Mami watched me as I spoke with Sayaka. Cat is out of the bag, I need to explain to her how I made Sayaka into a magical girl.

I ended the call with Sayaka and turned to Mami while making the "stop" sign with my hand:

' Just be patient and let me explain everything, okay? '

Mami looked like she was going to say something but decided not to and smiled instead

Mami: " Fine, but please explain everything. I have been waiting for a long time already. "

I snuggled closer to Mami, my newfound girlfriend.

' Where was I? '

Mami: " Hmm... I guess you were separated from Oriko and Kirika. "

' Oh, yes. I managed to get all of us separated inside the new labyrinth. I wasn't alone though, I have been keeping the first witch by my side, Charlotte. '

' You see, I did my best to protect her from the impact, to prevent her getting agitated. That witch was important for my survival as well after all. I had to make decisions first. '

Mami: " What decisions? "

' Whether to kill Charlotte before Oriko could find me or let her live and join the fight. Either I could recover my magic power and fight Oriko myself or make Charlotte fight Oriko. However, Oriko and Kirika could group up and I wouldn't have any advantage over them. Killing Charlotte wasn't a decision I could choose just like that. She was... strong. '

Mami kept listening

' I had to make a decision and I have had important information. '

Mami: " What information? "

' Oriko's powers. I knew them. '

Mami: " (!)"

Mami: " What do you mean? What are her powers? "

Our eyes were locked with each other's. I could feel the question she had, " Why haven't you told me about them before? ", and it was totally my fault. I should have told Mami about Oriko instead of making her experience them first hand.

I grasped her hands. She was surprised by my sudden move. Neither of us averted our gazes.

' I am sorry. I should have told you about her more, especially her powers. It was my mistake. I simply believed in your strength. I shouldn't have put you in that risk. '

Mami's face clouded over.

Mami: " I don't care about what risk I am put through. Indeed, I did not need such help to survive. But, this is not about the dangers I am put through. The lives involved in that fight were not just mine, Oriko's or Kirika's. There were many others involved. At the very least, if I could have defeated them, I could have confirmed his safety. " while pointing at Shuzo.

I shook my head.

' Had I told you, the constant vigilance would have worn you out and they would manage to defeat you. You are not only strong but also quite smart, after fighting Oriko, you must have also found out her powers, haven't you. Do you think that knowledge could defeat them then? I didn't want you to fight Oriko, I just wanted to send you to find magical girls. I didn't think she would be after you. I know that they are just excuses, but I will not make the same mistakes again. '

Mami: " Right, their target was you after all. They knew that I would escape, and you would heal me. I was never going to be killed by them in the first place... "

' Being so smart, you must have found them out during your fight anyways. '

Mami accepted the fact that nothing would have changed from the knowledge of their powers. She couldn't defeat them both alone and someone had to go recruit magical girls against Walpurgis Night. She and Homura could have gone together for that but then again, Mitakihara would be left alone which means death of others. No matter what they choose, someone would have to die. In the end, Oriko did her move and still failed against Homura.

Mami: " I know that nothing would have changed even after learning her powers. As my actions change, so would hers, she can see the future after all. "

I gave a bitter smile. Mami easily understood Oriko's powers. I hope she can truly forgive me.

Mami: " And I also know that your love for me was also in her calculations. Everything was done in order to hunt you down. The actual question I need answers for is actually her motives. Why is she after you, Homura? "

Even the bitter smile disappeared from my face. I let go of her hands and stood up.

' I didn't want to tell you, if possible. I didn't want you to raise your opinions about her. '

Mami: " What do you mean? She couldn't go any lower in my eyes. "

I turned my back and faced the windows, gazing at the city in front of me.

' Her motives are not evil. '

Mami: " What do you mean? "

' What she wants is... To kill Madoka Kaname, the strongest magical girl candidate. '

Mami: " And pray tell, how is this not evil? " in an irritated voice.

' Because being the strongest magical girl also means becoming the strongest witch. And by strongest, I mean really strong. Not even the likes of you and I would compare to Madoka had she became a magical girl. She could even defeat the Walpurgis Night alone as easily as if it is nothing. '

Mami didn't say anything but I knew what she wanted to ask.

