Another quick update. Enjoy if you can!
Many years ago, Beacon Academy dorms…
A ruined city.
A horde of monsters that stretched all the way to the horizon.
The click of a gun that had run out of ammo.
The resigned sigh of utter despair.
Then…
Just darkness…
Homura's eyes shot open as consciousness slammed into her at terminal velocity. She sucked in a sharp breath and stared at the ceiling, ears ringing with the sound of her own racing heart. A second gasp reached her as the room's other occupant also awoke in similar shock.
"Homura."
She turned to face Madoka, who had sat up with knees pulled up to her chest. Anxiety and fear bubbled inside the archer—a fear of the future that only ever manifested within Homura herself. The fact that it appeared within Madoka made Homura feel sick.
"Were those the same nightmares you were having last year?" Madoka asked, holding herself tightly.
Homura, too, sat up and brought her knees into a hug. She didn't want to answer, but she knew Madoka would immediately know, even if she said nothing.
So she croaked an answer.
"Y-yeah, it was…"
The stream of mixed emotions that played upon Madoka's face was nothing compared to the tidal wave of feeling that surged through their connection. It was nearly overwhelming, threatening to sweep everything away until the only thing Homura felt was what Madoka felt. The guilt. The pain. The sorrow.
Madoka choked back a sob. "Homura, I'm so sorry." She pulled Homura into the tightest hug she could muster. "I didn't… Whenever you told me about it, I didn't think… I didn't think it'd be so… so…"
"So hopeless?" Homura finished for her, putting a hand atop Madoka's head. "You don't need to apologise. It's hard to describe what it's like for those who've never experienced it. I don't blame you for underestimating it."
"Is this why you're always so… cautious…?"
A weak, humorless chuckle. "Maybe. Maybe not. I've always been fairly neurotic…"
Madoka tightened her embrace. "I was so scared, Homura… I was so scared I would lose you…" She buried her face into Homura's shoulder. "Please tell me that was just a bad dream. If that was your future, I don't… I don't think I can…"
Homura quietly rubbed Madoka's back, electing not to speak. She couldn't guarantee that her dream was nothing more, considering the weak precognition her semblance gave her during combat situations. This dream could easily be as prophetic as both of them feared.
And on top of all that, she couldn't bring herself to lie…
"I'm sorry, Madoka…"
There was nothing more to say, and two cried quietly into the night…
Early morning, Atlas Training Arena A…
Sayaka sat on the bench next to Kyouko, watching quietly as Homura and Mami sparred on the arena floor—or at least it appeared as though she was watching. In truth, she was too lost in thought to notice anything from outside her own mind. Nothing could pull her back to reality—not the sound of gunfire reverberating off the walls, the smell of spent dust cartridges coloring the air, nor even the occasional stray bullet hitting the safety shield in front of her.
"I used to do a weekly circuit around the terminal ward as part of my medic training, relieving some of the patients' aches and pains with my semblance. Nagisa was one of the more cheery patients I met back then. Last I heard, they unlocked her aura and she was making a full recovery…"
Mami's ribbons snaked around Homura's ankle to pull the Valean's legs from under her. Homura put a bullet through the flattened length of steel as she deflected Mami's shotgun batons with her shield.
"You said she experienced cardiac arrest fifteen minutes ago, but as far as I can tell, circulation only stopped a few seconds before we entered the room. What's going on here?"
Homura pointed a shot at Mami's foot, which the Atlesian deftly avoided by raising her leg slightly. As she did so, Homura rushed forward, leaning in with her shield and shoulder to knock Mami off balance.
"Okay, she's healed—or at least my semblance tells me she is. What I don't understand is why I still can't feel a pulse. It's less like her heart is beating and more like it's… breathing… if that makes any sense."
Mami's dust ribbons scraped across the floor as she danced back onto her feet, the aura-reinforced strips lashing out wildly as she swung her legs around. Despite the seemingly uncontrollable movements, she still managed to whip a ribbon into Homura's hand right as the Valean took aim.
"I agree with Doctor Nakamura. This… stasis thing you can do… You've got to know how this could revolutionize the world of medicine, right? Surgeries? Ambulance rides? All the other time-sensitive procedures that could save someone's life? You gave a girl who used to have only hours another two weeks—and you barely even touched her. No wonder the higher ups planned to give more budget to you guys."
What finally succeeded in breaking Sayaka's daze was the sound of the ending buzzer when the timer hit zero—a sound she'd always found uncannily similar to her morning alarm. In a brief panic, she flitted her gaze around the room to assess her surroundings. Thankfully, it seemed like no one had noticed her absence of mind.
Down on the arena floor, Homura and Mami knelt a few feet from each other, both still keeping their guns trained on their respective opponent, though neither had their fingers inside the trigger guards. After a moment of silence, filled only by the combatants' heavy breathing, they slowly lowered their weapons and stood back up.
