The gentle breeze made the grass sway, creating lines that moved across the endless prairie. The scenery was much less bucolic, however, when you looked up at the sky. It was blue, but it was like flames burning, and among the clouds were huge upside-down crosses floating.

Like a singular flower among the green hills, there was a round white table, and sitting at it was a magical girl in a gray attire and an academic look, distracted by a book.

She was not alone. Sitting in another chair was a blonde magical girl in a red costume with gold ornaments and a cape, it was something so eye-catching that it matched someone so noisy. "GOOOOO TART! YOU CAN DO IT!"

"Elisa," the magical gray girl said, without taking her eyes off the book, "do you really think she will hear you at this distance?"

"Maybe not." Elisa looked at the other, smiling. "But cheering is a way to transfer positive energies, you know."

She continued reading the book. "I know many ways of transferring energy, and shouting names and phrases is not one of them."

Elisa frowned. "Pernelle, shouldn't you be watching too?"

"I'm paying attention." She flipped through another page of the book.

Elisa sighed and returned her attention to the duel that was about to begin.

The location of the fight was indeed far away, but for a big reason, for there was a colossus, an animated armor with four arms. Its appearance was angelic, with giant lilies in place of wings and a tiara of light above its helmet like a halo. One of the pairs of arms had their hands joined, praying, while the other pair held swords, one in each hand, reminiscent of the crosses floating in the sky. Clouds of blue flames surrounded the armor, incinerating the grass and leaving a trail of ashes.

A large shadow charged towards the colossus. It could easily be mistaken for shadows caused by clouds, were it not for its speed.

The colossus prepared its swords for the clash.

As the shadow passed across the ground beneath the armor, a scythe emerged, striking fast as a praying mantis's lunge.

The behemoth was unable to defend itself, with the dark blade releasing sparks as it collided with the armor. However, only one scratch was the result of such attack. Instead of trying to block the next one, the colossus went on the offensive, brandishing its massive swords against the very ground around it, causing the earth to be tossed skyward with its might.

"That's it Tart! Don't make it easy for her!" Elisa's cheering had to be interrupted when she noticed rocks flying in the direction she was standing. "Oh no." She held out her arms and her weapon formed in her hand, a rifle with halberd and bayonet.

Circular white portals appeared in mid-air. The rocks entered them and both disappeared

"Huh?" Elisa looked at Pernelle and saw her making simple gestures with one hand as she read the book. She then looked back and saw the portals reappear, making the rocks have a harmless landing.

The shadow moved away from the colossus and a plethora of harpoons emerged from it, flying toward the opponent.

Using its arms and swords, the colossus managed to block, but it was a relentless attack. The angelic armor then summoned its blue flames, intensifying them to the point of incinerating the harpoons that were still coming.

The light of the fire formed shadows on the armor. One that had been under one arm grew and crawled up the colossus' back, climbing, passing behind the helmet, and then leaping.

Noticing, the colossus looked up and saw a cloud forming above its head. It was dark as coal and from within emerged a white mask of human features.

Like a carnivorous plant when visited by its prey, the dark apparition called several scythes to close in on its victim's head.

The helmet resisted, but the colossus felt the blow, staggering. As a reaction, the flames grew stronger and the giant armor bowed, lowering its head and crossing its sword-wielding arms.

Elisa recognized what that meant. "Oh-oh..."

Pernelle sighed and closed the book. She left her chair and hurried to position herself in front of the table.

The colossus' armor glowed blue like the flames and the light became more intense and blinding to the point that it seemed to come from a star.

Elisa covered her eyes, screaming, "TART, DON'T DO THAT!"

Then a flash.

Pernelle already had her arms up and her hands open, generating a protective barrier, encompassing the area around the table. It would only be for a few seconds, but she had to put all her magic into it, or they would be the last.

The blue light was fading.

Elisa stopped covering her eyes and was not surprised by what she saw, in fact, she was disappointed.

Except inside the dome that Pernelle had created, the paradisiac plains beyond the horizon had been scorched.

The colossus stood up, majestic again, and looked around at the result of the cleansing. If there was any trace of sin, it had been purged.

In a shadow that the armor projected over the colossus' neck, a scythe blossomed. Surprised, the colossus had no time to react as the blade pulled it backward. It collapsed, raising a cloud of embers and ash.

When the cloud settled, there was no longer a colossus, but a blonde girl in pink armor lying on the ground. She was dirty, covered by the ashes. Her green eyes were open, but she could not move, for there was a black dagger pressing against her neck.

The hand that held the blade seemed to come from the ground, but it was actually coming from Tart's own shadow. The hand stopped threatening the girl's neck, plunging into darkness.

