"Heh, never thought I'd show my face around here again," a figure comments as she takes another bite from the stick of pocky hanging off her mouth. "So, what seems to be the problem, Kyuubey? You told me that something happened between you and Mami and now she's shut you out."
/Yes, Sakura Kyouko, that is correct. I'm afraid Mami is being influenced by another magical girl that has settled into Mitakihara: Akemi Homura. She's an irregular and continues to meddle with the balance of things in this region/
"Really? What'd she do?" Kyouko is curious as she finishes the one stick, already moving to pull more pocky from her jacket pocket.
/Not only has she continuously interrupted my task in recruiting potential magical girls, but due to her interference, I am no longer able to collect spent grief seeds. As you know, used grief seeds are in danger of re-hatching into Witches. I suspect she's planning on doing something with the grief seeds, perhaps a mass release of Witches into the city once she has enough. Not only that, but she is also dragging the other girls into her schemes/
Kyouko draws in a sharp breath. "What? What kind of messed up girl is this?"
/I'm afraid anyone who interacts with her is corrupted by her magic that differs from normal. After contact with her, Mami is no longer talking to me and is also no longer depositing grief seeds to me. The most recent contracted girl is following in her footsteps as well/
Kyouko whistles softly. If straight-laced Mami is doing something like this, then something definitely had to be wrong. She pauses. "What do you mean her magic is different?"
/She has physical manifestations of her powers on her body and though there's evidence to suggest that I was the one to make a contract with her, I have no recollection of doing such a thing. Her magic may come from an unknown source/
"Hmmm, interesting." She smirks into the night sky though her eyes glint dangerously. "So what you're saying, is that this Akemi girl is making a mockery of magical girls, and needs to be taught a lesson. Heh. Sounds like fun."
/
There's something too saccharine about Sayaka as they walk to school the next morning, and when she lets out another forced laugh, Madoka decides to step in and grabs her by the wrist.
"Sayaka-chan, please—"
Sayaka pulls her arm away, effectively cutting her off. She keeps her back to Madoka and stares straight ahead.
"Madoka. This is the only way I know how to deal—so," she turns, and gives her a sad smile, "let me just pretend to be alright, okay? I'll be fine."
Madoka can only helplessly watch as Sayaka continues to walk ahead, intent on pretending like yesterday never happened. Hitomi looks conflicted, but eventually she too lowers her head.
"We should go as well, Madoka-san," Hitomi tells her softly.
"...Okay, Hitomi-chan," she agrees.
She glances behind her, to where Homura is following after them ever so diligently. Homura notices her gaze and tilts her head in question. Madoka gives her a small smile and shakes her head, before turning back around to join Hitomi as they move to catch up to Sayaka.
"Hurry up you slow pokes!" Sayaka shouts at them, seemingly like her usual self. The smile on her face however, and the movements of her waving arms are exaggerated; a lie.
It makes Madoka's heart hurt, to know, yet unable to do anything.
\
Even though Sayaka makes faces at her when she catches Madoka staring, it's not the same.
Madoka's starting to realize that nothing will ever be the same.
A lot of things have definitely changed within the past few days, and as she doodles in her notebook, she thinks back to yesterday, and wonders what had really happened during Sayaka's confession. What had been Kyousuke's reason for turning her down... or if something else had happened, somehow...
There's a lot of things that Madoka wants to ask. She resolves to find answers; ones that can help Sayaka.
When the lunch bell finally chimes, she immediately puts her things away and turns to her childhood friend.
"I'm starving!" Sayaka tells her with a grin.
Madoka nods, and though she is full of nervous energy, she decides to wait until they're in a more private setting to voice her thoughts.
Up on the roof, Sayaka is still smiling, but still not all the way there. Homura wonders if she'll need to use a grief seed before school ends.
When there's a lull in conversation, Madoka looks to Sayaka with determination in her eyes.
"Sayaka-chan—"
"Hey, Hitomi?" Sayaka turns to Hitomi who blinks in surprise at being addressed so suddenly.
"Yes, Sayaka-san?"
"Did you understand what Fuyuno-sensei was saying about that poem earlier?"
