Chapter Eleven: Princess Negation

Yuma sat on Chiaki's lap, humming to herself and kicking her legs. Her neck craned as she watched the cold silver pendulum swing backwards and forwards. "It's strange."

"That's true," Chiaki said. "Do you know what this is?"

"Nope."

"It's a pendulum," Chiaki said. "Normally, it would be inside an old-fashioned clock. It helps you tell the time."

"I see." Yuma parsed this. "Are we inside a clock?"

"I don't think so," Chiaki said. "That's why it's strange."

Mami watched the pair for a moment before speaking. "Homura made the room this way using her magic, I believe," she said. "Although I don't understand why."

"Well, it's stylish," Chiaki said. "This room really makes you feel like you're in a magical girl's house. If I lived by myself, I might do something similar."

"I can't see the attraction, myself," Mami said. "I go home to get away from the magical world."

"I know the feeling." Chiaki smiled, cocking her head. "Do you live with your parents?"

Mami shook her head. "How about you two?"

"I live with my parents," Chiaki said. "And Yuma lives with us."

"She's your sister?"

"Yes," Yuma said.

"Yuma is my sister," Chiaki said. "But her parents aren't my parents, if you know what I mean. She didn't have any family left, so I became her sister."

"I see." Mami's face fell. "She's very unfortunate."

"Maybe. It was the demons. In a sense, it's cruel, but in another sense, it can't be helped. They're like a natural force." Chiaki closed her eyes. "There are far crueller ways for people to die. Car crashes, murders, suicide."

"I suppose so," Mami said, frowning. Her eyes lingered on the other girl's face. "If you're living with your parents, do you need to head home now?"

"Nah. Kirika made it so they don't question the things I need to do to fight demons," Chiaki said. "You don't know Kirika, do you? She can manipulate memories. It's a very useful form of magic."

"That sounds rather sinister," Mami said.

"Maybe. But it's still useful." Chiaki shrugged. "You can't live as a magical girl without worrying your parents half to death."

Mami frowned. "Do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Go ahead," Chiaki said.

"Why have you decided to fight the demon prince?"

Chiaki smiled.. "People will suffer if we don't do something about it. That's reason enough, right?"

"True," Mami said. "But not everyone thinks that way."

"I can fight too," Yuma said.

"I know you can fight," Chiaki said. "But I can't let you fight the demon prince, okay? When you're a bit older, I'll let you fight whoever you like. But right now you're too young."

"I want to stay with you," Yuma said. "If you're hurt, I can heal you."

"Thank you. But I won't get hurt," Chiaki said. "And I need you to protect Akihara."

"I don't want to protect Akihara," Yuma said, twisting her head and looking up at Chiaki. "I want to protect you."

"Thank you." Chiaki hugged Yuma tightly. "But if you fight the demon prince, I'll be so worried about you, I won't be able to think straight. If you're in a safe place, though, I'll use my full power, and definitely come back safely to see you again. You trust me, right?"

"I trust you," Yuma said, her face falling.

"Good girl. If you do as I say, everything will be fine," Chiaki said. "But for now, it's fine for you to stay here."

Mami smiled at the pair. She was feeling jealous, and that was ridiculous. "You're strong."

"Well, I proved that much against Kyouko, I guess," Chiaki said.

"That's not what I mean," Mami said. "When I was fighting alone in this town, I didn't have time to think of anyone but myself. I was lonely and scared. But you can take responsibility for looking after Yuma, as well."

"Not exactly. If anything, it's easier for me because I have Yuma," Chiaki said. "I hate being alone. Having someone by your side who can understand your life is really important, I think."

"I quite agree," Mami said. "Fighting alone is not pleasant."

The conversation ground to a halt after that. Mami toyed with her ring and glanced at the younger girl while she searched for a new topic of conversation. "They're taking a long time," she said eventually. "I hope they don't fight. Hitomi also gets on really badly with Kyouko."

"I get the impression Hitomi feels uncomfortable around you three, yes," Chiaki said. "But she won't fight Kyouko, I think. She's rather worried about the difference in strength."

"I see." Mami sighed. "I don't know, I don't understand it myself. I'm quite talented as we go, I guess, but then I met Homura, and she's completely different from I am. I don't find that worrying or upsetting, though."

"Yes, but have you ever been afraid of her, or felt like you hated her?" Chiaki said.

