Chapter 11
The Only Thing I Have Left to Guide Me
"Homura Akemi. You're a time traveler. You've traveled across several different timelines and re-lived this month over and over, always looking for a way to change the outcome into the one you want," Kyubey explained, a few days later.
Homura glared at the incubator, her eyes etched with pure disdain, but none of them knew that Sora was listening in on what he was saying.
"The truth about you does exactly answer one question about you, though. It solves the mystery about Madoka Kaname's incredible potential as a Magical Girl. At last, I have a theory that explains it. A Magical Girl's potential is based on the weight of the karmic destiny she bears. If she were a queen or messiah, I could have understood, but Madoka was given an ordinary life. So it was hard for me to understand why she would be the focal point for so many destinies. But now… Say, Homura, could it be that Madoka's potential to be the most powerful magical girl is because you kept turning back time?" the cat-like being inquired.
"What?" Sora gasped in shock, startled by this realization.
Even Homura was shocked to hear it.
"I thought so. You are the reason behind it, or rather, a side effect of your magic caused her to become that way," he said.
"What do you mean?" questioned Homura.
"There's only one reason you kept repeating this timeline, to save Madoka Kaname. By turning back time over and over, and each time for the same reason, you unknowingly caused this multiple timelines to converge. And they all converge around Madoka Kaname. The threads of fate of all the Madokas from all the different timelines, were never linked before, but if they converge upon a single point, the Madoka of this timeline, then that would explain why she has the powerful magical potential she has. All of the karmic destinies from all of the different timelines you affected eventually attached themselves to Madoka Kaname. After all, she's the reason this happened," he said, making Homura shudder at what she heard.
But as Kyubey congratulated her for making Madoka become the most powerful witch in existence, Sora, unable to listen any longer, had to explain what he heard to the others, when Cinder Fall stepped out of the dark corridor.
"Yes, and I'm actually rather pleased that you've become the very fire that has sealed Madoka's doom, just like my beloved Sephiroth is. Hence why your name means fire, Homura Akemi," she said proudly.
Shocked at what he heard, Sora decided to contact Master Yen Sid after what he heard the monster that killed countless innocent people had said to Homura.
"Master Yen Sid needs to hear this," he said quickly.
He did just that, and soon, Master Yen Sid's image appeared.
"Yes, Sora," the former Keyblade Master said.
"Master Yen Sid, I've got bad news. Apparently, after Homura became a magical girl, thanks to her signing Kyubey's contract, she unknowingly caused a never ending loop in time, to try and alter Madoka's fate, but she unknowingly caused every version of Madoka that lived, died, became a witch, or had died before becoming a magical girl, to converge in this Madoka: the Madoka that I love. Kyubey lied to her, just as he lied to all the other magical girls of the past. He wants Madoka to be a magical girl so that Kurai will destroy her, thus breaking Homura even further, and then, he'll end her as well," Sora explained.
"Do not blind yourself with fear, Sora. You were born with a special power, similar to that of any magical girl. The power to make a difference in any world, and to ensure that you can right all the wrongs that have been made by those who were lost in darkness. I can sense that Homura's pain comes from seeing Madoka's life come to an unfortunate end multiple times, just as you refuse to let anyone die," assured Yen Sid.
"I know. Homura told me everything about her past. How she first met Madoka, became a magical girl, then set off on her own personal crusade to try and find a way to save her from death, even though I failed to save Nehelenia and Galaxia from themselves. Kyubey has deceived them for the last time. But, only when Madoka believes that Homura's actions have caused her nothing but pain, will she have the strength to change the world forever, and give way to a brighter tomorrow," Sora explained.
Yen Sid nodded quietly, his face stern, but his mood understanding.
"Do what you can to help ease Homura's suffering, Sora. When Walpurgisnacht arrives, you and Yui are to remain with Madoka, until she decides it's time to help out, but beware of Kurai. He may be planning something to have her killed before she becomes that which Homura fears most," he said.
Sora nodded, then clicked off the transmitter. Afterwards, Sayaka told Hitomi and Kyosuke that she had done some thinking, and felt that after what happened, she decided to admit the truth about her failure to them, which they acknowledged, but assured her that she would find someone who would be truly like her, and help her learn from her previous failures. She reunited with Kyoko, Mami, and Team SKYYLAR's members, and informed them that after what happened, she would work to be a better warrior of light, rather than a stubborn fool who was bound by stupidity. The rain came down hard on the city, as Sora joined up with Madoka, who was pleased to see him, but felt despondent.
"Madoka, it's best if we gather our friends and tell them to meet up with Homura at her place. That way, we'll discuss how we'll defeat Walpurgisnacht, Sephiroth, and Kurai. Believe me, I know that you're scared, but I did promise that I'd make a difference for everyone in this city. In the meantime, we'll head to your place, and explain what happened to your mother, Junko," he explained.
Madoka nodded, as the weather report spoke of what was going on with the light winds and heavy rain, as Mrs. Kaname admitted them in, one by one.
"Hey, everyone, are you sure you don't know anything about what happened to your friends?" she asked them.
"I'm afraid so, and it might sound strange from one of us, Mrs. Kaname. Apparently, Sayaka got really angry and started lashing out at other people for some horrible things that they said about what they wanted most. It nearly drove her down what you'd call a rather dark path," explained Kirito.