"Ah..." Hitomi notices Madoka watching Sayaka and hesitantly answers. "Yes, the poem was referring to the change of seasons and how time seems to pass by when we least expect it."
Sayaka hums thoughtfully. "That makes more sense than what he was saying! Man, you're always great at explaining this kind of stuff!"
Madoka tries again. "Sayaka-chan—"
"But, I mean, why do we even have to learn that stuff anyways? Ancient Japanese is so...old, you know? That kind of stuff is kinda already phased out."
Hitomi places her bentou down, frowning at Sayaka's deliberate attempts at ignoring Madoka. "It is a part of our history and culture..."
"I know," Sayaka tells her with a sigh. "But those words... no one even uses them anymore!"
Frustrated, Madoka grips her chopsticks tightly. Homura leans over, offering her a box of strawberry milk to cheer her up.
"...Thank you, Homura-chan, but I still have the one you gave me earlier," she tells her as she gestures to the unopened one sitting by her side.
Sayaka continues to chat with Hitomi about schoolwork, and as the tension continues to the build, Homura decides that she needs to end it, somehow. She wraps up her bentou, before standing abruptly.
"Homura-chan?" Madoka peers up at her curiously.
"Madoka, I'm going to go to the classroom first," Homura tells her. Without waiting for a reply, she grabs Sayaka by the arm and forces her from her seat. "Miki Sayaka, come with me."
"H-hey!" Sayaka tries to protest, but when she sees Mami watching, she sighs and wraps up her half eaten bentou, before following after Homura.
As Homura leads towards the classrooms, she notices that the hallways are mostly empty due to lunch. When they're in front of their own class, Homura finally turns to her.
"How is your soul gem?" Her words are as blunt and straight to the point as ever.
Sayaka glances around, making sure they really are alone, before she summons her soul gem for Homura to see.
It's brighter than expected, and she nods in approval. After a moment, Sayaka sends it back to her finger.
"Aww, is the transfer student worried about Sayaka-chan?" Sayaka teases, grinning widely.
Homura merely ignores her, pivoting on her foot and flicking her hair behind her. She enters the classroom with Sayaka trailing after her.
"I told you—that I'd be fine," Sayaka tells her as the fake humor drops from her voice. She debates her next words, and then sighs. "...Thanks for sending Mami-san after me though. I... was in a bad place yesterday."
Surprised at her honesty, Homura glances her way before nodding.
And then Sayaka gives her a real grin this time. "Seriously, if you had been the one to find me, I probably would've tried stabbing you, transfer student. Though, that might be good therapy or something..." she sounds almost wistful.
Homura stares at her for a moment. She then continues her walk to her seat. "You are welcomed to try, Miki Sayaka. Even after all your attempts, you have yet to succeed once."
Sayaka blinks. "When have I—"
The bell chimes and drowns out her question. When Madoka and Hitomi enter the classroom, they find Sayaka staring at Homura's back with a puzzled expression.
She catches their worried looks though, and to their relief, throws them a smile that looks less strained and more... normal, somehow.
/
"Are you sure we should go first, Homura-chan?" Madoka asks as she casts a worried look both to Homura and Sayaka.
"Yes, I just want to teach her a few basics and then we'll join you," Homura says as she waves her off.
"Are you sure I shouldn't come along as well, Akemi-san?" Mami tries to insist in assisting in Sayaka's 'magical girl lesson' but Homura is adamant as she shakes her head.
"We won't be long; you two can go first."
Mami and Madoka share a dubious look, but eventually, they concede.
"Okay...uhm... we'll see you soon, Homura-chan, Sayaka-chan." Madoka pauses. "Be careful." She gives Homura a pointed look and the other girl nods.
"Don't do anything reckless, you two," Mami warns them.
More worried looks, and Homura and Sayaka watch as they leave the premises.
Sayaka thinks about last night and of Mami's pep talk. She turns to Homura, questions shifting through her mind.
"Hey... are you sure, it's uhm... that is, Mami-san..." Sayaka struggles with her words and Homura waits for her to voice her thoughts. "Uh..." Sayaka scratches her cheek nervously, then quickly shakes her head. "Never mind. So, I don't understand what you want to 'teach me' or whatever, but Mami-san... already taught me stuff yesterday. Unless you're going to teach me about my weapons? But aren't you the wrong person to ask anyways? I don't think I've ever seen you pull out a sword from that shield of yours..."
