Chapter 4
Magic and Miracles Are Real
Following the battle with Charlotte, and Mami Tomoe surviving her close shave with death, thanks to Sora and his friends, Team SKYYLAR, Sayaka was now racing towards the hospital room where Kyosuke was, with Sora following after her. They arrived at the room where they hoped he'd be in, only to find that he wasn't there, just as a nurse arrived.
"Oh, are you here to see Kyosuke?" she asked.
Sora and Sayaka nodded towards her.
"I'm sorry, his examination just got moved up. He's in physical therapy right now," said the nurse.
"Thanks, but, we'll leave him be for now," replied Sora.
Poor Sayaka walked away, just as the nurses talked about how Sayaka would always come to see him, and Sora listened to how he was once a prodigy before the accident that damaged his hand, and his fingers would never fully recover to play. This made him sad, as he joined Sayaka in the elevator, and rode it down to the ground floor.
"Why did it have to be Kyosuke?" she asked him.
"I don't know, Sayaka. But what I can tell you is this. The accident that hurt him wasn't your fault. You shouldn't blame yourself for how he's unable to play music again. That's not the way," explained Sora.
Sayaka saw that he was indeed right, as she saw the firm look of somber understanding in his eyes.
"What if I were to wish for Kyosuke to be back to what he was before the accident?" she asked.
"That, I don't know. But I doubt he'd believe you about your wish to help him heal from his injuries, and he probably wouldn't thank you for it either. Sometimes, even if you were to hope for something greater to happen, you'd accept the fact of how you need to reap the consequences of your actions, even if you did accept to be a magical girl through Kyubey, Sayaka. I know you care about Kyosuke, and I get that he acknowledges how you visit him, but there comes a time when you realize that when you want something like that, the more likely the people you cherish, like Mami, Madoka, and all of us in Team SKYYLAR would just move further away from you. That's an important fact about life for how people are," answered Sora.
"I guess you're right, Sora. Maybe I'm not thinking straight at all. Maybe I really am just an idiot," admitted Sayaka.
"You're not an idiot, Sayaka Miki. And like I told Ruby Rose, you need to stop with all that negative bull crap before it really destroys you. Everything has a price, including victory. When I fought and killed Sailor Galaxia, it was because she had become a lost cause after Chaos awakened Omega within her, just so she could have every world returned to Kingdom Hearts, the heart of every world in existence, and enable the God of Discord to create his own utopia of eternal darkness. But when I did kill her, the price of victory made me become even more hollow than before, just like how Nehelenia's death made me become hollow, after Sephiroth killed her right in front of me, Sailor Moon, and all of my other friends, thanks to what Vassago, the fallen prince of Dead Moon planned out, even though it erased him from existence forever, because he came from an alternate future where the city that Usagi lived in became Shadow Tokyo on her world. But when Nehelenia died, that future simply ceased to be, and we all began to hate that murderous monster to no end. Their deaths changed me in a negative way, but I would never give up my fight against darkness. Not at all. But then something inside me snapped, and awakened a new power within me. I refused to let Sailor Moon die, when I heard myself telling her to run, and then I heard a voice saying that I needed power, and that if I were to become a monster like those witches, then I'd gladly accept my demise, so that I'd protect her from the darkness, just as Mamoru Chiba and the others would in their Sailor Guardian forms," countered Sora.
Sayaka was so shocked and appalled to learn that he endured a lot of suffering, she ran up to him and hugged him.
"Oh, Sora. I'm so sorry. I guess, I had no idea that you suffered so much, just as Mami did, after what Madoka told me. Even though I'm only asking for a miracle, you've actually taught me something that I should never forget. I'm not gonna worry about what I want for Kyosuke's sake, because if I did, then I'd surely become just as vile and immorally disgusting as those witches," she said to him.
Sora nodded, and hugged her back, just as the elevator doors opened revealing Mami who was waiting for them.
"I think it's actually nice to see two people who are different bonding with each other, as well as talking about some of their faults," she said kindly to them.
"Oh, uh, Mami, I was, uh, I mean, Sora and I are…" Sayaka tried to explain as she jumped away from Sora.
"Sayaka, it's okay. In fact, I'm actually happy that Sora saved my life from Charlotte's fangs, and even went so far as to defeat her with Team SKYYLAR at our side until Homura came to our aid, even though the Grief Seed she left behind was meant for me," she assured her.