"Looks like we're evenly matched," Mami noted with a small smile. "Or we are until you decide to stop holding back."
Homura averted her eyes and shifted her weight. "I don't make a habit of using more energy than necessary," she muttered, putting away her gun.
A giggle. "Then I suppose your little display of power during your match with Winter was necessary?"
"Er… Not particularly…"
"Then why use your time powers on her and not on me?"
"Cut her some slack, Mami," Kyouko heckled from the benches. "She probably didn't think she could win unless she used it. She's as much of a sore loser as you are."
A pout. "I'm not a sore loser though."
"Oh yeah? Then why'd you pry my spear out of my hands with your semblance after I almost beat you earlier? Didn't you say you wouldn't use it to keep things interesting?"
"You find a challenge interesting, don't you?"
"You just don't want me to win."
"Well, of course I don't. That would mean I'd lose."
"See, now, that's what I was talking about, you cheating—"
"Ahem!" Homura interrupted their brewing quarrel by clearing her throat. The sound seemed to echo against the arena walls even louder than the gunfire and clashing steel from earlier. "Ladies, need I remind you? We only reserved this place for an hour."
Homura sent a brief glance at Kyouko, who seemed to relent based on eye contact alone.
Mami took longer to let up, her face scrunched in a rare display of displeasure. Her expression eventually relaxed as she sighed. "I suppose you're right. How would you like us to proceed, then?" She turned to the two on the bench. "I personally think a two-on-two would round out today's session nicely." She gave Kyouko a knowing look. "You think so too, don't you?"
"It is a plan I can get behind," Kyouko agreed with a chuckle. "Although…" She stood and stretched, grunting in satisfaction as the joints of her neck and fingers popped, "I reckon we should make it a little bit more interesting."
"Will this be the same wager as always?" Mami asked with a smirk and roll of her eyes.
Sayaka blinked. "What wager?"
Kyouko glanced at the blue fencer and shrugged. "Think of it like a little ritual of ours. Whoever loses the last fight of a session buys the other dinner. Or lunch. Whatever's more convenient." She returned her attention to Mami. "But since this is our first four-man spar, what do you say to upping the ante?"
Mami put a hand on her hip. "I'm open to suggestions—though, given my win record against you, I don't imagine your wallet would appreciate you raising the stakes."
"Last night's job more than made back the last three months' worth of meals," the red lancer replied with a snort. "In any case…"
She kicked her spear up from the ground and caught it, giving it a twirl before resting it on her shoulder.
"There's a high-end buffet place I've been meaning to try out in the northeast quadrant. Heard its dessert menu has an unmatched selection of Valean pastries. I found it a little too expensive to justify splurging on until now. You interested?"
"Valean pastries, huh?" Mami seemed to regard the proposition with deep thought, brows furrowed seriously and hand cupped around her chin. "I'm definitely tempted," she admitted with a wry smile. "Though I'm not the only one you need to ask."
"I'm in," Homura immediately answered, as if on cue. "I walk past that restaurant during my morning commutes. I've been meaning to try the place myself, actually, so this proves as convenient an excuse as any."
"Sweet. What about you, Miki?"
Sayaka looked down thoughtfully, resting her hand atop Siren Song's handle, idly fidgeting with the cocking lever.
Hitomi and Kyousuke wouldn't have minded if Sayaka went to a restaurant without them—Hitomi might have grown a little miffed, but that'd only be because she was a naturally jealous person. At the same time, Sayaka had just recently left them at a party with barely a goodbye. Neither of the two seemed particularly upset by the events of the previous night, but she couldn't help but feel like she was leaving them out.
"Maybe next time," Sayaka eventually decided. "I'd have to ask my team first."
"Well, in that case, I'm pairing with Homura," Kyouko announced, jumping over the guard rails into the arena floor. "No offence to either of you two, but I don't want to lose."
Homura gave her a small sharp smile. "Ironic, given how often you lose to Major Tomoe."
"Hey, I just have to beat her sixty two more times after today and we'll be even."
"You lost to her sixty two times?" Sayaka asked with a quirk of her brow, rising from her seat and taking the stairs down to the arena floor.
"Sixty three," Mami corrected smugly. "If there's anything to say, it's that her determination is admirable. She's willing to bang her head against the wall until it breaks."
A smile tugged at Sayaka's lips. "Until what breaks—the wall or her head?"
The lancer bristled. "Look, I just don't want to be the one paying for three people's meals, okay? This way, if we lose, I'm at least splitting the bill with Homura."
Homura tilted her head. "If you believe we'll lose, why not just team with the major instead?"
