I could protect her, but now I see that to do that would only take away her true happiness. Well, if she can remain blissfully ignorant in this dream, she can retain that happiness, no matter what."
"Happiness isn't everything, y'know." Kyouko shifted the crutches, straightening her posture so she wouldn't fall over. "If life were all about peace and happiness, do you really think there'd be so much negativity? There's so much trial and tribulation in the world because you have to grow stronger from them. If you remain peaceful and happy all the time, you'll never learn anything." She sighed, looking away. "After all…Adam and Eve couldn't remain in Eden forever." She glanced back at Homura. "You can't learn anything and remain as innocent as you were. But you don't have to become a monster, either. That's what sets apart Magical Girls and Witches." She chuckled, looking down at the sidewalk. "Well…it's kind of interesting talking to a Witch about all this."
"I couldn't be a Witch," Homura reasoned. "Witches don't exist anymore. Madoka took them all away when she created the Law of Cycles." Kyouko scoffed. "Don't you think you'd be exempt from that, if you've been traveling through different timelines?" She looked back up at Homura, her expression serious. "Besides…Witches aren't gone. They're just not suffering anymore since they're serving the Goddess in the Law of Cycles. Well, except for you." She sighed. "I really don't get why you're keeping up this barrier for so long. Just like in a regular labyrinth, people are eventually going to realize something's up." Her eyes softened. "Don't you think it'd be better to let people go, before they start trying to rebel?"
"I can't let this go…" The raven-haired girl stepped closer. "I told you why before, and I'll say it again: I'm not going to leave you alone." She closed the distance between them, leaning into the redhead's face. "I couldn't do that; not after all you've done. In every timeline, no matter what, you were always there for me in some way or another. Despite your past, you were always so trusting. You always exuded a strong light." Royal blue pools stared deeply into scarlet as she brought her lips closer. "And I realized…despite all I was trying to do for Madoka…the things you'd done for me far outweighed Madoka's company. Besides, Madoka's far away from me now." She pressed her lips against the redhead's, enjoying the sweet taste of her before she pulled away again. "You're right here. And you've been here." She gave a soft smile.
Kyouko attempted to back away, a furious blush on her face. However, her erratic movement tipped the crutches out of balance, causing the girl to nearly fall over before the class president appeared by her side, taking her in her arms. "Don't push yourself," Homura warned. The redhead stared in surprise at the girl, feeling a little unsure about what to do. Homura smiled again, helping the girl to her feet as Kyouko grabbed hold of the crutches. "T-Thanks…but you-you really need to stop doing that! The kisses, I mean!" Her face was still all red. Homura tilted her head to the side. "But why? I've made my feelings to you quite clear." Kyouko shook her head frantically. "That's not the point! S-Something like that has to be mutual!"
"Mutual…" Homura tested the word on her tongue, unsure of what to make of it. "…I suppose I never really did consider the feelings of the other person when I made my decisions…" She mumbled. "Not when making my wish…not when ensuring I would protect Madoka…" She looked back at the redhead. "Mutual agreement is, after all, an important part of love, isn't it?" She asked, stepping back a bit. Kyouko nodded. "Yeah, it is. At least, the love I'm really aware of." Homura frowned in thought. "So there could be other types of love, too?" The redhead tilted her head slightly, thinking about what else there could be. "…Well, I guess there're others. I mean, there's a carnal love…a platonic love…a romantic love…an unrequited love…or just plain family love." She nodded. "Yeah, there're other types."
"I see…" Homura looked at the girl, examining her features. It was no good – she couldn't seem to get herself not to view the redhead as attractive, anymore. It wasn't simply an observation, either. Every movement, every breath from the girl, they only served to create feelings of warmth. "So I suppose…what I'm feeling…is more of a carnal love, is it not?" Kyouko looked back at her. "Huh? Well, I guess. It's definitely not platonic, and it's more than just regular unrequited love. Mmmm, but carnal love is more of a physical kinda love, isn't it? The adultery kind or something like that…"
"Adultery?" Homura smirked. "Is that really the type of love I feel about you?" She closed the distance between them, eliciting a quiet gasp from the redhead. "It is true that I still care greatly for Madoka, and I want more than anything for her to be happy…but that will probably remain an unrequited love, won't it? Like Miki Sayaka with that Kamijou Kyousuke…" She placed a hand on the redhead's cheek, feeling her flinch at her touch. Oh, just every time she did that, it sent shivers of delight! Perhaps this feeling was more of a carnal type. "Maybe this feeling I have for you…" She ran her hand lovingly along the soft surface. "It's a sort of relief from the emptiness Madoka left me." She brought her face closer. "That's it! Maybe you're more of a distraction…a distraction from the loneliness Madoka brought me when she left me all alone! After all, you appeared to fill in the gap…" Her hand lowered down, resting on the older girl's tense shoulders. "And I thank you for that."
