Kyouko's POV

...

*Yawn* Is it morning already? I feel so tired... but at least my headache is pretty much gone. I still feel all tense... guess I should've listened to Sayaka. Not that I'd admit that. Where is she anyways? I look around a little bit, that's definitely her room. Maybe she's cooking~ Time to get up and see what's for breakfast. Um, no, I already had breakfast... all the better, it's time for lunch! Let's see, the kitchen was the second room to the right from here, wasn't it?

"Hey, Sayaka. Morning. So, what's for lunch?" I just walk in and get myself an apple. Good thing she bought some, though they're not gonna be enough for long. Something smells pretty good here~ There she is, standing at the stove. She slowly turns around and smiles, though her smile slowly fades and her face is getting kinda red. What's wrong with her? "You alright?"

"Kyouko, what are you-!? You are... get dressed!" Huh? I almost drop my apple... Oh crap! I run back to Sayaka's room, I'm just wearing a sports bra and panties! This feels like a bad dream, but I'm starting to get the feeling it isn't... *Sigh* What a way to start the day. At least she's cooking something, so it can't be that bad a day. Let's see, what will I wear today? Apparently something white, I can't find the things I wore yesterday anywhere. T-shirt, blue jeans... I guess that'll do. Well, back to the kitchen~

"Um, sorry 'bout before..."

"Just... get used to it, alright? I can do without seeing you almost nude every second day, alright?" Somehow she still looks a little bit red. Oh well, more importantly...

"So, what's for lunch?" It smells good enough, but I'm not sure what it is...

"Is that the only thing you ever care about? *Sigh* Grilled fish, some side dishes and what's left of breakfast. Though it's almost time for dinner. The only things you ever do are eating, sleeping, playing games and maybe fighting a Witch every now and then..." I'm fine with that. What else could I want?

"So what? That's the life I always wished for, except for the part with Witches. Why care 'bout anything else? I've got what I need. Even a friend, now. I'm happy, I wouldn't want any more. And if fighting Witches is the price for that... well, so be it. I wouldn't want it any other way, even if I could." Maybe, just maybe... it's a good thing, that everything happened the way it did. Not so much the part with my family, but... I'd have never met Sayaka if that didn't happen, right? So it can't be all bad.

"Um... you mean that? If I could choose, I'd... I don't really know, but..." If she could choose she'd be with that wimp now, not be a Magical Girl and she'd have never met me, I know that... Sayaka doesn't care much 'bout me. She has to get along with me, maybe she pities me a little bit... but that's it. I know that, I just... I don't want to admit it. I want to believe that she cares for me, I want her to feel for me...

"Yeah, it's alright. If you'd be able to choose I wouldn't be here, right? Sorry for forcing this on you..." If only I knew the words I'm looking for... I wanna tell her, I want my thoughts to reach... but I don't know how. A simple mistake could ruin everything, even our friendship.

"Kyouko... don't you ever say that again! It's true that our condition isn't what I'd have wanted, yes. But you became a precious friend to me. No matter what other choices I'd be given, I wouldn't want to give up on that! You are my friend. The best one I could wish for." Sayaka... even if it's a lie, I just want to believe it. I really do... maybe I should just accept it? If it's a lie... well, living a lie doesn't sound too bad, if that's what it's called.

"Um, thanks. Sorry 'bout that, I'm just a little bit hesitant. All these great things happening... I don't really trust it." After all that has happened...

"That's alright, you don't have to believe it immediately. But, one day... I want you to believe in me, alright? I will protect you, no matter what. So, let me. Let me protect you, let yourself be protected. I won't fail you, not for the life of me." Somehow I get the feeling that she's being serious... she really has something quixotic about her. Though I also like that, I'll just have to take care of her.

"Fine, protect me, if you really have to. But don't you dare leaving me alone, alright?! Never again!" I couldn't live on, if I lost Sayaka... I already lost everything, once, but this time... I don't think I could take it. No matter what I'd have to sacrifice... I'd do it, for her.

"Um... alright, I promise. I'll be with you, for as long as I can." I'm getting the feeling that she actually means it. Somehow I still get the feeling that it won't be that easy...

"Alright, you'd better remember that. No matter what, we'll do it together. I'll definitely not let you go any more, alright?" You'd better remember it... you'd better! I won't forgive you if you're lying, Sayaka! I definitely won't forgive you if you're going to abandon me! So please... if only I knew how to say it...

"I'm not going anywhere, Kyouko. And I'm not going to go back on my word, you should know me better than that. You don't have to say anything, I understand... I will do my best to stay with you, that has to be enough. It's all I can offer you. About the thing I wanted to tell you yesterday... I just heard some of your thoughts. Just as you might occasionally hear mine..." What? She isn't...

"Alright, Kyubey, stop messing with me. I don't want you to tell her my thoughts, alright? If you don't stop that I'll-"

"Kyubey has nothing to do with it. He said... it might be related to our Soul Gem. It seems likely, though I don't know for sure. What I do know is... well, we will hear each other's thoughts every now and then..." She doesn't sound much happier than I feel right now...

"So, wait... yer saying... we can just randomly hear each other's thoughts!?" That's really... not good. If Sayaka heard what I was thinking 'bout during breakfast...

"I don't think it's random, I think it's about... the intensity of the thought, so to speak. If you concentrate on me I might be able to hear it. If it's something else you just convey a vague feeling, if it's strong enough. I think that's how it works." Hm... You're an idiot, you're an idiot, you're such an idiot! "Hey! You could've thought something nice, you know? Something like..." -is cute, Kyouko is cute, Kyouto is super adorable!