"I didn't… I was being… it was just a—" She let out a frustrated huff. "Alright, you guys are pissing me off. Can this not devolve into Let's Bully Kyouko hour?"
"Of course it can. It simply won't while it continues to be entertaining. That said," Homura pulled out a shotgun, pumping it with a distinct ka-chunk, "let's not waste any more time. My shift starts in half an hour and I'd still like to shower after this session. I'm sure you three have obligations after this as well."
They exchanged looks before collectively shrugging. Fair enough, they supposed.
"Reset match state. Set timer to five minutes," Homura ordered.
The screen overlooking the arena updated to display all four of their aura levels. Sayaka and Kyouko's were a healthy green. Homura's and Mami's were in the yellow but quickly rising.
"Begin in thirty seconds."
A timer began counting down, every second punctuated by a beep.
Sayaka unsheathed Siren Song and approached Mami. Kyouko twirled Rossio Phantom once more and took her place next to Homura. All four combatants lowered their stances, ready to leap into action on a moment's notice.
"Standard anti-personnel procedures?" Sayaka asked Mami under her breath.
"Affirmative. Akemi is priority target. Use quick-draw and runner protocols."
"Will they even work on her?"
"Unlikely. The best we can hope for is that their teamwork is lacking due to their limited combat time together."
"I somehow doubt that'll matter."
"If worst comes to worse and Homura goes all out, you could always use a chrono glyph on us so we can match Homura's speed."
A weak chuckle. "Yeah. If only I knew how to do that."
The timer hit zero and they all sprung into action.
Later, Atlas Training Arena Locker Room…
Kyouko turned on the shower head and let the spray of hot water stream down her body, reaching out with her mind into the person in the stall next to hers.
Can we finally talk about what happened last night?
Distilled and concentrated annoyance pulsed through the connection. What's there to talk about? Homura replied.
Kyouko rubbed her face and sighed. Look, I can hear your passive thoughts much better now that you've pointed them out to me, but I still don't understand them any more than I did last night. All I can tell right now is that something happened between you and Miki and it's bothering you. She smiled wryly. And if I understand things right, you feeling bothered means I feel bothered too.
There was a faint sense of regret from Homura, followed by several flashes of sights, sounds, and sensations as she tried to organize her thoughts into something coherent enough for Kyouko to parse. Eventually, the flashes stopped and Homura let out the mental equivalent to a sigh.
I'm sorry, Kyouko. If emotional bleed-over was something I could turn off for your convenience, I would have done it.
Kyouko chuckled aloud. Hey, you could have cut our connection any time—you just don't want to. No point crying about it.
Foreign dissatisfaction seeped into Kyouko's mind. Homura wanted to argue otherwise but couldn't articulate a response that Kyouko wouldn't be able to refute—not when the lancer had full access to her thoughts.
Kyouko sighed again and grabbed her soap. She began scrubbing.
For the record, Hom, I don't mind having you in my head. I still think it feels weird as fuck, but that'll pass with time.
Understandable. Madoka and I needed a few months to become comfortable with it as well.
I know. Now are you gonna tell me what happened last night or not? Another mental groan from Homura made Kyouko roll her eyes. Well? she asked expectantly.
Alright, fine, I'll tell you. Or rather, show you.
Should I brace myself?
Homura seemed to smile wryly. You might as well. It can feel quite intense when you're not used to it.
Okay? Hit me, then.
When Kyouko said "hit me," she didn't expect it to feel like an actual physical blow. The surge of memories assaulted her senses as days' worth of relevant information flowed into her mind like a movie on fast-forward. She experienced Homura's recruitment into Atlas R&D ; their discovery of Madoka Kaname's soul gem; her introduction to Nagisa Momoe; and most importantly…
"Our current protocol is to transfer souls into bodies as similar as possible to their old ones, so as to reduce the patients' discomfort as they acclimate themselves to their new bodies. The one we are constructing for Miss Momoe is still incomplete, and we cannot expedite the process any more than we already have."
"We are aware of your feelings of responsibility for this child and understand that you will not allow her to die now. We, too, share this sentiment. However, we must face the reality of the situation at hand."
Homura grit her teeth. "I think I understand where this is going. Get to the point."
"Very well. In two days' time, you will perform the transfer operation on Miss Nagisa Momoe, regardless of what body we provide for her. Details will be sent to your scroll. You are not to perform any strenuous activity within twenty four hours of the operation. Understood?"
"Yes sir…"
Kyouko gasped and coughed as her mind returned to the present.
"Kyouko, what's wrong?" Mami asked from the other stall.
"You do realize you're not supposed to drink the shower water, right?" Homura deadpanned from the stall on the other side.
"Oh shut up, both of you!" Kyouko snapped, shutting off the tap and exiting her shower stall. Homura, what the fuck was that? she asked as she began to towel herself off.