"So I'm just a distraction?" Kyouko frowned. "But why would you keep this barrier going for a mere distraction?! You won't need to be distracted when you rejoin Madoka in the Law of Cycles! So go on! Enjoy your time! Let this go!" The raven-haired girl frowned in thought, looking away. "…You're right. I don't think it's just that, after all." She thought back to what was going on in her head when she realized that she'd grown attracted to the redhead. "…I suppose…your determination is what catches my attention." She looked back at the girl. "After all, it's what drew me to Madoka to begin with. It would stand to reason that seeing that strong light in someone else, someone nearer, would attract me to them. And the thought that, even after all you've been through, you would still have to fight alone…" She wrapped her arms around Kyouko, taking in her fragrance. "I couldn't let you do that. But I couldn't stand the thought of you going back to Miki Sayaka in the end, either." She pulled away to face the redhead, eyes narrowed. "Just the thought of you two together just rubs me the wrong way…"
"Huh?" Kyouko raised an eyebrow. "It's not as if we're lovers or anything…right?" Her voice trailing off, Kyouko frowned in contemplation, thoughts elsewhere. 'Come to think of it, what is Sayaka to me? I know I saw my old self in her…but I don't think that's just it. There's just…something that draws me to her, for some reason.' She felt the girl's grip tighten, causing scarlet eyes to gaze back at royal blue. "A-Anyway, why do you think I would be alone for a long time?" Homura's eyes narrowed further. "Because I know you. In all the timelines I've met you, you've always been a survivor. I predict that Tomoe Mami will pass before you; the pain of losing Bebe will be too much for her. And I doubt that you two will have reconciled in that time."
"But that's not what's really important." She stepped closer once more. "When I'm around you lately, I feel a strange warmth inside…and none of your actions can be seen as normal, anymore. How can I put it…" She glanced away, her expression nervous. "Y-You seem…prettier. As if a light is always being shone on you. Even your playful grins, well…they just seem so amazing. I can't really describe what it is. B-But I do know it was when I got a good look at you during your fever." She frowned, blushing a bit. "…Maybe it was because I never really got to see you so vulnerable before…"
"Or maybe it was because you were being a pervert?" Kyouko frowned, inching back a bit. "Seriously…especially now, your actions from back then are getting mighty suspicious…" She sighed, taking a glance at the sky; the sun was barely over the horizon, she'd best be heading home. "It's getting late. I need to be heading back now." Homura let go of her, eyes widening in surprise. "Ah! Y-You don't have to worry about that! I can fix it! Besides, you…y-you haven't had tasteful food in a while, right?" Kyouko looked her way. "What about it?" The raven-haired girl took a breath to calm herself. "Well…my house has a connection to the real world. I could offer you real food, with real taste…"
Kyouko blinked in surprise. "Whoa, seriously?!" She chuckled, straightening herself out. "Woman after my own heart…okay, let's go." She took another glance at the sky. "What're we gonna do about the time?" Homura smiled, making her way down the sidewalk, looking back at the redhead following after. "I'm the creator of this dream, remember? I said that I would make sure you returned safely in time, and I meant it. BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY; it's a simple matter of changing the time of day to suit my needs."
"Aha." Kyouko nodded, keeping up fairly well with the other girl. "So that's how you did it before! Well, then! Allow me to eat REAL food to my heart's content!" She grinned lightheartedly as they walked along. A conniving smile formed on the Devil's lips; so long as she could provide the girl with food, there was still the chance of keeping her wrapped around her finger.
Sayaka stepped into the entryway, the events of today still fresh on her mind. She'd managed to hint to Madoka and Mami-san that something wasn't right. As she'd suspected, allowing that Devil to spend time with Kyouko gave her the distraction she needed in order for Sayaka to fish around.
"Eh?" Mami blinked, fork hovering in mid-air, food just inches from the dainty girl's mouth. "A dream?"
"Yeah," Sayaka nodded. "It almost feels like we're in a dream, don't you think? Kyouko was thinking that, too." She frowned, looking towards the pink-haired girl beside her. "Madoka, we only met about a week or so ago, right?"
"Eh?" Madoka blinked, fidgeting nervously at being put on the spot. "Eh, ah…I-I guess so…a-although it feels like I've known you for a long time…"
"See, that!" Sayaka pointed out. "That's exactly what I'm talking about! This life we're living – it just seems so unreal! Plus, did you notice? We were doing the same thing, day after day, as if we were in an endless loop!"
"Loop?" Madoka frowned, placing a hand to her cheek, pink eyes narrowed in thought. "Loop…I wonder why that sounds so familiar…"
"Well, in any case, do you have any idea of how this could have transpired?" Mami's expression was serious; clearly she was suspecting something was wrong as well. "Any suspicious characters?"
"Well…" Sayaka frowned. "My first thought, of course, would be that Devil…Err, I mean Akemi Homura. She's our class president. Kyouko was saying she was like a Devil, too! Although, now it seems like she and that Devil have gotten close, somehow…"
Mami's golden eyes narrowed in concern. "Sakura-san? Close with that suspicious Akemi-san?" She frowned, placing a hand on her chin in thought, folding her other arm. "Mm…that can't be good. With Sakura-san's illusion…" Although she didn't personally know the redhead, the thought of Sakura Kyouko possibly being in danger put the blonde on edge; as if she were concerned about family.
