Chapter 2
That Would Be Truly Wonderful
"I'm Mami Tomoe. I'm a ninth grader at Mitakihara Middle School. And once I made a contract with Kyubey, I became a magical girl," Mami Tomoe explained.
"Destiny is coming," another voice said from beyond.
Madoka soon awoke with a start, but it was thanks to her alarm clock. She sighed, believing it to be another strange dream, when suddenly…
"Good morning, Madoka," Kyubey said.
She saw that the catlike creature was standing on the headboard of her bed. Just like before, she went to get herself freshened up and dressed, after waking up her mother.
"Madoka, you got in pretty late last night, didn't you?" she said.
"I got invited over to a friend's house," replied Madoka.
"I don't want to start cracking down on you with curfews and stuff. Next time, let us know where you are before dinner," warned Junko.
Madoka nodded slowly, but then she remembered something from yesterday that she wanted to tell her mother.
"Oh, by the way. I met some new faces in town called Team SKYYLAR. It's led by someone called Sora, but both he and his friends, Kirito, Yang, Yui, Leafa, Asuna, and Ruby are good people. I was hoping that you'd meet them someday," she explained.
"Sora, Kirito, Yang, Yui, Leafa, Asuna, and Ruby. Hmm… Well, if you say that they're good people, I'll accept it, if given the chance to see them with my own eyes," replied her mother.
But then Madoka noticed that nobody could see Kyubey, save for herself, Sayaka, Mami, and Homura. But by some strange circumstance, Sora and his friends were able to see him, since they were capable of dealing with the supernatural, as she thought back to how she and her friends went with Mami to her home, and were very impressed with her living quarters, after learning that she lived all by herself, which made Sora feel somber, only to receive a comforting hug from her, as if she were telling him that everything was okay.
"Wow, Mami, this cake is delicious," she said happily.
"Super delicious," agreed Sayaka.
"Thank you," replied Mami.
"Well, anyway. I have to admit, Mami, you were pretty awesome back there, even though Kirito and I helped you out," said Sora.
"I'm with Sora. We're called Keyblade Wielders. People with exceptionally strong hearts that have the power to wield these," added Kirito.
To prove his point, he held his right hand outwards, and Oblivion appeared in his hand.
"Whoa, so that's what Sora meant by Keyblade," said the bluette.
"On to the matter at hand. Since Kyubey chose Madoka and Sayaka, that means they're both involved in this like it or not. I thought it would be good if we had a talk," interjected Mami.
"Hmm… sounds fair," replied Sora.
"I'm afraid Mami's right. You and Kirito are not worthy of being magical girls, since you're both boys. However, Yang, Yui, Leafa, Asuna, and Ruby are compatible with being magical girls, if they did agree to form a contract with me," said Kyubey.
"You've gotta be kidding," muttered the Dark Knight of Aincrad.
"Kirito, please don't be rude," hissed Madoka.
Then Mami presented the golden gem in her hand.
"It's called a soul gem. When Kyubey choses a girl, it's created when she makes a contract with him. It's the source of our magic, and it also proves that we're magical girls," she explained.
"Hey, what exactly does Mami mean by contract, Kyubey?" Ruby asked curiously.
"I will grant each of you one wish. Any wish you desire," replied Kyubey.
"Huh? For reals?" asked Sayaka.
"Anything at all?" Madoka asked as well.
"Anything at all. I can grant the most impossible of miracles," said the cat.
Sayaka was excited about the wish she wanted most of all, despite Madoka's skepticism.
"In exchange for that wish, your soul gem is created, but if you have a soul gem, it'll be your duty to fight witches," he continued.
"Witches?" questioned Madoka.
After refocusing back to the present, Madoka decided to ask her mother a question that would seem strange to her.
"This might sound silly, but if someone asked you if you could have any wish you wanted using magic, what would you wish for?" she asked.
"I'd wish for those two trustees to get kicked right out of the company," replied Mrs. Kaname.
Madoka chuckled nervously.
"Come to think of it, there's the CEO. He's too old to keep up the pace he used to, so maybe I'd wish for him to retire. Thing is, he hasn't named a successor yet," continued her mother.
"Well, what would you do if you became the new CEO?" asked Madoka.
This left Junko feeling puzzled, but then she began to believe that with the proper support from the sales department, she'd be able to get the planning committee and general affairs, leaving the CEO in accounting, as she walked off with her cosmetic kit, with her daughter feeling bewildered.
"What is a witch anyway? Are they different from magical girls?" Sayaka asked.
"If magical girls are said to be born from wishes, then witches are said to be born from curses. Magical girls bring hope to the world. Witches bring despair. And since they're invisible to humans, they're that much more insidious. Anxiety and mistrust, rage and hatred, they sow the seeds of disaster all over the world," explained Kyubey.
"Suicides that can't be explained, and murders without motive, a witch's curse could be the cause of such things. It festers within a person, and grows and grows until it consumes them," added Mami.