' We are magical girls, you and I. And even though I said all that about being a magical girl, as long as our soul gems are okay, there is no downside to being a magical girl. You must be wondering why I don't let Madoka become a magical girl, don't you? '

Mami: " Yes, but I can understand why you don't want her to become one. "

I shook my head

' No, it is not because I don't want her to face dangers as a magical girl and definitely not because I simply don't want her to become a magical girl. It is because such power can not be managed. '

Mami: " What do you mean? "

' The power, in itself is a good thing. However for a magical girl to have so much power... Her magical output would be more than capacity of her soul gem. You and I aren't as strong, we can not release so much magic but that is a good thing. If Madoka became a magical girl, then a single magic would be all it takes for her to become a witch. She can release so much magic, maybe even more than how much she owns. '

Oriko: " And this is what Oriko wants to prevent... "

' By killing Madoka. I will never allow such a thing! Madoka is just a cute and innocent little girl. She should be having fun instead of being hunted down by a crazy bitch who uses the lives of random people for her " greater good". Mami, we can't let Madoka get hurt. She doesn't deserve any of this. '

Mami: " I know. I know that Madoka is a good girl, and someone you hold dear. It's just, why does the girl who sees into the future prevent Madoka from becoming a witch? You wouldn't let her become a magical girl in the first place. Why is she so fervent about this, to even ambush us and risk her own life? "

' Because becoming a magical girl is Madoka's fate. '

Mami: " Fate? "

' That, is the only answer I can come up with. Madoka is fated to become a magical girl and that is why Oriko is after her. But we shouldn't worry about Madoka, we can just destroy her reasons for becoming a magical girl, such as Walpurgis Night. '

Mami: " Walpurgis Night? "

' Yes. If Walpurgis Night is not defeated, Madoka would be forced to defeat it in our stead, someone has to do it after all. We should gather up enough firepower to defeat Walpurgis Night. '

Right then, Shuzo's head moved and he started to open his eyes.

' (!) '

Mami: " (!) "

Shuzo: " Where, where is this place? "

Mami rushed to his side and grasped his hand:

Mami: " Don't worry, you are in my home. " she gave him a reassuring smile.

Shuzo's eyes opened completely as soon as he recognized the girl's face.

Shuzo: " It's you! Big sis! " he quickly straightened up and happily hugged her.

Mami hugged him back, holding her tears back.

Mami: " I am glad. I am so glad... "

Shuzo: " Hmm? " as he lifted his head

Mami smiled radiantly:

Mami: " I am glad you are fine. I have always regretted leaving you behind. "

Shuzo: " Big sis wasn't wrong! You don't need to blame yourself! "

Mami pulled Shuzo and hugged him again, petting him on the head.

Mami: " You are a good boy. Thank you. "

Mami stopped after a moment parted with him.

Mami: " Why have you come here though? "

Shuzo: " I wanted to help you. "

Mami: " What do you mean? "

Shuzo took a step back

Shuzo: " Transform! "

Light covered his body as he became one with the turquoise light. We averted our eyes from the blinding light. When light disappeared we could finally look in front of us.

The boy in front of us had transformed into a magical girl. She donned her magical dress; one part turquoise swimsuit, a thin metal plate over the chest area, red metal cuffs with leather black gloves on her hands; on her legs she wore white tights that are turquoise at the top, and over the tights, she wears long metal boots that are blue and white. On her head, she had a circlet with a quadrilateral star shape shining jewel facing forward.

Mami was shocked. I couldn't blame her, the boy in front of her turned into a magical girl. How does that work anyway?

Mami: " What? Why? "

Ryuusei: " As I said, I wanted to help you. I have always admired heroes. I knew that you were a true hero. How could I leave you alone to suffer against evil? "

Mami: " But- "

Knowing what's going to happen, I put my hand on Mami's shoulder and stopped her.

' Don't insult his bravery and his goodwill. '

Then I stepped forward, towards him

' I admire your spirit, if there were many others like you we wouldn't have to worry. My partner fights for those who can't and she probably got a bit upset that you stepped into the battlefield, the one she wanted to protect you from. But I think she will understand, you are the same as her. ' as I stepped behind Mami

Mami, her back facing the new magical girl, glared at me

Mami: " [ I didn't volunteer for this, I was forced to! ] "

' [ If you were asked to become a magical girl who can protect others, you would become one regardless of the time and circumstances. You are the one who feels compelled to protect and save the weak. Now, instead of ruining his happiness, face him properly. He wants a happy reunion after walking behind your footsteps. You owe this much to him. ] '

Mami didn't reply, she turned back to the boy. She also didn't want to make him sad, especially when his intentions were so pure.