"Well, of course not," Mami said. "She's a bit cold, but she's just a magical girl."

"If you hate and fear another person, those emotions by themselves are wretched enough," Chiaki said. "But if you know that they could hurt you or kill you any time they liked, and there's nothing you can do about it, it's far worse. Hitomi wants power because she's scared. And if she was stronger, she might find it easier to get along with you all, since she would be less scared. Scared people pretend to be angry whenever they can. Anything is better than showing weakness."

"I suppose there's that," Mami said. "But honestly, it's not as if it's that simple to become stronger. Experience comes with time, but she'll only live long enough to accumulate that experience if she stays with us, whether she likes it or not."

"That's true. No one can fight alone," Chiaki said. "I told her that myself. And if we're patient with her, if we bear with her, she'll be less afraid. I hope so, anyway."

Mami nodded. "I know. I've been doing my best to look after her, since she doesn't resent me, as far as I can tell. I just wish she had contracted at a better time."

"Wishes don't wait for the right time," Chiaki said.

"I suppose so," Mami said. "In any case, anything you could do to help Hitomi would be greatly appreciated."

"I'll do whatever I can."

The pair looked up as the sound of someone running down the stairs echoed across the clean white room. Kyouko pushed open the door a moment later. "Homura's awake." She met Chiaki's gaze. "She wants to see you and Yuma."

Chiaki nodded.

"I'll come too," Mami said.

"Give it a second," Kyouko said. She leaned against the wall, catching her breath. "Hitomi's still up there, and she might have something to say to Homura."

"I see," Mami said. "What did she talk to you about?"

"Nothing much," Kyouko said. "Sayaka, mostly. But she was calmer than usual."

"That's good," Mami said. She glanced between Kyouko and Chiaki.

Kyouko frowned, looking sidelong at Chiaki and putting her hands behind her head. "Where's the kid from? Call me perceptive, but I don't think she's your daughter."

Chiaki laughed. "Not exactly. I just found her one day, that's all."

"I see," Kyouko said. "You're diligent, I'll give you that. If I found a kid I'd run for the hills."

"I wonder about that," Chiaki said. "I'm not sure you would, you know."

Mami shifted, toying with her ring. "In any case, how is Homura? Any lasting problems?"

"I don't think so," Kyouko said, lowering her hands and relaxing her posture as she turned her attention to Mami. "She tried to get up until I stopped her, so she's probably feeling much better."

"I see," Mami said. "That really does sound like her."

Hitomi came down the stairs slowly, glancing at the others. "I'll be going home for now. That's fine, right?"

"Of course," Mami said. "We'll contact you if more demons emerge."

"Sure." Hitomi waved as the others headed for Homura's room, carrying on towards the street.

"I'll be cooking," Kyouko said. "See you later, Hitomi."

"Good-bye."

Mami led the way up the stairs, followed by Chiaki and Yuma. She knocked hesitantly, waiting for Homura's permission before opening the door and stepping inside. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," Homura said. "Hungry and tired, but that's all." She sat up in bed, studying Chiaki closely. "You're Chiaki?"

"That's me," Chiaki said. "I'm from Akihara. This is Yuma."

"Hello," Yuma said. She clutched Chiaki's legs from behind, regarding Homura nervously.

"Thanks for coming all this way. I'm told I owe you two my life," Homura said. "I'm in your debt."

"Don't be so formal," Chiaki said. "We're all in this together, right? Hitomi saved me earlier, so it all breaks even in the end."

"I see," Homura said. "I'm glad she was of use. Kyubey said you were interested in helping us against the demon prince."

"I'll stick around and help out," Chiaki said. "Yuma will go back before the final boss fight, though. I'm sure you understand."

Yuma pouted.

"That makes sense," Homura said. "So, what sort of magic do you use?"

"Her weapons are double-sided swords," Mami said. "She has the magical capacity to summon enormous numbers of them at once, and she has telekinetic magic, so she can attack with flying swords while also striking in melee combat. Her speed, strength and technique are comparable to Kyouko."

"I see," Homura said.

"Well, she's watched me fight," Chiaki said. "That's right, anyway. My magic is something like 'attraction and repulsion', I guess."

"That's a powerful ability." Homura frowned. "Can you use that power to shield yourself?"

"It doesn't work on magical attacks," Chiaki said. "But I can make barriers between my swords, though I mostly defend by dodging. Why all the questions?"

