Chapter 16

A Scarlet Dream

The bed was soft, but Madoka was softer next to her. Illuminated by the moonlight, Homura could see her eyes were closed, but there was a gentle smile on her face. Homura simply lay there, basking in her presence. Here, all her fears could be left behind, melting away.

"Hey Madoka, are you still awake?"

"Yeah. Sleeping in the same bed is a bit embarrassing, huh?"

"I can sleep on the floor." Homura offered without hesitation.

"No, this is nice." Madoka snuggled up even tighter. "Plus, you're so warm..."

Homura wrapped an arm around her while Madoka giggled. "So are you, Madoka."

The two of them simply lay there, enjoying the moment. Eventually however, Homura's curiosity got the better of her.

"Hey, Madoka? Why did you invite me to spend the night?"

"When you told me you lived alone, you seemed so… well… lonely."

"I… did?"

"So I wanted to spend a lot more time with you."

"Madoka… um… thank you." Homura replied.

"You shouldn't. I'm just happy seeing you happy."

"Me too."

"Can I sleep over at your place, next time?"

"S-sure, but there's not much there, if your okay with that."

"That's not true." Madoka leaned forwards, smiling. "You're there."

"Madoka..." Homura's heart swelled with emotion. She was at a loss for words. What did she say next? Thankfully, Madoka stepped in.

"I'm kinda tired now."

"Me too. I think I'll sleep well tonight. Good night Madoka."

"Good night Homura." Madoka leaned forwards, resting on Homura's chest, arms wrapped around her. She was quickly asleep, breathing softly.

Homura, for her part, lay there, appreciating the moment. Madoka was at peace. This… was what it was all for. She could do this. She would save her. No matter how many timelines it would take. For moments like these. Where Madoka could be happy. As she lay back on the pillow, she looked back outside at the Moon.

She saw a shadow began to fill it. That was odd, there was never a lunar eclipse at this time… Then Homura saw the stars begin to fade from the sky, one by one. The lights of Mitakihara were extinguished and everything outside became blackness.

The room began to darken as well, everything vanishing from sight. She then felt herself sinking, falling into darkness. She looked around, and could see that Madoka was falling as well. Her eyes were closed, and she looked peaceful, but she was still falling, tumbling through the darkness. Homura dove after her, desperately trying to catch up.

All around them, there was nothingness, just an empty black void and the wind whipping around them. The only light came from Madoka as she seemed to glow in the shadows.

"Don't worry Madoka! I'm coming!"

She was getting closer now. Almost within reach. Homura held out her hands, attempting to reach her. As she approached, she desperately grabbed at her. Her hands, her legs, her hair, her shirt, anything to get a hold. Homura's first few attempts were clumsy, Madoka slipping out of her grip. Finally, however, she managed to get a grip on Madoka's hand, only for a sudden gust of wind to tear them apart.

Homura stopped moving, trapped, while she watched the a red claw emerge from the gloom and impale Madoka upon it's talons. Homura screamed and screamed, but she was powerless to do anything. Her movements became stiff, painful. Her throat became raw, her eyes began to blur, but she couldn't reach Madoka. Blood flowed from Madoka's wounds, staining her clothes, her hair, her skin. Soon she was utterly soaked in her own blood. It dripped down the length of the claw.

"No! Madoka!" Homura screamed. But it was pointless, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reach her. And then the hand began to sink, dragging Madoka down into the darkness...

Slowly, Homura returned to consciousness. Everything was in pain. When she tried to move her hands felt slick. It was blood. Her blood. She was covered in it. She couldn't feel her legs. One eye was swollen shut. Her hair was matted down with blood. Even breathing hurt. When she tried to pull herself out, her head exploded in agony, and she almost vomited as her sense of balance went haywire.

Her vision was blurry, but she see that she was pinned beneath a large piece of rubble. It was also hot, and growing hotter. The building was on fire, and the blaze was steadily drawing closer to her.

She heard footsteps, and then in her blurry vision saw bare feet standing before her.

"H-help." Homura said weakly.

"Oh, but what would be the point?"

Homura recognized that voice. She grimaced as she saw Homulilly kneel in front of her.

"Madoka's dead."

Homura's body went cold. "No! She can't be!"

Homulilly leaned over, against the rocks pinning Homura down. She caressed Homura's cheek, before running her bony hands across the wounds on her head, inflicting piercing agony upon Homura. Her vision splintered as she was helpless to do anything but whimper.

"Why delude yourself? You never had a chance. You acknowledged it yourself. You couldn't protect her forever. Someday it would all come crashing down. But you had to live in denial. Ignore your epiphany. And now she's dead. You failed, like everything else in your worthless life. But what else can you expect?"

"No!" Homura rasped as she stretched out a blood-stained hand and tried to pull her self free. Agony wracked her, but she needed to get free. "Madoka!"