However, Tart still did not move, nor did she breathe. Only when she felt a push on her back did she roll on the ground and cough, getting on all fours.

The shadow Tart projected on the ground distorted, gaining length as it moved away. Then a dark silhouette of a girl emerged, revealing itself to be the specter of Riz Hawkwood as the colors stabilized.

Crestfallen, Tart heaved.

"That attack would kill everyone," Riz spoke, as if she were just telling the time of day.

"Je suis désolé..." Tart whispered, "I failed."

Riz put her dagger inside her ethereal body. "We only need to start over."

"I can't fail." Tart raised her head, her face was trembling, her eyes bulging. "Lord, I cannot fail!"

Riz frowned and went to help her stand. "What are you saying?"

"I have to be the light that will guide everyone." Tart gritted her teeth. "I can't lose."

"Tart! Tart!" Riz shook her off. "This is a training!"

"The witch's influence still lingers in her," Pernelle said, just after teleporting, bringing Elisa with her.

Tart blinked, as if waking up, and made a pained expression. "I... can't avoid those thoughts, and when I have them it's too late. That sinful side of me, I'm weak to it. I am weak."

Elisa held back a cough, due to the intense smell of burning, and tried to smile. "Don't be hard on yourself. By the way, are you kidding? You're already strong, you can defeat any witch with a few blows."

"That's enough for now," Riz said, "but we shouldn't neglect this potential that she has. It may become necessary in the future."

Tart nodded and looked into the eyes of the magical girl who was holding her, the one who was a part of herself. "I'll not disappoint you. This is one more tribulation I'll overcome."

Riz smiled, but her smile was interrupted by a sudden flash of colorful light.

"Oooh, look who came to pay a visit," Elisa said, quite surprised.

Tart looked and gaped.

Through the divine portal that appeared, Madoka gently descended, in her white dress and wings. Her infinitely long locks of hair swaying as if they were immersed in a liquid. Her legs being the only thing standing out in front of the absolute pitch black of the inner part of her immense skirt. Her golden eyes carried an air of eternal tranquility.

Tart was still dumbfounded. She only began to believe it when she witnessed the Holy Maiden's pure shoes touch the scorched ground, so the reaction was immediate. "Ah! I-I'm not worthy of you coming in here, even more so in the state it's in."

"Save that concern for later," Riz said, "she must have something urgent for us."

"Did you notice?" Madoka flashed a modest smile. "Then I should get straight to the point."

Also smiling, Elisa displayed her weapon. "More witches to pacify?"

"I need you to protect one," Madoka replied.

"Hmmm, protect." Elisa was still smiling, but that soon changed. "Wait, did I hear that right? Protect a witch?"

Madoka held out her left arm, offering in her hand a grief seed with a pink bow tied on top.

"Ah, so we have to keep that with us," Riz commented, "it's simpler than I thought."

"It kind of looks cute with that bow tie." Elisa looked at the person next to her. "What do you think... Pernelle?"

The gray magical girl was wide-eyed, something very rare to see.

Something that made Elisa worried. "Pernelle? Is something wrong?"

"Huh?" Pernelle looked at her, normalizing her countenance. "I'm only surprised by her visit as are you, but we must accept this mission."

Elisa frowned. "You saying that? You always make an excuse to avoid those commitments and continue with your research."

Riz asked the divine girl, "What's the reason for that?"

"A bad feeling," Madoka said, lowering her gaze, "maybe it's nothing, but I want to ensure her safety and I trust you."

Tart received the seed, feeling the cool touch of the metallic details in her fingers and the smooth texture of the lace. She brought the object close to her cross shaped gem on her chest and closed her eyes.

Riz watched this in silence.

It did not take long for Tart to reopen them in a resolute expression. "I will protect it with my soul."

Madoka let out a sigh and smiled. "I'm very grateful."

Extinction

"GAAAHH! Homura-chan! Disaster! Disaster!"

Homura waved hard to clear away the smoke, but there was nothing else to do. In the cake pan, the supposed cake looked more like a lump of coal.

That, for Nagisa, was the ultimate despair. "Disaaaasteeer! Didn't you follow the recipe?"

"I followed it." Homura placed the pan on the countertop. "I even told you the temperature and oven time."

Nagisa looked in the sacred flower-covered notebook that belonged to Mami. Soon, she slapped her own forehead. "Oh no... You added up the preheating time of the oven with the baking time. And you didn't even need preheating, because the oven was already used for the other recipes."

Homura lowered her head. "I... must have been distracted, I'm sorry."

"PfschhHahahahaha!"

Homura looked at the girl who was laughing at the situation.

"Hahaha..." Sasa rubbed her eyes because they became teary. "How can you be so bad?"

Homura stared at her more intensely.