A brief look into my day job.
Your job is to tear out people's souls and stuff them into robots!?
Technically, their real body isn't the robotic skeleton. It's the—
The metal egg, yeah, whatever, I don't care. It's still tearing out people's souls.
Kyouko pulled her locker open and began putting on her casual clothes.
Kyouko, you know these people were going to die if I didn't step in. I specifically made sure to show you that.
Yeah, I saw. I'm not taking away from what you did—that's fine. My problem is who you're doing it for. Those people had nothing before you saved them, Hom. Nothing. And now? She swung her locker closed. They have Atlas and only Atlas.
Homura stepped out of her stall, eyeing Kyouko impassively. I have no delusions as to what they plan to do with the people I helped. As it stands, I'm in no position to do anything about it. She turned away and began walking to her own locker, passing by Kyouko with nary a glance. Despite everything, I'm only one woman, Kyouko. And I have my own problems to worry about.
Kyouko pursed her lips, watching the Valean huntress disappear behind the corner, continuing to stare long after she was out of sight.
Full access to her thoughts and Kyouko still didn't understand Homura. What a joke.
As the Vacuan forced the topic out of her mind, Mami emerged from her own shower stall. "So, when shall we be going to that buffet?" she asked, wrapping a towel around herself.
Kyouko put on as genuine a smile as she could muster and faced the blonde. "What time is good for you?" she asked with a smirk.
"Hmm. Well, it's too far from the academy to eat at for lunch today, and I have obligations tonight. I'm free tomorrow night, though."
Tomorrow's good, Homura chimed telepathically from the other side of the locker room.
"Tomorrow's good," Kyouko parroted to Mami. "Don't worry about Homura. I'm sure she'll be free."
Mami raised a brow. "For someone who teamed up with her specifically to win this meal, you're surprisingly willing to throw her under the bus."
A shrug. "I'm sure I can make it up to her. Maybe I'll take her to lunch today."
"Well, if you do, make sure to tell me the juicy details later." With a wink and salute, Mami turned and made for her locker further down the aisle.
Kyouko threw on her hoodie as she watched Mami's retreat, grinning toothily. The Atlesian major really did look so much better with her hair down. Of course, the fact that she was dripping wet and wearing only a towel also helped. Oh, how Kyouko would love to—
Please stop that, Homura scolded with the mental equivalent to a slap on the arm.
What? Don't you think she's hot too?
Kyouko, I'm trying my best to limit the amount of emotional bleed-over you experience. I'd appreciate it if you did the same for me.
Wait, we can limit it? I thought you said you couldn't stop it without cutting our connection entirely.
You… I didn't… I never said… Actually, you know what? Never mind. I think I'll just leave.
In the instant that followed, Homura's presence vanished. Kyouko could no longer hear the chatter in the back of her consciousness, nor could she sense the Valean's aura signature. Accompanying this was the sound of the locker room's door closing.
"Really, Hom? Using time dilation to run away from some sexual thoughts?" Kyouko snickered. "What a damn coward." She picked up the coiled length of her chain spear and clipped it onto her belt. "Oi, Mami! I'll be off now!"
"Stay safe, Kyouko. Have fun on your date later."
"It's not a—" Kyouko palmed her face. "Oh, fuck it. Thanks, I will!"
She put her hands into her pockets and trudged out of the locker room.
Later, Atlas Central Command Main Elevator Room…
"You sure showered quickly."
Sayaka blinked and turned to Homura, who approached from behind with that odd half-smile of hers.
"You were dressed and out of the locker room in half the time it took the rest of us to leave our shower stalls."
A shrug. "To be fair, I have way shorter hair than any of you."
"True enough," Homura replied, joining Sayaka in waiting for the elevator. "But I'm sure you've realized by now that you could have taken your time."
Sayaka chuckled weakly as she returned her gaze towards the still-closed doors. "Haha… yeah… I sorta forgot that this elevator has a ten minute round-trip at minimum."
Several seconds later, the elevator doors opened and they both stepped inside. As their five minute descent began, so too did their daily morning ritual. Sayaka opened for them, as usual.
"How come we're the only two I've seen using this elevator?" she asked, crossing her arms and leaning back onto the wall.
"Staggered shifts," Homura answered curtly. "Most others in R&D come in either much earlier or much later than the two of us. It's much easier to maintain OpSec if there aren't several dozen scientists queuing for the one elevator every morning."
A raised brow. "If that's the case, why bother having an elevator here at all? Why not just have it be completely hidden away?"
"What makes you think they didn't also do that? You must realize how foolish it would be to have an underground laboratory complex with only a five foot square elevator as its entrance."