"Yeah, well, There's no way I'd even think of letting you share a similar fate as both Nehelenia and Galaxia did. That's why I chose to make a difference in that battle, when I saw a premonition of your death, thanks to Sephiroth getting inside of my head. That's what made me choose to save you, despite Homura's arrival, as you said before," replied Sora.
But then Mami blushed, and she slowly walked up to him.
"It's strange, Sora. But, even after you saved my life, I feel like I want to know you better. That's probably why I started to form a crush on you. I just hope that we fight more witches and Heartless together," she admitted.
The next morning, after Madoka awoke and ate breakfast with her family, she was uncharacteristically distant, as she thought back to how Sora and his friends had made a difference in saving Mami's life from Charlotte's fangs, when her mother told her to eat her breakfast or she'd run late for school.
"I'm sorry," she said, and started eating her breakfast.
Then she looked at her father, after she finished.
"By the way. I hope you don't get angry at me for saying this to you, Mom, but there's this guy I met called Sora, and he's very different from some of the boys at my school. I trust him, because he both acknowledges and respects me. He also helps people out, even when they don't need it, but I hope you like him when you see him visiting us," explained Madoka.
"I see. Well, when he next visits us again, I just hope you're right about him being a good guy," replied Junko.
But suddenly, Madoka began to cry, making Tatsuya ask why she was crying, but what they didn't know was that she was crying happy tears because of how Sora's actions had prevented the death of Mami Tomoe. Sometime later, she joined her friends on her way to school, with Sora and Team SKYYLAR at her side, but she smiled at the spiky brunette, because of his heroic action in saving someone from death.
"Hey, Sora, I never got a chance to tell you this, but I want to thank you for saving Mami's life back then. So, thank you," she said kindly to him.
Sora nodded towards her, his expression serious but kind.
"I said that we'd make a difference in that battle, and we have," he replied quietly, so that Hitomi wouldn't hear him.
"By the way, when lunch starts, we'll meet on the roof. There's something I have to tell you, and bring Sayaka along. She needs to hear it too," Sora said to her.
"Gotcha," replied Madoka.
At school, Miss Saotome was now explaining about how children were born, but Madoka was barely listening, as she was thinking about Sora, much to Homura's estranged bewilderment. When Lunch started, Madoka, Sayaka, and Mami were now joined with Team SKYYLAR, as Madoka looked at Sora with admiration in her eyes.
"I know I thanked you for saving Mami's life, but at the same time, not much has changed like our school, our class, Hitomi, and everything else, but I feel like the world seems a lot stranger than I realized," she explained to him.
"I'm also proud of Sora, even when Mami saw us together," replied Sayaka.
"But Big Brother Sora is her hero, because of how he refused to let Mami die," said Yui.
"Things may change when we least expect it, such as how everyone's memories of her would just fade away if she was destroyed by the darkness," added Leafa.
"That's true, Leafa. But I… I am happy to still be alive, thanks to Sora's intervention. But nothing much has changed, even though the people are unaware of the witches and Heartless that are continuing to wreak havoc upon them. But at the same time, I feel uneasy. Like could magical girls and witches be two sides of the same coin?" wondered Mami.
"Even if they were, I'd most certainly find a way to make it so that they could be turned back into their old selves again, by trying to find the tiniest spark of light within that witch, and help them become a magical girl once again," said Sora.
"Hey, Madoka, just one question, but are you sure you'd want to be a magical girl, even after you and Sayaka witnessed how we helped Mami defeat that witch even though Homura temporarily joined forces with us?" asked Asuna.
"I won't know for sure, Asuna, until I find the answer that's located deep within my heart," replied Madoka.
But then she stood up and walked up to Sora.
"As strange as it might sound, I'm actually scared, Sora," she said to him.
"Even before that battle, I was also scared about losing Mami, too," replied Sora.
"Feeling fear is common for a lot of people, as long as we don't let ourselves be lost in it, or else it will make a magical girl's soul gem become filled with unrelenting darkness," agreed the blonde drill tail.
"Madoka, after you saw me save Mami's life, while we fought Charlotte," he said.
"Yes?" asked Madoka.