Bolstered by pride, Sasa did not shy away this time. "You can make that face all you want, but it doesn't change the fact that even with Nagisa-chan's help you can mess it up. Whereas I can already bake my own cake by myself."

"You're being rude, Sasa-chan." Madoka was decorating her cake.

"Yes, very rude." Mami was helping her. "And, Sasa-san, from what I'm seeing, I don't think you got the recipe for your cake right."

"Cake?" Nagisa examined the confection that Sasa had made. "I thought it was a pudding. It's too wet, it even looks raw, how much milk did you put in that?"

"The recipe said to put two and a half cups in, but you guys have so many different cups..." Sasa picked up a cup, "This one I used is shorter, so I put in more times to compensate."

Nagisa sighed, frustrated. "Did you compare the width? Did you check whether the bottom is flat or concave?"

Sasa shrugged. "C'mon, now you're telling me there's a science behind cups? Ouuchh!"

Nagisa finger-flicked hard her arm. "The only thing worse than a ruined cake is no cheese."

Mami smiled. "But you've already provided that, haven't you?"

Nagisa threw back her long white locks and crossed her arms, all proud. "Hmpf! Of course! Cheese saves everything."

Looking at the other happy girls in the kitchen, Homura felt grateful toward Sasa. She had been mocked by her, but so the attention had been diverted. The more invisible and forgotten she was, the less risk there would be of them noticing something wrong.

Madoka looked at her. "Homura, will you help me? That way you'll learn how to decorate cakes too."

The girl with long dark hair held her breath, gave a slight smile and walked toward her.

／人 ◕‿‿◕ 人＼

Homura was watching Mitakihara through the glass windows of Mami's apartment. It was getting dark early, for it was a cloudy day. There was not one sun, much less two. She should not worry, as Oriko made it clear that the fateful event would occur on a morning.

But tomorrow would have a morning, the next day too, and the day after that. Time was her enemy, once more, and without being able to have it as an ally now.

Madoka cut off the black crust and tasted the cake batter. "Homura, your cake may have burned, but you got the mixing of the ingredients right. It's very good."

Homura looked at her. They were sitting at the triangular glass table along with the other girls. She lowered her violet gaze. "You don't have to be so kind..."

"That's not kindness," Mami stated, "I tasted it too, you got the recipe right."

"A pity that almost everything goes to waste." Sasa smiled, as she ate the very cake she had made. It had fallen apart, looking more like porridge.

Homura smiled at Madoka. "Your cake is great."

"Mami-san helped me a lot!" She flashed a big smile. "When I saw the amount of sugar I had to put in, I almost couldn't believe it."

"But that's the normal amount," Mami said, "your father follows a peculiar, more natural cuisine. I keep wondering about a cake made by him."

Madoka looked up, trying to remember. "Hmmm, I don't think he ever made one, but he makes desserts. He likes to combine the sweetness of fruit with honey."

"Ah yes, but the taste of fruit is something that varies, and they have to be fresh..." Mami looked at Nagisa, noticing that she was more interested in handling the smartphone than the food. "Bebe, this is not time for that."

The girl with long white hair kept her eyes on the screen. "It's just that Aki sent some messages."

"He can wait, can't he? We have visitors."

"Just wait a little bit." Nagisa frantically moved her fingers on the screen. She was so focused; she was taken aback when the device was pulled from her hands.

With a polite smile, Mami took the confiscated object with her.

All that was left for Nagisa was to puff out her cheeks.

Mami ignored that reaction, returning her attention to Homura. "What puzzles me is that you have difficulty in the kitchen. You used to manufacture explosives, right? It's not food, but you need to follow a recipe, and mixing chemicals follows the same principles as mixing ingredients, but it must be even harder, it requires more care."

Sasa choked on her porridge cake.

Homura sipped some tea before replying, nonchalantly, "I've blown up my home a few times."

Mami raised her eyebrows.

"I only survived because I was a magical girl," Homura continued, "I reported to the firefighters and the neighbors that it was a gas leak explosion."

"You're crazy!" Sasa exclaimed, "Explosives aren't something you can control. Any time they go BOOOM!"

"Did anyone else get hurt, Homura-chan?" Nagisa asked, concerned about that girl's tough past.

"No." Homura lowered her gaze and muttered, "but what does it matter now?" Feeling the weight of the other four's gaze, she stood up and looked out the window, "It's getting darker outside, we'd better leave."

After wiping herself with a napkin, Madoka stood up as well. "Yeah, you're right."

Homura looked at her, somewhat surprised that she agreed so easily.

"Good." Sasa smiled mischievously. "There's more cake left for me."

"Don't you think it's getting too late for you too?" Mami questioned, "you live in another city and you have school tomorrow."

