A/N: Looks like I've got a few things to clear up!
First: I'm only taking this as far as two arcs, the GMG arc and an original arc of my own (mainly because I still haven't finished watching Fairy Tail yet i.e. I haven't gotten that far (I was in the Eclipse Celestial Spirit arc last I remember)). There might be a prequel/sequel story, but that depends on feedback once I COMPLETELY FINISH THIS STORY.
Second: I'm going to go and say that the girls enter Earthland sometime after Rebellion, only instead of Demon Homura, she becomes a part of the Law of Cycles. That's what I'm basing this story on, which means it's technically canon for this story (or something, idk).
Third: No romantic pairings amongst the MM chars. I don't really mind those types of pairings but I myself do not like writing them. Romance was never my strong suite anyway. That said, that doesn't mean I'll ship them platonically or drop some hints (like I do every other character o3o).
Fourth: I am pre-writing these, but only a couple chapters in advance (like, 2/3 chapters ahead (although atm I'm on a writing spree and is working on the fifth chapter ahead)). Makes me feel more secure XD
Now without further ado, the chapter that was by far my favorite to write so far!
"Now, if we're all ready… let the battle, BEGIN!"
"So, what do you think of Magia?" The skies above were a deep dark blue with specks of white from the stars above.
"You're asking me?" Erza said as she raised an eyebrow.
"You were the one who fought Nagisa today," Jellal pointed out.
"Well…" She pondered the question. "To be honest, I don't sense any ill intent from her. During our battle, I couldn't feel any malice from her, only earnest excitement. Besides," she added with a smile. "Those eyes don't lie. She was genuinely excited and happy about our battle. Granted, she is quite young, only about eleven or twelve if she's to be believed."
"'If she's to be believed'?" Jellal quoted.
"She did mention that she wasn't sure of her exact age."
"Ah." He turned his gaze away as his mind worked overtime. "What do you think of her Witch Soul transformation?"
"Her Witch Soul transformation? It was strong, for sure. Why are you asking?"
Jellal frowned. "When Nagisa transformed into her Witch Soul, I could feel that she was only using a tiny fraction of the power that a true Takeover would've granted her, at least for that particular transformation. Not only that, but the form itself was radiating the same dark magic that I felt from the other members of Magia."
"Dark magic?" She turned her startled gaze onto him. "That Witch Soul…-?"
"Like I said, it was only a fraction of its true power," he reassured. "I trust your judgment on Nagisa. It's clear that she didn't want to hurt you too harshly in a tournament match. She said so herself, didn't she? The fact that she held back so much of her power proves it."
"But why?" Erza asked, having recovered from the shock of the info.
Jellal sighed. "I'm still trying to figure that part out. However, assuming that Nagisa's Witch Soul form is the cause of the dark magic that I sense from them, it stands to reason that all of the others have Witch Soul forms as well."
"But that raises so many more questions."
"Indeed. Like why Mami didn't use a Witch Soul form in her battle. Or why she decided to yield. While her reasons were valid enough, I still feel like there's something more."
Erza nodded in agreement. "Nagisa said that her guildmates could be trusted, but to be honest, I don't believe her. Not entirely. She said that Homura was just… antisocial, to be putting it lightly, but there's definitely more to her behavior than just that."
"And she told you this why?" he asked, to which Erza smiled sheepishly.
"She's a lot more perceptive than I would like." The two stood there in silence for awhile.
"Be careful, Jellal. Don't do anything to stand out."
"I know. Ultear already reminded me." Jellal pulled on his mask as he walked out of the archway and into the open airs of Crocus.
"Also, try not to get yourself killed."
"Will do. Goodnight, Erza." With that, he disappeared.
2 2 2
Sayaka huffed as she strode down the streets of Crocus. The events of the final battle were startling for sure.