"I'm not really the brightest guy you've ever met, but I refuse to have a world where everyone and everything around me dies before my very eyes. So I wish to promise you something, without Kyubey's interference. From here on out, I'll do my best to be by your side. I hope to prove myself as something better than what I am, and to make sure that the people of Mitakihara are free of the darkness, and to honor the memory of those who've passed away, if they fought and died like true warriors, unlike my friend, Samurai Jack, who taught me how to fight with a clear conscience. And I hope we can change the world together. Because I really do love you, Madoka Kaname. More than you know. After learning how a friend of mine called Pyrrha Nikos fought and died as both a huntress and a true warrior, I refuse to let you share her fate as well. So that's why I'll keep you safe from the darkness. And if you did become a magical girl, you'd most certainly do the same, wouldn't you?" he explained.
Sayaka and Mami were most surprised, even as Homura stood watching from nearby, with a quiet smile on her face.
"You know I would, Sora. After all, when I saw how you, Kirito, Yang, Leafa, Asuna, and Ruby fought against both Gertrud and Charlotte, I was actually both amazed and surprised by the way you fought, even with Yui and Sayaka cheering you guys on. You're not just brave, you're also kind, caring, and always willing to do what's right for the people. I don't think I'd ever meet anyone who's just as strong and heroic as Mami. Also, if we do grow up, get married, and have kids of our own, I'm sure we'd be very proud parents to them, even though I'm just an immature girl," said Madoka.
A gentle smile slowly formed upon Sora's lips, as he wrapped one arm around her, and gently touched the top of her head with his left hand, then the two of them shared a kiss with each other, which made Sayaka weep happy tears for them, with the rest of Team SKYYLAR and Mami having a proud smile on their faces.
"Hey, Kyubey, I'd like some confirmation, if it's okay with Sayaka and Mami. What happens to a magical girl when they're ultimately destroyed by a witch that's more dangerous than they realize? I'd like to know, even though I'm against the idea of signing your contract, because of the consequences of the wish I'd make," said Asuna.
"If a magical girl did indeed perish at the hands of a witch, word would spread to the other magical girls in the other cities they're protecting, and a new one would come to this city to protect it and the people living there," replied the catlike creature, even after Madoka and Sora pulled apart from each other.
"I get it. If Mami was indeed beaten by a witch she was having trouble against, then she'd most certainly be a goner. However, we all know that magical girls have to continue hunting down many grief seeds to ensure that they'd keep their soul gems pure with light, so that the darkness within doesn't destroy them. It's a bit of a difficult task for magical girls like her and Homura," said Kirito.
"You know, sometimes I feel like a magical girl's judgment might eventually become clouded if they let the whole fighting witches thing get to their head, just like what happened to Sora, before he told us about what happened at the elections. It was all thanks to some information he got from Raven Branwen, the Spring Maiden, who was also Yang's mother. That's when we learned that she was something of a special info broker to him, despite how she hoped that he'd eventually become her and Dad's son-in-law," added Ruby.
"Even though I was always resentful of my mother, I want all of you to know that I wouldn't be who I am without her and Dad, and the same can be said about him and my other mother, the late Summer Rose, that's a biological fact," agreed Yang.
"And I too wouldn't be who I am without my parents, even though they live on in my heart too," replied Mami, who was happy for them.
But then Sora turned to look at Kyubey, and walked past him with his head slowly looking up at the sky.
"Kyubey, I think it's best if you leave us alone for now. Besides, both Madoka and Sayaka need to spend some time away from you for a while," he said.
"Well, alright then. If that's what you wish, despite being a boy, I'll respect it, Sora. I'll scour the city for other girls who may agree to become magical girls, after the contract's been forged. Therefore, it's really my fault for getting you entangled in this madness. We might have been together for a short time, but I hope to see Madoka again soon," replied Kyubey, and he walked away from them.
Then Sora turned and looked at Madoka.
"Madoka. I don't think you should become a magical girl too soon. I think it's best if you don't think about it too much. Then you can have a much clearer conscience," Sora explained to her.
"Understood, Sora," replied Madoka.
"Well, you're always welcome to visit me any time, Sora. And the same can be said for everyone else," assured Mami.
Sometime later, Sora and Madoka arrived at Mami's apartment, and she rang the doorbell.
"Come in," she called.
"Ladies first, Madoka," Sora said to his new girlfriend.
"Thank you," replied Madoka, and she walked inside.