Kirito was shocked, and he stumbled back.
"So, if I lose myself to darkness, then the witches will make me become their perfect puppet, or worse turn me into my demonic form, Gleam Eyes," he murmured., causing Asuna to take hold of his hand.
"Kirito, you're not alone, and you never will be," she assured him.
"Guess that means these witches are just as dangerous as the Heartless. But, unlike them, the Heartless prey upon the darkness within a person's heart, until it becomes so strong that it leads to the birth of new and more dangerous Heartless, and they're always visible to the naked eye," Sora said to the others.
"Wait, Heartless and Witches are alike?" Sayaka asked in surprise.
"That's what it means, Sayaka. However, to tell you the truth, we Keyblade Masters have a duty to ensure that the darkness doesn't become too strong, that it destroys everything. There was an old prophecy that should never have been written in something called the Book of the Stone. 'On all lands under one destined sky, darkness prevails and light expires,'" answered Leafa.
"As for the witches, they're invisible to the naked eye of humans who don't believe in the supernatural. They hide themselves deep within their labyrinths. You know that maze-like place you were in today? That was a labyrinth," explained Kyubey.
"Actually, you were all in a lot of danger. If a human ever wanders into one, they seldom make it out alive," agreed Mami.
"Ah, let those witches have a crack at me! I ain't scared!" countered Sora.
"Don't get cocky, Sora. Like Mami said, if we did get ourselves trapped in another labyrinth like that, then we'd most certainly die," argued Yang.
"Yang's right, Sora. We need to think things out more carefully before we make any rash moves that could get us all killed, despite the risks we'd have to take. That's something you taught us back before the Fall of Atlas and Mantle, and our inevitable disappearance, that made a lot of our friends think we were killed, only to come out of that other world and finally get our revenge on Cinder and all those associated with Salem," agreed Ruby.
"Right. How could I forget that, even after we saw Vacuo reduced to rubble, just like Atlas, Vale, Mantle, and Mistral were?" replied Sora.
"I share Ruby's sentiment, Sora. Every girl has the right to wish for something, even without Kyubey offering them a contract, but remember, death is part of the deal," warned Mami.
"No way," he murmured, just as Madoka looked in shock.
But he soon gained a serious glare in his eyes.
"I refuse to let you die, the same way Nehelenia and Galaxia died," he said to himself.
But then Kirito slowly stood up, causing them to turn and face him.
"Even though Sora and I are boys, and not compatible enough to be magical girls through Kyubey's contract, we'll join you on a few witch hunts, and even keep the Heartless that are helping any of these witches out busy. That way, Madoka and Sayaka can take this time to contemplate Kyubey's offer for a little bit longer," the black swordsman said.
"Very good, Kirito. Also, I'd be honored to have a few Keyblade Wielders joining forces with me, as well as keeping my new friends safe from the Heartless. After that, Madoka and Sayaka may agree to be magical girls after a bit of time and careful planning, as well as taking a daring leap of faith into the darkness," replied Mami.
Sometime later, Madoka soon met up with Sayaka and Hitomi again, with Kyubey riding on her shoulder like a scarf, just as Team SKYYLAR met up with them as well.
"Hey guys," they greeted.
Hitomi was surprised to see Madoka was still her usual self, but didn't see Kyubey as those that had met him were the only ones capable of doing so. But as they set off, Madoka began speaking into Sayaka's mind, thanks to Kyubey's power, which was a bit surprising. Hitomi was confused, and asked what was going on between her friends, until Sora rested her hand on her shoulder.
"In my honest opinion, it's not wise to let your judgment give way to fear and confusion, Hitomi. It can also be just as scary as darkness. But, even after meeting Tifa Lockhart in Radiant Garden, I've learned that all girls should be viewed with proper respect, and that they can choose to be with someone they cherish, whether it's another girl, or a guy that they happen to enjoy spending time with. After all, Madoka did tell me that she and Sayaka have been friends for a long time, after she was saved from a bunch of rough and tough guys that were picking on her. That's why she owes her a debt of gratitude, thanks to the bonds they forged between each other, and even connects their hearts by something called an unbreakable chain of light," he said to her.
"Oh, I'm sorry," replied Hitomi.
"You don't need to apologize, Hitomi. Girls can love girls, no matter what anyone says. After we met Haruka Tenoh and Michiru Kaioh, who we later learned were Sailors Uranus and Neptune, we chose to acknowledge their strong bond, and Sora gained a new friendly-rival in the Sailor Guardian who represents the world that's named in honor of the Greek god of the night sky, Uranus, and the other who's world is named in honor of the Roman God of the sea, Neptune," assured Kirito.
"Holy crap, Kirito," murmured Sayaka.
"I agree, Sayaka," whispered Madoka.
"Well, anyway. You guys should head to school. We'll meet up with Mami later after we take care of any Heartless outside of these labyrinths," said Sora.