"Still trying? It's over. Madoka is lost due to your own failures. You're dying as well. Why keep flailing like this? At least take it with some dignity. But then again, you never deserved that either."

Homura tried to ignore her, but then she screamed in pain as Homulilly's foot slammed down on her head. She twisted her feet, inflicting more agony on Homura, while she giggled.

"I can see it now! Your grave: 'Here lies Homura, the good-for-nothing. She died as she lived, a waste of space. Her life was a joke. And not even a funny one.' But I can see that you aren't heeding my words. You never learn do you?" Homulilly shrugged and began to walk away. "Well, not like it make a difference anyways. Story of your life huh?"

Homura was left alone, to struggle in futility against the massive weight pinning her down, while the fires drew ever closer...

"Homura?! Homura?!" Sora rushed through the city, becoming increasingly panicked. Where was she? He had been temporarily blinded from the flash of lightning and couldn't see where Homura had landed. And now she was probably hurt, and in severe danger from the Heartless.

He remembered her face, the severe bags and those eyes. They were so full of sadness. She had lost someone. Just like he had lost Riku and Kairi. She was on the same journey he once was. He understood her pain, what she was going through. He couldn't fail her.

But now he was so weak. He had failed his exam for the Mark of Mastery and was left behind, his strength gone. He was weaker now, and the people who depended on him were in danger because of it.

Goofy and Donald approached him from different streets, both bearing the same disappointed expression.

"I guess you guys haven't had any luck either?" Sora said. The both shook their heads.

"Well, we'll just have to search harder." He said. He then heard a humming sound. Fortunately he still had his reflexes. Sora turned and raised Kingdom Key, intercepting a series of red bolts. He instantly recognized what it meant.

"Finally, that got your attention." A man in a black coat leaped down from a nearby rooftop. He had black hair with streaks of gray, multiple scars, and an eye-patch on his face. His one eye was yellow. Despite his laid back demeanor, an aura of menace and unease surrounded him.

"Xigbar!"

"Sora! See? I can say names too!"

"Get out of the way, we don't have time for you!"

"Go away!" Donald shouted.

"Yeah! No Organization!" Goofy added.

"Oh, is that so? How rude!" Xigbar said with a mocking grin. "So tell me, do you think your optimizing your schedule properly?"

"What?" Donald asked in confusion.

"Just say what you mean!"

"Oh but I did. No good will ever come of putting others before yourself."

"Oh yeah! Tell that to Herc!" Sora shot back. "He's a hero! He always thinks of others before himself!"

"As if! A pretty boy who has friends in high places. Fancy and all, but tricks like that don't fly for your average joe."

"What do you know? You weren't even there when he saved Meg from the underworld! If you were, you'd admire his courage!"

"I don't admire someone leaping into danger if it means someone else might have to jump in and save them. It seems so many are making mistakes like that these days..." Xigbar shrugged.

Sora flinched at those words. Did he know about Homura?

"You're all just lining up to lose out. Dooming others to take the fall with ya'. It's a fools game you get suckered into, and makes you lose sight of what's really important. Oh, and spare me the usual party line. Yeah, hearts are powerful when their connected. But if you put too much of that power in one place, then those hearts might end up breaking." Xigbar sneered. "But then again… you don't have any choice but to follow this sweet little trail of breadcrumbs, do you? And at the end you'll finally realize what destiny has in store for you. In fact, your reward might be right around the corner. You're so close!"

He laughed as he walked away, a Dark Corridor opening up to take him in.

Sora shoulder sagged as the confrontation ended. Once, he was able to go toe to toe with Xigbar and even worse than that and come out on top. And now he was helpless to do anything but take his taunts. He couldn't stop Maleficent from hurting Homura either. Was he really just wasting his time?

"Don't let him getcha' down, Sora." Goofy said. "He's just tryin' to mess with ya'. All those people you've helped along the way are real grateful. They don't think you've wasted your time, and ain't that what matters?"

Sora considered Goofy's words, and took a deep breath. He was right. He had come too far to give up now. Weak or not, he'd have to see this through to the end.

"Right, now let's keep searching."

"Hey, what are you stopping for?" A voice said.

"I heard voices inside there. I think there might be someone trapped inside."

There was the sound of shifting rubble, and then light entered the room.

"Yeah, you were right! There's a girl trapped beneath those rocks!"

Homura's vision was blurry, but she could make out several figures standing at the entrance to the building.

"Argh! The fire's too hot! It's blocking our way!"

"There's a fountain nearby. Grab some buckets and hurry!"

"Right!"

The figures vanished, leaving Homura alone again. What was happening?

It wasn't long before she heard rapid footsteps approaching. There were several splashes of water, and the temperature began to go down.

"Good, they're out of the way!" She heard more footsteps, and saw several blurry figures draw closer. "Don't worry, we'll have you out in no time!"

What was happening? What did these people want with her? She wasn't worth anything to them, was she?