She saw Mami was sitting peacefully as she placed the notes on the table.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to focus after we saw Sora and the others save your life, Mami. I hope you can understand," she said.
But Mami slowly stood up and gently hugged her friend .
"Don't be, Madoka. Sometimes we have every right to cry, but sometimes our emotions can get in the way of our belief in doing what's right. Also, even though Sora confessed his feelings to you, do you still feel the same about him?" she asked.
"You know I do. Of course, Mami. I may not be ready to be a magical girl yet, but I hope to one day follow in Sora's footsteps, after I find my answer. That's more than enough reason for me to believe in him," replied Madoka.
"Madoka's right, Mami. And believe me, I promise to keep you safe from the darkness, just as my friends and I saved you from Charlotte's fangs. You see, my enemies have always told me, again and again and again, that my friends are my greatest weakness, but they're still my greatest strength, no matter how far apart we are. I'm not letting them die, no matter what. That's enough motivation to help me keep moving forward. And you too can do that, because as long as we're not alone, we can overcome the darkness together," explained Sora.
Then he turned to Madoka.
"And you can do that as well, because we are your strength, Madoka Kaname. You can call on us to do anything and we'll always be with you in body, and in spirit. Our hearts are connected to each other by both the red strings of fate, and an unbreakable chain of light. That's what makes you strong," he added firmly.
Nodding happily, with new tears of happiness flowing freely, Madoka hugged him, and Sora did the same. Sometime later, after bidding Mami goodbye, they came face to face with Homura. With Sora looking at her.
"You knew that Mami would die if we didn't save her, didn't you?" he asked sternly, surprising Madoka.
"In all honesty, you are correct, Sora. Though I don't know why you chose to save her life, I'm entirely unsure of how you changed her destiny," she replied.
"Because, unlike some people, I always fight for my friends. They are my strength, just as they are Madoka's. And much like you, I refuse to let anyone die for either her sake or mine. And even though Madoka's aware of your warning, I still chose to make a difference for Mami Tomoe, when she went to confront Charlotte. However, despite not being magical girls ourselves, we still chose to protect her, thanks to these weapons," explained Sora.
Then he held his hand out towards her, and a brilliant light formed, revealing his Keyblade, which he gripped in his hand.
"The Keyblade," murmured Homura.
"That's right. Kirito, Asuna, and Leafa are also Keyblade Wielders, but they are also my apprentices, just as Madoka and Sayaka are Mami's apprentices, Homura. But unlike you, my judgment in ensuring that nobody dies the same way Nehelenia and Galaxia died is what gives me the strength to carry on, without giving myself over completely to darkness. That premonition I had is what motivated me to save her from death. But in doing so, I also inadvertently helped you make Madoka believe that she needs more time to choose her own path," he added, as they walked off down the street.
"Uh, you know, Homura, I get the feeling that you're a veteran at this too. I mean like Mami, but different," said Madoka.
"Perhaps. I can't deny it," admitted Homura.
"Then that means, you're just like my friend, a Time Lord called the Doctor. You've seen a lot of death and destruction before, haven't you?" said Sora.
"I have," she replied.
"How many?" they asked.
"I gave up counting long ago," answered Homura.
Sora sighed quietly.
"But Mami's death would most certainly hurt me had Sora not saved her," admitted Madoka.
"Most likely," replied Homura.
"I guess you also know what seeing people die feels like, Homura. Mami may have lost her parents in that accident, but she wished for a second chance to live, thanks to Kyubey's arrival. But I made sure that her wish would still stay true, when I pushed her out of the way before Charlotte could destroy her. That's why I refuse to give up on helping the people I meet, as well as saving them when I choose to. That's something I refuse to let happen at all, as I've told you. Because if Mami was slain by any witch in any other labyrinth, then she'd be marked as a missing individual, instead of dead. That's one destiny I refuse to accept, no matter what you say, Homura Akemi," Sora replied.
The way he was speaking surprised Madoka, but she gently took his hand, as her way of making sure that he wouldn't allow the darkness inside of him to take control.