Homura gives the Sayaka an evaluating look.
"...Did something happen with Tomoe Mami yesterday?"
Sayaka flinches, and tries to hide it by placing her hands on her hips. "W-What makes you think that?"
"You are a horrible liar, Miki Sayaka."
Sayaka frowns. "Well sorry, not everyone can be an emotionless robot like you." She thinks briefly and amends her words. "...Most of the time."
"Regardless, is there something about Tomoe Mami that should be addressed?"
Sayaka shrugs. It... wasn't like Mami had actually done anything, really, besides save Sayaka from turning into a Witch. Her words had been unsettling, of course, but she had a reason to say them, and they had helped snap her out of her depression. And after that heart-warming conversation, they had carried on like normal, proceeding to patrol around the city with Mami pointing out things like the reliable senpai she truly is...
"...Was just wondering what kind of snacks Mami-san made for today, that's all," Sayaka lies.
Homura sighs but lets the subject drop. She has better things to do right now and the issue with Mami and Sayaka will have to wait.
"... To answer your earlier question," Homura tells her as she crosses her arms across her chest, eyes staring into the distance. "There are some things you do need to be taught, but now is not the right time to teach you."
Sayaka blinks. "Huh...?"
Homura turns to her. "There is another magical girl in the city—and I have suspicions that she is being manipulated by Kyuubey."
Sayaka's eyes widen. "Wait, what? Another magical girl? Shouldn't we, I don't know, stick together just in case she tries to attack us? Especially if she's working for Kyuubey? We need to warn Mami-san and Madoka—"
Homura waves off her concern. "Though I say manipulated, it's not like she isn't someone to see reason. She will also avoid Tomoe Mami for the time being, so they are safe for now."
"How can you be so sure?" Sayaka demands. She's starting to get real tired of Homura's weird puzzles and the fact that she seemingly knows everything.
"Hm," Homura debates telling her the truth and figures that a little knowledge wouldn't hurt. "The girl we are about to meet, was once Tomoe Mami's partner; they both protected Mitakihara together, but something occurred, the details of which I'm hazy on, and they separated around a year ago."
"Mami-san had a partner...?"
"Unfortunately, she is similar to you. We may have to fight her first before she will see reason."
"Tell me what you really think of me, transfer student," Sayaka mutters, before she stops to think for a moment. "Hey, does that mean you think I fight better than Mami-san? Since you know, I have these swords, so you think I'm like, awesome or something." She puffs out her chest and grins. Never mind the fact that Homura has never seen her fight, now that she thinks about it...
Homura looks at her blankly. "No, I trust Tomoe Mami more to take care of Madoka. As for why you are here... Madoka would suspect something if I went off on my own. You are here for that reason only."
Sayaka sighs, deflating instantly. "Way to make a girl feel wanted, transfer student."
"Follow me, Miki Sayaka. We will meet her halfway," Homura tells her as she leads her further into the city.
/
Sayaka immediately jumps back when a large spear snakes down, and embeds itself into the concrete in front of them. Homura is unaffected, remaining rooted to the spot.
"Heh, so which one of you is 'Akemi Homura?'" a voice asks. They glance up to see a red haired girl peering down at them from the building top with her fangs bared; Sayaka think she looks even more cat-like than Homura. "No matter," the mystery girl continues without even waiting for a reply, "I'll just find out after I beat some sense into the both of you!"
A flash of light and then Homura is transformed, ears and tails flickering in anticipation.
"Miki Sayaka, do not interfere," are her only words of warning before she disappears.
Sayaka can only blink. She finally registers Homura's words, and the irritation she usually feels at the other girl explodes. She quickly blue, and transforms as well. There's a clash of metal on metal, and she turns in surprise to see Homura and the mystery girl locked in a battle of shield versus spear, and it's easy to see that Homura is losing.
When had they...?
Sayaka immediately summons her own sword in her hands and charges towards them.