Not only did they bet their lives, but Kagura decided to spare Yukino? Even after all of that talk about believing that bets should be followed through? One thing's certain, those two are crazy strong. I bet Kyoko would love to butt heads with them, especially that Kagura girl. Although… she seems a lot like Homura. Maybe it's the hair? She paused as her mental gears began turning. Nah, it's definitely the eyes. They both have that same focused look in them… although Kagura's are a lot less jaded. At least, compared to Homura. Then again, a lot of things pale in comparison to Homura. She blinked as she found herself wandering in the direction of Sabertooth's inn.
Best not to go that way, I think. But I can't help but wonder… what does Sabertooth think about what happened?
...Maybe a little eavesdropping won't hurt...
2 2 2
Mami gazed up at the sky as she walked along the cobblestone roads. Buildings and railings arched this way and that, giving the impression of a quaint city. At least, to her.
Crocus is definitely more natural-looking than Mitakihara, she noted with amusement. Then again, this world looks like they were stuck in the 1900s or something. She stopped when she heard voices coming from nearby.
"Actually, I thought I'd surprise you by revealing my identity during the tournament, but I couldn't wait that long to see you, Erzie!"
"Oh boy… That's exactly like you. At any rate, that Kagura girl on your team is quite strong."
"You can say that again! In fact, when she gets serious she might be stronger than you, Erzie."
"I'd love to spar with her sometime."
"You might get your chance during the tourney. Although Kagura might not go all out during the games…"
"Really?"
"You saw her sword, Archenemy, right?"
That's rather menacing for a sword's name, Mami couldn't help but think. Apparently, Erza felt the same way.
"That's a daunting name for a sword."
"That's because she made a vow to only unsheathe the sword to cut down one person, like the name suggests. Someone she holds so much hatred for that they can't coexist in the world… The man who stole everything from her… Jellal Fernandez. The sword is meant to kill Jellal."
Mami froze at the statement. It's one thing to hate someone, but to kill them?
"You feel the same way, right? Erzie?"
No! Mami screamed in her mind. No, you don't!
"I hate him too…" the voice continued. "He used us and murdered Simon. I'll never forgive him… I never will! That's why I joined Kagura's guild."
Mami clenched her hands together as she prepared to spin around the corner and scold her, or at least do something, anything-
"Mami, head back to the inn. It's late."
The girl froze once she heard Homura's voice in her head. No, no, don't let her know what you're feeling, someone like her will never understand…
"I'm sorry, I must have lost track of time. I'll begin heading back immediately." And she meant it, because now that she allowed herself to stop and cool down, she knew that interrupting their conversation would only end badly.
"...Mami-san, are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"...I can sense turmoil from you. Don't seal yourself up." Mami allowed herself to smile as the telelink was cut. Short and to the point. It's just like Homura to express concern that way. She quietly slinked away from the two just barely out of sight, being careful not to alert anyone to her presence.
I may not be able to confront her directly, but I can still help her along the right path. I can't let that desire for revenge fester. Before she makes the same mistake that I almost did…
2 2 2
"Sayaka, head back to the inn. It's late."
"..."
"...Sayaka?"
"..."
"Sayaka, answer me."
"...Listen, Homura, I can't right now."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that something's come up. Something important. Something you probably wouldn't understand."
"...I see. Then, I trust I will see you soon?"
"That's right." Sayaka gritted her teeth as she stared down at Yukino. "Those bastards are so going to get it," she growled.
"I-I'm sorry… for breaking down like this…"
"Hey, come on. Let's get you cleaned up, first of all." She gently led the Celestial Spirit mage over to a bench, a good way away from where Sabertooth was staying. "Come on, out with it. What did those bastards do to you?"
"B-but… you were listening… you already know-"
"Yeah, but I want to hear it from your own mouth. There's only so much one can learn from eavesdropping." She winked and Yukino giggled, but it sounded forced, strained.
"I…" She took a deep breath and tried again. "I… I was kicked out of the guild for losing… no, for losing a bet on my life and being spared by Kagura."
She looked like she was going to cry again, so Sayaka placed a hand on her shoulder as she slid into place next to her. "Calm down. I just want to help. Are you calm now?"
"Mmhm…"
"Great! Do you think you'll be able to tell me the rest?"