"The... Um, Sayaka? That just now was..." It sounded exactly like her, but the words...

"Ehehe, just kidding. Though red suits you, you know? Totally goes with your hair~" Red? What does she mean? I'm not wearing red, she can't be talking about-

"Just... just shut up and finish lunch already!" She really is an idiot...

"Aww, poor little Kyouko~"

"You're really pushing it now, you know?" If we weren't connected... *Sigh* I guess there's no helping it. I'll just have to deal with it...

"There, there... though it's true, you are cute when you're embarrassed~" Um... is she... is she serious 'bout that? I can't really tell whether I should feel angry or... I don't even know how else to feel. Maybe I should just stick with angry? Then again, she might take it the wrong way, maybe she's the one trying to get closer? But I can't just come out, I... I...

"What do you want, Sayaka? Are you going anywhere with this? Or is it just a game to you?" Somehow I feel bold, all of a sudden. I walk up to Sayaka, this time I don't look away. I look straight into her blue eyes and slowly come closer, she backs away... If you want something, take it. That's how I always did it. Maybe I should just try it...

"Um, Kyouko? What are you...?" Now she's with her back to the wall, right where I like her. I reach for her hands and push them to the wall, over her head. She's so close, now it's her turn to turn red... "H-hey, we can stop this now... hey, hey! Stop that, don't come any-!" I just pinch her cheek with my other hand and back away.

"Just kidding~" There, how do you like that!? Now she's looking all flustered, though I also... I turn around so that she can't see me. I'm really not sure what I should think about this, does she... would she be interested? Would I be interested...? Ugh... why can't it ever be simple!? I... I should be careful, wouldn't want her to hear any of that.

"I... oh, lunch is ready." Her reactions also don't help me, at all...

"Um, alright. That's... good, yeah. Let's eat." Somehow things always get awkward the second I strike back... That's totally unfair! I mean, Sayaka is always the one to start, but whenever I try to get back at her the atmosphere completely changes... *Sigh* Life just hates me.

"The fish looks good, I'll get it out." Somehow the dialogue just gets more and more awkward... At least it smells good. We should probably just forget 'bout that and eat. I'll get her for all those small moments, one day. I just have to find out how...

"So, grilled fish, rice, miso soup... that's gonna be it, huh?" I guess it's enough, for the time being. I'll just make myself some ramen later on if it ain't enough. Somehow I'm getting a little bit tired of the instant food, I don't think it'd taste that good any more. Though I still love my pocky, I should get myself another box. One day without pocky, that's terrible...

"Yes, that's it. And some vegetables, you don't need any more. That should be plenty, you already had breakfast." Can't deny that...

"Alright, let's dig in!" I grab myself whatever I can reach, some fish here, some soup there... nice. Sayaka is giving me another look, as if she was about to complain 'bout my table manners again... but she doesn't, so I won't say anything either.

Somehow it's getting really quite. Sayaka doesn't say anything as she just pokes her food, I can't think of anything to say either... Somehow this is ruining the mood.

"Kyouko?"

"Hm?"

"What do you want to do, from now on? Is it alright with you if we go to school, try to live a normal life, as far as that's possible... or do you want something else?" Hm. I take another bite of the grilled fish as I think 'bout her question.

"Never really gave it much thought. I don't have much in the way of big dreams, I don't even have a goal. I guess I'll just let myself float for a while, see what your life is like. School, friends, all that stuff. After a while we can discuss that again, I don't know if I'd be happy with it. Would that make you happy? A normal life?" Sounds a little bit boring, in my opinion. But I guess I wouldn't mind that, if it's together with Sayaka.

"I don't know. Seeing Madoka is nice, but learning all that stuff for school... not to mention running into Kamijou-kun and Hitomi... I can't tell whether I would still like it or not. But what other choices are there? I don't want to end up on the streets or working overtime, just to pay my rend." I guess she has a point, stealing is out of the question, with her...

"Alright, I get it... School it is. But you'd better help me out. I've never really been to school, so I don't know anything 'bout it." I don't even know what they want me to know...

"Help you out... as Homura helped you out yesterday?" Huh? Sayaka glares at me, she's looking pissed. Homura...

"What are you talking about?" Yesterday, with the drinking... crap.

"You know that, don't you? I'm talking about Homura and you, trying to cheat. Though I don't really get why you wanted to do that..." So she actually found out...

"Hey, calm down, that wasn't my idea, it was hers. I'll admit it, I knew, but..." Somehow she seems to be pretty upset about the whole thing, did something happen? I can't really remember...

"So you were involved in that, weren't you? And now you want to do the same thing in school..." Sayaka doesn't seem to be pleased, not at all...

"Hey, it ain't cheating. Think of it as... compensation. Level the playing-field. The others don't have to worry 'bout fighting Witches or turning into them, right? So it'd just be fair if we helped each other out. If we don't spend much time learning we have more for spreading justice, having fun or whatever. Life as a Magical Girl is crappy enough, so I think that's just fair." Sayaka seems to think 'bout it for a bit.

"Well, if you put it like that... I guess you have a point. Maybe we can make it a little bit easier on us. Though I'm not too comfortable with it..." *Sigh* Probably something 'bout fairness, equality and all that crap.

"Damn right, or do you wanna handle Witch fights and exams at the same time? Exams are kinda difficult, aren't they? So ya couldn't concentrate on learning if there's a Witch around and you'd be really tired after the fight. That's all stuff others don't have to worry 'bout. 'sides, you also want some free time, right? Can't have everything if you're playin' 'fair'. That'd just give us a huge disadvantage." Sayaka seems to understand it as well.