"I need to know your capabilities so I can form a battle plan," Homura said.

"You were wounded a few hours ago, Homura," Mami said. "This isn't the time to worry about strategy."

"I feel fine. And we don't know when we'll have to go into battle again," Homura said. "It's better to plan in advance."

Mami sighed. "Well, I'll take this as a sign you really are feeling fine, I suppose. Chiaki's barriers are strong. I can vouch for that. So that can be of use when we set up for finishing moves."

They discussed the finer points of magical combat for half an hour, Yuma sitting on Chiaki's lap resting her head against her friend's chest out of sleepy boredom. Mami participated patiently. This was something like a return to normalcy. Perhaps that was why Homura spent so much time planning. It allowed her to make the extraordinary boring.

They were eventually interrupted by Kyouko arriving with food. "Here," she said, thrusting the tray at Homura. "Eat, if you can."

"Thank you." Homura frowned, picking up her chopsticks. "I feel fine, so I should be able to eat."

"I'll call this a night," Chiaki said. "I think Yuma's endured enough. Mami, can you show me around town? If you're free, of course."

"I don't mind," Mami said.

"Thanks." Chiaki placed Yuma on her feet. "Let's go have a look around, okay?"

"Okay," Yuma said, smiling.

"Use telepathy if anything comes up," Chiaki said, glancing at Kyouko and Homura. "I'll see you both around."

"See you," Kyouko said.

"Good-bye," Homura said. "If you need anything, just ask. If demons arrive, don't engage until we've all gathered, either."

"Sure." Chiaki waved as she left with Mami and Yuma, her expression cheerful.

"She's strange," Homura said. "I don't know her, but she is very outgoing, for a magical girl."

"It's a façade," Kyouko said. "She's also experienced tragedy."

"I see. I suppose that's inevitable," Homura said. She ate rapidly. "What about her problems with you?"

"We resolved all that," Kyouko said. "In a battle."

Homura stared at Kyouko. "You fought her?"

"It was her idea," Kyouko said. "But it doesn't matter, I think it's settled because of that. She's basically good-natured, so there shouldn't be any further trouble."

"That's good," Homura said. "The last thing we need right now is to be fighting amongst ourselves."

"Well, I agree," Kyouko said. "But sometimes it's better to have a huge fight than to let things fester. Just as long as you both survive."

"I don't approve of play-fighting," Homura said. "But if it worked, I won't argue with you."

"It worked," Kyouko said. She sat on the end of Homura's bed. "You look better."

"I feel fine. Yuma's healing magic is excellent," Homura said. "I still feel tired, though."

"That makes sense. You can go to bed after this," Kyouko said. "We'll hold down the fort."

"I won't sleep yet," Homura said. "I have a few things to think about."

"I see," Kyouko said. "Don't overdo it."

Homura continued to eat in silence for a few seconds before glancing sidelong at Kyouko. "While I was unconscious, I had a dream. I dreamed I saw Madoka." She closed her eyes. "No, that might have been something more than a dream. I'm not sure. If it's her, anything is possible."

"How's she doing?" Kyouko said. "Being a goddess sounds tiring."

"She's doing fine, as far as I can tell," Homura said. "Though it feels like she's become an adult while I wasn't looking. I'm not sure how to feel about that."

"Well, she's a goddess, right?" Kyouko said. "Makes sense to me."

"I know. But before she was a goddess, she was a girl," Homura said. "I just find it difficult to reconcile the two in my head."

"And you liked her as a girl, right?" Kyouko said. "Well, I can understand why meeting her now would be problematic for you."

"It's just my selfishness," Homura said. "She was very kind to me. But I can't talk to her as an equal any more." She sighed, closing her eyes. "Though I shouldn't be worrying this much about a dream. It's a waste of your time."

"I don't mind. I'm bored," Kyouko said. "And if you're worrying about it, I'm interested. You're amusing when you talk about Madoka."

"I'm not talking about this to amuse you," Homura said.

"I know. It's not like I'm laughing at you or anything, right?" Kyouko smiled. "It's just good to see you still have emotions."

"Of course I have emotions," Homura said. "I'm a magical girl."

"If you know that yourself, why do you spend so much time pretending otherwise?" Kyouko shrugged. "Though I'm being unfair. You're just a stoic person. I'm the same."

"Magical girls need to be that way," Homura said. "But it's not as if we can stay that way all the time, either. Even I need time to breathe."