Madoka had to agree, then she and the others walked off to her bedroom, where Kyubey met them.
"I can't believe you saved Kyoko and Sayaka from death, Sora," she said quietly.
"I'm just as surprised as you are, Madoka. Seeing as Sora doesn't want anyone to die," the cat-like creature said.
"What you've done is not okay at all, Kyubey. Everything you've done is all your fault, because you understand nothing about the heart of every Warrior of Light," glowered Kirito.
Kyubey sighed disappointedly at them.
"Look, we may feel guilty about the many creatures that we eat, since they're used to giving us good food, but none of that matters anymore. Even so, we know what happened before during our time as ancient human beings, who hunted down those creatures," added Sora.
"How irrational can you be?" questioned Kyubey.
"What matters more is that you have no right to tell us what we can or cannot do, Kyubey. We make our own decisions, not let you rule us. Sure we might have chosen livestock to be our food, as well as let them bring new generations into the world and live safe from fear of being eaten by other predators, regardless of their survival rate in the safety of farms, rather than in the wild, even if you call it mutually beneficial for all parties," Asuna said sharply.
"And that's exactly how you see us, Kyubey. Worthless insignificant beings in your puppet show of darkness," agreed Leafa.
"On the contrary, we treat humans with much more respect than humans treat their livestock. We acknowledged human beings as sentient creatures, and tried to deal fairly with them," countered Kyubey.
"Okay, then why don't you shut up!?" snapped Yang.
"Yang, please," warned Ruby, taking her sister's hand.
"We've heard enough from you, Kyubey. We don't want to believe your crap any more than you want us to," Kirito said sharply.
"Well at least let me explain why humans and incubators have a shared philosophy, everyone," the creature replied.
Then images flashed through their minds, of the first magical girls of the past, to the magical girls of the current era, in what Kyubey called the Puella Magi Wars.
"We have intervened in this universe's civilization's development since prehistoric times. Throughout the ages, countless girls have made contracts with incubators, had their wishes granted, and then succumbed to despair," explained Kyubey.
"Lies. Deceptions. Falsehoods. Every one of them," Asuna said angrily.
"Beginning with a wish, and ending with a curse. It's the cycle every magical girl has repeated up to now. Some have started revolutions that changed history, while others elevated human society to new levels," Kyubey continued.
"Enough is enough, Kyubey! All those girls trusted you because you lied to them! You made them become monsters who have no dreams nor honor!" Sora shouted furiously, startling Madoka even more.
"Sora, please, calm down! This isn't like you at all! Don't let Vanitas break out again!" she wailed.
"Oh no, we didn't lie to them. You could say their wishes did though. However, Sora, by saving Mami, Kyoko, and Sayaka from darkness and death, you've caused them to rally to their side, and even sealed that which they feared of becoming back into the soul gem that contains the grief seed. But why are you surprised that you've uncovered the truth about Homura and Madoka's unique bond? Even though you can't contract with me, your Keyblade Magic rivals that of any magical girl that lives to become a witch, but had they chosen to not make that wish they would have never agreed to be magical girls that would become the darkness that lingers within their soul gems," the cat explained.
"That is enough, Kyubey. We've heard enough, and we don't want to hear your bull crap anymore. You claim that everything worth saving should be done through sacrifice, but you're wrong. Madoka would never make a deal with a devil like you. After all, the only Miracle that I wanted most of all, was to find a way to save Remnant from being transformed into Grimm Central at the hands of Salem, but when we saw what happened, everything was gutted and destroyed by her, until we saw Kurai Izunia, son of this Ardyn and Salem standing before us, and he said that we, the humans and faunus of that world were descended from Salem, after she began waging a personal war against the gods, so that she would have a world free of all pestilence," argued Ruby.
Everyone else had to agree with her, even Madoka, who was greatly shaken by what she heard.
"Believe me, Kyubey, there have been some sacrifices on other worlds, such as the death of Nehelenia at the hands of Sephiroth, and the death of Galaxia at my hands. My greatest failure was not letting either of them have a second chance, because I refuse to have a world that benefits from all forms of sacrifice. And I know that Madoka feels the same way. You felt nothing, even after spending whatever time you had with those girls who signed your contract to be magical girls. You never understood their pain, and you never saw how they were truly hurting after all the things you and your incubator brethren had done. Had you accepted those things, none of this would have happened, because you see emotion as a weakness to your species, until you found out about us, and never imagined a world with a different set of emotional thinking and feeling existed, no matter how much we coexisted with each other. However, if you hadn't met the people of this world, then they'd be lost in deep dark caves, without any chance of seeing the light. You've meddled in the affairs of those people without giving any thought of the consequences," Sora explained angrily.
Then his eyes turned yellow.
"And because of what you did, you're going to pay for everything you've done to those girls of the past," he added darkly, but it was Vanitas talking through him.
"Sora, please, killing him won't make any difference," Leafa said, taking hold of his hand.
"Fine," Sora replied.
He turned towards Kyubey, with his natural blue eyes.
"Get out of our sight now, Kyubey. And don't even think of trying to trick Madoka into becoming a magical girl who dies fighting a losing battle," he said.