"I know that it may sound awful for Madoka to hear, but if I did see someone die, then I'd never be able to forgive myself, just as I'll never forgive Sephiroth for how he killed Nehelenia. Mami may have been all by herself back then, but she became her friend, just as she became mine and Sayaka's, and we both share the belief in fighting to protect the people. Her heart has become a part of mine, just as it became a part of both Madoka and Sayaka's hearts. And personally, I really don't give a crap about the conditions of the contract she forged with Kyubey, just so she could be a magical girl. Magical girls who fight for the sake of their wishes, instead of the people, only to die inside a labyrinth a witch resides in, resulting in the people not being able to remember her, that's not the way. Any death I see would only make me swear revenge, and inadvertently free a vicious monster within my heart called Vanitas, the shadow of mine and Ventus' true inner selves. So I'll honor her wish of wanting to live, so that she can fight another day," he explained.
"I see. Then you've really opened her eyes, Sora. How I envy you," replied Homura.
"I refuse to lose you as well! I swear I won't let you die, Homura! And how you saved us yesterday! I also don't want to lose anyone I cherish!" cried Madoka.
"How commendable," a voice said from behind them.
Madoka jumped back behind Sora and Homura, and saw Sephiroth, the One-Winged Angel, dressed in that same black coat Sora remembered thanks to his second meeting with Cloud Strife in Radiant Garden, but he also remembered the Masamune and that long flowing silver mane of his. But the one thing she noticed was that singular black wing that appeared from his right shoulder blade.
"Sephiroth!" he said angrily, and readied his Keyblade.
He turned sharply towards the two girls.
"I've got this! Stay back!" Sora told them.
"Okay," Madoka and Homura replied.
"I understand that you have saved Mami," said the silver-haired swordsman, as he pointed his sword at Sora.
"Yeah. Since I refused to let her die, it's because I chose to honor her wish," he replied sharply.
"Honor her wish? That darkness in her soul gem will unleash the jealous witch, Calandero. Do you think you could restore her to normal?" Sephiroth asked cryptically.
"SHUT UP!" shouted Sora.
"Face it. Mami was destined to die alone, because she would always be alone. But now you've altered her destiny by choosing to fight fate!" sneered the One-Winged Angel.
"I refuse to let anyone be alone at all, Sephiroth! But because of what you did to Nehelenia, There's no way I'll forgive you, no matter what you do to confuse me, so that you can have Vanitas become your pawn! And you're wrong about Mami. She's a strong young woman who may not need a man to protect her, but she yearned for friendship, because I carry the Magic of Friendship in my heart, and that's what's gonna help her stay true to the light. I also know that she was stubborn when she and Homura were about to lock horns with each other, but it's because I want everyone to join forces with each other so that we can battle the darkness and ensure that it never disrupts the balance we wish to fight for, because I believe in Mami, just as she believes in both me, and in all of my other friends, AND WE ARE NOT ALONE!" he cried out, causing his words to echo.
"Sora," Homura murmured quietly.
"I see. So that's what you believe. And I suppose you want to alter their destiny," said Sephiroth.
"That's what I believe in!" Sora replied sharply.
"I acknowledge your bravery. But in time you'll soon learn the truth about a magical girl's dark side," he smirked, as he holstered his sword.
Then he turned slowly away.
"Once Mami finds out, she will lose herself to the darkness of despair," the One-Winged Angel added ominously, then vanished in a burst of darkness that sent black feathers scattering everywhere.
"I won't let that happen," Sora murmured quietly.
"So, that was Sephiroth. However, Sora, I'll tell you and Madoka this. Kindness sometimes leads to even greater tragedy," Homura said to him and Madoka.
"If that's what you believe, Homura, then I'll just have to endure the suffering," he replied, as he saw her walking away.
Madoka was surprised, but she turned and looked at Sora, and saw that his eyes still burned with that same determination like Sayaka's.
"Hey, Sora. Thank you," she said kindly to him.
Sora nodded towards her, until she felt her lips against his cheek. Although he was caught off guard, he could see that Madoka chose to believe in him, despite what Sephiroth had told him.
"I hope you tell me why you're like this, Homura, so that we can come to an understanding with each other," he said quietly towards Homura's receding image.
That evening, while Team SKYYLAR was helping Mami with another witch hunt with Kirito taking temporary command, Sayaka and Sora were visiting Kyosuke, listening to another piece of music through their earphones.
"What'cha listening to?" she asked.
"The Girl With The Flaxen Hair," replied Kyosuke.
"From what I can tell, it's a piece by Debussy," said Sora, who was standing aside.