\\
Though Homura had told Sayaka not to interfere, her thoughts are going a mile a minute as she tries to figure out a way to incapacitate Sakura Kyouko without decapitating her; all her weapons are meant to hurt and maim, and she doesn't think a bullet-ridden Kyouko would be up for much conversation, no matter how much food she bribes her with.
The easiest way to end it would be to knock her unconscious and then drag her to Mami's where they could talk in peace. Maybe she should've brought Mami instead after all. Her ribbons would've at least stopped her in her tracks.
Time magic it is then.
When the scenery turns grey, Homura immediately rushes behind the frozen girl and uses her arm to deliver a swift chop to the base of her neck before moving away.
When time resumes, however, Homura remembers why she always avoided physical confrontations with Sakura Kyouko, time magic or not.
Expecting her to fall unconscious is her first mistake.
Not having a backup plan is her second.
Though Kyouko stumbles at the hit, it only serves to add fire to the fuel. Homura suddenly finds angry eyes turning to her as Kyouko brings her arm down, weapon swinging back and heading straight for a surprised Homura.
She brings her shield up even as she casts for time to stop, but just as her magic clicks into place, the sharp tip of the spear impacts her shield and she doesn't know how, but it effectively disrupts her magic, and she finds herself defending against the full brunt of Kyouko's strength.
Melee and strength have never been Homura's main focus, and she's once again reminded just how strong and fast Kyouko is when she tries to dodge, but is quickly intercepted. Another attack against her shield sends her teeth rattling and her arm reeling as she tries to keep from being pushed back.
Kyouko grins at her, eyes sharp and feral. "Nice try, kitty cat."
Homura grits her teeth, ears pressing down unconsciously as she struggles against Kyouko's brute strength.
"Ha! Sayaka-chan to the rescue!"
The two weapon locked girls part, jumping out of the way as a sword slashes down in between them with Sayaka stumbling in afterwards as her momentum keeps her moving forward. It's enough of a distraction, and Homura quickly stops time once more.
Wincing at the new pain developing in her arm, she reaches into her shield and pulls out a grenade—forget any kind of hesitations, Kyouko is a monster at melee and she doubts this will even hurt her. She tugs off the pin and throws it, watching as the grenade hovers in the air and then stops, before she runs to Sayaka and grabs her hand.
"W-Whoa!" Sayaka continues her pitch forward, but Homura stops her and tugs her upright.
"Quick, we need to move." She keeps a firm grip on Sayaka's arm as they put distance between them and the ticking time bomb.
*click*
Sayaka gasps as the explosion rocks the area, sending dirt and dust into the air.
"W-What the hell was that!? You killed her?!"
"No," Homura says as she absently rubs at her now tingling arm, "something like that won't kill her."
"W-Wait!" Sayaka eyes widen as she remembers where they are. "Y-You used a bomb in a public area! W-What about all—"
"This district is slated for demolition next week."
Homura grabs Sayaka again and pulls her away as a familiar spears slams into the spot they had been standing on.
"Damn, you almost got me pretty good, kitty cat." Kyouko coughs as she steps out from the cloud of dust that's still gathered around the area. "Luckily I always have a reinforced barrier around my body."
Ah, that would explain why her usual KO hit hadn't worked.
Homura takes a moment to evaluate Kyouko's appearance: she has visible cuts on her body, and there's wisps of smoke coming from charred pieces of her clothes. Other than that, she looks fine.
Sayaka is surprised and a small part of her is slightly disappointed.
Homura remains quiet and reaches into her shield once more while Kyouko narrows her eyes at the movement. Sayaka automatically draws back, worried about more explosives. She tenses when Homura pulls out something, chucking it at the opposing magical girl. Sharp crimson eyes take in the object and Sayaka immediately grips her sword tighter.
...And almost drops it in confusion when she sees the girl reach up to snatch the box of pocky from the air.
"...what?" Sayaka mutters.
"There's more where that came from," Homura tells Kyouko, and suddenly, they can hear the sirens around them; the explosion had obviously gained more attention than wanted. "We should leave before we are caught." She tilts her head. "We have some friends we need to meet, would you like to join us?"
Kyouko stares at the pocky, and then back to Homura.
"There will be cake."