Soon after, Madoka and Sayaka quickly told Hitomi that what Kirito said was actually a true fact their friend had told her, and the matter was settled. She was still a bit annoyed, but as they sat down, they mentally conversed with each other about whether it was okay to chat like this, despite how it was risky to have Kyubey in the same class with other people who couldn't see him, until Mami offered them her own assurance, and that Homura would never attack in a public place with a lot people around them. They soon thought back to their conversation with Mami back in her apartment, just as Homura arrived in class, and continued to give Madoka the cold stare.
"So, that transfer student. Is she a magical girl like you?" asked Sayaka.
"She is. There's no doubt, and she's a very powerful one too," replied Mami.
"I see. And she's also fighting an enemy you both have in common, that being the witches that are summoned from the darkness through all forms of negativity. But I don't know why she'd think of dong something like harm Madoka," Kirito said inquisitively.
"It was me she was after. I think she was trying to keep me from making a contract with a new magical girl," explained Kyubey.
"That doesn't make any sense. But what still bothers me is if there were more of these magical girls that agreed to join forces with Mami in fighting the witches, would they be in agreement with the whole darkness is our common enemy saying?" questioned Sora.
"No, not really. It's more common for magical girls to fight each other," Mami said quietly.
"Really?" asked Madoka.
"But why is that?" Asuna asked as well.
"When you defeat a witch, you acquire certain rewards. That's why, depending on the situation, magical girls will fight, and the winner gets the reward," she explained.
"Okay, hold up. So the reason the weird transfer student was staring at Madoka yesterday was 'cause she knew Kyubey was trying to contact her?" questioned Sayaka.
"Most likely, yes," replied Mami.
"Oh, right," said Sora.
"Guess there's not much to do, but to try and figure out why Homura's so interested in not wanting Madoka to become something you and she are," added Ruby.
Although Sayaka assured Madoka that she wouldn't let Homura go too far, thanks to her justice fueled attitude, Mami assured them that she would always keep a sharp eye on them. Once class began, Madoka and Sayaka were taking notes, just as Sora arrived at the school, and decided to keep quiet during Miss Saotome's lecture, but all the same, they were not so sure about Homura's actions, or why she didn't want Madoka to be in contact with Kyubey. None of the students knew that Madoka was drawing some sketches for a costume that would fit her, due to her affiliation with a club that did sewing and knitting. Sometime later, during lunch, Sora joined the two friends on the school roof with his arms over his chest, as he leaned against the railing.
"Hey, Madoka, have you any luck figuring out what you're trying to wish for?" asked the bluette.
"Nuh-uh, how about you?" replied Madoka.
"I don't have a clue. I'm totally stumped. I've thought about it so much, my brain is starting to hurt," said Sayaka as she stretched.
She soon stood up with her hands on her hips.
"I mean, there's a bunch of stuff I wanna do, or maybe it's the 'risk your life' part. Maybe that's holding me back. Yeah, well, nothing's worth that much, that's for sure," she continued.
"You know, there's a saying that goes like this, Sayaka. Be careful of what you wish for, you just might get it. In other words, don't choose something you'll regret later on," replied Sora.
"In a sense, I believe that Sora would be right about that," agreed Kyubey.
"Oh yeah, I guess he does make a valid point," smiled the bluette.
"Really? Do you think so?" Madoka asked him.
"Yep. Ignorance may be bliss, but sometimes it can be our greatest enemy like the darkness," grinned Sora.
"How about this, guys? Have you ever thought of something so bad, you'd trade your life for it?" Sayaka asked.
"Maybe, but sometimes it's not worth throwing it all away to protect the people you love or respect, like my friends, my mother, or the many girls who've become part of my own family. Sometimes it's best to not stress about something that you'd want most of all, because that could easily destroy anyone, who's lost in darkness, and has had their hearts taken by the Heartless," replied Sora.
"But you're not scared of anything, Sora. Unlike me and Madoka, when we were sucked into that labyrinth yesterday, while you and Team SKYYLAR chose to defend us with those Keyblades of yours. We're blissfully ignorant to any kind of suffering," said Sayaka.
But she thought of someone in the hospital who was in the hospital, after a horrible accident.
"If there's one thing that a friend of mine called Samurai Jack taught me, it's this: 'The decisions that we make, and the actions that will follow us, are a reflection of who we are.' I've endured a lot of suffering in Sailor Moon's world, when I helped her fight off some really dangerous enemies that wanted nothing more than to have it be returned to the darkness, so that they could build a dark future upon its ruins. Also, even as a Keyblade Master, I wished for something most of all, even without Kyubey. I wished to fight for the people I consider to be like my own family, the Warriors of Light," explained Sora.
Just then, Homura arrived, and slowly walked up to them, even though Mami offered them assurance. Sayaka was about to put up a defensive posture, when Sora rested his hand on her shoulder, and shook his head at her, as if he were telling her to let him talk to the dark haired girl.