"Yes, I guess so... it would be next to impossible, keeping up with everything else while fighting Witches and saving others who get caught up in it." So she does get it.

"Good, so that's settled. Hm, what's up with the weather?" The weather's only turning from bad to worse, apparently. The tension in the air seems to grow thicker with each passing day and it just doesn't let up... It's like the calm before a storm. Each day more clouds seem to gather, even if it rains... Why can't that stupid Walpurgisnacht come out already? I'd rather fight it now and be done with it. To be honest, it does worry me...

"It should be spring right now, but it sure doesn't look like it. Well, no point worrying about it, right?" Sayaka stands up and closes the curtains, I guess she feels the same way. Homura told us that Witch would be really strong and she herself ain't nothing to sneeze at. If we at least knew what it looks like... this uncertainty is driving me crazy! It makes me feel cold, almost to the point of shuddering... "You are thinking about the same thing, aren't you?"

"If you're talking 'bout that Witch, yeah." She pushes her chair next to mine and puts an arm 'round my shoulder, this does make me feel somewhat better...

"I'm also scared, to be honest. But don't worry, I'll be there, with you." I just let her pull me a little bit closer to her, she's really warm...

"Heh, when did I ever say I'm feeling scared?" I'm just pretending for her, just as she's pretending for me. I feel like a fool, trying to make fun of something that's probably so much bigger than us, to feel a little more comfortable... It's definitely out there, that Witch. It's probably snickering and laughing as it watches us, that's the feeling I get. I just want to go out there and hit it, but I know that there's nothing. Just clouds and rain.

"Well, even if I'm scared, Magical Girl Sayaka-chan will still beat that Witch as soon as it comes!" We're both fools... but that's alright. Maybe we should go, to some far-away place... just run away and never look back. My instincts are telling me that we should do that and I'm almost never wrong when it comes to that. But Sayaka... I guess we'll just have to stay, until the end. And when there's nothing left, maybe she'll understand that there's nothing we can do.

"Yeah, that's the spirit!" Both of us laugh, though it's not a happy laugh. It's... it's hard to describe. We're trying to make fun of that Witch, of ourselves, of anything... but it's not working. It sounds more like hysterical laughter. Like that story dad told me 'bout. A man who challenged God and realised more and more that he couldn't win... at least Sayaka is warm, that's all I need. 'sides, who knows how strong that Witch is? Maybe it's pretty weak.

After our laughter dies away an awkward silence fills the room, it almost feels like... death. It's like back then, when I was returning home and... I probably shouldn't think 'bout that stuff right now, I'm feeling bad enough already. *Creak* W-what was that!? That sound almost gave me a heart attack...

"Sayaka, I'm home. Oh, and you as well, Sakura-san. Nice to see you both..." It's just Sayaka's dad, for a moment I thought...

"Hey, dad. You went shopping?" He's holding a big white bag in his hand.

"Oh, yes, that's... I'm going to install a hammock in my room." A hammock? Hm, maybe that would be nice, during summer.

"What do you want with a hammock when the weather's like this? Just don't get yourself hurt..." He just grumbles something and goes on, probably to his room.

"Hm, more lunch for me?" It's still a rather awkward atmosphere, somehow.

"You had your share, Kyouko." *Sigh* It was worth a try. "Anyways, I'll go to bed now. You can have my share, if you really want to." Huh? She wants to go to bed?

"Already? Come on, it ain't that late, right?" I just got up.

"Well, while you were busy playing Sleeping Beauty I took care of all kinds of things." Hm, maybe sleeping wouldn't be too bad. At least I won't have to think 'bout how depressing everything is. And... did Sayaka just complement me, indirectly? Nah, she was probably rather talking 'bout the 'sleeping' part...

"Fine with me, let's go." She doesn't bother clearing the table, she barely ate anything... I guess it's that damn atmosphere. Something isn't right, though I can't tell what it is. Feels like... the time before that happened. Shortly before dad...

"Are you still sleepy? You didn't do anything but sleep all day and night..." It's not really that I want to sleep, it's just... I dunno. Being all alone at a time like this would just be depressing.

"Yeah, I'm still kinda tired, must be the weather." Just lying around for a bit wouldn't be bad either, maybe I'll just fall asleep again. That way I won't have to think 'bout those things. I just get back to Sayaka's room and turn the lights on, she's right behind me.

"Go and put on your pyjama, alright? Yesterday was just an exception." Come to think of it...

"Why was I just wearing my underwear when I woke up? What happened to the stuff you gave me yesterday?" I usually just go to bed with my clothes on or throw them into some corner, but I couldn't find them anywhere...

"That's... I couldn't let you wear those, especially not in bed. Not after you threw up all over them..." Oh, so Sayaka- "Just forget it! It wasn't a very nice experience, for neither of us... just go and get changed already!" Hm, so Sayaka did that... Well, I don't mind, if it's her.

"It's not that big a deal, is it? Ya can just come in and get changed as well, right?" I did it with my li'l sis all of the time. Though I guess it's not the exact same thing with Sayaka...

"Um... I guess so, just like PE." PE? What was that again? Hm... physical something? Sports, I guess. Yeah, physical education.

"Mhm, just like that." Somehow I get the feeling that Sayaka doesn't feel as if it was the same. *Vrrr* Huh? Sounds like some kinda machine. Probably a drill, maybe Sayaka's dad.