"Well, when you put it like that…"
Sayaka glanced away, rubbing her arms. She sensed a strange vibe about Homura—nothing hostile, but clearly less interested in socializing than usual.
Not that Sayaka could blame her, after the previous night.
There was a moment where the only sound within the elevator was the electric buzz of the ill-maintained lights and muffled spinning of wheels as their metal box descended at speed. In that time, Homura shifted her weight, rubbing her hand nervously.
"Something on your mind?" the archer asked. "You're rarely this quiet."
Sayaka pursed her lips, keeping her eyes on the floor. "I don't know. I just kinda feel like you're not up to talk today. Still upset by what happened last night?"
"You know we're not allowed to talk about it."
"Yeah, but aren't we allowed to talk about how you felt about it?"
Homura shifted her weight once more, spreading her feet apart slightly, as if she were about to drop into a combat stance. "Maybe…"
Sayaka looked up to find Homura staring dully towards the door, face completely devoid of any emotion. Somehow, the fencer expected that sort of sigh-worthy lack of reaction.
"Look, Homura," she began. "I don't know you that well, but I can tell you were bothered by what happened. I just wanna know if you're okay and if I can help."
Homura spared her barely a glance. "I don't doubt you can help, but it's thankfully something I can take care of on my own."
Sayaka wanted to argue but quickly swallowed her words before she could speak them. Instead, she croaked, "That's… that's good, then…"
Another wordless moment passed, the floor number on the wall screen ticking down from B10 to B11.
Homura glanced at her again. "Your silence doesn't fool me. You still want to help regardless of what I said, don't you?"
Sayaka found herself laughing weakly. "Heh, yeah…" She shrugged, letting limp arms fall to her side. "I guess it's a healer thing…"
"I see…" Homura rubbed her hands nervously, not making eye contact. "For what it's worth, Sayaka, the sentiment is appreciated. I'm just not sure you'd be allowed to help."
A scowl. "This is a security clearance thing isn't it?"
Instead of giving a direct answer, Homura chuckled humorlessly. "You should know that most R&D divisions don't allow outsiders to assist them. Your involvement in last night's incident was an exception due to multiple factors that didn't align correctly. Had the situation not been so dire; had another healer been available; had communications within the event hall not been jammed; had any number of circumstances not been the case, you would not have been the one called down to the labs last night."
As those words hung in the air, Sayaka stared at the floor beneath her feet, her frown deepening. Eventually, the elevator slowed to a stop and the doors opened to basement nineteen, marking the end to their routine morning talk.
"This is your floor," Homura noted.
Sayaka closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "So it is…"
"Before you go, I want to say something first."
She opened her eyes and pulled her gaze up, brows rising to her hairline as Homura turned to face her.
"Coincidence or not, you saved Nagisa Momoe last night in a way I never would have been able to. That alone was more than enough help already. You need not do more. You have my gratitude, Sayaka Miki."
As she said this, Homura put her hands flat to her sides, straightened her back, and pitched her torso forward from her hips.
"Uh…" Sayaka blinked, unsure of how to react. She was used to salutes, curtsies, and other social niceties that were common among Atlesians. But a proper bow? She never expected to encounter one outside of Mistral, but here she was, in the heart of Atlas, receiving one from the Angel of Death of all people. What was she supposed to do in response?
She shook her head, put a hand on the door frame to prevent the elevator from closing. "Raise your head, Homura. It wasn't that big a deal. It was just the right thing to do."
Another humorless chuckle escaped Homura's lips as she stood from the bow. "So you say. That changes nothing, though."
A smile tugged at the edges of Sayaka's lips. "I suppose it doesn't. Is there really nothing more I can do to help? Maybe you could ask the labcoats if they're willing to let me use my semblance on Nagisa again."
"That would certainly alleviate some of her pains, but she's too far gone now for you to make any meaningful difference."
Sayaka sighed and looked down at her free hand, a circle of music notes appearing above her open palm. "And to think I have the power to bend reality to my will. Somehow, it's still not enough." She dismissed the glyph with a clenched fist.
"That's why the two of us are in R&D, aren't we? Power alone is never enough."
She nodded thoughtfully at Homura's reassurance before stepping out of the elevator. "Whatever your division's main project is, I hope it works out for Nagisa. I'd be really upset if it didn't."
"I know. I'd feel the same way. Hopefully the project you're assigned to works out as well." The doors began to close. "Until we meet again, Sayaka Miki."
Sayaka looked back barely in time to see a sliver of a genuine smile through the gaps between the doors before it shut completely. Once it did, she was left in the empty hall with only darkness.
"Same to you Homura," she muttered, knowing full well that the Valean couldn't hear her. "Same to you…"
Late Morning, Atlas Academy, Combat Department Faculty Office…
Mami leafed through and signed her stack of papers at a steady pace, periodically removing a sheet and dropping it into the paper shredder right next to her. On the other side of the table, Maria was chipping away at her own stack of papers, removing staples with the hook configuration of her prosthetic's multi-tool.