A grin appears on Kyouko's face. "Sure. Can never say no to free food."
Sayaka blinks, but then Homura and the strange magical girl are leaving the scene, and she can only follow after them.
\\
Madoka glances around nervously, though when her sight falls upon the girl sitting next to her, she finds herself frowning in disapproval in a manner similar to the expression that Mami is also wearing. Apparently, Homura's 'magical lesson' had all been a ruse, and she had merely wanted to confront this 'Sakura Kyouko' and Sayaka had merely been brought along for the ride.
Now, the atmosphere is tense as Sayaka glares at Kyouko, who's working on her second slice of cheesecake, while Mami frowns at Homura and Homura is, for some reason, ignoring her glass of milk.
"Ahh," Kyouko finishes the last bite, making sure to scrape the plate clean, before she turns to Mami. "Your cooking's gotten better, Mami."
Mami blinks in surprise. "A-Ah, thank you, Sakura-san."
"SO, transfer student, are you finally going to explain why you invited this..." Sayaka stares at the other girl for a second, "...street rat?"
Kyouko narrows her eyes at the insult. "You wanna take this outside, blueberry? I can easily wipe the floor with you—maybe help you get rid of that novice stink."
"W-What!?" Sayaka slams her hand onto the table and the dishware clinks to Mami's disapproval.
"Miki-san, Sakura-san, please," Mami's voice manages to diffuse the situation, though they continue to glare at each other across the table. "Akemi-san?" Mami turns to Homura. "Although I am glad to welcome Sakura-san into my house, I assume there is a reason you invited her to join us?"
Homura nods. "Yes. But first, I need to use the restroom; please excuse me."
The other four girls watch as Homura stands and heads towards the bathroom, entirely ignoring the escalating situation. After a moment, Mami decides to fill the silence with small talk.
"Sakura-san... how have you been?"
Kyouko scratches her cheek and leans back on her arms. "Eh, you know, same ol' same ol. You?"
Mami reaches for her teacup. "Same, as well." She takes a sip. "Are you still stationed in Kazamino?"
"Eh, you know me," Kyouko shrugs as she gestures to nothing. "Can't stay at one place too long; I actually got back 'bout a week ago."
"Oh?"
As Kyouko and Mami continue their awkward idle chit chat, Sayaka and Madoka share a look. Sayaka wonders what had happened to drive the two apart, while Madoka wonders why these two supposed friends seemed more like strangers.
/
Homura shuts the door behind her and locks it, before she finally drops her mask and winces at the pain in her arm. She slowly flexes her left hand to determine the damage. Slight movement sends sharp waves of pain up and down her arm, making her suspect that there are hairline fractures in her bones; Sakura Kyouko and her brute strength really can't be underestimated. It's a good thing she is on their side.
Or... at least, she will be.
She sighs, knowing that Mami and Kyouko will most likely notice her use of magic. Knowing there's no other choice, she summons her soul gem into her hand and like always, her ears and tail show up. She concentrates on at least making the pain tolerable. When she can finally move her hand comfortably, her soul gem is visibly darker, and she knows that too much time has passed for her liking.
Regardless, she flushes to keep appearances, and then washes her hands.
"Did the transfer student eat something bad?" Sayaka asks as she looks to Madoka.
Madoka shakes her head. "We had the same things in our bentou and I'm fine..."
"Maybe all that milk is finally getting to her," Sayaka comments. She frowns when she hears a snore from the now napping Kyouko; waiting for Homura had taken too long and she had said to wake her when she returns. Whether it can attest to her belief in her own abilities, the fact that she doesn't think they are threats, or that she still thinks of Mami as an ally, no one can say.
But finally, Homura emerges from the bathroom and retakes her usual seat at the table.
"Everything alright there, transfer student?" Sayaka voices Madoka's concern, though they notice when Mami turns expectant eyes towards Homura.
Homura knows that Mami definitely felt that surge of magic. Sayaka is still getting used to being a magical girl and having Mami, Homura and Kyouko all gathered in one area is most likely overloading her magical sensors. It'll be a while until she will be able to distinguish between the different signatures.
Kyouko yawns suddenly as she sits up. She had only been resting her eyes and hadn't really fallen asleep.