Mami smiled at him and asked:

Mami: " Well, first things first, how about we introduce ourselves? I am Mami Tomoe, and this girl is Homura Akemi " presenting me

Ryuusei: " My name is Shuzo, but please call me Ryuusei while I am in this form. "

I smirked

Mami: " You want to be called Ryuusei while you are in magical girl form? "

Ryuusei: " Yes, super-heroes keep their true name a secret while using their super-hero name. I want to be a super-hero just like you, Mami onee-san! "

Mami: " Super-hero? Me? "

Ryuusei: " Yes! You are the first true super-hero I have ever met! I am so excited to help you. "

' Well, magical girls are like super-heroes I guess. Though we use our own names because we don't have masks or change faces, unlike you. It would be pointless trying to keep our identity secret in this age. '

Mami: " *Hmm* *hmm* " she nodded

Mami: " I appreciate your thoughts, Ryuusei; I would have liked it better if you haven't chosen to fight but, what's done is done. I will train you so prepare yourself! "

' Now now, don't be hasty. From what I heard, this boy can look after himself just fine. He almost defeated Kirika before he was interrupted by someone else. '

Mami: " Really? In such short time? "

Ryuusei: " I am not sure if she is the Kirika you are talking about but I fought against someone with huge claw-like weapons before some spear-wielding girl interrupted. I can't forgive them, especially that girl with claws, not after what she has done to everyone, to you! " looking at Mami

' Apparently, Kyoko, who didn't know about Kirika tried to stop them but caught in the crossfire. '

Mami: " Kyoko? Maybe I should wait until you properly explain everything in order. "

I walked towards Ryuusei.

' I apologize, the one who intervened in your fight is my idiot subordinate. She didn't know any better, so I would be very happy if you could forgive her. '

Ryuusei clenched her fists

Ryuusei: " What do you mean? "

' Exactly what it sounds like. The spear-wielding redhead is my subordinate who made a mistake by stopping you from defeating Kirika. You may resent her but, I still need her so please don't go after her life. We are all allies here, I am sure a noble soul like yours could find it itself to let bygones be bygones. '

Ryuusei looked down, staring at her hand that was pierced. She had to go through that pain all because of that girl. How could she just let it go?

Mami had a concerned face. She had mixed feelings about this. She probably wanted to vouch for Kyoko but given Kyoko's change, she doesn't know how low she might have stooped to.

I put my hand on Mami's shoulder and addressed Ryuusei:

' Come on now, Mami's cakes are delicious. Don't ruin their taste with that kind of expression. You are even making her sad. '

Ryuusei was surprised, she raised her head to face Mami

Ryuusei: " Do I? " genuinely asking a question

Mami: " I am just concerned for you, I don't know what Kyoko has done to you, but; it isn't right to be after vengeance. I am not saying that wrongdoers should be just forgiven but if you can find it in you to forgive someone who can be forgiven, you would grow as a person. "

' Kyoko made a mistake, she isn't actually evil. She is someone who can be forgiven. I am really sorry for what you had to go through, but sometimes, the best thing we can do is silently endure the pain we are inflicted. '

Mami used telepathy to tell me:

Mami: " [ You will tell me what exactly Kyoko has done to him. ] "

' [ It is just as I was saying, she intervened in his fight. That alone is not something to hold a grudge over. The problem is the consequences of Kyoko's actions. ]

Ryuusei has been looking at her hand again. The pain she felt was unlike anything. But, Ryuusei was a hero, not someone he became to take revenge. He also knew that if the partner of Mami was requesting this, forgiving was the right choice. The only thing stopping Ryuusei was her pride. The instant she understood that she made up her choice. A true hero would only do the right thing, and she was going to be a true hero.

Ryuusei: " I understand. I will not disappoint you, big sis. I will become a true hero who is more than just fighting. "

Interesting, this boy might be the real deal. If he ended up dead, Mami would no doubt feel sad. For her sake, I will not let him die.

Mami hugged Ryuusei. I wish she was like this with me as well...

Mami: " Thank you Shu- no, Ryuusei. Thank you for not losing your path. Thank you for helping me escape back then. Thank you, for existing. "

Ryuusei was feeling refreshed. Hugged by Mami, feeling such soothing happiness was no doubt better than feeling anger by thinking about revenge. " Ryuusei made the right choice " was what Shuzo thought.

' Yes yes, enough hugging. Let's eat our cakes and let me finish the story already. '

They finally parted before my jealousy triggered something. I sat on my seat as did others.