"Homura. What are you doing here?" he asked, his blue eyes meeting her violet eyes.
"Because, I've not come to fight you. I wanted Kyubey gone, before he could make contact with Madoka Kaname. It's too late for that now," she answered.
"Even though I may not know why you're so interested in disposing of Kyubey, I want you to understand something, Homura. It's not wise for people to decide for other people, whether they're something they've chosen to be or otherwise. So believe me when I say this. Madoka becoming a magical girl or not, is her decision. Not yours," explained Sora.
"Sora," Madoka murmured, as she blushed a little.
"Heed my warning, Madoka," she stated coldly.
Madoka nodded slowly.
"Remember, Sora. Don't let my warning be in vain. Goodbye," Homura said to him.
"Hold on a moment, Homura Akemi. I have a question for you, just as Madoka does. What is it that you actually wished for, before becoming a magical girl?" Sora asked.
When Homura heard that question, she glared at him, but Sora soon glared back, only to turn sharply away and walk off down the stairs at the roof entrance.
"Why won't you tell me?" he murmured.
"Sora, it's okay. We can figure it out later," assured Madoka as she took hold of his hand.
"Madoka's right, Sora. But to be honest, I'm a little surprised that you didn't flinch at her glare, because I have a feeling I could see a tiny sliver of myself in you. Also, when I heard you murmuring about why Homura wasn't answering your question, you sounded sad, like someone I both cherish and respect," agreed Sayaka.
Sometime after lunch, Madoka collected her school bag from the locker, then came to Hitomi's side with Sayaka and Sora following after her. They explained that they had a few errands to run.
"Oh, something private?" she asked.
"Something like that, but we'll see you some other time," replied Sora.
"I suppose you're right, Sora. I just hope that… you'll forgive my poor judgment," she said, but noticed Madoka's hand in Sora's.
"Oh my goodness," she gasped.
"What is it, Hitomi?" questioned Madoka.
"Madoka, why are you holding Sora's hand?" Hitomi asked.
Both Sora and Madoka looked at each other and quickly let go of each other's hands, then chuckled nervously, even though she gave a quiet giggle.
"Sorry about that, Hitomi. I guess I still have much to learn about love," Sora said.
"No, no. I'm the one who should apologize. I guess I'm not thinking straight at all," she replied.
"What's gotten her so worked up?" Sayaka asked.
"No idea, Sayaka," he replied.
But as they left, Homura was asked by two other students if they'd like to take her for coffee, but she politely declined the offer, and told them that she had work to do, as she gave them a friendly smile. Sora saw that she did have a nice smile, but she quickly turned away from him, and walked off.
"Don't bother getting any stupid ideas about me, Sora," she said sharply, as she walked off.
"Wow, way to be rude, Tsunderella," quipped Sayaka.
"Let it go, Sayaka. But there is someone else who was once like that, ever since I first met at a different school. Her name is Weiss Schnee, a Huntress of Remnant turned Warrior of Light. She was called many rude names like Ice Queen, Princess, and Ice Princess, but she's taken a liking to many suitable nicknames like Snowflake and Snow Angel, and she's very beautiful. Her hometown was the Kingdom of Atlas, which once floated above Mantle, just like the upper plate of Midgar that was built over the slums, and polluted the air with the noxious smell of Mako. However, while evacuating as many of the people as we could from those two cities to Vacuo, Cinder ambushed us, and sent us all plummeting into another realm, where our dust and semblance was rendered useless, except for my ability to use the Keyblade, but Weiss promised me that she and her friends would be there for me, and that I'd never be alone," explained Sora.
After coming to a restaurant, where Mami was waiting for them, they all sat down with her after ordering some food.
"Well, time to start lesson one of the Magical Girl experience. That's what I like to call it anyway. I hope you're all ready," she said, after setting down her drink.
"Team SKYYLAR would be more than happy to join forces with you, Mami, as well as making sure that Madoka and Sayaka are safe," replied Sora.
"We're not hopeless damsels in distress, Sora. But I brought this!" said Sayaka, and she showed them her baseball bat.
"I mean it's better than not having anything, right?" she asked.
"Good to know," replied Yang.
"Yeah, you're just as determined as Yang is," agreed Ruby.
"Yes, I agree with both Ruby and Yang on this one," added the other blonde.
"How about you? What'd you bring?' Sayaka asked her friend.
"Oh, nothing, just this," replied Madoka, and she pulled out her sketchbook.
Team SKYYLAR was surprised, but Sayaka and Mami looked confused.
"I sort of thought it would be good to have some costume ideas, just in case," she said to them.
"Madoka may be right, you guys. After all, both Mami and Homura's magical girl outfits seem to reflect their nature and their element. Also, that one sketch of her in that outfit, does look pretty cute," replied Sora.