"Hey, that's correct, Sora. it's a beautiful song," grinned Sayaka.
"Yeah, well, I'm more of a rock and metal head, Sayaka. That's probably the whole reason why I have Dante's powers, thanks to my Nephilim Soul Drive," he replied.
"Wait, you actually listen to rock and metal, Sora?" Kyosuke asked as he sat up.
"Yep," he replied.
But then he grew serious.
"Also, I heard what the nurses said about you, and for that, I'm really sorry that you're hurting, Kyosuke Kamijou. But like I said, there are some things that Sayaka likes, and there are some things that she doesn't like. But even though she's learned a lot from you, there's no way she'd think of listening to classical music. That's something I can respect about you, and Sayaka would definitely say the same thing," Sora added.
"Hey, you guys," Kyosuke said.
The two friends turned to face him.
"Cut it out. Stop torturing me already," he sighed.
Sayaka was surprised, even as Kyosuke removed his earbuds.
"Why do you keep coming here? You think I like listening to this music?" he asked coldly.
"Kyosuke, please, try to calm down. I know that you're hurting, because I've felt it when I was taking part in the Mark of Mastery Examination in the Sleeping Worlds, under Master Yen Sid's tutelage. I know that you're not able to play violin again, after what I heard from the nurses in this hospital, just as I told you before. So believe me when I tell you this. I'm not just gonna let you give it all up, just because of what happened before. And even if you don't want to listen to this music anymore, I can understand that. Time can heal any wound that nobody can see, and you will heal, if you believe," explained Sora.
"Believe?" questioned Kyosuke, who was shocked at what he heard.
"Exactly. Believe. I thought it was all over for me, but a friend of mine looked me in the eye and said, 'You don't believe that.' Everything's gonna be okay, Kyosuke Kamijou. Because if you choose to give up hope, then all your dreams are well and truly dead. And who gives a crap about whether you can play violin again or not? I choose to believe in all kinds of different dreams and miracles, no matter how impossible they may be for anyone to achieve. And Sayaka believes in them too. They're more real than you believe, and there will always be more to light than meets the eye. Because, after all, evil will never triumph, no matter what form it takes," he explained, as he shut off the music player.
Even though Kyosuke heard what Sora said, it was almost as if he could see a tiny bit of Sayaka's unyielding spirit within his heart, which made him think that he was very much like her, a kind, caring, and understanding sort who'd never give up on anything. But unknown to him, Kyubey had heard everything, which caused Sayaka to reel in surprise at what he heard.
"You're gonna be okay, even though your hand was already screwed up from the accident, which rendered it useless. I won't stop believing, and neither will Sayaka, Kyosuke. That's what's in our hearts," Sora said firmly.
"You know, it's strange, Sora. But at the same, you truly do remind me of Sayaka, because you care a lot about other people, and you even believe that despite what happened before, you've given me a new perspective on what I want most. If I gave up now, despite what the doctor and the nurses told me, only then are my dreams truly dead. So, thank you, for giving me that little pep talk to help me see the light," admitted Kyosuke.
"Yeah, well. I've got my share of troubles too," he replied.
"What do you mean?" asked Sayaka.
"Like, wanting to be like you," answered Sora.
"Well, there is one advantage you share with Sayaka. Something you could never imitate," said the other boy.
"Really? What's that?" Sora asked him.
"Having you for a friend," replied Kyosuke.
"Then in that case, I'm okay the way I am. I've got something you could never imitate too," he grinned, and the two boys began to exchange a friendly laugh with each other, which made Sayaka smile at them.
"You and Kyosuke are sort of like brothers, aren't you, Sora?" admitted Sayaka.
"Maybe we are, Sayaka, because I'd most certainly tell him to keep fighting for a way to heal, and to never give up hope at all," replied Sora.
"Well, whatever miracle helps heal my hand, I'm sure that I'll be able to play violin again. So, thank you again, Sora. Thank you for reminding me to never give up on myself, or my dreams," said Kyosuke.
That night, after their witch hunt, Mami and the remaining members of Team SKYYLAR soon met up with Madoka, who was looking up at the sky, after Sora and Sayaka bade Kyosuke farewell.
"Hey, Mami, I have a question to ask you. Why is it that you and Homura don't get along very well?" she asked.
"That, I don't know, Madoka. But even if we were to find a way to come to an understanding, it'd most certainly end in anger and mistrust," replied Mami, just as Sora arrived.
