Madoka quickly navigated her way through the streets without taking a single look back towards Mami's apartment. She knew that the others were right, no matter how much she would have liked to argue otherwise. Even if it had only been in her subconscious, she had wished for a peaceful life all along. Was this the punishment for her selfishness, to watch her own little utopia slowly fall into ruin?

She knew from the beginning that the fate of the world far outweighed the importance of her own needs. Indeed, it might have been Homura who took action. But that was only because Homura knew her better than anyone. She knew exactly what Madoka had been thinking all along, and furthermore, had the power and means to fulfil her wish. Perhaps Sayaka's death had even been Madoka's fault. After all, it was because of Madoka that Homura had been under so much pressure. If she had understood how Homura had felt all along, she might have even been able to rescue her…

No, it was no good to carry on blaming herself. She knew with certainty that she was the only person in the world capable of saving Homura. She refused to allow the past to repeat itself.

Homura left the house with Kyubey trailing close behind her. She kept a brisk pace and buttoned her jacket all the way to the top as the wind began to pick up.

"What are you planning" Kyubey asked as he jumped up onto a handrail opposite Homura.

"I'm going to get rid of anyone standing in my way…"

"No," Kyubey interjected, turning to face Homura, "what are you really planning? I find it hard to believe your only concern is getting rid of those girls. I'm sure you've realised by now that they pose barely any threat whatsoever. So, what is the real reason?"

"I told y-"

"Homura, I know as well as you do that there's only one thing you care about right now. The only thing you've ever really cared about. No matter how much you try to convince yourself otherwise, it all comes down to just one person. What are you going to do with Madoka."

A smile formed on Homura's face as she quickened her pace.

"I'm going to do what I've always done. I'm going to save her."

Homura soon came to a large, open space in the centre of the city. She looked around as if waiting for someone, then lay down on the concrete and spread her arms.

"How many times have I laid here next to Madoka?"

The area looked different to how she had always remembered it, but there was no mistaking it. It seemed as if she had always been lead here. She couldn't even recall the number of times she had watched Madoka die. Sometimes she had begged Homura to take her life. Others, it was too late and she had transformed into a witch, the inevitable fate which all Magical Girls shared.

The chances of Madoka arriving were slim, if not utterly non-existent. Yet she had a gut feeling, something which she was not able to put into words. Sure enough, a figure soon entered from one of the nearby alleyways.

Homura dusted herself off and faced the figure. She didn't show any hint of surprise, after all, it was only natural that they should meet here.

"Hello Madoka."

Madoka stopped just short of a few metres and looked towards Homura. Her instinct had been correct, but now that she was actually face to face with her, she came to realise she had no plan at all. It was true that she may be the only person able to stand up to Homura, but right now she was just an ordinary girl with the weight of the whole world crushing down on her shoulders.

"Homura… I'm sorry."

"Sorry? Whatever for?"

"It's my fault everything ended up like this. You've only ever tried to look after me. If I hadn't been so selfish, maybe all this wouldn't have had to happen…"

"Madoka… it's not your fault. When I first met you, I realised I had a reason to live. I knew that I wanted to live my life for you. You see… Madoka… I love you."

Madoka found it difficult not to show her surprise. Had Homura's affections really been this strong all along?

"That's why," Homura continued as a pistol materialised in her right hand, "I'm going to save you. I'm the only person who can. You see, it really is true. There must always be an equal amount of despair in this world. I wanted everyone to live peacefully, yet since I've created this world all we've done is fight. Fate is too cruel. Our lives will always be plagued with despair and anguish…"

Madoka stumbled backwards in fear as Homura raised the weapon and aimed directly towards her.

"We can only achieve true peace in death…. I can't believe it took me so long to figure it out. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we both died here together?"

"Homu-"

Madoka was cut short as a deafening explosion sliced through the air. The bullet flew straight into her chest, causing her to crash down to the floor as if she had been a ragdoll. It didn't hurt. At least, not at first. She tried to struggle to her feet yet her legs would not obey her, although with tremendous effort she was at least able to lift her hand. Scarlet red blood began to drip from her fingertips, splattering on the cobbled ground.

Homura turned the gun on herself without any hesitation at all. She smiled, then inched her finger towards the trigger.

"No!"