"Fine... but don't look, alright?" She sounds so childish, as if I'd... yeah, no way. She doesn't know 'bout that one time... and I'd better not think of it either, otherwise that might change.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say." Sayaka finally enters as well, picks up her pyjama and starts undressing on the other side of the room. Guess I should get changed as well. Pyjamas... feels like unnecessary luxury, what good are they anyways? *Sigh* It's probably no use, I'll just have to go along with it. Still too early to sleep... but just lying 'round sounds pretty good. Time to put on that pyjama... The sounds also stopped.

"So, what do you want to do tomorrow?" Sayaka seems to be done, I turn around to look at her. She's wearing a light blue pyjama, it looks really cute on her... no, I shouldn't think that! If she caught a glimpse of those thoughts... I guess I'll have to tell her, sooner or later. Um, then again... I'm just thinking she's cute, right? She already told me I was cute, so it shouldn't be a problem, right? Right?!

"T-tomorrow? I dunno..." She gives me a suspicious look. Oh God, did she...!? Nah, j-just stay calm...

"You seem to be a little nervous... is something wrong?" That's what I get for worrying 'bout that stuff!

"No, it's nothing, nothing at all! Um, how about we... go out for a while? Maybe a walk at the river? If the weather's good enough." It should be fine, it doesn't look as if she noticed... I'll have to be more careful, from now on.

"A walk? I shouldn't really go out if I'm not even going to school... and we can't just go there, you'd have to be enrolled first. To do that we would need your official records and a personal data sheet about what you did for the last few years. If we had that we'd have to go write a letter to the school and ask for forms to-"

"Geez, cut it out! That's way too complicated! 'sides, I don't have any of those things, as you know." At least that's a good distraction...

"Hm... I'm just wondering about what we should do. I really don't know how we should go about all that..." I'm still sceptical 'bout the whole school business...

"Maybe we just shouldn't? I mean, what good would school do us, in our situation? We're Magical Girls, in case ya forgot 'bout that. That's a full-time job, y'know? The Witches don't really care too much 'bout schedules, at least I'm pretty sure 'bout that." I don't really get it myself, Mami also did that... then again, she didn't really have a social life, I guess. Thinking of her now... she always had that holier-than-thou attitude. A little bit like Sayaka's obsession with justice, but Mami's was... feigned, I think. Pretentious.

"Well, I don't really want to make this any worse for my family, can't you understand that? I want to maintain a feeling of normality, even if it isn't true. For my dad, my mum... and especially Madoka. She'd be even more worried if I didn't come to school any longer. And it shouldn't be too bad, Mami-san also did it, right? And Homura also manages to do it." She still seems to have a certain distaste for her. Well, that's something we can kinda agree on.

"Mami didn't have any friends or family to speak of, right? She was way too clingy, no one likes someone like that. Pretentious, but nothing to back it up. She was downright pathetic, if she came to like-"

"Take that back... right now!" Whoops, maybe that wasn't too smart... "Mami wasn't like that at all! She was a really kind person and helped us out so much, she saved us back then! And she died protecting us... how could you call that pretentious or pathetic!? Is that how you think of me?!" Well, that escalated quickly... should've thought 'bout that before saying it. Sayaka ain't Homura, that much's for sure...

"Sorry, but that's how she was. She didn't fight the righteous fight or whatever, she just wanted to be admired and praised for how great she was. She rubbed it into anyone's face, whenever there was another Magical Girl in town. And don't tell me 'bout how she was, I worked with her for a whole year! She was obsessive, plain and simple. I don't think you did it for those reasons, but she did."

"How can you be so... how can you say those things about her?" She looks completely bewildered, as if it was that hard to grasp...

"Look, I've been in this business for a while. There are a lot of us who can't handle it. Mami is just one of those examples. She was broken, being with others was like patching her up with tape. Sure, might've done the trick for a while, but she was still broken. Sooner or later she would've completely fallen apart. She tried to kill me when I wanted to leave." Sayaka just gives me another dirty look, she doesn't want to hear this... well, too bad for her.

"You probably just did something to make her really angry. What was it, did you let innocent people die to get some more Grief Seeds? Mami-san wasn't like you, she would've never agreed to something like that. That's it, isn't it? But you just can't accept that, that it's your fault." She's starting to get on my nerves for real...

"Just shut the hell up, alright? Yeah, we didn't agree on that stuff, but I was just gonna leave this place and move to Kazamino. That would've been it, no more talking, no fight. But Mami just couldn't handle that, being alone. So I wacked her over the head and just left, alright? She tried to kill me, not the other way 'round. And it wasn't 'bout the goddamn Familiars..." Why can't she just keep quiet? It would all be better if she just didn't bring that stuff up...

"I won't shut up, you can't tell me what to say! I might be bound to you, but that doesn't mean I'll let you treat me like a dog. And if it wasn't about the Familiars, what was it about?" *Sigh* Of course she had to take that the wrong way, didn't she? Though I wouldn't mind having her behave like a dog for a while, that'd be pretty cute...

"I don't wanna talk 'bout all that, can we just leave it at that? I'm not in the mood for it. Let's just forget 'bout it, alright?" Sayaka just glares at me, I guess that's a 'no'...

"You know, not saying anything just confirms my suspicions. It was really your fault, wasn't-" My... That's it, I'm not gonna sit around and let her talk to me like that! I tackle her and she lands on the bed, I'm on top of her. I quickly push her arms above her head and hold them down. She's just looking at me with that emotionless gaze she had back then. So much for her being cute... "So, now you're showing your true colours?"