This made Madoka's face turn beet red, after she heard Sora's compliment about her sketches, which in turn surprised Mami and Sayaka.
"I'm with Sora. After seeing the Sailor Guardians in action, even as we helped them out against some pretty dangerous enemies, they all possess an elemental power that reflects their nature and their personalities. One such example is Rei Hino, Sailor Mars herself. She wields the power of fire, and is very passionate about a lot of things she likes, but her temperamental behavior can sometimes be considered her greatest weakness that the darkness can easily exploit," added Leafa.
"I can't believe you guys helped magical girls whose names represent the planets of the solar system. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto," replied Sayaka.
"Nor can I, Sora," agreed Mami.
"Well, there's one particular Sailor Guardian who represents the moon of her world, and is a big believer in love, justice, friendship, and respect. Sailor Moon, AKA Usagi Tsukino. A long time ago she was a princess on that moon, but then tragedy struck and resulted in her being reborn as a human being who would eventually battle the darkness with people like us, who'd come to make sure that she'd never endure the hardship and suffering alone, and we all became her knights, thanks to Queen Serenity's blessing," explained Kirito.
The three of them were impressed, just as Yui stood up.
"We'd best be ready, everyone. Because the witch I'm sensing is hiding in another part of the city after she fled," she said to them.
They soon came to the familiar area where Homura attacked Kyubey and were drawn into the labyrinth, when they saw Mami's soul gem flashing.
"Just like Yui, my soul gem is detecting the same witch that's hiding in its labyrinth. When we hunt, we have to scour the city by foot. Once your soul gem picks up the trail, follow it and find the witch,," Mami told them.
"Really? That's it, huh?" replied Sayaka, as they all followed her.
They soon began their search throughout the city, with Sora walking beside them, while Team SKYYLAR made sure to cover them on all sides.
"What now?" she and Sora asked.
"Your soul gem's not glowing any brighter," continued Sayaka.
"That's because it's been a whole day since the witch escaped. The trail has almost faded away," replied Mami.
"She's right. Believe me, if Mami didn't try and go after that witch and dealt the killing blow, we'd most certainly be goners," explained Kirito.
"Even though you fought bravely against its familiars, Team SKYYLAR, I didn't want to have you die with them either," she added.
"I'm sorry," sighed Madoka.
"You don't have to apologize. But, I respect Mami's decision to stay and help us, even though that witch managed to slip right through her fingers, because she's different from Homura, who's always very cryptic about a lot of things. But I don't believe she's a truly heartless person, because I can sense something in her heart that seems… familiar, like it's squeezing my heart," assured Sora.
Sayaka was a bit surprised to hear that Sora had the ability to sense what other people were feeling, thanks to his status as a Keyblade Master, and his iron will to protect the people from the darkness. None of them knew that a woman was near an abandoned building, as she climbed the steps to do something terrible.
"Hey, Mami. When you're tracking a witch, do you look for any place special there?" Sayaka asked.
"Sometimes I find traces of witch auras around fatal car crashes, so I check streets with heavy traffic, then the red light district where fights usually break out. Also, I check places people go to commit suicide, then I check the hospitals, the worst place for a witch to hide. It's unbearable to watch them drain the life force from a helpless person, who's already weak from illness," explained Mami.
"Then this city really is filled with darkness," murmured Sora, just as the soul gem emitted a powerful glow.
"It's picked up some powerful magic," she told them.
This made them worried, but Sora soon gained a determined glare in his eyes.
"It's close," she told them.
"Show us the way, Mami," replied Kirito.
They soon came to an abandoned building, where they saw a woman about to drop to the ground, but Mami knew that they had found the witch in that building, until Sayaka pointed towards the woman who was falling.
"No you DON'T!" cried Sora, and he made a daring leap towards her, just as Mami transformed into her magical girl outfit.
She watched as they landed safely on the ground, with Sora gently laying her down, just as Madoka and Sayaka rushed towards them. Then, Mami saw something that made her furrow her brow with determination.
"A witch's kiss," she said.
"What's that?" Kirito asked worriedly.
"If you want my opinion, being kissed by a witch with evil intentions means you'll be destroyed by the darkness, Kirito. Thankfully, she's not dead. Just unconscious," replied Sora.
Mami nodded, then motioned for everyone to follow her lead. When they entered, Mami's soul gem in her hair reacted, and the seal of the witch that had placed its mark on the woman reacted to her.
"You won't escape this time," she said bravely.
Taking hold of Sayaka's bat, she transformed it into what looked like a sugar container on a pedestal, then marched off with everyone looking surprised.
"It's not much, I know. But it'll help you fight off anything that tries to attack," explained the blonde.
"We're ready for anything," remarked Yang, as she punched her fists together.
"I'm with Yang, Mami. We're right behind you, and we'll also make sure to look after Madoka and Sayaka," agreed Sora.