"You are a strange yet difficult young man, Sora. I know that what I told you was true from my point of view, but I'll leave Madoka alone for now." replied Kyubey, and he scampered off.
But he slowly turned back towards them.
"May your hearts be your guiding key," he added, then jumped out into the pouring rain.
Sora slammed the window shut with such anger, that poor Madoka couldn't bear to see him acting like this, as he sat down on a chair and wept angry tears.
"Kyubey tried to have Mami killed. Kyubey wanted Sayaka to be a magical girl so that she'd turn into Octavia, and he even wanted her and Kyoko dead!" Sora said angrily.
"Sora, calm down," Madoka tried to say.
"Kyubey and his incubator brethren have taken every girl's freedom away! And they fell for his lies. Don't you understand that? Kyubey took away everything they ever had!" he snapped.
"But you saved Mami, Kyoko, and Sayaka, Big Brother Sora," interjected Yui.
"All those magical girls who blindly accepted his offer. There is no justice for their lives, only revenge, Little Sister. They should have never accepted that stupid contract, and pretty much lived their lives normally," argued Sora.
"But you can still find a purpose to make sure that no sacrifice was ever considered meaningless," interjected Kirito.
"Just like Twilight did when Spike saved the Crystal Empire from King Sombra," he said with realization in his eyes.
"That's right. We may hate Kyubey for what he and his brethren did, but still, even though what he did was wrong, you can hear their souls telling you to make sure that they can still rest in peace within Kingdom Hearts. I believe that may be worthwhile. What do you say to that?" agreed Madoka.
"To be honest, I agree with you, Madoka. It's just, after Nehelenia, Penny, and Pyrrha died, my hatred for Cinder and Sephiroth continued to grow stronger and stronger, until it'd make Vanitas so powerful that he'd burst out and have everyone I love killed. Mami never wanted to be all alone, because of what happened in that accident that claimed the lives of her mother and father, Kyoko never wanted to help other people after her family was destroyed, and Sayaka almost got lost in darkness for her own stubborn stupidity. They were sort of like sisters to you. And maybe, if for whatever reason…" replied Sora.
He suddenly trailed off, and looked away, as his eyes slowly welled up with tears.
"What is it, Sora?" Madoka asked quietly.
"I didn't want them to die. When I saw that vision of Mami getting her head bitten off by Charlotte the Desert Witch, thanks to Sephiroth, it motivated me to save her life. But then I heard another voice, telling me that Sayaka would be destroyed by her own stupidity, which made me think that she and Kyoko would destroy each other. After I saw Octavia, I knew that she was still alive beneath that darkness. I could feel her light calling to my heart. I fought against her, even with that symphonic metal music blasting into your ears, and I could hear your heart calling to Sayaka's heart, just like how you reached out to Mami's heart. It might not make any sense at all, but I heard Sayaka's voice in my head, calling to me," explained Sora.
"I may not understand it, Sora, but for some reason, a lot of us were cheering you on, when you fought Octavia," Madoka replied.
"I may have heard you, Kyoko, Mami, and all of my other friends cheering me on, but I heard Sayaka's voice. She was asking me to free her from the darkness. And I did," he finished.
Then he sat down beside her, and pulled her close to her in a somber hug.
"I can't believe Kyubey wanted them dead. I just can't believe it," he said somberly.
"Neither could we, Sora," added Leafa, who hugged him from behind.
Inside a bar, Junko and Miss Saotome began talking about how nearly losing the people Madoka considered to be her closest friends had almost broken her heart, but neither knew that Sora had saved them from the darkness due to his mastery as a Keyblade Master.
"I heard that Sayaka's been having some problems with a friend over a boy, but she's agreed to let him be with her. This is something that usually passes after a little heartache, but then she told me that she'll find someone else who's like her," the teacher said quietly.
"Actually, it's true, Miss Saotome. I was impulsive, stubborn, and above all else, a total idiot who should have helped myself, rather than others, after my previous interactions with Kyoko Sakura, a rough and tough rogue with a heart of gold. However, I promised Madoka that I'd work harder to be something better than what I once was, and that the next boy I find can teach me how to learn from my failures and to accept them as part of myself. Even after all the horrible things I said to Madoka, I realize now that I was wrong. I wasn't a seeker of justice. I was actually a seeker of vengeance. So I get it, now. There's no point in fighting for both at the same time," interjected Sayaka, who arrived, despite being underaged, along with her other friends.
"As for Madoka. Sayaka told me that Mrs. Kaname thinks that she knows more about what's going on, but is unsure of why her daughter won't tell her anything, even though she doesn't like lying to others," added Mami, who was with her.
"Even though I never knew much about my true family, after they disappeared, I can tell you that after everything that happened, Madoka's been distant. My father had many different problems before he passed, and yet, I can tell that you've never had problems like this before, even though you're her mother, Mrs. Kaname," agreed Kyoko.
"Madoka may love and cherish the people around her, even me, Tatsuya, and her father for that matter. I can tell there's something heavy on her mind, and usually she'd come talk to me about it. She knows she can talk to me with whatever problems she's got," replied Junko.