"I'm guessing that the two of you don't see eye to eye very often, Mami. But I do have some bad news. Sephiroth showed up and scared the living daylights out of Madoka, because I have a feeling he wants her dead, so that he'll make me hate him even more, and unleash Vanitas from within," he said.
Suddenly, they noticed Hitomi nearby, and rushed up to her. But Sora stopped when he noticed a strange mark on her neck.
"A witch's kiss," Sora murmured quietly.
Quickly, he ran towards her side.
"Hey, Hitomi. What are you doing here? And why aren't you at practice?" he asked cautiously.
"Oh, good evening, Sora," Hitomi greeted in a strange voice.
"Hitomi Shizuki, please, tell me what's going on, and why you're in this part of town," Sora said, his eyes burning with determination.
"I'm going somewhere wonderful. That's where," she replied.
"You've gotta be kidding me," protested Sora.
"Oh yes, you and your friends should come with me as well. You'll see, it'll be so wonderful," Hitomi said.
But Sora wasn't so sure about it, as he turned and faced Madoka and the others.
"Mami, I need your help. Something tells me that Hitomi's not herself, due to that mark on her neck," he said firmly.
"Alright, I'll agree to help you and your friends, Sora, but we'll also make sure that Madoka's safe and protected," replied Mami.
They soon followed after Hitomi, even as Madoka could tell that Sora was indeed very determined like Sayaka, when she saw other people around her bearing the same mark from the witch that had affected them. Madoka wanted to contact Homura, but Sora gently took hold of her hand and held it.
"Madoka, it's gonna be okay. I promise, I'll always find a way to protect you. And it won't be just me, but all of my other friends as well. We're not gonna let whatever's possessed Hitomi and those people hurt you," he assured her.
They soon followed after them into another building, where they heard a man talking about his failures, when the doors closed behind them. Suddenly, Madoka remembered how her mother told her not to use two of the same bottle that had different contents within them, and that they'd both grow sick if they were mixed together. She tried to convince them to stop, when Hitomi stopped her, and explained that she would not let her interrupt this ceremony.
"That's not gonna happen, Hitomi. I won't allow it, and neither will Madoka! I'M NOT LETTING ANYONE DIE!" countered Sora, as he brandished his Keyblade, and rushed forward.
Team SKYYLAR decided to do the same, as they readied their weapons, just as clever Yui, grabbed the bucket, and with a great effort, threw it out the window. Suddenly, the people saw what they had done, and angrily rushed at them.
"RUN!" cried Kirito, as he grabbed Madoka's hand.
Everyone had to agree, and they rushed through the door and locked it shut, hoping to stop the possessed people from attacking them for as long as possible.
"It won't hold them for long, guys," said Yang.
"Maybe not, but this one might want to dispose of us," replied Leafa.
Taking hold of Madoka's hand, Sora stood with his Keyblade held at the ready.
"Look, I know you're scared, Madoka. I know I am, but I made a promise and I'm gonna keep it," he assured her.
Despite her relief at how Sora was also able to admit his fears, they were soon pulled into the labyrinth of another witch that was more dangerous than most. as Team SKYYLAR and Mami fought off the familiars, so that they would protect Madoka and Yui from harm. But then suddenly, several blue streaks of light appeared a familiar face with blue hair appeared, but she was wearing what looked to be a blue and white button-down strapless top, a blue asymmetrical skirt held up by a dark blue belt with a yellow buckle, white stockings with a blue stripe, teal boots, and white cape that reached her thighs, two pairs of gloves, one being elbow-length midnight-blue, and the other being a white standard-length, that reached her wrists. The only noticeable thing was her soul gem which was located on her abdomen. Sora and the others had never seen Sayaka with that kind of outfit before, as she struck them down with her sword, which looked to be a cutlass, like Jack Sparrow's, until the witch was reduced to a grief seed. Outside the labyrinth, Homura watched with a look of pure disappointment on her face, but she saw that Hitomi and the other people were freed from the witch's darkness.
"Hey, thanks for protecting Madoka. But I'm really sorry for coming late, you guys," she said to them.
"Yeah well, I'm just glad you got here just in time. We'd have been mincemeat if you hadn't shown up," replied Sora.
"But what really surprises me is your outfit, Sayaka. And you also have a sword at your side," said Kirito.