"Mm. If anything, I'm glad you can do that around me. I can relax around you." Kyouko folded her arms, yawning. "Sorry about being bitchy, but I've had a hell of a day. Try not to get shot again, okay? It's bad for my heart."

"I'll do everything I can to avoid a repeat of today's crisis," Homura said. "Hopefully Chiaki will be of use in preventing that."

"She's powerful. She'll be very helpful," Kyouko said.

"I hope so." Homura looked out of the window. "Well, I'll do everything I can, like I said. Madoka is watching us. I can't prove that and only I believe that, but I'll hold onto that thought. It gives me strength."

"That's why I'm jealous of you," Kyouko said. "Anyway, eat up and take it easy. No more talk about demons and serious things like that, okay? Let's discuss something else."

"Like what?" Homura asked.

Kyouko frowned. "I don't know. What sort of TV shows did you like when you were a kid?"

Homura laughed. "Why would you want to know something like that?"

"I don't know," Kyouko said. "It doesn't have to be that. Just talk about yourself."

Homura shrugged. "Fine. Just as long as you talk about yourself, as well."

"Sure." Kyouko smiled. "I'll take anything but talking about our world."

They talked about small, trivial things for half an hour, taking turns to drudge up anything amusing or embarrassing from their pasts. Mostly, they spoke of happy memories, and mostly, they spoke of the time when they were very young. Despite Kyouko's poverty and Homura's parents, they both felt nostalgia for a time when they could afford to be children. At length, their discussion was interrupted by the door-bell.

Kyouko sighed. "I'll get it." She headed down the stairs, frowning as the doorbell was rung for a second time. "I'm coming!"

She opened the front door and came face to face with a young woman who towered above her, violet eyes sharp. "Are you Homura? I've brought back one of your lackeys."

Hitomi stood just behind Ritsuko. Her hands were folded together as she looked at the floor in silence.

"I'm Kyouko. Homura is upstairs, resting," Kyouko said. "Who are you, and why do you have Hitomi with you?"

"I'm Ritsuko Higashikuni," Ritsuko said. "I'm a magical girl. I'll explain the circumstances in front of Homura. I despise repeating myself."

Let her in, Homura said. She's here to help against the demon prince.

I hope so. Kyouko frowned. "Fine. Come in."

Mami, Chiaki, another magical girl has arrived, Homura said. If possible, could you head back here and meet her?

Very well, Mami said. It never rains but it pours, it would seem.

I got it. We'll head back, Chiaki said. Is she talented?

I don't know, Kyouko admitted, walking up the stairs. I can't sense her power at all.

Homura watched the door, waiting as the trio came inside. Her eyes fixed on Ritsuko. How strange. Neither can I.

Hitomi's hands twisted, her eyes wide as she stood silently.

"You're Homura?" Ritsuko said, stepping close to the bed and looking down at the dark-haired girl.

"I am," Homura said. "You are?"

"I'm Ritsuko Higashikuni," Ritsuko said. "You're the girl in charge of this area, right?"

"Not exactly," Homura said. "I share the area with three other magical girls. Kyouko and Hitomi are two of those three. The other is coming now."

Ritsuko snorted. "You're the strongest girl in this area, right? Or is Kahoru wrong?"

"That's probably accurate," Homura said.

"Then you are in charge of this area. Good to know." Ritsuko folded her arms beneath her chest, her posture stiff as she towered over the other girls. "I'm going to be honest with you. I just took down this girl, Hitomi. But As you can see, I've healed the injuries I inflicted on her in that fight. I fought her because she was trying to tell a normal person about the fact she was a magical girl."

Homura's eyes widened. "I see. I understand that's against the rules, but surely attacking her wasn't strictly necessary?"

"No kidding," Kyouko said. "Just what the hell are you trying to do?"

"This is my job," Ritsuko said. "I don't care what you think about it, that's how it is. In any case, I deleted his memories of the incident and everything's under control. I want you to make sure she doesn't try anything that stupid again. If she does, I might not be so nice next time."

"Enough with your stupid threats," Kyouko said, stepping in front of Ritsuko and looking up at her. "This is our city, you know. You don't get to come in here, hurt one of our team and threaten the rest of us."

Ritsuko met her gaze evenly, frowning. "Do you want to die?"

"Don't," Hitomi said to Kyouko. She closed her eyes. "It's not worth it."