"Ahhh..." Sasa collapsed backwards, lying with her arms open on the carpet. "Why did you have to remind me of that?"

"We also have school tomorrow," Nagisa said, "and we're going to have to wash all those dishes." She smiled. "But if you want to spend the night here and help us, I don't mind."

Sasa rose quickly. "Just kidding, Nagisa-chan, school is very important." She then gave a wink. "But I can have one more piece of cake before leaving, right?"

Mami accompanied Madoka and Homura to the exit. With the two already outside, she commented, "There were a few stumbles here and there, but it was fun."

"Yes, wehihi." Madoka bowed. "Thank you so much for your help."

The blonde continued holding the door. "Well, cakes are my specialty, however you should be learning simpler things in the cooking club. There are many things that I just follow my experience, but I can remember to write them down and send them to you as tips. You could even come here another day, so we can prepare a meal together."

"Oh, that would be great!" Madoka got excited, "Right, Homura?"

The raven-haired girl nodded, with a restrained smile. "Yes, another day, let's give it some time to think and arrange." After the brief silence that followed, she made mention of saying goodbye, "so..."

"Hold on."

The two noticed that Mami's smile was gone. Homura was quick to ask, "Is there a problem?"

"No..." Looking even more tense, the blonde looked into the apartment before turning her attention back to them. She lowered the tone of her voice, "Actually, that was the very question I wanted to ask. Is everything going well?"

Madoka smiled again. "Ah, yes, yes, everything is fine."

Almost at the same time, Homura said, "Everything is calm."

Mami let out a sigh of relief, shaking her head. "Sorry, it's just that I wonder if it's all really over, if we'll have peace from now on. There are days when I even forget what my body is really made of, and I don't know whether to be happy or scared about it."

Madoka nodded slowly. "I made my wish so that our world would no longer be as it was before. It changed us, and I'm not going to ask you to be happy, I'm going to apologize."

A voice came from the back of the apartment.

"Can I use the phone now?"

Mami looked back and raised her voice, "Yes, Bebe!" Then, showing a tender smile, she turned back to talk to Madoka, "No, you must not. You saved us, you saved me."

The girl with long pink hair lowered her head and smiled, she closed her eyes, she seemed about to cry.

Homura did not share the smiles of the other two, but said, "I'm glad she accomplished this, because she never gave up on you," she reduced the tone of her voice, "she never gave up on anyone."

Mami nodded to her. "Well... The invitation is given. Don't hesitate to ask for my help. Take care."

"Thank you for everything, Mami-san!" Madoka bowed.

As did Homura, "Good night, Mami-san."

They left the building and walked along the sidewalks of the twilight city.

And all this time, in silence. Homura looked at the girl next to her. She understood well the reason for the silence, she had been through these situations countless times. That moment was emotionally heavy, the Madoka from the past would have burst into tears, would have hugged Mami tightly, but the girl next to her carried a divine burden that no one knew about, only a vague idea of how big it was and for how long.

None of this could be in vain.

"Homura..."

With the silence broken by Madoka, she replied, "Yes?"

"I would like to discuss something with you, now."

Homura was no longer looking at her, more interested in the tops of the buildings, a potential place to have someone spying. "Of course, tomorrow there will be the cooking club, we have to see what we can make use of what Mami-san has taught us."

"It's not about the club, or the school, nothing like that."

Homura stopped and turned to her.

Madoka was serious, glancing at the movement on the street, "Let's find a better place for this."

Nodding subtly, Homura followed her. Her genuine expression of surprise helped mask her growing concern. Had Madoka suspected something? Homura had no idea when her behavior had caused this.

They arrived in a small empty park, with a modern fountain, with light effects, and some benches.

"Here is good." Madoka chose one of the benches for them to sit on.

Homura took extra care not to trip, lest she create more suspicion. Her mind raced, gathering every possible excuse, for anything Madoka might have noticed.

If Madoka found out about the threat, about Souls' Sisterhood, nothing would stop her from going to meet them. Even if she could accompany her, for Homura it was like them going into a dark lion's den, it was a risk too high to take.

"I made you tense, didn't I?" Madoka smiled a little.

"Is there a serious problem?" Homura feigned ignorance.

"I'm not even sure it's a problem, you can tell me..." Madoka spoke in a stronger tone. "About the temporal anomalies."

Homura frowned and winced. "Temporal... anomalies?! What are you talking about? What-"

Madoka bent over her own lap, exhaling in relief.

Homura became more confused and appalled.

Madoka, on the other hand, was very happy. "Oh, good, I knew it wasn't you. Clearly you don't know, you were affected too."

"Tell me!" Homura felt a tightening in her chest. "W-What kind of temporal anomaly?"