"Don't tell me you couldn't even feel that, novice?" Kyouko asks as she gives Sayaka an incredulous look.
"Feel what?" Sayaka glares at her in response.
"Heh, you really are green, or I guess in your case, blue?" she ignores the snarl Sayaka gives her. "She was using magic in the bathroom. Obviously her arm was bothering her so she went to heal it up." Kyouko pulls up her sleeve and flexes. Her arm is thin, but there's muscle. She grins. "I play for keeps, and kitty cat definitely felt that even though she blocked. She's lucky though, most of the time a hit like that sends the recipient to the hospital. I put a lot of magic in my attacks; that shield is tougher than it looks."
Madoka frowns at Homura as Mami frowns at Kyouko.
"Is your arm okay, Homura-chan?" Madoka turns to her with worried eyes.
"Yes. As Sakura Kyouko stated, I healed it already. I'm fine," she lies.
Madoka stares at her with narrowed eyes. Not trusting her words, she scoots over so that she's right next to Homura. She ignores her protests, instead reaching over and pushing her sleeve up. The slight pressure hurts—but it's tolerable and other than a brief flinch, Homura's face gives nothing away as Madoka examines her arm for injuries.
"Should be all healed though; she used quite a bit of magic," Kyouko notes as Madoka continues to poke and prod Homura's arm. "Too much, maybe." She shrugs.
Here, Mami sighs. "Akemi-san's magic is a bit different from ours, Sakura-san. A large injury on her body could potentially be fatal if she doesn't have enough grief seeds on hand."
Her words cause Madoka to grip Homura's arm tighter, and this time Homura bites back a whimper of pain.
"Huh, so Kyuubey wasn't lying about her magic being different," Kyouko notes as she gives Homura an evaluating look. "Are the other things he said true then too?"
Sayaka scoffs. "I wouldn't trust that white... thing if I were you."
"Hey," Kyouko gestures to everyone, "correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we all magical girls? Not sure about kitty cat over there, and Pinkie is definitely non-magical, but, as far as I know, Kyuubey's the only one who can grant something like that. You know, that whole make a wish, get a contract thing? He's the reason some of us are still alive today," the teacup in Mami's hand shakes as Sayaka balls her hands into fists, "so, why wouldn't I trust Kyuubey? From what I hear, kitty cat is the one messing with the protocol."
As she talks, Homura bristles at the continuous use of the nickname Kyouko gives her. Even though it's similar to what Takkun calls her, the tone in Kyouko's voice is more mocking than of affection. She glances over to Madoka who's now absently staring at her arm. She can tell the smaller girl is visibly upset with talks of wishes and contracts, most likely thinking about things she shouldn't be thinking about. Homura hesitates briefly, knowing that they aren't alone, but Madoka's well being has always been her priority so she pushes down her embarrassment.
Madoka blinks when she suddenly feels something brushing against her cheek. She turns to see a pair of cat ears in her line of vision.
She gives Homura a small smile, releasing the hold on Homura's arm, and instead placing her hands atop those soft ears.
Unaware of Madoka's earlier nervousness, Sayaka shakes her head at Kyouko. "I went into this knowing everything, but the same can't be said for everyone else. Do you want to know why we don't trust Kyuubey and why we're avoiding him like the plague?" Kyouko raises her eyebrow. "Because we figured out where Witches come from."
Kyouko blinks. "Seriously? So what, Kyuubey's worried that he's gonna be out of a job? That's why he went looking for me?" Kyouko shrugs. "Alright, I'll bite. So where do Witches come from then? Is that why you're collecting used grief seeds—so you can do something with them?"
Mami decides to step in. "Sakura-san, do you know why we clean our soul gems?"
Kyouko gives Mami an incredulous look. "This kitty cat definitely did something to your head. Kyuubey taught us this stuff when we first contracted. The soul gem is the source of our power; if we don't clean it, we'll run out of magic."
"Heh," Sayaka looks at Kyouko and the red-head feels a wave of irritation course through her body. For some reason, she really wants to wipe the smug expression off of the other girl's face, preferably with something sharp.