"Showing my- Just... just..." I can't really decide if I should feel afraid or angry, somehow she makes me feel like both. I almost want to hit her, but that would just make it even worse "Look, I'm sorry. It's just... I didn't want her company after my family died, alright?! I just wanted to be left alone! That's why I wanted to leave, and Mami wouldn't let me. At first it was the usual 'I care for you and can't just leave you to yourself in this dangerous world!' kinda stuff, just what you'd expect. But I was still going to go, and she just attacked me."

"I find that rather difficult to believe. Mami-san wasn't like that..." I let go of her hands now and put mine on either side of her head. She wasn't really fighting back either way. I'm still on top of her, but she doesn't seem to mind... or rather, she's too upset to mind.

"She wasn't like that? What do ya know 'bout what she was like, pray tell? You knew her for... what, a week? I've been working with her for half a year. She was lonely and desperate, she just wanted to have someone around. Didn't she tell you to become a Magical Girl!? And don't tell me 'bout her warning ya, she sure as hell didn't do a very good job of that. She wanted to have both of you around, even if it meant damning you."

"She didn't know about all of that..." Looks as if it was dawning on Sayaka. I bet Mami didn't tell either of 'em not to become a Magical Girl. She always liked Kyubey, she thought it was 'there for her'... Sure, I bet it was there when she was killed. With the same goddamn expression as always. Probably paid its respects by trying to force Sayaka and the other one into a contract, so that they'd end up the exact same way. If not worse...

"Even if there wasn't the whole 'becoming a Witch' kinda stuff, it's bad enough either way. Ya get one stupid wish and in exchange you give up your life? Not to mention the whole Soul Gem business. Maybe Mami didn't know half of it, but a quarter would've been more than enough. She was desperate for attention and company, end of the story. So, you happy, now that we've talked 'bout all the depressing crap I didn't wanna think 'bout?!"

"I don't think happy is the right word... but I'll leave it at that. We're just talking past each other, so there really isn't much of a point. Believe whatever you want to, I'll believe what I saw and heard from her. She did warn us, I was just too stupid..." *Sigh* I still think Mami is to blame for this, at least partially. But when you're young... I guess you just don't listen, huh? I can't seem to convince Sayaka, so we might as well stop arguing.

"Don't blame yourself for everything that's happened, alright? Mami knew that bringing you two along would be dangerous, it was her decision. She died while protecting you, yeah, but she shouldn't have brought ya along to begin with." What the hell was she thinking either way? Bringing along two rookies... not rookies, they weren't even Magical Girls at that point. Probably couldn't take it on her own any more. And Sayaka called me selfish? Yeah, right...

"Let's just sleep. Could you get off me already...?" Crap, I'm still on top of her! I quickly jump back and almost lose my balance, Sayaka just gives me a strange look...

"Um, sorry 'bout that, I was just... I didn't even notice." Maybe our Soul Gem isn't clean enough? I take a quick look, but it seems to be doing just fine. Well, I guess keeping it clean won't just solve all of our problems, huh? I put it onto the night table, wouldn't wanna roll over it while I'm sleeping. *Sigh* Things always are so complicated with Sayaka... I've gotta watch every step I take or I might just walk over the edge without even knowing it.

"I'll turn the lights off." I just lie down on the bed and look over to her. Man, I almost miss my simple life before... that's why I was livin' on my own to begin with. Ya don't have to consider someone's feelings and all that stuff. Doesn't hurt anyone, doesn't get ya hurt. But... I guess I gave that all up for her, didn't I? Too late to regret anything. "Am I really that great a burden to you...?"

"Huh? What are you on 'bout now?" The lights turn off and I can hear the sheets rustling next to me, my eyes are still adjusting.

"You were thinking about that, right? How much better you had it when you were still on your own... *Sigh* I'd reverse this, if I could. If we find a way... that's what you want, isn't it?" Would I want that? I really don't know. I mean, it can get annoying and so on, but... I couldn't feel her compassion either, if we were separated again. We would probably fail to communicate, without this. Our arguments would turn into fights and then...

"I was thinking 'bout the bad stuff, yeah. But that's not all there is, right? I'm more annoyed than I was in a long time, but I ain't felt this happy for years. You can be as stubborn as a mule and we fight a lot, but... I dunno how to explain this stuff." I just try to convey the emotions to her, it's complicated... I think the best way I can describe this would be 'home'. It feels like home. There are some bad things, yeah. But there are so many great things as well.

"I don't think I understand... well, not entirely. Maybe it's because of how different our lives used to be, or it's because of how different we are. But you aren't really unhappy, did I get that part right?" I just mumble something, saying it out loud would be... embarrassing, I guess. I just gaze up at the ceiling, it's pretty dark in here. Just a little bit of light is coming in from the street lights.

"I guess I messed your life up way more, huh? I mean, you had a good life, until Mami and me destroyed it. And Kyubey, of course. Stupid critter..." I kinda wonder just how much this is Mami's fault... and mine, for letting Mami live. She was really wrong in the head, but I just couldn't finish it. Guess I'm not so tough, after all...

"Not much more than it was, to be honest. Mami-san and you, you didn't get me into this problem, it was all Kyubey. Well, that and my foolishness..." I guess that much is the same for all of us. Stupid little thing... If it wasn't for that we'd all be happier. Well, dunno 'bout Mami, but Sayaka, Homura and me... our lives would be a lot better. Sure, I'd still be starving with my family, but that doesn't sound too bad. At least it wouldn't be our fault...

"Well, you can be pretty stupid, I guess. Throwing everything you have away for some jerk who won't even look at you?" Ouch, I think that one hit home. I only meant it as a joke... though it isn't a lie. I really don't understand how she could do that... I mean, she had it all and that selfish little prick just couldn't shut up 'bout his arm? I bet he didn't even know real hunger, yet he cried 'bout that. And as soon as he's better he just forgets 'bout Sayaka... I mean, how could he!? Son of a bitch.