Madoka regained her composure and said, very calm, "This started before we went to Tokyo to meet with your family."

Homura winced again.

"On those occasions, time would stop for a moment. I soon thought it was you, but the magic seemed different, for the colors of the world did not change."

More pensive, Homura lowered her gaze. It was true that her time magic left the world with more dead, desaturated colors, and that did not change when she started using her witch powers instead of the shield.

"There was a big gap of time between those events, but that has changed in the last few weeks." Madoka watched her companion's reaction quite closely. "The frequency has increased greatly and now time doesn't just stop, it rewinds."

Homura gulped. "Rewind?"

"A couple of seconds, nothing seems to have gone out of place with that." Madoka took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I didn't warn you earlier, but I didn't know it would get worse. I didn't want you to be worried about anything, and as you may have noticed, I wasn't entirely sure that you didn't have something to do with it."

The feeling of surprise had passed, Homura was completely composed, her voice was inquisitive, "So you have no idea who is doing this?"

Madoka shook her head. "I have consulted with some of the magical girls who are helping me with the mission around the world. None of them reported to me having encountered anyone using this kind of magic, but... it's not an easy thing to notice when you're affected by it, right?"

Homura had an epiphany, about a possibility that had not been raised in the meeting with Oriko and the other girls. Madoka might have been aware of the existence of the Souls' Sisterhood, she just would not have known that they would be planning an attack. Respecting this line of reasoning, she chose her words well, "Don't you think this person would be using this magic against what you are doing?"

Madoka looked up at the sky, as if looking for something, but there were not even stars, just dark clouds with a faint glow provided by the reflection of the city lights.

Hearing the sound of the fountain, Homura saw the other girl lower her head, her hands restless, rubbing against each other.

Madoka closed her eyes, her voice had a weight of admission, "I'm causing a great deal of stress in this world, but I'll not back down. I have to accept that some won't be saved, because if I think I can save everyone, you know better than anyone where that leads."

Scrutinizing her reaction, Homura cogitated, "But you fear that your actions, over time, will bring more victims than hope."

Madoka looked at her and smiled, smiled at someone who saw through her heart. "I already told you that I cherish that feeling. We humans have dilemmas, we make decisions without the future as a guide, even the act of not deciding is a decision. The future I know is the one that exists in other universes, it's good, for us, for humanity. That's what I want to bring here, because what future does this world have if I let Kyuubey exploit it to his heart's content?"

Homura got up from the bench and stood in front of Madoka. The light from the fountain caused her shadow to cast over the seated girl.

"Homura..." Madoka had no idea how to react.

With an intense stare, Homura asked, "If the world goes against you, I want you to allow me to be your shield."

Madoka lowered her gaze.

"I want to make it clear that I'll not be doing this for the Law of Cycles, I'm doing it for you, so please..."

Madoka stood up and held Homura's hands.

The dark-haired girl's firm expression was gone, still unsure of the answer.

With a slight smile, Madoka said, "When I made my wish, it was with all the magical girls in mind, but after I learned of all you've done... I can only tolerate all this timeless pain and despair I witness, because I have you as my inspiration. You're the sign I follow, I don't give up and I fight for you."

Madoka hugged her. Stunned, Homura took a moment before allowing her hands to feel the long pink hair.

"I'm sorry, I should have been more honest with you."

That whisper had been painful to hear, but Homura had the embrace providing all the comfort and security for her decision.

The fountain spouts were bathed in pink and purple lights. The sky was still cloudy, it looked like the next day there would be no sun, much less two.

／人 ◕‿‿◕ 人＼

With the dark room suddenly being lit up, Oriko moved quickly to grab the source: her smartphone.

With her love now sitting up, Kirika rolled over on the bed and massaged her shoulders. "Big love, what's it?"

Oriko kept her eyes on the screen. "Akemi-san. She is ready. We will leave by tomorrow night, we should arrive at the coordinates before morning of the next day."

Kirika hugged her, leaning her head against the long blond hair. "Hmmm... But you're the one who still decides things, yeah? You can lie and say they need to wait longer."

"Why would I do that? I want to put an end to this so I will not be tormented by this bleak future anymore." Oriko smiled faintly. "Are you by any chance still jealous?"

"I told you I'm not jealous of her!" Kirika hugged her tighter. "It's just that I don't want you to be in danger while I do nothing."

Oriko left the device on the bedside table and held her partner's hand. "You will be doing a lot by staying here and taking care of Yuma." She stood. "Speaking of which, I had better prepare a meal for you both while I am gone."

With her love walking away, Kirika sank her face into the mattress. "Big love... hmmmmfff." However, when the footsteps she was hearing suddenly stopped, she lifted her head.

Oriko was standing still.