"Remind me again why the most advanced city on the planet still uses paper and ink?"
Mami spared Maria's grumbling barely a glance. "Because there are enough technomancers in our student body that there's a very real threat that they'll crash our system on accident."
"Wait, really?"
"No. Not really. Get back to work."
Maria huffed in disappointment. "Yes, ma'am…"
Mami didn't usually resort to sarcastic language with her cadets, but Maria Bloodhunter was a rare exception, if only for her track record. The list of infractions she had incurred, both major and minor, was so expansive that any sheet of paper that could contain all of them would probably be long enough to be controllable via Mami's ribbon semblance—and every single item on that list had been a moment of untold stress in Mami's life.
Honestly, Maria was lucky that Atlas had such different standards in regards to what was considered expulsion worthy. So many of her past actions would not have been overlooked had she been in any other hunter academy—especially the little stunt she had pulled in her second year that had lost her and her class some limbs. She wouldn't have just been expelled—she would have suffered criminal charges for reckless endangerment. As it stood, the only reason she hadn't been court martialed was because she had technically been under orders from a superior.
"Hard at work, I see. And during your lunch break, too. How admirable."
And speaking of superiors, Mami thought with a displeased smile. She looked up from her papers, watching the woman approaching their table, whose flowing white hair remained airborne behind her as she walked, slowly floating downward as if she was underwater. Atop her head was a metal tophat with ornate frills around the brim, and on her face was a razor thin smile that was sharp enough to draw blood from merely looking at her.
"Hello, Oriko," Mami greeted stiffly.
As she said this, Maria stood at attention, giving a salute. "Major Mikuni."
"Sit back down, Cadet," Oriko said with a dismissive, if casual, wave. "You're supposed to be assisting Major Tomoe, no? Don't dally."
"Ma'am."
As Maria returned to her stack of stapled sheets, Mami leaned back on her chair and turned towards the white-haired woman. "It's not often you leave your office, and even less often you come to me specifically. To what do I owe this visit?"
"A great many things," Oriko replied cryptically, "though most are not pertinent at the moment. What is pertinent are these."
She handed Mami a number of questionnaires for some sort of survey—probably the one mentioned in that department memo she'd received a week prior. Mami skimmed through the questions before slipping the forms into one of her folders.
"I'll fill it out when I have time. When is it due?"
"Have it on my desk by the end of the day."
"Understood. Will that be all?"
Oriko glanced at Maria before shaking her head. "I have just one more thing to tell you before I leave you to your work. Do you remember the warning I gave you some months ago?" A nod. "Good. Everything I said still stands. Be careful about what you choose to protect. Some battles are not yours to fight."
As the white haired woman walked away, Mami's displeased smile became a scowl. "For someone who can supposedly see into the future, you give the worst advice," she grumbled under her breath.
"I'll be honest," Maria began as she, too, watched Oriko leave. "She's always felt off to me. The weird hat? The haughty attitude? The way she always seems to look at you like you're a milk carton that's about to hit its expiration date? Shit's creepy as fuck."
"You know, using such language to describe one of your superiors normally warrants some sort of punishment," Mami said, side-eyeing the cadet.
"But you won't give me one, right?" Maria offered hopefully. "Because you don't like her either?"
A raised brow.
"C'mon, Major, cut me some slack. Most of my classmates think she's creepy too—especially when she goes off on those tangents during class lectures where it's always hypothetical scenarios with lots of philosophy and ethics shit. People in general don't like her."
Mami looked away, a smile tugging her lips. "I was going to tell you that I wouldn't say anything you didn't, but if you really want to keep going—"
"Shutting up, then."
With a roll of her eyes, Mami returned her attention to what she'd been doing before Oriko's interruption, muttering to herself, "Never let it be said that I don't indulge my students."
The two eventually finished their work after fifteen more minutes of tedium, the young cadet slumping onto the table with a wordless groan once the very last sheet was over and done with. Mami shared her student's relief, leaning back into her chair and rolling her shoulders.
"We still have time for a quick lunch," Mami said, rising to her feet.
Maria barely looked up. "Will there even still be food in the cafeteria?"
"In my experience, they'll have plenty of the food I like. I'm afraid I can't guarantee the same for the food you like."
A shrug. "Guess I'm eating Mistrali for lunch today." She stood and followed behind Mami as they made their way to the cafeteria.
Unsurprisingly, the place was not as crowded as it usually was, with only a few students still eating at the tables. They seemed to be taking their time, a luxury that neither Mami nor Maria could afford—they both had afternoon classes soon, after all.