"Haha, I guess that was pretty foolish... but I still won't regret it. You gave me a second chance when there didn't seem to be anything I could do. I'm not going to throw that away, maybe my life has some use left, after all." I hate it, how she's talking. As if her life was worthless on its own... can't she see how much she means to me?! Or her friend? I turn to my side to look at her, though I can't really see anything...

"You don't have to have a use or something. You're not some object that's only needed for a certain duty or something. You're a precious friend for me and a lot of people would be very sad if something happened to you. Madoka, your dad, maybe some other friends... and think 'bout me, alright? So stop talking 'bout uses and purposes, just be you. I don't care for some hero or something, I'm happy with this foolish you. Just as anyone else is." Well, Homura probably not so much... but who cares? Can't please her either way.

"I know you're just saying this to make me feel better, but... still, thanks. But that's really enough for one evening, I'm really tired... I'll sleep now, alright? Good night." Sayaka shifts a little bit, getting more comfortable. I'm still not sleepy at all, but there's enough stuff to think 'bout. Maybe I'll slip out later and play some video games, but for now I'll just reflect on that stuff.

"Well, I do mean it. But we can talk more 'bout this some other time, if you want to. Good night." I roll around a little bit, trying to find a more comfortable position... there are two pillows, but only one blanket. So we kinda have to stay close together, otherwise there'll be an unpleasant air draught... oh well, I don't really mind.

...

"Ouch!" I was just 'bout to fall asleep, after who knows how long... then Sayaka had to start thrashing and kicking 'round! "What the hell is this about!?" She doesn't seem to be awake though... I shake her a little bit, but she doesn't even seem to notice it. I try to reach out for her via our Soul Gem, this seems to work a little bit better. She feels really strange right now, almost panicked...

"K-Kyouko? Is something wrong?" The nerve of her... And here I was, getting worried over nothing. *Sigh* It can't be helped, probably just a nightmare.

"Why don't you tell me? You were the one who was kicking me outta bed." I get up and search for the light switch, I think it was somewhere 'round here... found it. "Man, you look terrible." Sayaka's all sweaty, I think she also cried...

"Huh? I... I don't get it. I don't know what it is, but something is definitely wrong." Something's wrong? Well, obviously the atmosphere and everything, but that ain't changed since we went to bed.

"What's that? A Witch or something?" She looks really disoriented, that musta been one hell of a nightmare. Well, I know how that is, I'm just glad it doesn't happen to me so often. At least not any more.

"I... don't know. Can't you feel it? It's, like... really off." Sayaka sure isn't making much sense now. Everything's been off for the last few days, I don't really notice anything different right now. But I guess she wouldn't be this upset if it was just a bad dream, right? *Clang* Sayaka flinches, what was that sound? Sounded like metal hitting the floor or something. "W-what was that? This isn't funny..."

"Just lie back down and try to sleep or something, it's probably nothing." I just shrug it off, no use getting worked up over it. Witches wouldn't cause such sounds.

"No, there... there's definitely something. I'm scared..." I still don't feel much, though I don't think she's lying. "W-well? Aren't you... going to take a look?" Aww, is poor li'l Sayaka scared? That's just too precious~

"Why don't you come along, take a look? At worst it's a burglar or something, nothing to worry 'bout." I don't think I convinced her...

"Kyouko, this isn't... please, just go..." Man, she's being serious. She's even asking for help, now I feel like a real jerk...

"Yeah, alright, alright. I'll go and check it out, you just try and go back to sleep." I pick up our Soul Gem and turn off the lights as I leave the room. Something definitely ain't right here... I think it came from the room opposite to ours. There's light coming from below the door, maybe Sayaka's dad just knocked something over. I knock on the door. ... still no reply? I try the doorknob, but it won't bulge. Strange...

"Gah...! *Gasp*" The heck are those sounds!? No time to waste, I change into my gear and ram my body against the door. *CRASH* It doesn't stand much of a chance against my enhanced strength.

"K-Kyouko!? What was that sound...?" Holy shit! There's a chair lying on the ground, and on the ceiling, swinging and struggling around...! Fuck! It's just like... snap out of it! I materialise my spear and cut through the rope as fast as I can. Sayaka's father falls to the ground, though he's still gasping for air... I quickly to cut the rope around his neck, the fuck is this!? Calm down, calm down... I can't let Sayaka see this.

"It's nothing!" I check his pulse... thank God, this could've gone a lot worse. I'll have him answer for this, though not right now. I'll have to calm Sayaka down first and make sure she's asleep. I return to Sayaka's room and try to act as calm as I can... "Sorry, it was nothing, after all. Your dad just knocked over a chair."

"T-that metal thing he has? But what was that other sound? It was way too loud to come from that..." Just stay calm and tell her something... I can't let her notice anything.

"Oh, that. He apparently tried to pull himself up on a shelf and... well, that didn't work out so well. Scared the hell outta me when it was suddenly coming down on me, barely missed." I think she's buying into it. Would be for the best.

"That does sound like something he'd manage to do, he always had two left hands. Now I just feel silly... well, sorry for wasting your time, I guess." I feel pretty relieved, but I can't let her notice that either. Just have to act naturally...

"Yeah, you'd better be. Kicking me out of bed and acting all scared... what are ya, a kid?" I just do my best to sound teasing as I lie down next to her again. I put our Soul gem aside again, just like before. With a bit of luck it won't be long until she's asleep again.