Kirika became worried. "Big love?"

"If you notice a flash of intense light, like thunder," Oriko began to speak, "use your magic on our entire household and reach Yuma as soon as possible."

From the tone she was using, Kirika knew she had to follow that to the letter. "I won't fail."

"I know." Oriko left the room.

／人 ◕‿‿◕ 人＼

At the intersection of corridors, where also stood the staircases leading to the other floors of the base, all the sisters of the Sisterhood and Matryoshka were gathered together, forming almost a small circle.

The one who was not liking that situation very much was Inquisitor. "Another meeting, Generalíssima? At least this one seems to be really important, since everyone is here."

With a sardonic smile, the dark pink haired woman replied, "Oh yes, this one you'll be interested, since it's about the theft of the seeds," her countenance grew more serious, announcing to the others, "I've been talking to Invader, reviewing the recordings, and have come to one conclusion: the thief must have used the ventilation system."

The man felt a slight shiver run down his spine and glanced at Matryoshka, but she did not make a single move, keeping her hands in her coat pockets.

With her arms crossed, Madre inquired, "have you found any proof of this?"

"Not yet." Generalíssima nodded. "But it would be the simplest way for the thief to avoid the surveillance system."

Invader added, "not only the cameras, but they would also avoid the risk of bumping into someone while they were carrying the seeds."

"Whoa..." Lucky was flabbergasted. "Ya two are genius!"

Revenant was not so excited, quite the opposite. "Listenin' ta what ya've talked about, that sounds so simple that it's even strange that no one has thought of it befawre, or mentioned it."

Inquisitor noticed that the black woman had looked at him out of the corner of her eye.

Generalíssima continued to speak, "Nano sends her nano-machines frequently through the ventilation ducts. We will need her help to confirm this."´

The child hesitated a bit before nodding. "Uh, sure..."

Generalíssima looked at the man, "What do you think?"

Inquisitor sought to avoid a frown; he was not sure he succeeded. "Why are you asking me?"

Generalíssima raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you the one who always has something 'right' to say?"

Inquisitor clenched his fists. Not wanting to look at that woman's face for a moment, he directed his attention to the child. "Nano, what do you think of this theory?"

She shrugged. "I really don't know. A person can't get through the fans blades, but we're talking about magical girls."

"Correct," Generalíssima said, "that's why I'll ask Invader to use her magic to get shared control over the nano-machines. This is to ensure that we'll be receiving legitimate information."

Nano's eyes widened. "S-So you think it was me?"

"Not exactly," she sighed, before saying in a tired voice, "but everyone is a suspect, aren't they, Inquisitor?"

The man felt that all eyes were on him, the tension in his jaw was growing and his breathing was harsher. Damn woman, she insists on forcing me to-

[Don't fall into her trap, let her hurt your ego. You should be used to it by now, why do you think I keep doing this to you?]

He was surprised to hear Matryoshka's voice in his mind.

[Stay smart, smart as you were when you helped me while the two were busy in the security room reviewing the recordings.]

The man gulped.

Matryoshka spoke up, "That was very clever, but how will we be able to monitor this search?"

"I've already arranged this with Invader," Generalíssima replied, "we'll be able to see what the nano-machines are seeing on the screens in the security room."

／人 ◕‿‿◕ 人＼

The hours passed.

However, Generalíssima's eyes did not tire of looking at the screens. "Invader, have you checked this sector?"

Sitting in her chair, the ballerina replied, "The nano-machines have already visited these ducts three times."

The others in the room remained silent most of the time, but patience was at an end. Lucky eventually spoke up, "So... we've nothin'?"

"Or it's somethin' else," Madre stated, "we know that Invadah used magic ta get shared control of these machines with Nano, but what's the guarantee that she's not in full control?"

"That's not possible." After answering, Nano looked at Generalíssima, "May I?"

The woman nodded.

The child explained, "I created more nano-machines, untampered by Invader, and sent them through another route."

"I gave that order telepathically," Generalíssima added, "that was one of the reasons I wanted each duct checked more than once at least. What you're seeing on these screens is the viewpoint of both the machines with shared control and the machines controlled only by Nano." She then turned to the ballerina in the chair. "Sorry, but I needed to do that."

"No, you did well. If I had covered something up, I would have been caught." Invader smiled. "It's good that way there's no doubt left."

"That makes me very confused." Matryoshka turned one of the taps and took a deep breath, the sound of gas drawing the attention of the others. "You've these brilliant ideas, but I feel that you're believing that the thief would hide the seeds in the vent."

"I don't." Invader turned her chair. "If the thief is one of us, they had time to study our routines. Nano sends her nano-machines frequently through the ducts, they wouldn't risk hiding something there. However, Generalíssima insisted that it would be worthwhile to do this search."