"This always happens because you negate your presence, Ritsuko," Kyubey said, padding into the room and beelining for his favourite spot on the window-sill. "Stop doing that and they'll get the idea."

"Ah, right. I always forget that." Ritsuko shrugged, her presence blazing like an uncovered flame. "I hate unnecessary fights, so why don't you keep it civil? I came a long way to help you fight the demon prince."

Kyouko took an involuntary step backwards, biting her lip. "You're the one who acted violently in our territory."

"I resolved a problem," Ritsuko said. "If anything, you should thank me."

"Kyouko, let's be calm," Homura said. "Even if you disapprove of her methods, the real problem is Kyubey's law. But while violence is over-doing it, it's not as if you want normal humans to know about our world, either."

"I know," Kyouko said. "But that's not the problem here. I don't like her attitude."

"Overlook it," Homura said. "We need to work together. Ritsuko, thank you for coming all this way. Since you haven't done any permanent harm to Hitomi and you've been honest about it, I'll overlook this afternoon's matter. But can you please leave the rest of this to us? If Hitomi tries it again, I'll stop her myself. That way you'll have no complaints, I assume?"

"That's fine," Ritsuko said. "I thought you were just an child, but you do have some intelligence. That's good to know."

"Be rude all you like. It is of no concern to me," Homura said. "What kind of magic do you use?"

"Why do you ask?" Ritsuko said.

"I'll need to know when I come to form a battle plan," Homura said. "Since we fight in formation, a sense of your abilities will help me leverage your power to best effect."

Ritsuko scowled. "That's not necessary. I just fight how I like. But Hitomi knows anyway, so I'll tell you. My weapon is a naginata. I can extent that weapon to any length using my magic. My most powerful magic is my negation, which comes from my wish."

"Negation?" Homura asked.

"Ritsuko can make anything become nothing," Kyubey said. "It's a tremendously powerful form of magic."

"Well, that's how it is," Ritsuko said. "You children can feel free to use plans and formations and so on. I don't need anything like that. When the time comes for a battle, I will fight with strength and pride without reference to anyone else. And in the battle against the demon prince, I will fight him head on and vanquish him. If you children can at least keep the lesser demons off my back, it will be a clear victory."

"However strong you are, that method of fighting is dangerous," Homura said. "Right now, there are an overwhelming number of demons being unleashed on the streets. It's nothing like the battles you are used to."

"I know. But I will be fine." Ritsuko turned her head away. "I'm different from all of you. I can fight any number of demons."

Homura frowned. "How many years of experience do you have?"

"A long time," Ritsuko said. "Longer than any of you children."

"Then I can't tell you what to do. But under the present circumstances, you really should consider cooperating with us. That's for your safety, as well as ours," Homura said. "And I hope you'll advise me on the strategies we should use against the demon prince at a later date."

"I have no interest in strategy," Ritsuko said. "Since I always fight alone. Wait until Kahoru turns up, she'll teach you more about anti-demon tactics than you ever wanted to know."

"I see," Homura said. "I will look forwards to that."

The whole room tensed momentarily as they sensed the miasma emerge outside. Kyouko sighed. "Again? This is getting absurd."

Homura climbed out of bed, finding her feet and flexing the fingers of her right hand. "My body feels fine. I can fight. Let's go."

"It's fine," Ritsuko said. "I'll handle this wave." She closed her eyes, her telepathic voice reaching all the city's magical girls. Listen, children. I'm Ritsuko Higashikuni. I will be taking care of this wave of the demons, so don't raise a hand to them. Just stay out of the way.

Do as she says, Homura said. We won't join the combat. But be in position inside the miasma, just in case anything goes wrong. I'll monitor the situation from the air. We're moving out.

If you say so, Homura, Mami said. I don't know who she is, but fighting that many demons alone is assisted suicide.

Trust me, Homura said. In the worst case, we'll intervene.

So much unnecessary concern. Watch if you like, but the remnants are all mine. Ritsuko stepped out onto the balcony, raising her ring hand. She was wrapped in pure white light within moments, emerging with her cloak flowing behind her. Her soul gem was a clear diamond embedded in her forehead. She turned her head to look back at the others. "Feel free to get some rest. I really don't need the help." She jumped from the balcony, landing smoothly on the street below. A moment later, she took flight, white light rippling around her.

Homura frowned. "Hitomi, are you okay?"