"I know what you mean. It can be difficult for children around her age. But when you turn around and see them as the kind of man or woman they're about to become, letting them go is the hardest thing to do for parents. Take King Triton from Atlantica for example. He loved his daughters, even after the death of his wife Queen Athena, which made him be lost in the darkness of his past, making him hate all humans with pure unadulterated vengeance. Overtime, however, he saw that not all humans are evil, thanks to how Sora and the rest of us helped his daughter Ariel defeat an evil sea witch named Ursula, and she was happily united with Eric. You need to learn to trust your daughter with all your heart, Mrs. Kaname. That way, Madoka can have all the time she needs to get a better grasp on her true feelings. Patience is a virtue. And when she comes around, everything will be alright, no matter how difficult and helpless it may seem. Trust me. I was never good with patience as you weren't. I was also impulsive and rude during my visit to the Beast's castle in Belle's world. That too made me a massive idiot like Sayaka," explained Kirito.
That night, after being told that they would meet in Homura's house, Sora and Madoka arrived at her home, after ringing her doorbell.
"Mind if we come in?" she asked.
Homura nodded slowly, and allowed them to enter. She explained what was going on to them.
"So, Walpurgisnacht is coming here to this city, to ravage and destroy it, and have a lot of innocent people killed," Sora said quietly.
"Yeah, I told Madoka about it, after Homura explained things with me, back when Sayaka and I were about to start our battle on a walkway. That's the reason why we agreed to a temporary truce, because one magical girl alone can't defeat it alone. That's the whole reason why we're being prepared," agreed Kyoko.
"I don't believe it," murmured Mami.
"We both know that the city is in grave danger, everyone," said Yui.
"This witch is different from the others. It's so powerful, it doesn't need to hide in a labyrinth," replied Homura.
"We're not gonna let the people die at the hands of that monster, Homura, even after it shows up. Look, Leafa, Ruby, Yui, Yang, and I may not be magical girls, but we are warriors of light, as well as Keyblade Masters. Even though the people may not believe in the supernatural like any of us, they'll think that it was a massive earthquake, storm, or any other natural disaster that nearly destroyed the city," explained Asuna.
"She's right, Homura. Walpurgisnacht must be stopped no matter the cost, even if you don't want to endanger Madoka," agreed Leafa.
"But you're not alone anymore, now that you have people like us, Homura. We'll help you out, even if you don't want us to," said Ruby.
"It's better if you stay out of it," quipped Homura.
"No way, Homura! It's like Sora said. You can't defeat this witch alone, not without our help. Even if you don't need our help, playing the lone wolf isn't the way. We're in this together, whether you like it or not," argued Yang.
"I'm with Yang on this one, Homura. Because we now know the truth about why you're hollow. You're afraid of losing Madoka to the darkness. And to be honest, you're lying not just to her, but yourself as well. Sora told me that he doesn't like seeing the people he cherishes being lost in darkness as you do," agreed Sayaka.
"How could I be honest with her? She wouldn't believe me anyway," remarked the dark-haired girl.
"Maybe, but I do know the truth about you, after what I heard Kyubey say. You're from another timeline where Madoka didn't survive, Homura," said Sora.
"To be honest, you're right, Sora. You are absolutely right. We're not even from the same time!" she cried, and she ran up to him and collapsed against him.
She wrapped her arms around him, making everyone turn and sympathize with her.
"The truth is, I'm from that future. I've met Madoka over and over. And every time, in every time, I've had to watch her die. What do I have to do to save her? What do I have to do to change her fate?" Homura asked as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
This made Sora wrap his arms around her and hug her.
"So that's why you kept repeating this month over and over again. You wanted to find a way to free Madoka from her dark destiny, so that she could have a brighter destiny. But you don't need to do it alone forever, Homura. You have friends like me, Kirito, Yui, Yang, Leafa, Asuna, Ruby, Kyoko, Mami, and Sayaka. I know why you have the power to control time, because you made a contract with Kyubey to be a magical girl, so that you could save Madoka from the darkness. That's why it makes perfect sense, after the times I spent with the Time Lord of Galifrey, the Doctor," he explained.
"I know, but none of this made any sense to Madoka. I've been hurting her this whole time. She doesn't know the real me. I just started going to her school, so it's not like she ever knew me at all. But I know her. I know how she sold away her life, and…" sobbed Homura, but she continued to weep for them.
"But like I said, Homura. I understand you, even more than Madoka would, and I respect your decision to try and make it so that a difference can be made for your very best friend, even if it's the only thing you have left to guide you. And no matter how many times you redid this time, the further away you got from each other. You don't have to hold back your true feelings any longer. But this time, we'll make sure that Madoka lives together, and even free her from the darkness that continues to misguide her. So we'll honor your wish, even though me and Kirito aren't magical girl material. So you see, we fully understand you, Homura Akemi, even though Madoka doesn't, because we'll protect her, together," Sora said, as he continued to hold her.
At first, Homura tried to wrench herself free, but something inside her told to not do it, as if another presence was telling her not to. She collapsed against him and cried her heart out, and Sora knew that she was indeed hurting immensely, much to Madoka's surprise.
"It's gonna be okay. Even though you refuse to allow Madoka to be a magical girl, what you need to know is that she has the right to choose for herself, rather than let someone choose for her. You don't need to hold back your true feelings any longer, Homura. You saw how I saved Mami, Sayaka, and Kyoko from death, and even transformed the blue knight back into herself, after she turned into Octavia. This time, you won't ever have to be alone, don't hold back your true feelings, let yourself go and cry for as long as you need to. we'll be there, not just for Madoka, but for you and everyone else, as well. That's why we're what you'd call a family, and family is what helps us triumph over the darkness, no matter how powerful it is," he explained.