"Would be worthwhile?!" Revenant exasperated, "we spent all this time 'n we're still in the same shit!" Brandishing her arms wildly, she paced back and forth, not knowing where to go, "We're gonna end up dyin' in this hole."

Lucky was scared. "Easy, Revah!"

Looking at the black woman, Inquisitor said in a threatening tone, "Listen to your friend."

Gritting her teeth, Revenant pointed her finger at him and then at the others in the room. "ONLY ASK ME TA CALM DOWN IF WE'VE A FAHCKIN' GOOD NEWS!"

The circuits on Nano's forehead glowed and she looked up. "We have a signal."

Generalíssima frowned. "Huh? Signal?"

"Yes!" Invader swiveled the chair quickly and the screens began to show detailed information of the signal. "It's low frequency."

"Willa," Generalíssima concluded.

Revenant was still pointing her finger, while she was dumbfounded. "Wi... Willa?"

Lucky almost jumped in front of her friend in jubilation. "It's Washington!"

"Washington..." Revenant lowered her arm and gaped, smiling. "Washington!"

Madre held her breath and brought her hand to her chest at the sudden news. She consulted Inquisitor.

As soon as he exchanged a glance with her, the man turned his face and pressed his lips together.

Madre blinked, not understanding that reaction.

"Nano, hurry!" Generalíssima demanded, opening her hand.

"Uh-huh!" The child gestured with her gauntlet.

A metallic cloud coalesced in Generalíssima's hand, forming a communication device. "Revenant! Lucky! I want you with me in the meeting room."

"I'm going too," Inquisitor said.

"I imagine so." Accompanied, Generalíssima hurried to the exit. "The others stay here with Matryoshka."

As they left, the door closed. Matryoshka looked around and saw the three magical girls staring at her, in silence. She took her hand out of her pocket to adjust one of her hoods. "Since when did I become so dangerous?"

They soon arrived in the meeting room.

Inquisitor asked, "Does that device have a speakerphone?"

"Yes." Generalíssima pointed to the chairs. "Sit if you wish, I'll remain standing."

Very eager, Lucky and Revenant accepted the suggestion promptly. Inquisitor too, but more hesitant.

Generalíssima brought the communicator close to her mouth. "Nano, are you listening?"

Soon the child's voice was heard. "Yes. Invader is running the protocols for a secure call line."

"You also need to ensure that only we in this room will hear the conversation," Generalíssima instructed, "there may be sensitive information concerning Washington that Matryoshka cannot be aware of."

Nano replied, "Okay, it'll be done."

"We're waiting." She put the communicator away and looked at the others.

Lucky and Revenant were breathing very tense. With his arms crossed and his cross on the table, Inquisitor seemed calmer.

The communicator emitted a static sound, followed by a voice, "...anyone? Hello, anyone?"

To which she immediately recognized, "It's me, Willa, Generalíssima."

"So, you are still there."

"We're fine." Generalíssima nodded as if to herself. "But what about you? Have you found any clues related to Washington's whereabouts?"

"I'm in Washington, I'm at their new base."

Generalíssima widened her eyes.

"Yeah!" Revenant celebrated.

Unable to contain her joy, Lucky slapped the surface of the table repeatedly.

Inquisitor lowered his gaze.

Generalíssima took a deep breath. "That... That's great news, Willa. Do they have more information about the enemy? Do they have a plan?"

"Ehmm... I can't share this information to you, yet."

"What?" Generalíssima raised her eyebrows.

"You have to give me the exact location of your base."

She stared at the communicator, speechless.

Revenant and Lucky's joy had already gone and now even Inquisitor was getting tense.

Generalíssima toughened her voice, "That's one of the biggest secrets of our organization, very few know."

"Exactly, that's the only way you have to prove that you're Generalíssima."

The woman exasperated, spitting on the communicator, "WHAT?!"

Willa's voice grew more desperate. "They believe you've tricked me! That you're not Generalíssima, but... but a witch who's using me to find the new Washington."

Revenant and Lucky exchanged glances.

While Generalíssima expressed even more anger. "That's ABSURD! Have they gone insane? Me, a witch?"

"I-I don't know! They just told me that these new witches had infiltrated all the bases, including Washington, and they're converting novices and sisters. That's why communication with Europe was cut off."

Generalíssima was stunned and looked at Inquisitor.

The man returned the gaze with a narrowing of his eyes and a slight nod of his head, more sure of his idea than ever.

Willa's voice became whiny, "I'm actually under arrest... uuuu... I think they'll kill me if you don't give me the correct information, because I'm in league with you."

"Did they threaten you?" Generalíssima gritted her teeth. "Who's in charge?"