"Well, I could've slept on the couch as well, you- *Yawn* you insisted on me sleeping here." I guess so... though I didn't think it'd be like this.

"Yeah, yeah, always my fault... anyways, that'll probably all be over once we kick that Witch's ass. So you'd better get ready for that, right?" Sayaka just mumbles something and curls up, just like a puppy. I bet she'd look adorable right now... but the lights are out and I shouldn't bother her right now. I feel pretty damn pissed off, that was exactly... I'm lucky if I don't get any nightmares after that.

...

It's been a while and Sayaka seems to be soundly asleep, so I get up. I try to be as silent as possible, wouldn't want her to wake up. Seems as if she's calmed down by now, her soul is resting as well. But there's something I'll have to settle before going to bed... I get to the room of Sayaka's dad again, he's just sitting in a corner and crying. "The hell's wrong with you!? Do you have the slightest idea what would've happened if Sayaka found ya like that, or if I'd been there a minute later!?" I try not to scream, though I can't help getting a little bit louder...

"What's... what's the point? She'll die! Both of you will... you told me yourself, remember?!" *Sigh* And here's why I said that wouldn't be a good idea. Just 'bout as good as telling him his daughter got an incurable cancer in her soul. And I'll have to deal with this, just great...

"So fucking what?! We're all gonna die sooner or later, what's the big deal? What ya just did was way more dangerous, could've ended way worse than death for her! Could've turned Sayaka into a damn Witch, didn't I tell ya!?" It's pretty damn hard to stay calm after all of that... but screaming probably won't solve anything. Wouldn't want Sayaka to get into the middle of this...

"No need to worry about that... she doesn't care much for me. I was never there for her either way... always away on some business trip or another, meeting business associates... I can't even remember the last time we talked, before all this! I was going to leave everything to her..." Apparently stupidity is something that runs in the family, huh?

"You really think that? Idiot. She does care for ya. Considering how stupid you are I'm not happy 'bout that, but whatever..." There's a strange smell in the air, kinda familiar... It's coming from him. Just what- bottles. That's alcohol, ain't it? "Just 'cause of that stupid stuff, huh? You're no better than dad." He was the same, had a drinking problem and someday just decided to fuck my life up...

"The other way around... didn't want it to hurt so much, so I got myself some alcohol." Pathetic... can't no one handle that stuff, other than me?

"Tch, so you weren't even man enough to take the hard way out, huh? I don't wanna see any of that stuff here any more, understood? And if ya ever try something like that again, forget 'bout an easy way out. I'll personally take care of it and it ain't gonna be easy or painless. I don't care who it is, I won't let them hurt Sayaka. Includes you, so you'd better not do anything stupid again..." It's always something, huh?

"And what am I supposed to do? I can't do anything! My daughter is dying and I can't do anything! I can't handle that, my daughter dying before me! Tell me what to do..." And why should I have to do that?! *Sigh* It only gets from bad to worse...

"First of all, stop screaming. Don't ya dare involving Sayaka in any of this. Secondly, take some time for her. Make up for it if ya feel guilty. You have the money, don't you? You still have time for that, if you don't do it now... might regret it later. I'm not gonna let her die or something, but you'd still better be on the safe side." Why do I have to play psychiatrist? All I'd need now is to tell him to lie down on a couch and talk 'bout his problems... well, it's fine if it helps Sayaka.

"You're right... but would she even want that? What if she just... doesn't want to spend time with me? I failed her so much, I wasn't there for her when she needed me..." That's why I'll never do stuff like that. Can't handle all those stupid excuses.

"Worry 'bout that if it happens, yeah? Don't waste time worrying, do something for her. I'll be 'round, but I can leave ya some space. Maybe go to a concert or something, she'd probably like that. To that idiot, if it has to be... and do us all a favour and don't kill yourself before Sayaka actually dies. I'm not planning on letting her die, so get it outta your head." I'd much rather not see that stupid face, it's just screaming 'Hit me!'. but if it makes Sayaka happy...

"That you'd have to provide pastoral care for me... haha, I guess I am pathetic. I'll... I'll see what I can do. You should probably go to bed now, it's rather late." That's the best I can do, for now. I ain't some family therapist, I really don't know what else I could do... I don't want Sayaka to experience stuff like I did.

"Only if you pledge that you're not gonna do something like that again. You hear me? I want you to get on your knees, hand on your heart and swear that you're not gonna kill yourself or hurt Sayaka in any way, to whatever gods ya believe in." He actually gets on his knee and puts his hand on his heart, though he's weaving 'round. Looks kinda funny...

"Well, I don't believe in any gods, so my life will have to do. I'm not going to hurt Sayaka in any way." Let's just hope he remembers that... "Hey, could I... tell you? There's a lot I have to get off my chest." *Sigh* Don't think that's my duty, but it might be better.

"Yeah, yeah, go ahead. It's not as if you'd shut up, even if I told ya to, right?" He just laughs, I guess he's pretty drunk.

"Probably not... Anyways, my life's been a complete mess. I studied economics to get a good job and I got it. But that's not everything... too bad they don't teach you that at school. My own real estate company, me as the CEO... Sounds great, doesn't it? I have all the money or power I could ever need, but I never get to see my family... not that my wife would want to see me." His wife? That would be...

"What's she like? Sayaka's mum?" I don't like her, after what Sayaka told me...

"Well, that's... *Sigh* We got to know each other when I was still young and hopeful. Great time, really. but it didn't go so well. She expected me to manage both, family life and a successful business. I offered to go back on the business part, so that I'd have more time for her and little Sayaka, but she'd have none of it. Now she blames me for giving her what she wanted all along. Haha..." What a bitch.