Then Homura began to fully weep for several minutes, as her body was wracked by choked sobs, until Madoka gently walked up to her friend and hugged her, and everyone else did the same, making her feel like a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
"Thank you, everyone," Homura sobbed quietly, as she hugged her back.
"Before our final battle begins, is it okay if we dance with each other?" Sora asked.
"Okay," she replied softly.
Sayaka, Kyoko, Mami, and Madoka nodded in agreement as they smiled at them. Even Team SKYYLAR did as well. Then Sora pulled back from her, pulled out his Gummi Phone, and chose a track that would help them dance their troubles away before the final battle with Walpurgisnacht. He then pressed the play button, and the sound of a gospel-influenced slow burn piece of music echoed around them. Slowly, Sora stepped forward, and with his hand extended towards Homura. She accepted it without hesitation, and the two friends began to dance with each other as everyone watched them.
(Time to play a heartfelt song for Sora and Homura dancing with each other as everyone else watches this touching scene, so go with O Children by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, as featured in the movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 where Harry and Hermione danced with each other, which helps Homura know that she will never truly be alone at all, as long as she has friends by her side to help her out, no matter what)
"Pass me that lovely little gun
My dear, my darling one
The cleaners are coming one by one
You don't even want to let them start
They are knocking now upon your door
They measure the room, they know the score
They're mopping up the butcher's floor
Of your broken little hearts
Oh-Oh-O Children
Forgive us now for what we've done
It started out as a bit of fun
Here, take these before we run away
The keys to the gulag
[Chorus]
O Children
Lift up your voice, lift up your voice
Children
Rejoice, rejoice
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Here comes Frank and poor old Jim
They're gathering round with all my friends
We're older now, the light is dim
And you are only just beginning
Oh-Oh-O Children
We have the answer to all your fears
It's short, it's simple, it's crystal clear
It's round about and it's somewhere here
Lost amongst our winnings
[Chorus]
O Children
Lift up your voice, lift up your voice
Children
Rejoice, rejoice
The cleaners have done their job on you
They're hip to it, man, they're in the groove
They've hosed you down, you're good as new
And they're lining up to inspect you
Oh-Oh-O Children
Poor old Jim's white as a ghost
He's found the answer that we lost
We're all weeping now, weeping because
There ain't nothing we can do to protect you
[Chorus]
O children
Lift up your voice, lift up your voice
Children
Rejoice, rejoice
[Outro]
Hey, little train, we are all jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
And the train ain't even left the station
Hey, little train, wait for me!
I once was blind, but now I see
Have you left a seat for me?
Is that such a stretch of the imagination?
Hey little train, wait for me!
I was held in chains, but now I'm free
I'm hanging in there, don't you see?
In this process of elimination
Hey little train, we are all jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
It's beyond my wildest expectation
Hey little train, we are all jumping on
The train that goes to the Kingdom
We're happy, Ma, we're having fun
And the train ain't even left the station"
(And the song fades away with Homura feeling at ease with Sora, which marks the end of their dance)
After they finished, Sora turned to the others, and had a solemn look in his eyes.
"Walpurisnacht will be here very shortly, so it's best if you are prepared for the final battle. That means, Kirito, you'll lead the rest of the team. Sayaka, Kyoko, and Mami, we'll need you guys to help Homura out as best you can. Meanwhile, Madoka, Yui and I will remain with the Kanames in the shelter, until we receive some kind of signal from you, in case things start to go south. Remember, nobody dies, as long as we have each other, so long as you stand together, rather than alone," he explained to them.
But as he turned away, Homura gently took hold of his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
"Sora, thank you for the dance. Even though I don't want Madoka to be destroyed by the darkness, you've taught me something about a powerful force I overheard you telling the others. We're bound by the Magic of Friendship, which you believe to be stronger than despair. But, for some odd reason, even though you're a boy, you really do remind me of Madoka," she admitted with a small smile.
"Yeah, well, I've got my own form of beliefs, too." he replied.
"And what's that?" Homura asked somewhat curiously.
"Like how you could be your own kind of timelord, who helps make differences for people, no matter how many fixed moments of time there are, as long as you're cautious about it," replied Sora.
"Well, maybe I could be somewhat like the Gallifreyan Timelord, the Doctor, if I had my own Tardis to fly in, instead of my time shield," she said.
"Then I guess you and I are more alike than you realize. I also don't want to see the people I cherish be destroyed by the darkness as you do. However, I became hollow after Nehelenia died at the hands of Sephiroth, and it made me start to hate him, just like how Cinder had killed Pyrrha in cold blood, which in turn made me hate her so much that I wanted her dead, through my burning desire for revenge. Also, seeing many different versions of Madoka die or turn into a witch multiple times has made you become truly hollow, even though you wished to be her guardian angel, but you need to know that the future isn't set in stone. It can still be changed, even though something may stop us from doing it, like an unseen force that manages the flow of time," he explained.
"Sora," Madoka whispered quietly.
"We should leave them alone, for now," said Kirito, and he gently led them away.