"What?" Sayaka frowned. "Illusion?"
Mami's eyes widened, confusion etched on her face. "Err, huh? Why would I say something like that?" Her frown deepened. "Yet, illusion magic…it somehow sounds fitting for Sakura-san. And also a formidable force, should this "Devil" manage to attain it for her methods."
Madoka looked to the side. "Hey, doesn't it feel like something's been trying to make us forget things?"
Mami nodded. "Yes, now that you mention it…in that case, perhaps it would be best to keep these talks to a minimum. We need to be sure to stay alert for anything else suspicious, though."
"In other words, keep your mouth shut and eyes open, right?" Sayaka smiled. "That sounds like a good idea. Also, I don't think it would be too bad at this time for Kyouko to hang out with that Devil."
"Oh?" Mami tilted her head to the side, blonde pigtails bouncing with the movement. "And why would that be?"
Sayaka folded her arms behind her head. "I don't know why…but she seems to serve as an excellent distraction for that Devil. So long as she's focused on her, she won't take note of our suspicious chats."
"Well, if you say so…" Mami's eyes narrowed in concern. "Still, I'd advise not letting her get too close. Who knows what could happen to Sakura-san?"
"It's okay, it's okay!" Sayaka grinned, reaching over to take a bite of her strawberry shortcake. "After all, it's not like that Devil is growing feelings for Kyouko!"
Sayaka smiled; things were going to be alright. She would talk with Kyouko and let her know about their game plan, and then while the redhead kept the Devil busy, she would get together with the other two and figure things out, once and for all!
She stepped into the living room, expecting to see the redhead sitting on the couch and watching TV. However, the TV was off, and when she stepped inside, she didn't see the girl anywhere. "Hey…where is she?" She furrowed her brows in confusion. "Did she go to sleep?" She took a glance at the half-moon in the sky. It wasn't very high, but it still alerted the girl to how late it was, and how Kyouko still didn't seem to be home.
She suddenly found herself looking at the sun setting on the horizon. Wait, wasn't she just looking at the moon? A rattling at the doorknob alerted her attention, and she turned to see the door swing open, revealing a rather flustered-looking Kyouko, crutches in hand. Again, something had happened with her, Sayaka noted with concern. "Kyouko!" She ran over. "What happened? I thought you were gonna be home in time!"
"I am, aren't I?" Kyouko frowned in confusion, looking at the clock. "See? It's only 5:30." Sayaka quickly looked over to see that she was right. "Wha-but-but the moon! I saw the moon!" She insisted, pointing out the window. Kyouko scoffed. "Are you sure you saw it right? That's clearly the setting sun. Maybe you should get your eyesight checked." She hobbled into the living room, making her way over to the couch before slipping onto the cushion, setting the crutches to the side.
"I know what I saw…" Sayaka's eyes were downcast, her fists clenched and shaking. "It was nighttime…I saw it…" She looked at Kyouko with a fierce glare, her eyes shaking. "Something's not right here! And you know it, too!" She stomped over to the injured girl, facing her head-on. "What do you know?! You know full well this is a dream, don't you!?"
Kyouko stared calmly up at the blue-haired girl, her expression unreadable. "…So you finally noticed, did you..." She frowned. "I'm aware, yeah. But this isn't a dream. It's a barrier." Sayaka blinked. "Huh…barrier?" Kyouko nodded. "That's right; a barrier from a Witch. You know about those, don't you?"
Homura tensed up, dropping the crown-like jewel from her hands, letting it roll on the floor as she stared in shock. She knew! That Miki Sayaka, she could tell something was wrong! Should she just erase her memory again, like before? No; once a memory was regained once, it would be regained that much faster later. No matter what, it seemed that it wasn't going to be possible to keep Miki Sayaka's memories from her, especially when she was with a particular redhead who, thanks to her illusion magic, would always know what was up.
Kyouko. Her fists clenched at the thought of her. She was always by Sayaka's side. Perhaps that was why Homura couldn't sense the attraction she felt for the girl sooner. It wasn't until Miki Sayaka was taken away by the Law of Cycles that she could truly find time with the girl. Even at this time, she could really only spend so much time with the redhead because the two of them were the only ones who remembered everything that had happened; that, by itself, sort of made Kyouko her accomplice.
A sly smile formed on her lips. That was it; Kyouko could still remain her accomplice! If she couldn't receive her help from her illusion magic, well, the redhead could still serve another purpose, and still remain by her side. It was true that Miki Sayaka would not truly forget; at this time, it was near impossible to ensure she'd always forget. But there was a way to ensure that she couldn't break the seal on the Goddess.
After all, Adam would never leave his precious Eve in danger, now would he?