"Ye-yeah…"
She says that, yet she's crying even now… Sayaka thought sadly. She shook her head. This kind of emotional stuff is Mami's forte, not mine. Still, I'm the one here now, and I have to try my best. As a hero of justice and as a magical girl. "It's alright if you don't want to say anything. I got the gist of it, and that's good enough for me." She stood up and offered her hand. "Come on. I think I know some people who will help." "Homura, I'm going to be a little later than I originally anticipated."
2 2 2
Homura Akemi lay back on her bed, thoughts swirling around in her head. Something was happening; she could feel it in her soul. She was sure that Madoka was also feeling the same thing. The same premonitions, just stronger.
But what's so important about these Games? What's so important about Fairy Tail being called in the mix now?
That sense of anticipation was almost palpable. Even the magic in the air swelled with it.
Homura sighed and held up her hand, the purple jewel on the back of her palm staring back at her. I'm surprised that none of the others have noticed. Then again… none of them are as… attuned to fate as Madoka and me.
"Yo, Homs," Kyoko called. "Whatcha thinkin' about?"
"First of all, stop calling me by that infuriating nickname." For the hundredth time, she added mentally. "As for your question, none of your concern. Not yet, anyway."
Kyoko plopped down on the bed next to her. "Suit yourself." She swung her arms behind her head. "'Nother one of those premonitions?"
"That's right."
"Then it is my concern," she snapped. "The last time you had premonitions so strong that you were visibly worrying about them… well, Nagisa was comatose for three days, and she couldn't move for another five days afterward."
"...I suppose you're right," Homura sighed. "Still, I'm guessing we have a few days left until this event that I'm having premonitions about will happen."
"Why not call it the X Event and just be done with it?"
"...Fine, X Event."
"Wow, didn't expect you to agree so readily."
"Sometimes, it's impossible to argue with you."
"This being one of those times?" she grinned. Homura merely rolled her eyes.
"Yes. Moving on," she interjected before Kyoko could open her mouth. "This X Event will likely be something that affects everyone here in Crocus and perhaps beyond that. I'm already having such strong premonitions about it, whereas the last time, I didn't have such strong feelings until just before."
"Any tips or advice?"
"Right now? Conserve your magic. Something big is about to happen, and I want to be ready for it when it comes."
"You're the boss. Now, how about a little-?"
"No."
"Wha- come on! You don't even know what I'm going to say!"
"Contrary to what you may believe, I do know what you're going to say."
"Then why no-"
"Last. Night. Never again will I allow you to have a pillow fight."
"It wasn't that bad!"
"It was," Homura deadpanned. She sighed. "Have I ever mentioned that you can be an insufferable brat?"
"Why, I hear it every other day, lady!" she replied with a grin. Homura rolled her eyes. Only with Kyoko would she ever engage in banter like this.
2 2 2
Natsu, Lucy, Happy, Carla, and Wendy were heading back to their inn when they heard voices drifting in the direct of their inn.
"I… I don't think-"
"Oh, come on! It won't hurt to wait, will it? Besides, I'm sure…" That was all they heard, for they rounded the corner and came face to face with a certain bluenette and a certain young woman with sky-blue hair.
"Sabertooth?!"
"Magia?!"
"The one and only! Or is it 'ies'? Anyway, we were hoping we'd meet you here."
"We…?" Sayaka elbowed Yukino. "Y-yeah…"
Is it just me, or is she much timider than how I thought she would be? Lucy wondered. Out loud she asked, "You wanted to meet us?"
"That's right. Why don't we take this inside?"
2 2 2
"You were kicked out of Sabertooth?!"
Sayaka scowled. "Is it really so hard to believe? After all, Sabertooth has to be called the strongest guild for a reason. This way sure does guarantee that they're considered the strongest." The sarcasm was thick with her.
"Those bastards…" Natsu growled.
Yukino wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry to bother you… but it's just so frustrating…!"
"Oi, it's fine. Any guild that makes their family cry isn't a guild at all!" With that, Natsu stormed out of the room.