"This war between Magical Girls and Witches has gone on for far too long. And now, it's turned into hell. We're going to end this hell for good, by destroying Walpurgisnacht together, so that the Magical Girl she once was can rest in peace within Kingdom Hearts," Sora said.
Sometime later after the matter was settled and the battle lines were drawn, Sora decided to contact someone who would be willing to help them out in the final battle with the ultimate evil witch that would ravage Mitakihara, and decided to contact his many other friends.
"Hello," Minako said.
"Minako, I'm with a group of other Magical Girls who may need help, even though they're different from you and everyone else, the Sailor Guardians, who represent the worlds that are named in honor of the many gods from different mythologies. But, I'm gonna need everyone to help out Homura in this battle with the Last Witch, Walpurgisnacht, while Yui and I remain with Madoka," Sora explained.
"Alright, I'll go and inform everyone else about what you said. But, the thought of seeing someone that both you and Homura cherish being destroyed by the darkness does scare me a bit. We'll join Homura and the others shortly on the battlefield, and help her out," replied Sora, then he clicked off the transmitter.
Soon the day came, where a huge storm was brewing in the city after the RGRO arrived and commenced evacuation operations. Huge black clouds loomed ominously in the sky, followed by claps of thunder, and flashes of lightning. The weather bureau of the RGRO had seen reports of a storm. Soldiers quickly ushered the citizens of Mitakihara to begin leaving at 7 in the morning, save for a handful of Sora and Madoka's friends, led by both Kirito and Riku, who agreed to help Homura and the other Magical Girls. Thankfully, they made a few brief introductions before the big fight began.
"That's it. Everyone's been taken to the safety of the evac shelter, Riku. Sora and Yui are amongst the civilians, and the rest of our allies are with you," Reeve said to Riku through his gummi phone.
"Good work, Reeve. If things start to go south, then we might need Sora's help after all, should Walpurgisnacht prove to be an even more difficult challenge for us," replied Riku, and he shut off the transmitter.
He turned to the assembled Warriors of Light, just as Homura told them that the witch had arrived.
"You heard the lady. Walpurgisnacht is now approaching. Everyone, prepare yourselves for battle, and be sure to help her out as best you can. Remember, we can't let this new witch, Sora told us about, have her way, by slaughtering the innocent, including a certain someone that Homura cherishes," he said.
"As long as the people are safe and protected, we have the advantage against this witch. Heavy civilian casualties aren't necessary, as Usagi told us before during the Death Buster Crisis. A witch with this much power has no need to hide in a labyrinth. How she fights is a complete mystery. First, Homura is going to lay down a barrage of cannon fire on this witch to try and wound her as best she can. But, if she's being controlled by someone, then it's possible that we'll need to destroy its master before he/she gets the chance to order her to destroy the shelter. Except she won't. RGRO soldiers have been stationed there and have set up heavy defense cannons to make sure that Walpurgisnacht is kept at bay. That way, the people will be under the careful protection of Commissioner Reeve Tuesti," added Kirito.
"Team KRYYSTAAL, that's us, we'll stay behind at the shelter, and keep an eye on the people, while Liz makes sure that everyone's weapons are fully tuned and maintained, and Rem helps serve them food and drinks to keep them sustained. It might be risky, but risk is part of the game if you want to have any crisis be turned into a golden opportunity," agreed Trish.
"Meanwhile, the Specter Sisters will be flying the Ark with Koan at the helm, while Berthier and Petz lay down some heavy gun fire, as Calaveras provides accurate targeting data for the witch's weak points, if she has any. Meanwhile, Yohko, Kiba, Saya, Akko, Akeno, and myself will be on standby in case that witch has a few lesser minions ready to strike at us," Kenton explained.
"Remember, Madoka's our one and only last resort. So if worst comes to worst, we may have little choice, even if it means all that Homura's done amounted to nothing. But we're not gonna focus on the negative side of things. That's exactly what allowed Octavia the Mermaid Witch to break free after Sayaka succumbed to the darkness of despair. Fight hard with everything you've got. We may not have to trust each other, but fighting against the darkness is a job for the Warriors of Light. The darkness wins by making us believe everything is hopeless. Nothing is hopeless, as long as we keep the fire of hope burning strong in our hearts," Yohko said to the others.
"We must never give up hope. Not today, not tomorrow, not forever. We're gonna show Walpurgisnacht we aren't afraid. What our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and all other relatives want us to fight for, we can't let die. As of today, we'll be making our stand against the ultimate evil that Kyubey wants to have us destroy, so that we can ensure that the spirits of Magical Girls past can sleep peacefully within the afterlife of Kingdom Hearts. For Sora's family, for Usagi's family, and for every version of Madoka that ever lived, that now resides in Homura's heart," Riku said.
"Kyubey's deceit has already claimed the lives of every magical girl that fell into darkness for the last time. Now, we fight against his desire to end this world," finished Asuka.
Inside the emergency shelter that was now under RGRO jurisdiction, all the people of Mitakihara were now gathered safely with each other, as they shared sleeping mats, and even shared some maps with each other. Tatsuya asked his father if they were going camping, and Tomohisa agreed that they were indeed camping with the other people, as Madoka sat somberly with her back to them, just as Sora and Yui arrived.