"I've seen better days," Hitomi said. "She stabbed me in the stomach, then used her magic on Kyousuke. He's alive, but..." She bit her lip and closed her eyes. "Why did this have to happen?"

Homura bit her lip. Mami, Hitomi isn't in a fit state to fight. Can you come here and take her home before joining the battle?

Very well, Mami said. What happened?

I'll explain in a minute, Homura said. Kyouko, Chiaki, head towards the miasma. I'll go on ahead, so meet me where I end up.

"You sure you're in a fit state yourself?" Kyouko asked.

"I'm fine," Homura said. "Don't worry about me."

Kyouko nodded, catching her sleeve and looking into her eyes. "I won't say 'she's made her bed, now she can lie on it'. If she needs to be bailed out, we bail her out. But get a good look at her magic. With her attitude, I want us to be ready for anything."

Homura nodded. "I agree. Just in case." She threw her right hand out, adopting her jacket in a moment.

Kyubey leapt onto her shoulder as she walked out onto the balcony, gripping her grey jacket tightly. Do keep a safe distance. Her magic isn't always safe to be around.

"I'll be careful." Homura took off, her white wings glowing behind her as she shot into the sky. She closed her eyes as the cold wind pressed against her face, moving rapidly towards the centre of the miasma. This time, the demons had emerged in the heart of the industrial outskirts. They prowled between the vast, silent industrial plants, drifting towards the city. Homura settled on top of a towering chimney, her wings fading away. From this vantage point she looked down over the battlefield with calculating eyes.

Ritsuko stood on top of a large rusted plant fifty meters away, her cloak fluttering in the wind. She gripped her naginata with both hands, swinging her weapon downwards. The blade erupted downwards at great speed, piercing through four demons milling beneath and plunging into the ground. A moment later, three identical blades twisted upwards out of the earth, skewering more demons and dragging them up into the air. They fell apart into so much dust, scattered on the evening breeze.

Homura frowned. "Are all magical girls her age like that?"

Kyubey jumped from Homura's shoulder, landing on the edge of the chimney. "Older, more experienced magical girls tend to be survivors. But Ritsuko is a special case. She's the most reliable magical girl in this country."

"I see," Homura said. "So her confidence is well-founded."

"She's head-strong, but I can't say anything," Kyubey said. "At the end of the day, she gets results."

The demons emerged from the miasma, surrounding Ritsuko on every side. They pressed tightly together, their white robes trailing lankly from their bodies and forming a fluttering wall. Long, twisted limbs were raised as they gathered light on their finger-tips. Clad in white above them, Ritsuko almost looked like one of them, or perhaps their queen. She ran forwards, jumping off the edge of the building and descending towards the mass of demons. Wind erupted violently outwards as she used her magic, shattering the endless spears of light that shot towards her from every side at once. She landed and charged forwards, her naginata erupting to great length and cutting down several demons before she threw herself into close combat, her weapon retracting to a normal length and spiralling flawlessly through three more. Their robes folded weightlessly around her blade as she cut through them, moving between her enemies with no wasted movements whatsoever. Her naginata erupted again, cutting through the demon she faced and reaching to pierce further foes. Behind her, the demons turned to react to her sudden assault, raising their hands and gathering light.

Homura narrowed her eyes. Behind you!

I already know. Ritsuko retracted her naginata as she ran, driving the spear-head into the cracked concrete beneath her feet and using it's haft as a pivot to turn herself. White light erupted up her left arm as she unleashed her magic. A savage wind rushed outwards as the group of demons were torn apart. The iron machinery behind them was shredded, a great circle cut clean through the rusted metal. She jumped away a moment before the remaining demon lances struck home, covering the distance to the next group in a single bound and plunging into the melee. She cut half of them down with the spear in her right hand, raising her left and crushing the rest with her formless magic. It was strangely beautiful. Bright light and a cold wind were all the traces of her magic as she willed demon after demon to destruction.

Homura watched as Ritsuko broke away, negating another barrage of incoming fire and throwing herself into the shadow of the industrial plant just as the demons on either side of the building moved to flank her. The white-cloaked magical girl thrust her left hand back, her magic ripping a hole in the metal wall. She backed into the shadows, concealing herself inside the building's dark interior. The demons milled around the decaying structure, firing their beams of light blindly into it and melting away the metal walls. At the same time, a hole was torn in the roof of the building. A moment later Ritsuko flew straight upwards out of hole, barraging the closely packed demons before they could react. Demon after demon was crushed by her magic and her biting naginata as she descended, planting her feet and spinning her blade clean through the nearest demons. She took off as they turned to face her, light and wind twisting as she tore a circular hole in the ranks of the demons and ran into the space she had created. As they rounded on her with their bright lances, she threw herself into the cover of another shattered machine.