"I heard she hit Sayaka back then?" He looks pretty depressed... well, I guess he'll have to get through all that. Otherwise he'll probably just do something stupid again. Though he should really look for someone else, I ain't the right person for that stuff...

"Yes, she did. Couldn't handle the situation and had no one else, so she took her anger out on Sayaka... I should've been there and taken it, but I rarely ever was. It wasn't her fault, she just couldn't bear it... And when I was there we played happy family... well, that's all over now. She accused me of having an affair and left, though she comes back every now and then. " I don't envy Sayaka for that kinda family... My dad was messed up, but the time we had together was so happy... well, makes the loss all the more painful.

"Then go back on your business now. Ya won't have to listen to that... woman now, right? Take some time for Sayaka and all that stuff, I think she needs someone right now." He just smirks in a self-loathing way. "And cut it with that alcohol crap, won't do any good."

"I don't know how... without it, I can't feel. Or rather, I can't show how I feel, I never learned how..." I wish I had his kinda issues, that's hardly difficult.

"Pff, how's that a problem? Just give her a hug, take her to the merry-go-round, buy her some cotton candy... what's the big deal? It's not that hard to do. Heck, ya wouldn't even need money to do that, it was just-" Just fine with mum and dad? Is that what I was going to say? FUCK! Why did it have to... I'll never forgive ya, dad. Can be glad he's dead already, otherwise I'd do it myself. Just hung himself after all he did...

"It might seem so... just a small step, isn't it? We all have our problems and they might seem silly to others. But that doesn't make them any less significant for us. Besides, I really don't think she would want that. She must hate me, after all that has happened. How long do you know her?" How long?

"Maybe a couple of days, why?"

"See? That's exactly what I mean. You know her for a couple of days and you get along with her far better than her 'old man' ever did... Maybe I should just leave this to you? You seem to be getting along very well..." Heh, he hasn't seen us fighting yet... though I do feel a little bit flattered.

"As gloomy as she gets? She'll need all the support she can get and you mean a damn lot to her, like it or not. I told her not to tell you 'bout all that crazy shit, but she believed in ya. Better make something of that, yeah?" He just starts crying again, though his expression barely changes. How am I supposed to react in a situation like this!? Maybe I should just leave already.

"Well, this is embarrassing... sorry." Maybe that's exactly what he needs.

"Just show that to Sayaka, I bet she'd understand. And you'd better get to bed, you're barely keeping it together..." I just hope this will be it... I'm having my doubts, but there ain't anything I can do. Did I look that stupid when I was drunk...?

"Yes, sorry for all of this..." He crawls to his bed, it looks pretty amusing. And I can finally get back to bed as well. Though I don't think I'll manage to sleep much, I've still got to think 'bout some things.

...

Mmh... is it morning already? It's so warm... Sayaka's hugging me, feels pretty nice. Still as grey outside as it was the last few days. Some birds chirping and flying 'round... wait, what!? I shift around slightly, she has both her arms around my back... Can't see her face, my forehead against her chin... What do I look like to her, a cuddly toy!? I feel abused... in a strangely good kinda way. Just kidding. Though I bet it'll be hilarious when she wakes up. I wriggle around a little bit to get a better view of her. She does look pretty...

My right hand is kinda stuck in the position we're in, so I raise my left one instead. Closer, a little closer... *Poke* I'll poke her cheek until she wakes up! I can't resist it, it's just too funny. *Poke* She's moving a little bit, but she still ain't waking up... I try to tickle her instead and she move around a little, but she's still not waking up. *Pinch* You gotta be kidding me... should I get cold water or something!?

Sayaka... wake the hell up already! She finally seems to stir from her sleep, took her long enough. She slowly opens her azure eyes and blinks. Her hair's a real mess right now. She just blinks once more, then she closes her eyes altogether... Hey, don't just ignore me!

What's... *Yawn* What's the matter? Is that really so hard to understand!?

"Well, since you're finally waking up... Maybe hugging me like that is the matter!" I mean, I know she didn't do this consciously, but... She's just moving 'round weakly, pushing herself even closer...! "Cut that out already!"

"Huh? It's not that big of a deal, stuff like this happens when you share a bed. Besides, that's nothing compared to what you did that night..." How'd she know that? Did that, like... happen to her before!? 'sides...

"What're ya talking 'bout, that night?" Maybe when I saved her sorry ass? Though I don't get what that's gotta do with anything.

"Hmpf, I'm not telling you." She just lets go of me and moves away, did I... offend her?

"Really, what's this about?"

"That's way too embarrassing, I'm not going to say a word!" I'm getting kinda worried over here... I try to catch a glimpse of her thoughts, but she somehow manages to prevent me from feeling anything. "You didn't tell me about last night either, right? You were very shocked and angry, that wasn't nothing." Those are two completely different things!

"Yeah, yeah, fine... let's just forget 'bout it. But you're gonna make breakfast now, right?" I'm getting kinda hungry and Sayaka would probably get really mad if I ate some pocky in bed.

"So that's why you woke me up?! *Sigh* Alright, I'll make something..." She sounds a little bit annoyed, but then she gives me a brilliant smile. Not the worst way to start a day, I guess.

...

Author's note: Sorry, took a while... but here it is! We tried to at least get a little section for Sayaka in, but it just wouldn't fit... so this one's all Kyouko. Walpurgisnacht sure is taking its sweet time... but ya can't get out the Final Boss too soon, right?