"Hey, don't worry, Madoka. They'll be alright, as long as they have each other. They're not going down that easily without a fight, just like how Sayaka saved you from those bullies," he assured her.
"I know, Sora," Madoka replied quietly.
"I'm in agreement with this young man, Madoka. I may have had my doubts, but I trust his judgment in how he wants to make sure you'll be alright," said her mother.
"Actually, his name is Sora. But I guess I'm okay with you calling him a young man, just as Tatsuya's our little man," interjected Madoka's father.
Another clap of thunder sounded in the sky above, which did make Usagi flinch. Then a thick fog rolled towards them, enveloping their feet. Homura knew that the final battle was about to begin. Together with everyone at her side, they marched bravely forward, past a strange assortment of creatures until they saw in the sky above, Walpurgisnacht, in all of her darkened twisted glory. It was the same witch that Madoka had seen in her dreams.
Quickly the Magical Girls and the Sailor Guardians transformed, while everyone ready their weapons for the final battle to begin.
"This is it, everyone! Don't hold anything back, but remember, we can't allow this witch to run amok and destroy the shelter that Madoka's at!" Riku said.
"RIGHT!" Everyone spoke in agreement.
"Okay then. This time we'll finish it together!" agreed Homura, as she readied her RPG launchers, then stopped time.
She soon began firing them without any sign of hesitation, until there were literally thousands of rockets swarming towards her. Time soon resumed, and Walpurgisnacht was struck by the full force of the attack.
"Fire the mortars!" called Roxas.
Homura did, and the shells surged towards the cackling witch, impacting upon her. It barely phased her, but Homura activated a detonator, which caused several explosions to erupt around her, sending metal girders coming down towards her.
"This witch is crazy tough, you guys!" Axel said, just as Homura manipulated a big rig to surge towards Walpurgisnacht.
Luckily she jumped clear, then landed on several artillery cannons that appeared from the water, just as it turned to face her, until they fired heavy shells at the witch, sending her back into another cluster of explosives.
"Is it done?" Kairi asked warily.
"No. We shouldn't jump the gun just yet, Kairi. Witches like Walpurgisnacht can be resilient. As long as we keep up the fight, we'll be alright, but if worst comes to worst, that's when we may have to call upon Madoka, despite Homura's judgment about not wanting her to join in," replied Aqua.
"Yes, she's right. We have to buy more time," agreed Sailor Mercury.
Suddenly, Homura was sent flying back, causing Riku to assume his equestrian form and catch her, as several familiars appeared before them.
"Sailor Saturn, we need to stall the familiars!" called Xion.
"I'm way ahead of you, Xion!" replied Sailor Saturn.
"Okay, crazy strong witch. You wanna get rough? Then let's get rough!" Axel said sharply, as an angry Walpurgisnacht emerged from the fire.
"Don't let them impede your progress, Walpurgisnacht! Head to the shelter and destroy it! Today, Madoka Kaname dies, and the fire of hope will die with not just her, but with all the people of Mitakihara!" cried Kurai.
Walpurgisnacht's laughter meant that it was in agreement with him.
"Don't let that witch come near the shelter! Remember, We have to keep Walpurgisnacht back for as long as possible! Don't give up! Giving up means the fire of hope dies with us!" called Terra, as they struck back at the familiars under Walpurgisnacht and Kurai's command.
Suddenly the shelter shuddered, as the battle continued.. This only further increased Madoka's concern for them. Slowly, she stood up, along with Sora and Yui.
"What's wrong, Madoka?" Junko asked.
"Going to the bathroom," she replied.
"Yui and I will go with her," added Sora.
They soon came to a window where they saw the bushes and trees being blown by the fierce wind.
"Do you think everyone's gonna be able to beat it even despite Homura's rocky alliance?" Madoka asked Sora, Yui and Kyubey.
"If I told you, no, what difference would it make? You wouldn't believe me," remarked the cat.
"You're right, Kyubey. We wouldn't believe you. And to be honest, we will never believe you. I was able to help ease Homura's pain, by letting her know that she won't be doing this alone, because I acknowledged her wish of being Madoka's guardian angel, as well as honored it, even though I'm a boy, as I've said several times before. Even though she can be stubborn like Sayaka and Yang, it's because she still has the fire of hope burning within her. There's no way she's gonna give it all up and restart the timeline again, as long as she continues to believe in that same hope that lives within everyone. Seeing as you know that Homura will continue to repeat this month over and over again, until she finally snaps and gives it all up, when she starts to learn that Madoka's destiny is indeed set in stone, as she truly fears, only then will she become the witch that lives within her, once the darkness takes hold of her and transforms her into that very creature of darkness that will destroy everything. Even if she has no choice, I won't stop believing in her, even after I told her that she had every right to cry, as well as said that she always has a choice of whatever path she's chosen. That's why I told her that there's still a chance for victory. However, the previous version of you lied to her, by trying to change something that the Doctor calls a fixed moment of time. Even so, I won't allow her to give up that hope, and neither will Madoka. All those other magical girls who lived and returned to Kingdom Hearts to rest in peace, are all crying out in unrelenting pain, even after all the horrible things you showed Madoka. That's why you want entropy to win," explained Sora.
This made Madoka start to shed tears for Homura and the others, which made Sora take her hand.