Homura half-raised her bow, frowning. Just say the word, and I'll crush them with my long-range fire-power. You don't have to fight alone.

I have no need of your help. Don't you dare. Ritsuko slammed her back against the wreckage, moving her head back and forth as she tracked the movement of the demons closing in on her from both sides. The twisted iron began to glow as yet more demons poured fire into the machine from behind. The moment demons came into her sight, she reacted, her right arm pointing towards one group and unleashing her erupting naginata while her left hand faced the other way, firing a wind-swept bolt. Both groups of demons were crushed by her twin attacks. Her eyes narrowed as demons began to emerge from the miasma in front of her. She ran clean through their ranks and threw herself into the darkness beyond, her presence fading momentarily from sight.

Homura sighed. I understand. She continued to watch silently.

After several minutes of intense skirmishing, the remaining demons finally managed to corner the white-cloaked magical girl. Ritsuko panted for breath, turning her head as she searched for any gap in the circle. A ring of light surrounded her as the demons prepared to fire, throwing crazy shadows across the cold concrete beneath her feet.

Homura kicked off the chimney, her white wings erupting behind her. She drew her bow-string back, forming a blazing purple arrow as she shot upwards. I'm going.

There's no need. Ritsuko grimaced as white light erupted around her feet, spiralling outwards and tracing an enormous magical circle within moments. Thick, curved white lines encompassed the demons for an instant before they collapsed, a tremendous wind crashing inwards with a thunderous crack. The concrete was ripped away by her magic, exposing a great circle of barren earth. After a heart-beat's pause, the miasma slackened, beginning to fade away.

Homura landed in front of Ritsuko, lowering her bow. "Just as you said, I wasn't necessary. I'm impressed."

Ritsuko drove her naginata into the ground, using it to support her weight as she gasped for breath. Her cheeks were flushed from exhaustion and beaded with thick sweat. Her white soul gem was thick with dark clouds of corruption. "I told you, didn't I? You should have gone straight to bed instead of coming here."

Homura opened her left hand, raising a cluster of remnants and pressing them against the soul gem in Ritsuko's forehead. "No, I'm glad I came. You're an interesting reference on how a single magical girl can fight overwhelming numbers of demons."

"Don't try to be me," Ritsuko said. She kept her head still as Homura drained the worst of the corruption away. "I can do that, but you can't."

"Perhaps. But if I ever have no choice but to fight alone, I'll do as you do," Homura said. She pulled her hand away, keeping hold of the darkened remnants while she waited for Kyubey to catch up to them.

"Are you trying to flatter me?" Ritsuko said.

"I don't flatter people," Homura said. "I'm just honest. But tell me, why do you enforce Kyubey's law?"

"Because he bribes me," Ritsuko said. She wiped the sweat from her brow with her sleeve, her breathing beginning to settle down. "And because if I didn't do well, someone else would it badly. Why do you ask?"

"I'm just curious." Homura frowned. "As I said earlier, we'll handle everything regarding Hitomi. And if any other such matter comes up, we will handle it ourselves. Don't act as an enforcer while you are in our city."

Ritsuko snorted. "Fine. But in return, if I say a hunt is mine, it's mine. Just like tonight."

"If you insist. But I will continue to watch your fights," Homura said. "Just in case."

Ritsuko turned away as the other magical girls ran towards them, banishing her cloak and returning her soul gem to a ring on her finger. "You're all late."

Kyouko stopped by Homura, putting her hands on her knees. "You're kidding me. Did she really wipe out all the demons before we arrived?"

"Without breaking a sweat," Ritsuko said. "I told you I didn't need your help. It's not my fault you didn't listen to me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have remnants to harvest."

"Sorry about this," Homura said to the others. "Let's go back."

Kyouko nodded, watching Ritsuko suspiciously as she picked her way through the wreckage of the battlefield. "Sure. I really could do with a rest, myself."


Check out the link in my profile for a cool piece of Hitomi fan-art from mondu-the-fat.

I'll also take this opportunity to thank all my reviewers. Support and critique alike are always appreciated.