As they all jumped through the portal of the labyrinth, they didn't notice Homura who was watching from the entrance. Once inside, the creatures saw them, and the Heartless joined their side as well, but Mami shot one of them down with her musket rifle.
"Let's move," he said to the others, and they all ran through the corridors.
More of the dark creatures arrived to attack them, but they were quickly dispatched by the strange group, barely breaking a sweat.
"How about it? Are all of you scared?" Mami asked them.
"We are, Mami, but we know that the same fear we feel is what drives us to keep fighting," replied Leafa.
Nodding her understanding, Mami held her arm in front of them, with Sora doing the same with his other arm. They could see more of the creatures just ahead of them.
"I really hate these guys," scoffed Asuna.
"Then let's get rid of them," replied Sora.
He turned to Kirito, and nodded towards him.
"Go, CRIMSON SUN!" he shouted.
Ruby and Yang nodded, then charged head first into the creatures, with the blond brawler punching them with her Ember Celica MK. II gauntlets obliterating them, while her sister in the red hood and cloak cut them down and shot them into nothing with Crescent Rose MK II. Madoka was surprised, even as Sora gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
"We'll be alright, Madoka," he assured her.
Madoka nodded, and a quiet smile formed on her lips.
"It's like you said, Sora. I may be afraid, but sometimes fear will give me the urge to keep moving forward, regardless of the horrors around us," she said quietly.
"Asuna! With me!" called Kirito.
"Okay!" replied Asuna, and they quickly ran at more of the creatures with their Keyblades at their side, and began cutting them down without holding back.
"Looks like it's time for Cyclone Union, Leafa," Sora said to the sylph.
"My thoughts exactly, Sora," agreed Leafa, and they too charged into the warzone that was being created.
At last, thanks to Kyubey's information, they managed to reach the entrance to the heart of the labyrinth, where they saw the mustached cotton balls standing before them.
"The honor is yours, Mami," Sora said to him.
Mami gave a light giggle as she nodded, then dropped down before them.
"FIRE!" he shouted.
With the creatures out of the way, they soon passed through the doors until they came to a terrible sight. There, standing before them in the heart of the labyrinth, was the very witch that Mami mentioned. Its head was a field of grass with roses, with a red and white pattern for its neck, and huge butterfly wings on its back.
"Look, that is a witch," Mami told Sayaka and Madoka.
"Yui, give me an analysis of that witch," Sora said to Kirito and Asuna's daughter.
"This witch is named Gertrud, the Rose Garden Witch. A most distrusting sort. Be careful, she's not to be underestimated, since we fought off the Anthony and Adelbert familiars," replied Yui.
"Ew, gross," Sayaka said, cringing with disgust.
"It's awful! Are you really gonna fight it?" Madoka asked worriedly.
"I'll be fine. I could never lose," she assured them.
"We're going with you, Mami," Kirito said to her.
"What? But you're not magical girls. It's too dangerous for you," protested Mami.
"Danger, shmanger. We prefer to laugh in its face," remarked Yang.
"Yang and Kirito are right, Mami. We'll take her together," agreed Sora.
But he turned to Yui, and knelt before her.
"Listen, Yui. I'm afraid you should stay back with Madoka and Sayaka for now. Like Mami said, it's far too dangerous for someone like you, but we'll be back after we defeat that witch," he assured her.
"Okay, but please be careful, Big Brother Sora," replied Yui.
"Don't worry, Yui. Madoka and I will make sure to hold your hand, while we cheer them on. Besides, I kinda like Sora's never give up attitude," said Sayaka.
"Me too, Sayaka," Madoka agreed with a light giggle.
After the fighting members stood beside Mami at the entrance to her Gertrud's lair, she activated a barrier, and the seven allies jumped down before Gertrud, who glared at them, and threw a sofa at them, which was destroyed by Mami and Ruby's firearms. Then the blonde drilltail, summoned more rifles, and began firing them at Gertrud who dodged out of the way, only to be sent flying back by Kirito and Asuna's Double Sword Skill Combo. Suddenly, Mami felt something wrap around her, but was suddenly cut free by Sora who used his Keyblade to cut her bonds.
"Thank you," she said kindly to him.
"No problem, Mami. Sometimes the phrase, 'behind every great man is a strong woman,' comes to mind, but I guess I kind of ruined it a bit," replied Sora, just as Yang lunged at the witch and began punching it with all her strength.
"No way!" hissed Sayaka.
"Now, what do you say we take her down?" he suggested.
"I see you've read my mind," remarked Mami, who nodded her approval.
Sora then turned to his teammates, and whistled loudly.
"Listen up, team. We need to draw Gertrud's attention away from Mami for as long as possible. Once that's done, she'll eliminate the witch once we've given her that opportunity, by obliterating her with one big blast!" he called to them.
"Sora!" cried Madoka.
"It's gonna be okay, Madoka. If anyone can come up with a good plan, it's Big Brother Sora," assured Yui.