"It's gonna be okay, Madoka, because nothing is ever truly hopeless. You can change your destiny, and become something much more than this, by becoming the first magical girl that defies destiny," he assured her.
"Y-you're right. I want to fight this false destiny, and with you at my side, that's the kind of miracle I'd want most of all," Madoka replied.
They were just about to set off, when Junko stopped her daughter by taking her hand.
"Where do you think you're going, huh?" she asked.
"Mrs. Kaname, I know that it's against my judgment to speak on your daughter's behalf, but Madoka and I are going out to help our friends. Even though the Mitakihara Fire Department can handle it, there's something bigger going on. After all, if anyone can do this, it's not just Madoka, but me as well. Also, I'm really sorry that Madoka left without telling you, Mr. Kaname, and Tatsuya anything, but I understand your concern for her, just as she does. Also, the reason why I love Madoka is because I know that she's something more than just a regular school kid. I love her because she believes in friendship, broadening her horizons, and to have friends and family by her side to help her stay true to herself. So I promise you this. I will make sure she's happy every day. And it's not just gonna be me, but others as well. And as long as you know that Madoka lives in both your heart, as well as the hearts of your husband and son, she'll be alright. But, there's something different. Your daughter may care about you, but she also wants to make sure you'll be happy and safe, by fighting for something that she believes in, and that something is family. The only way that can happen is if you let her follow her heart, and make her own decisions. And you can believe in me as well. I would never do something like lead Madoka astray, so that she becomes something that you don't want her to be. Both your husband and son need you, and you must trust that Madoka's making the right choice, as long as you allow her to follow her heart, just as I follow mine. This isn't an order from one soldier to another, this is a plea from one person to another. Please, Mrs. Kaname, stay with your family, and let them know that Madoka is safe and sound with me," he said, not even daring to hesitate.
Mrs. Kaname was about to protest, but she slowly relented, knowing that Sora was right in his judgment.
"And you're sure you would never let her make a mistake?" questioned Madoka's mother.
"I am. And I would never lie or deceive your daughter. Her heart is pure and strong in the light, and I choose to believe in her, just as she believes in me, and the rest of our friends and family," Sora replied.
"Alright. But promise me you'll take care of her, Sora," said Junko.
"I will, and she'll be alright. I promise," he assured her.
Then Junko gave Madoka a small push, but her daughter turned and looked at her.
"Thank you, Mom. I love you," she said to her mother.
Sora and Yui nodded.
"And you have our respect, Mrs. Kaname," they said in agreement, and they raced down the stairs and out of the shelter.
Back in the city, Homura and the Warriors of Light fought furiously against the familiars and Walpurgisnacht, not even daring to let them approach the evacuation center so that they would destroy it along with all the people inside. Suddenly, the witch began raining fire upon them with it's dark power. Despite her conviction, a large building surged towards Homura, then sent her flying back, as well as pinning her to the ground by her right leg, which was badly crushed under the debris.
"Homura!" cried Roxas, and he ran to her side, cutting his way through the familiars with his Keyblades.
He stood over her beaten form, and stood defiantly against the witch, not even daring to back down or run. But poor Homura soon began to realize that it was truly hopeless, no matter how many times she tried to fight against it on her own, while everyone else fought bravely against the witch under Kurai's command.
"So you finally realize the truth, Homura Akemi. The more you go back, the greater you'll realize that all destinies are set in stone. What you've done was all for nothing, up until this very point. Stop fighting the inevitable. Give into the dark. And know that you were only a hollow puppet that tried to fight against a destiny that was set by my hand," Sephiroth's voice said in her mind.
Homura now knew that Sephiroth was right, until Roxas took her hand.
"Don't lose hope, Homura. My brother once told Xehanort's Heartless that the heart may be weak, and sometimes it may even give in. But we know that deep down there's a light that will never go out," he assured her.
"How can you be so sure, Roxas? I thought that I could try and avert Madoka's dark destiny, but instead I've only made it worse. I've failed, everyone. All I can do now is accept my transformation into a witch, as punishment for my ultimate failure to save her," sobbed Homura.
"That will never happen at all, Homura Akemi!" called a voice from far away, surprising her.
Then Homura felt the familiar feeling of Madoka's hands in her own, as the soul gem on her hand was restored to the light by Sora's keyblade Magic after they arrived.
"Sora's right. You've done more than enough, Homura," she said in agreement.
"You guys," Homura said softly.
Then Madoka slowly stood up and looked up at Walpurgisnacht where all of her other friends were fighting along with the Warriors of Light, not even daring to let the witch have her way any longer, as the Keyblade Wielders dispatched the last of her familiars, leaving her defenseless. Then suddenly, Homura noticed Kyubey standing near her friend, along with Yui, who despite knowing it would be too dangerous to go in unprepared, chose to return to her family, Kirito, Asuna, and Leafa.
"Also, Homura. Nothing is ever truly hopeless, as long as you believe in the fire of hope, and continue strengthening it, to keep it alive," she said to her.
"But, Yui, I don't want to lose Madoka," protested Homura.
"You won't, Homura. Because Madoka's going to decide her own destiny, by trusting the guidance of her heart," Sora assured the dark-haired girl.
"That's right. My heart is my guiding key," agreed Madoka, when she turned to face her.