Thus, after buying their meals and finding a table to sit at, they proceeded to devour the food on their plates, eating with a level of speed and efficiency that only years in the military could instill. They finished with minutes to spare.
"What's your next class again?" Mami asked as she wiped her face with a napkin.
"Grimm Studies," Maria replied with a sigh. "With Major Mikuni…"
A roll of the eyes. "I'm sure you'll survive. What about after that?"
"I'm free until remedial combat with you and the others after class."
Mami blinked. "I see. I didn't realize your Mondays were so vacant. Most students in their graduating year have a stacked schedule."
Maria managed a small smile, eyes darting down to her empty plate. "Well… Some profs let me sit in for a bunch of theory classes last year. I got a lot of modules done early."
"Oh? That's some impressive time management, then."
She shrugged, chuckling weakly. "Not like I could've done anything else at the time. And some good it did me. All those hours that I would have spent doing nothing in a hospital room just got moved down the calendar."
"Surely you have hobbies."
"Well, I used to draw, but…" Maria raised her prosthetic arm, clicking her metallic fingers against each other. "This thing doesn't have nearly the level of control I'd need for that. At best, trying to draw is an exercise in frustration. At worst…?"
"I imagine it's very demotivating," Mami noted gently. "Unfortunately, these new limitations are just something you'll have to live with."
"Yeah yeah. Heard it all before."
"I repeat myself for a reason."
"It gets a bit tiring once you've heard it every day since our first class."
"Point taken."
The two stood and made for the door, depositing their trays onto the dishwashing bin on their way out. They walked the halls together in silence until they reached the stairs.
Maria's next class was taught by Oriko, who only ever held classes on the third floor, where her office was. Mami's next class was a practical combat class in Training Arena E, in a completely different building. This was where they would part ways.
Mami turned to Maria and smiled. "If the boredom you grapple with proves too difficult to overcome, feel free to come to me. I'm sure I can give you something to do."
This earned a skeptically raised brow from Maria. "What? Want to make me your errand girl or something?"
"If it comes to it, perhaps. Remember, you were the one who said you don't really have anything better to do."
She looked down at her hands. "Yeah… I guess I kinda did…"
"Think about it, then. Maybe you'll figure out what you want to do without my help."
A slow nod. "Yeah… maybe I will…"
"In any case, I'll see you this afternoon, Cadet."
Mami and Maria exchanged salutes before going their separate ways.
Early afternoon, northeast quadrant of Atlas City, nondescript apartment building…
Kyouko tapped her foot impatiently as she leaned against Homura's front door, a lollipop in her mouth. She fished her pockets for her scroll and scowled when she checked the time. Homura was late, which was surprising for someone with time powers.
Then again, Homura's mind had seemed rather scattered and disorganized last Kyouko checked. Maybe she got distracted by something?
Bah, unlikely. There had to be a pattern to Homura's churning cauldron of thoughts—one she probably found natural and intuitive—but the few times that Kyouko had delved inside the Valean's head was not enough to reach the same level of understanding.
"Lousy mental link," Kyouko grumbled, biting down on her lollipop and shoving the discarded stick into her pocket. "Way more complicated than it ought to be."
As she said this, she noticed that Homura's aura signature was nearby. In fact, it was near enough that Kyouko could hear the faint chatter of Homura's thoughts in the back of her mind. Was she already inside the apartment? Did she fly in through the window? Did she seriously use her time dilation to slip in undetected?
Kyouko turned to knock, but was preempted by Homura opening the door and pulling her inside by the lapels of her hoodie. She locked the door as soon as Kyouko passed the threshold.
"Hom, what the—" She stopped and blinked when she noticed the way Homura refused eye contact, gaze at her feet and hands rubbing against each other nervously. Kyouko's expression softened. "Something wrong?"
Homura fidgeted. "I'm… I'm emotionally compromised…"
A snort. "Yeah, no shit, you're emotionally compromised. I can feel a lot of hurt bubbling in there. You're still trying to hold it in aren't you?"
No response.
"Figured as much. Well, fuck that. Whatever it is you're dealing with, I'm dealing with it too.
"Now," Kyouko raised her arms expectantly, "c'mere and hug me before I make you."
The Kyouko of any day prior would not have expected Homura to immediately step into her embrace, leaning into her with a tired limpness. As it stood, even the present day Kyouko was somewhat surprised at how quickly the Valean complied. Homura Akemi, the hard-ass stoic with a sharp tongue and even sharper eyes, had willingly and wordlessly accepted Kyouko's offered hug, with no fanfare whatsoever. It was as heartening as it was worrying. All Kyouko could really do was put a hand atop the head resting on her shoulder and let out a big sigh.