"Yui's right! Come on, team! Let's go and wreck that witch!" agreed Ruby.
(Okay people, here we go with an awesome battle scene, so get ready to play, Ghost in the Black by Axel Rudi Pell for this epic battle, so that Mami delivers the final blow, as I post the lyrics to this song, while you imagine how this fight against Gertrud goes with Team SKYYLAR helping Mami, and listen to Johnny Gioeli's awesome voice)
"We are heading out on the land
Raising our swords in the air
We'll fight for glory 'till the very end
Strong with no fear and despair
We followed the sign
Leaving our world behind
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Running and leaving, we're under attack
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Hiding our souls, we might not come back
Should we go on into the dark
Even if we will be crucified
Expect no mercy, disastrously spark
The battle goes on in the night
We followed the sign
Leaving our world behind
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Running and leaving, we're under attack
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Hiding our souls, we might not come back
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Running and leaving, we're under attack
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Hiding our souls, we might not come back
(Here comes an epic Guitar vs Keyboard Solo duel as the battle slowly becomes more intense, right as Sora enters his Nephilim Soul Drive form, and joins Mami, while the rest of his friends hold of the Heartless that have joined Gertrud's side, utilizing their many soul drive forms to give them a bit of an edge in the fight)
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Running and leaving, we're under attack
Oh, Ghost in the Black
Hiding our souls, we might not come back
Oh, there's a Ghost in the Black
Oh, there's a Ghost in the Black
Ghost in the Black
Oh, oh, oh, oh, Ghost in the Black
Yeah"
"Time to finish it, Mami!" Sora cried, as he held his double arrow guns in front of him, and trained them on Gertrud.
"TIRO FINALE!" called Mami.
"Jackpot!" he added, and their shots surged into Gertrud, instantly destroying her.
After landing on the ground, Mami and Sora turned towards the others, and nodded towards them. The remaining members looked at them, but Sayaka and Madoka were most impressed by this victory, then the labyrinth faded away, returning them to reality, just as Mami reverted to normal and walked towards a blackened object that looked like a sewing needle, but had a dark sphere in it. She picked it up and presented it to them.
"This is a grief seed. It's a witch's egg," she said.
"An egg?" asked Sayaka.
"Witches will carry them sometimes. If you're lucky, you'll find one after a battle," replied Mami.
"Of course. So when a witch is beaten, they leave this grief seed behind for the magical girl that's beaten them in battle. After all it's like the old saying goes: 'To the victor go the spoils of war.' And it looks like we've gotten those spoils," observed Kirito.
"Kirito may be right, but how can we be sure that this grief seed won't unleash its darkness again?" wondered Asuna.
"If you look at my soul gem, it's color has become much duller than it was last night," explained the drill-tailed blonde.
Everyone could see that she was right, until they saw her place the grief seed upon it, which drew out its darkness, surprising them. For as near as they could tell, Mami's soul gem was now back to its clear shine, which meant that her powers were now back to full strength.
"And just like Kirito said, it's a spoil of war," she said.
Then she tossed it towards the very person who was in the shadows, which turned out to be Homura.
"It should be good for at least one more use. Take it, I'm giving it to you, Miss Homura Akemi," called Mami, as the dark haired girl stepped out of the shadows.
Sayaka glared at her, but Sora held his hand in front of her.
"Better stand down. Besides, Mami did defeat Gertrud, even though we helped her out," he said.
"I agree with Sora, so keep your reward," added Homura, and she tossed it back to her.
"Fine. If that's what you want, so be it," replied Mami.
"But like you told Madoka before, Homura. She may treasure the life she's living right now, as well as view her friends and family as something dear to her above everything else, I'll still respect her belief in making her own decisions. Also, whatever's making you want to watch her every move, is actually scaring Madoka, but it's also making Sayaka annoyed at you, when you follow her around," Sora added as he looked at her.
"That's not your concern, Sora. Nor is it the rest of your friends' either. However, you can consider me at ease, knowing that you Keyblade Wielders also have a power that's similar to magical girls," replied Homura, and she walked off.
"What's her deal?" quipped Yang.
"Got me, Yang. But if she's really concerned about Madoka, I think there's something in her heart that's making me believe that there's a deep sadness within her," replied Sora.
"Big Brother Sora may be right. Even though Homura may be mysterious at most, I just hope she changes her mind and agrees to be friends with us," agreed Yui.
"I think you make a valid point, Yui," replied Mami.
Just then, Sayaka tapped Sora's shoulder.
"Oh yeah, I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to the hospital, Sora. There's a special friend of mine I'd like you to meet, if you're okay with it," she explained.
Sora nodded in agreement.
"Okay, sure. I'll ask Kirito to take temporary command of Team SKYYLAR while I'm away tomorrow," he replied
They soon returned to the woman who had been kissed by Gertrud, and saw that she had awakened from what she believed to be a horrible nightmare.