"Alright, put your legs into it!" There was the sounds of grunting, and then disappointment.

"Dammit. It's too heavy!"

"What are we going to do?"

"I know! Come with me!"

The footsteps faded off into the distance. They were leaving. Whatever they wanted, they didn't find it with her. Where had they gone? Her vision was too blurry to make anything out. Whatever, it wasn't that important. She was so tired...

Homura felt a gust of wind, and heard the sound of wings flapping. Then, more footsteps.

"Everyone stand back!" A voice shouted. Suddenly, it was as if the great weight had been removed from her. She felt a pair of strong arms lifting her up and carrying her off. Was she dying? Was it finally over?

"Oh no! Homura!"

"Donald, hurry!"

Those voices sounded familiar.

"Cura!" Her vision was filled with a bright green light. Suddenly, she felt… better. She could feel her legs. Her pain was gone. She could see clearly again. The fog that had settled over her mind was lifted and she was aware of where she was. She took in a deep breath.

She realized she was being held, and when she moved, he set her down.

"What happened?"

"Maleficent blasted you away, and then the building dropped on you!" Sora explained. "It looks like Herc pulled you out though!"

Homura turned to the man. This was Hercules? She'd read several of the myths, and this was not what she had expected him to look like. Regardless, she bowed.

"Thank you."

"Hey, don't thank me. Thank them." Hercules pointed to the group of civilians nearby who were admiring a winged horse that could only be Pegasus. "They were the ones who cleared away the entrance and extinguished the fires. They only came to find me when the stones pinning you down were too heavy for them to lift."

At those words, Homura paused. Why? What value was she to them? She remembered Sora's words: "They were in danger, why else? That's what heroes do!".

They reminded her of Madoka. But... Madoka was...

Homura placed her fingers to her forehead, only to flinch when she realized that the were still bloodstained. She was still covered in her own blood.

"Oh! I've got this!" Sora said, raising his Keyblade.

"What?"

"Water!" Before Homura could react, a massive deluge of water came down on her, soaking her thoroughly.

"Sora! What'd you do that for!" Squawked Donald.

"Well, she was all messy. I thought I could help!"

When she cleared her eyes she saw that the blood and dirt had indeed been washed off of her. Unorthodox, but effective. She ran her hands through her hair, using magic to dry it off. Her Puella Magi uniform was enchanted, it would dry itself off on it's own after a bit.

She then heard the clip clop of hooves. At first, she thought it was Pegasus, but it was coming from a completely different direction.

She turned to see a woman in a purple dress walking alongside a short and fat Satyr.

"Meg! Phil!"

"Looking good, wonder boy!" The woman, Meg, said flirtatiously.

"How's it goin' champ?" Phil asked Hercules.

"We just saved this girl from a burning building. You know, the usual. So, how's the evacuation going?"

"Right on schedule. We've gotten everyone we can to the town square where they're safe!"

Hercules breathed in relief. "That's good. Now, you need to get to safety."

"What, are ya' kiddin' me?" Phil shouted, angrily shaking his fists. "Three words! Those things are chumps!"

Homura tilted her head. Wait… isn't that four-

"I'd totally let 'em have it. Show off for the ladies!" He then flexed and winked at Homura, who didn't quite get it, but was revolted all the same.

Just what is that old coot up to? Xigbar watched the proceedings from the shadows of a nearby building, musing on what he had observed. Xehanort had been disappearing randomly in recent times, beyond his ability to keep track of.

Apparently, the fruits of his efforts had been this girl. But where had she come from? What was so special about her? Her affinity for time magic? Perhaps, something like that would be useful. But he had the feeling that it was more than that. That little display against Maleficent hinted at there being something more to her than a first impression would give.

But what?

Well, time to do a little research.

A quick warp carried him to some nearby rooftops. Good, they still hadn't noticed him. He grinned and snapped his fingers. A crackling dark cloud appeared over the area.

"Eurystheus! Get to work!"

There was a sudden rumbling in the air. Homura looked around to see a dark cloud appear over the town square. People quickly moved out of the way as a gigantic jar came crashing down, demolishing several pillars and scattering debris everywhere. It resembled one of the old greek vases, and depicted on it was a man wrestling with a lion. As she watched, the image came to life, and the lion slashed the man with it's claws, throwing him to the ground. Then it emerged from the vase, roaring. It's eyes glowed yellow. A Heartless.

The crowd screamed, and began to run for their lives.

"Are you kiddin' me?! That things huge!" Phil shouted.

"What happened to 'Those things are chumps?'" Hercules asked with a grin?

"Two words! I've got you!" Phil replied as he and Meg leaped upon Pegasus.

"You guys guide everyone to another safe area! Sora, Donald, Goofy, Homura! With me!"

"Right!" The five of them rushed towards the battle as the lion roared.

As always, thanks to The Name Of Love for beta-reading and idea sounding!

~Dragonexx