"Miki-san..." Mami's voice sends a small shudder through Sayaka's body. She sighs, immediately dropping her air of arrogance. She shouldn't feel proud knowing this tidbit of information. It's not something anyone should be proud of...
"Sakura-san," Mami decides to cut to the chase, "a Witch is a magical girl who has fallen into despair."
Madoka shuts her eyes and Homura instinctively leans in closer to comfort her.
Kyouko's eyes widen as she turns to Mami. "What...? What the hell are you talking about Mami. Witches... are born from curses... or whatever the hell Kyuubey said."
"Curses of a magical girl," Sayaka informs her. "Why do you think a soul gem needs to be cleaned? Why do you think we run out of magic when we don't? Why do you think grief seeds look so similar to soul gems...?" she pauses and lets Kyouko digest the information. "Can you see now why we don't want to deal with that thing now?"
Kyouko slams a fist into Mami's table. This time it's enough to cause some of the milk from Homura's full cup to spill onto the table.
"..." It reminds Homura she still needs to drink her milk, and both she and Mami level Kyouko with a glare that's ignored.
"Alright, give me a reason why I should believe you? I came here to hear your side of the story, but all I'm learning is that kitty cat is a nut job and she's done something to your minds. Why should I..." she looks around the room, and as soon as her eyes lock onto Sayaka's, her voice trails off as she feels something pass through her mind.
—despairequaltothemiracle—
"...what the hell was that?" she demands as she grabs her head.
Sayaka looks at her curiously, before she shrugs. "That would be your reason."
Homura's tail flickers unconsciously as she takes this in. It seems that after so many repeats, everyone really is starting to remember certain things. Whether it was a good or bad thing, only time could tell.
-youwitch!—
Kyouko pales and she places a shaking hand onto the table. "W-What the hell is this...? You mean we become the things we're supposed to kill...? That I'm going to eventually turn into a Witch?!" Her voice continues to rise with each word and her body is moving out of her seat, until a quiet voice interrupts.
"No," Mami tells her. "You will not become a Witch, Sakura-san. None of us will." Mami's voice is calm, and Kyouko blinks at her before sitting back down. "We will live. We will survive this."
Homura tenses immediately and straightens up, pulling away from Madoka to stare at Mami. It startles Madoka enough into opening her eyes. She notices the way Homura's ears and tail stand up and she reaches over to calm her down.
"...Homura-chan?" pink eyes glance at Mami, but all she can see is the usual composed blonde.
Homura ignores her and lavender eyes watch Mami closely, looking for familiar signs.
Before anything happens however, Homura blinks as a feeling washes over her. Kyouko looks around a second later.
"It seems we will need to cut our reunion short, Sakura-san," Mami notes with regret in her voice.
"Yeah," Kyouko grunts though she doesn't make any attempt to move.
"...A Witch?" Madoka guesses quietly as she runs a calming hand down Homura's back. She's at least glad that it seems to be working as Homura slowly relaxes under her touch.
Sayaka turns to her in surprise. "What? Where?"
Kyouko groans. "You are such a baby; someone like you won't last long."
Sayaka growls at her. "What did you call me?"
"I seem to recall you having trouble as well, Sakura-san," Mami states and to everyone's surprise, Kyouko blushes.
"Well, I never was as bad as this girl," she mutters, though they can see that the fight has left her.
"Hmm," Mami suddenly smiles as an idea occurs. "You know, I think this would be a perfect opportunity for you to pass on your wisdom to your kouhai."
Kyouko stares at her. "My what?"
Mami calmly places her teacup down onto her table. "Your kouhai," she repeats. "Due to her inexperience, Miki-san has picked up a few unfortunate habits while fighting, and seeing as you are also a melee combatant, Sakura-san, I believe it would be best for you two to work together and for you to teach her!"
Kyouko's mouth drops opens as Sayaka slams her hand onto the table, earning her another frown from Mami, but this time she is too angry to notice.
"She is not my senpai!" Sayaka shouts as she points to Kyouko. "What could I possibly learn from this street rat?! How to inhale a cheesecake in thirty seconds!? How to finish a box of pocky without chewing!?"
Kyouko growls at her as her own hand joins the table. The dishware clatters again and Mami tries hard to calm her anger.