"W-wait up, Natsu!" Happy cried as he flew after him. The four remaining girls and one cat watched as they left.
"Do you want to bet on what he's going to do?" Sayaka piped up. Lucy sighed.
"No way. He's way too unpredictable for that." She turned to the bluenette. "At any rate, why are you asking us for help?"
"Well," Sayaka began as she scratched her head. "I was hoping you guys could help her. I'm already late as it is, and Homura isn't exactly known for her compassion. More like she's known for her lack of it. And… I'm kinda broke right now so…" She laughed sheepishly. "I'd at least get her a place to stay for the night, but I'm all out of ideas."
"Sorry to be such a bother-"
"Don't. It's never a bother to help other people. It should never be a bother to help others." There seemed to be a story there, but the others didn't push.
"Don't worry, Miss Sayaka," Wendy said. "We'll take over from here."
"Wendy, right? First of all, thanks. Second of all, don't call me that. No miss or anything. Makes me feel way too old." She blinked and stood up abruptly. "Third of all, I'm way too late and Igottagoseeyoulaterbye!" She dashed out the door, leaving the others staring after her.
"Well, that was a thing," Lucy managed to say.
2 2 2
Nagisa stared up at the ceiling as she tried to go to sleep. Her internal clock was telling her that it was already at least midnight, or maybe a little past it. All the others were asleep in their respective beds, Sayaka having returned from wherever she had gone. She sighed inaudibly. She tried to sleep for the past hour or so, but no matter what she did it seemed her thoughts would keep her awake.
The air feels so heavy… There was a faint sense of dread in the atmosphere, like the whole world was starting to fall into despair. It frightened her, that feeling of dread. It was as if the world was waiting for tragedy to strike.
Just like what had happened to her.
She couldn't help the whimper that escaped her. She could still remember that feeling of total despair encompassing her, and while it had already begun to fade into the past, it terrified her.
"Nagisa? Are you still awake?"
"Homura…?" Bedsheets rustled nearby.
"What's wrong?"
She felt a strong urge to get up and go to Homura, so she did. The minute she sat on her bed she snuggled up to the ravenette and curled into her.
"I… I'm scared…"
She felt Homura swear under her breath. "You can feel it too, then?"
"Y-yeah…" At this point, Mami would comfort her and soothe her back to sleep. She'd even let her stay with her, if she felt like it. But this wasn't Mami. And that was exactly what she needed.
"...I can't promise you that it'll be alright. You and I both know better than that. But I can tell you that we can try our hardest to face what's coming."
Nagisa smiled in the darkness. "You sound like Sayaka." She inched even closer to Homura. "It almost feels like… the world is waiting for something to happen; something horrific…"
She felt Homura tense up, and she didn't need to see her to know that she was alarmed. Even so, she continued.
"It… it reminds me… of when I turned-!"
"Stop, Nagisa. Just stop."
She blinked, surprised to find herself shaking violently. Homura ran her fingers through her hair. The action comforted her and calmed her down.
"Sorry…"
Homura said nothing, merely continuing to run her fingers through her hair.
"It's just… the air feels too heavy for me to sleep, you know? It just reminds me too much of that time, you know?" She was surprised to find herself crying. "When mo- mom died… you know? Don't you know?"
"Shh, I know. Believe me, I know."
"I believe you," she whispered. "I believe you." They continued to stay there for awhile, until Nagisa finally stopped shuddering and Homura stopped running her fingers through her hair.
"Thank you, Homura-san," Nagisa finally said. "I guess I really needed that."
"...You probably did."
"Can… can you put me next to Mami-san? I don't think I can…"
"Sure." A slight rustle, and Nagisa felt herself being lifted into the air and carried into a different bed. She instantly attached herself to the girl sleeping beside her.
"Call me if you need me." With that, Homura's presence faded away, accompanied by nonexistent footsteps. In Mami's bed, Nagisa smiled.