"Oh, well, I guess I had a change of heart, after taking some time to think about it. But, the main reason why I'm a magical girl is because Sora decided to tell Kyosuke about how dreams and miracles will always be real, because of how he really believes in them, and I saw that they were sort of like brothers," replied Sayaka.
Sora couldn't help but give a bit of a light chuckle.
"I'll admit, you did a good job, Sayaka. But, I must warn you. Being a hero isn't gonna be easy, because of the heavy price that comes with it," he said.
"I know, Sora. But I am happy to fight alongside you guys, because of how you refused to let Mami die," she grinned.
Madoka was about to protest this, when Homura arrived, and accused Sayaka of being foolish, just as Sora stepped forward.
"Look, I get that you're angry at Sayaka, Homura. But even though she's a magical girl, I'm still staying true to my word so that the darkness doesn't destroy her," Sora said firmly.
"Don't be an idiot, Sora. Once someone becomes a magical girl, they'll most certainly be destroyed by the darkness, and they will never come back, even if you do pray for a true miracle to bring them back to the light," argued Homura.
"Okay, look, I don't know why you're acting like this, Homura, but you need to stop and think about it carefully. What do you think is gonna happen if a witch were to be cleansed by the light, huh? Have you ever stopped to think about it?" questioned Asuna.
"I have, and all I can tell you is that while darkness may be evil, everything will end in darkness. As it was written in the book of the stone. On all lands under one destined sky, darkness prevails and light expires," she remarked towards the lightning flash.
"You're wrong, Homura. Darkness will never triumph over light. It'll only destroy the light by making us believe everything is hopeless. But nothing is hopeless. Not at all. Sora taught me that, even though I began to doubt my ability as a leader to team RWBYS, and even blamed myself for not being able to save Penny after Jaune gave her a mercy kill, just so that she could transfer her maiden powers to Weiss' sister, Winter. Sora believes in hope, just as I do. And if we really did give up hope, only then would darkness win, resulting in the deaths of countless innocents on countless worlds, where they'd all return to the first light, Kingdom Hearts. He even said that every crisis should turn into a golden opportunity, when we saved Mami from Charlotte," countered Ruby.
"You're all fools," scoffed Homura.
"No, the only fool we see is you, Homura Akemi! You don't care about who lives and who dies! You may care about Madoka, but you don't bother showing any form of emotion because of something you're afraid of!" barked Yang, until the drill tailed magical girl fired a warning shot between them with her musket rifle.
"That's enough!" Mami said loudly, surprising everyone.
Then she turned to Homura.
"Get out of our sight now, Homura. And for your sake, I hope we never have to fight to the death, unless you have a good reason to tell us exactly what you fear," she stated firmly towards her.
"Fine, but if Sayaka does embrace the darkness, then you'll soon learn the truth after you see it with your own two eyes," Homura replied, and stormed off into the darkness.
But once she was gone, Sora turned away from them.
"I won't let any of you be lost in darkness," he murmured quietly, and clenched his fist, causing droplets of his own blood to fall to the ground, making Leafa worried as she wrapped her arms around him.
Back at the hospital, Kyosuke was surprised to find out that his hand was healed, and he knew that Sora was right about dreams and miracles never dying. But in another part of town, a girl in a green hood, dark blue biker shorts, and brown boots sat as she munched on a piece of food in her hand, but her red hair was tied in a ponytail by a black ribbon, when Kyubey turned to face her.
"I didn't expect you to show up," he sighed.
"I came all this way, 'cause I found out Mami survived thanks to some newbies. So, why don't you tell me something? What's the deal? This ain't like anything you said," she quipped.
"Sorry, but this territory has just gained a new magical girl. She just formed a contract with me," replied the cat.
"What the hell!? That pisses me off. I mean, I couldn't live like this if I handed some territory to someone who's a rookie. That'd be crazy," the girl said with an irritated scowl.
"What are you going to do, Kyoko?" asked Kyubey.
"Simple. I'll just put their dumb rookie asses out of commission, permanently," grinned Kyoko Sakura.
"I see. Very well then, Kyoko. Feel free to do as you please with them," said Kurai, who arrived via the dark corridor.
"Oh, you bet I will, and it will most certainly be a pleasure," she replied, as her crimson eyes flashed with anticipation.