"As if I'd want to teach this novice anything! She probably doesn't even know how to wipe her own—"
Mami clears her throat angrily. "Sakura-san. I believe you have a Witch you need to catch. Please take Miki-san with you."
"I don't—"
"Why should—"
"AHEM." Mami grits her teeth and gives them a warning smile.
"...You better not hold me back, novice." Kyouko grumbles as she stands.
"...Don't cry when I get the Witch first, street rat," Sayaka tells her as she follows her.
"And use the front door!" Mami shouts, but the two are too absorbed in their glaring contest as they exit through Mami's balcony door.
Kyouko transforms and smirks at Sayaka. "Follow me, novice. Unless you're too chicken," she says as she leaps off the building, zig-zagging her weapon through the walls, using them as leverage to jump down.
Sayaka stares after her, slack jawed. A few moments, and then Kyouko is grinning at her from below. She gulps nervously, and quickly transforms. She takes a deep breath as she throws her leg over the balcony.
At least there is no one watching...
"Miki-san!" Mami tries to get her to stop, but Sayaka ignores her and jumps off.
None of them know if she makes it, and Madoka stares at the balcony in fear, frozen in her spot. She wants to check on Sayaka, but is too afraid to see what had happened.
"...She should be fine," Homura tells her quietly. Her eyes are closed and she looks content as Madoka continues to trace soothing circles on her back.
Madoka nods hesitantly. If Homura said Sayaka was fine and Mami didn't seemed bothered, she had to be fine, right? Another glance to the balcony and then Madoka turns back to Mami.
"U-Uhm... are you sure they'll be okay, Mami-san? They... didn't seem to get along..."
Understatement of the year.
"They should be fine," Mami reassures her with a smile. She can hear the soft purr from Homura as Madoka absently reaches up to scratch her ears. She closes her eyes in amusement. "And if they aren't..."
The threat in Mami's voice is clear. Madoka nods. She glances over, and can see Homura now peering at Mami curiously.
"Akemi-san?"
Ears twitch in response.
"You should drink your milk before it goes bad."
Homura immediately moves away from Madoka to grab her cup.
"Would you like more cheesecake, Kaname-san?" Mami asks as she watches Homura mop up the spilled portion of her drink with a nearby tissue, before drinking her milk hurriedly.
"Uhm... S-Sure, Mami-san. Thank you..." she murmurs softly.
Mami moves to stand. "Would you like more milk, Akemi-san?"
Homura licks her lips and nods. "Yes, please."
"I'll be right back," Mami tells them. She gathers the empty dishware onto a tray, before heading to the kitchen.
"...Homura-chan." Madoka turns to the other girl who has moved on to eat her cheesecake.
Homura tilts her head curiously, but Madoka shakes her head.
"N-Nothing..."
She has no idea how to voice her sudden trepidations. She places her hands in her lap, already missing the warmth from Homura. Her eyes are unfocused as she watches as the other girl takes another bite out of her cheesecake.
Will they really be okay...? Or is this the calm before the storm...?
AN: Here it is ! Kyouko is finally here~ As always, thanks for reading/reviews from the usual people :)
Passerby-A: You are welcomed to correct me, I have no fans but plenty of awkward grammar :) Constructive criticism is always welcomed as well. If I was really discouraged I would've stopped updating by now. I do like reading about things that other people may see that I may not. Makes me think about stuff and then I'll angrily write you a reply in the next AN.
Psykoakuma: I apologize, I reread your review and you didn't flat out say that, but I kind of lumped it together with Passerby-A's review stating that it is strange that Sayaka would want to contract. You two were saying similar (yet different) things so it kind of read as such. HomuMadoMadoHomu
Now, as you notice, the hiatus hasn't been issued yet, but that is because I still have parts written. However, I have kind of stopped working on this story though I am diligently editing the chapters so that things make sense. My interest is kind of not really here anymore however. for now I will try and continue my weekly updates. \[o.o]/ And.. yes this chapter is pretty long isn't it. T-The next one will be shorter :( If not, then chapter 15 will be short for sure. If not then chapter 20...
I rewatched a few episodes of the anime and *cries for Homura* where's her happy ending :(