"Why don't we sit down for a bit…?" She suggested, leaning back against the door and slowly sliding down until both were on their knees. "Atta girl, Hom. Slow, deep breaths…"
There was a pause as the two merely sat, letting the muffled thrum of traffic outside fill the room. Kyouko listened carefully to Homura's heart beat, fast and erratic against Kyouko's chest. Her thoughts were faster still, thrashing against the walls of her own mind, reverberating into Kyouko's like the boom of a drum.
But all of that slowly subsided as their minds mingled, one's mood influencing the other's until they eventually reached emotional equilibrium. By the end, both of them were tired and antsy, but no worse for wear than they would have been after a long day of hunting.
They both chose not to dwell on the fact that it was technically still the middle of the day.
"So," Kyouko muttered, hand still atop Homura's head. "You gonna tell me what happened, Hom…?"
Instead of answering, Homura flashed a string of memories: a child in a stasis pod; a woman holding her close; the same woman on a hospital bed dying from illness; a doctor telling her that she's suffering from the same illness her mother had suffered from; and finally, the voice of a child in utter panic.
Kyouko closed her eyes and began stroking Homura's hair.
First time linking with that Nagisa kid, huh? Must have been quite the trip for her. Well, better now than right before you do your soul-ripper thing.
A whimper.
Look, making a little girl experience what you've gone through does sound really fucked up—not gonna deny that. Still, though. If you're adamant about saving her, you can't let it break you like this—not yet, at least.
Homura snaked her arms around Kyouko's waist, growling in dissatisfaction as she buried her face deeper into Kyouko's shoulders.
Yeah, yeah, I know. But I would've said that even if I didn't pull it out of your head.
If me thinking it didn't work, why did you expect you thinking it would work any better?
Well, I think the two of us are wired pretty similarly, so I figured what works for me might work for you.
Similar wiring? A snort and shudder. What an upsetting thought.
Kyouko's lips curved into a small smile. Feeling better yet?
Do I need to answer?
No, but I want you to.
Another snort.
Yeah, I guess that's answer enough…
The moments that followed were filled with nothing but soft breathing, the hum of electronics, and the subtle vibrations of the building around them. Kyouko made no attempt to disengage from the hug and Homura was no different. The two spoke no words, neither vocal nor telepathic, content to sit in each other's presence.
Kyouko leaned her head into Homura's, her cheek pressing into the Valean's soft flowing hair. Say, Hom…
What…?
Did you ever act like this with Madoka?
The moment Kyouko asked, the answer immediately slipped into her mind.
Because of course it would. Madoka Kaname was someone Homura had dedicated nearly a third of her life to. She was always thinking of her. Even when Madoka wasn't the focus, those undercurrent of thoughts never went away. They were always ebbing and flowing under the surface.
So of course Homura replied as soon as Kyouko asked. She'd had the answers ready from the start.
And in this case, the answer was an easy yes.
I'm kinda like her replacement, huh? Kyouko mused, grabbing a few of Homura's locks and gently rubbing them against her lips. They smelled of lavender, as expected.
Homura responded by twirling strands of Kyouko's hair around her fingers. In a way, you are. In others, you aren't.
A chuckle. Talk about a non-answer.
Homura flashed a drop of amusement through their connection.
You're actually a lot like her, Kyouko. Her pride was more tempered than yours, and she was a lot less crass… but she shares your heart and infectious smile.
Another chuckle. I don't know what to feel about being compared to your ex-girlfriend.
Take it as a compliment.
Considering how madly in love with her you are, even now? I think I just might…
A bittersweet feeling spread between them as Homura's memories flashed before their eyes: Madoka chasing down a mission target and stomping in frustration when he gets away; Madoka rough-housing with her brother and intentionally letting herself get pinned to make him happy; Madoka with her wings spread wide as she saves Homura from certain death…
She was a remarkable woman, Kyouko. I wish you could have met her…
Yeah… I think we would've gotten along… Kyouko closed her eyes. Tell me more about her…
Kyouko didn't know how long they spent just talking. It might have been just a few minutes. It might have been the whole afternoon. She couldn't be sure because she stopped paying attention to the time halfway into the first anecdote.
That was fine, though. Neither of them had anything better to do for the rest of the day anyway. Surely they could spend it in each other's arms.
End of Chapter
Thank you to asianpotter1 and ThatBuffalo for beta reading this chapter.
In case anyone is wondering, Tasuya and co are still in Atlas. It's just that they're not particularly important in the events of this chapter so they don't appear. That said, they should make one last appearance in the next chapter, assuming I've planned things right.
The next chapter will be the day Homura performs that transfer on Nagisa—the first on-screen transfer you'll have seen since the one in chapter nine. I'm managing a chapter every month at least since last October, so maybe I'll be able to get one out by January, but I can't really promise anything. Either way, until the next one!