Homura might seem cold to the others, but she still cares, she thought fondly. She's softer to me than to the others… but I don't mind. Just like how I don't mind that Mami-san tends to mother me. She curled up even tighter into the blonde. If Mami-san's like a mom, then Homura-san would be like an older sister, the best older sister that I could ever ask for. She nearly giggled at her next thought. I wonder if she'd let me call her Homura-nii? Yeah, nope.
She doesn't treat me like a child, but an equal, she continued to think. Like a family, in her own unique way. And I couldn't have wished for anything more. With that thought, Nagisa finally fell asleep.
She was standing in a barren land ravaged by fire and blood. In the skies above, the screeches of beasts rang out, accompanied by the occasional clanging of metal and a burst of flame.
"Wendy-chan, hurry!" she called.
"I-I'm trying!"
Her eyes widened as she spotted the winged beast swooping down. "WENDY-CHAN!" she screamed, but it was too late.
Squish.
A piercing scream shot through the air, her eyes wide with horror, pupils mere pinpricks as she stared at the grotesque remains of her friend. She didn't care if it heard her, it was right there, it killed Wendy…
A burst of purple light, and the beast roared. Someone grabbed onto her hand and a click cut through her screams.
"Quick. We have to get out of here."
Half blinded by tears, she stumbled on, letting herself be guided by the girl with the ice-cold voice. In any other circumstance, it would've been harsh.
Right now? It was calming.
"Homura…" she muttered. "You shouldn't use so much of your magic…"
"Speak for yourself, idiot." Her voice wasn't as frigid as she thought. "Here should be good." Another click, and color seeped back into the world around them. She almost wished that it wasn't so. There was only browns and reds to be seen anyway.
She found herself propped up against an outcropping, the 'roof' shielding her from view of any of the flying beasts. Across from her knelt a raven-haired girl with torn, ragged clothes.
"Are you alright?"
She looked at Homura and was startled out of her shock.
Her eyes… they look so tired…
"Are you alright?" she repeated.
"I-I'm fine," she replied with a shaky voice. "But… Wendy…!"
"There is no time to mourn. We must continue. I'm glad I found you when I did, otherwise you would've ended up just like her. And none of us want that."
"Us…?"
"Kyoko and Sayaka," she clarified.
"Wha… what about-?!"
"Not found yet. Alive or otherwise."
"And…?"
"Returned to where she belongs." She didn't imagine the bitter tone in her voice. "Used too much magic to wipe out as many of them as possible." She hauled her to her feet. "Come on. We have to regroup with the others. Kyoko's an expert at surviving."
"But-!"
"We'll survive for as long as possible until we find something else to work towards," Homura hissed. "Because that's all we can do, now."
Nagisa sobbed as she crouched over an unmoving body, a web of cracks encompassing the jewel in the palm of its hand. Another, larger, shadow loomed over her, narrowed eyes hungrily gazing at her. Before it struck, she lifted her head and screamed to the heavens.
"LUCY, DON'T YOU DARE FAIL US NOW!"
And she was swallowed by the jaws of the beast.
A/N: Haha things just got dark o3o
Question of the Day: Was there any OOCness? With so many character stuffs happening, I'm bound to make some mistakes in this chapter! Please tell me whether any of the characters seemed OOC or something, it helps for future chapters.
This chappie was soooo much fun to write. So many character moments! So much original content! I revel in these types of situations XD I couldn't resist putting in that semi-dream sequence at the very end (I was obsessed with amalee's styx helix cover while writing... specifically the lyrics "Unless I pray for a new day... I'll lose you" ...and this happened).
I'm piggy-backing off the MM fanfic writers who believe that friendship between Kyoko and Homura is entirely plausible or at least possible XD It is now my headcanon that Homura secretly enjoys banter with Kyoko. It is also my headcanon that she shows more emotion towards Kyoko than any of the other Magia members (Madoka excluded)
Also, over FIFTY FOLLOWERS! You guys rock! (Achievement unlocked!)
Finally, please review, follow, favorite, etc. etc. etc. and I'll see you next chapter! Next up, Pandemonium! And rare moments of OOCness from Homura!