"What I can tell you is this. When you jumped off the balcony of that building, I was able to catch you in my arms, but you fell unconscious after that fact, even as I landed near my friends. You were being manipulated by the darkness," Sora told her.
"How very observant, Sora," a voice said from behind them.
"Who are you?" demanded Mami, as he saw him, just as Madoka and Sayaka raced behind him, while Team SKYYLAR prepared themselves for battle.
"My name is Kurai Izunia. Son of Ardyn and Salem. I have a favor to ask of your friend, Madoka Kaname. This world you cherish will die. Slowly. Silently. Painfully," replied Kurai.
"And what exactly do you mean by that, Kurai?" Sayaka asked sharply.
"Yeah, I'd like to know as well," added Sora.
"I have no need to answer that question, you fools," he remarked, then he turned towards Madoka, who cowered in fear.
"Could Homura bear to see you be destroyed by darkness, Madoka?" Kurai asked her.
"What do you mean?" Madoka asked hesitantly.
"If you were destroyed by darkness, it would most certainly break Homura even more. Her light would fade into even greater darkness. It would swallow her up, until she's just a memory. This city you live in would be reduced to ruin. That which binds you together would be no more, and you would be loath to live in such a world. Which is why I am asking you for a little favor. Don't worry. It's a simple matter. Run, Madoka. Run away. You have to leave. You have to live," he said with a sadistic smile.
But Sora was growing angry and he brandished his Keyblade furiously
"YOU BASTARD!" he shouted, and ran towards him.
Sora!" called Kirito.
He jumped up and performed a downward strike, but Kurai vanished into the dark corridor.
"Well done, Sora. Very well done. Let your hatred give Vanitas strength," taunted Kurai who chuckled with delight.
"Vanitas?" Sayaka asked in shock.
"The shadow of Sora and Ventus' true inner selves. He's just as vicious as any witch that's trying to hurt the people of this city. Weiss, Blake and I saw it happen after Neo attacked Yang, just as she tried to defend me, but was sent plummeting over the edge, and onto a strange island that was surrounded by water. After that, Sora told Yang the truth about Vanitas, and how he tried to have us all killed when he agreed to a temporary truce with Cinder Fall, the power-hungry maiden of autumn, who sent us all down to that island, but we were able to escape and return to a changed Remnant, after Salem had succeeded in conquering it, and making the people, humans and faunus become her obedient slaves in her new empire," explained Ruby.
"My goodness," murmured Mami, just as Madoka ran up to a raving and ranting Sora's side.
"Sora, stop! You gotta calm down! He's gone now!" she cried.
This stopped Sora in his tracks, and he slowly relented, just as Sayaka came to his side, and rested her hand on his shoulder.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry, Sayaka, but I won't let Kurai hurt any of you," he said.
"I know, but Kurai's gone for now," replied Sayaka, just as Mami stood up and looked at him.
Then she noticed Sora turning away from her.
"I'm sorry," he said somberly, only to feel her arms wrap around him.
"You don't need to apologize, Sora. You didn't like how Kurai taunted Madoka, but you mustn't let yourself be ruled by anger, or the witches will free this Vanitas from within you," Mami replied.
Sora nodded slowly, then hugged Mami back, making Madoka and the others smile at her.
"Yeah, Mami's right. It may be difficult for me to wish for something this easily, because I can't quite put my finger upon it just yet. But after seeing you guys in action and helping her out, you were all so amazing when you fought Gertrud. If someone like me could do the things that you guys do, well that would be truly wonderful," agreed Madoka.
Then sometime later, after returning home, and introducing her family to Team SKYYLAR, Madoka was now in her room, and managed to color the sketch of herself in the magical girl outfit she always dreamed of wearing, after asking Kyubey to grant her the power to protect the people she cherished, before turning herself in.
"Hey, Madoka," he said.
"Yeah?" Madoka asked.
"I know that this might sound stupid coming from me, but I won't let Kurai trick you into giving yourself to the darkness, even if it is in front of Homura. However, when you heard me shout in anger for what he said to you, it's because of how I refuse to let that guy have his way with you, so that he can try and hurt you and your friends mentally and emotionally. Also, I'm really sorry I scared you, when my anger burst out. But, Mami may be right about how the witches want to use it to help Vanitas break free," Sora explained.
He gave her a somber sigh.
"And I don't want to be responsible for your death. Because if that happened, then your friends would never forgive me," he added quietly.
But Madoka sat down beside him, and gently took his hand in her own.
"Sora, if there's one thing I can tell you, it's this. I'm proud to call you my friend. I thought that you and Team SKYYLAR were really cool when you helped Mami fight and defeat that witch, Gertrud, as Yui called her. But you're not alone at all. You have a fire that burns brightly, just like the light in Mami's soul gem, and that's what makes you strong," she said kindly to him.
"Thanks, Madoka," replied Sora, as he slowly stood up and walked out of her room so that she'd be able to sleep on her own terms.