"Matriarch."

Generalíssima's face paled for a moment, before asking, "Did she talk to you?"

"Yes! She knows the location of your base, that's how they'll know if you're lying or not."

"Of course." Generalíssima exchanged glances with Inquisitor again.

The man's expression now had an air of curiosity. He even leaned over to listen better.

Willa continued speaking, "I shouldn't even tell you that. They want few to know of her location."

"Yes, they're right," Generalíssima said coldly, "what about Sunbird?"

"I-I don't know, she's not here. I... I heard she's fighting somewhere else, but I have no way of knowing more! My time is running out! I need the information!"

Generalíssima remained silent, now looking at Revenant and Lucky.

The two magical girls were even more agitated by Willa's desperation. Their gazes begged for a resolution of that.

Generalíssima closed her eyes, took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I'll tell you our location, but I want to hear Matriarch ask for it."

"Huh?! You want her on the call? They'll refuse! Didn't I tell you about them wanting to keep her location a secret?"

Generalíssima raised her voice, "That's the last thing I ask from you, Willa."

"I... I'll talk to them. I'll try to convince Matriarch, okay? J-Just wait!"

The woman rolled her eyes and sighed. "No, I'll save you the trouble, witch. I've had enough."

Revenant and Lucky frowned, while Inquisitor was not shaken in the least.

"Huh?! W-What...? I-I-I don't-"

"I've changed my mind!" Generalíssima interrupted her, "tell 'them' this: we will hunt down every one of you. Every sister and novice you have taken from us will return to serve the Sisterhood. As seeds, as it is now, and as it will always be."

There was a long silence, before Willa said, "We were wrong. The Law of-"

Generalíssima hurled the device against the floor and began stomping on it with full force, expressed in her cries, "AAAAHHH! AAAAAAHHHHHH! AAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Faced with that scene, Inquisitor was crestfallen, while the other two were startled by the leader's reaction.

Gasping, after crushing the object, she looked at the audience of this spectacle of despair. Her eyes were wide open, tears streaming down her cheeks. Compelled by primitive impulses, she ran to the exit, leaving everything behind without giving a second thought.

Seeing the door close, Lucky was the first to ask, "W-What happened? Is Willa a witch?"

Shaking her head, Revenant was trying to understand. "How did she know? How did she find out she's a witch?"

Inquisitor rested his arms on the table and began to speak, "Willa had no way to bring Matriarch, because Matriarch is dead."

The black woman frowned. "Whatta fahck are ya talkin' about theah?"

He continued, in the same emotionless tone, "She is one of the magical girls who went missing during the Bastion of New Orleans, who participated in the Katrina's interception."

"BULLSHIT!" Revenant exasperated.

"Matriarch didn't make it ta New Orleans in time," Lucky said.

"That is what was told; however, she did arrive in time." Inquisitor looked at them, with an air of indignation. "Do you think that the magical girls who were in the city would decide to intercept the omicron class Katrina at sea? It was Matriarch who wanted to save New Orleans, and she had the magic to do it. It was she who made over seventy magical girls fly and protected them from the force of the hurricane." He shook his head and raised his voice. "That was never a heroic sacrifice, nor a stupid suicide attack. Matriarch was sure she would prevail over Katrina, but something happened and the outcome was the opposite." He snorted and smiled, a sad, lost smile. "So that then Generalíssima, single-handedly, defeated the witch. Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous, but that is the fact. Few know it, only a few leaders in Washington. I, to get my position in the organization, had to swear that I would protect that secret, killing or dying if necessary."

Stunned, still trying to process all that, Lucky uttered, "B-But two years ago Matriarch made a special Christmas video. S-She was even wearing a Santa hat!"

He replied, "Our organization has illusionists, shapeshifters..."

Revenant shook her head, full of anger, "Ya hafta be lyin', ya fackah, ya're tryin' ta take advantage of this situation ta-"

"LISTEN HERE!" The man pointed his finger at her. "Matriarch is the soul of the Sisterhood! Both are as one and you understand that when you know her personally. The revelation of her death would lead to the dissolution of the organization and years later, you two would not have been rescued by us. By that time, you would be dead, or you would be witches."

Revenant's disgust was palpable. "Ya all... have been lyin' ta us all this time?"

"Okay then," Lucky said.

"Huh?!" The black woman turned to the magical bunny girl.

Lucky looked at her, shrugging. "Matriarch fell off her perch. The big fishes decided it was best ta hide it so that the Sistahhood could continue ta function. Thanks ta that, I was able ta meet ya, Valk, our General... I'm fine with this lie."

Revenant lowered her gaze and pressed her lips. She had the impulse to nod, but managed to disguise it by turning to the man again. "But who's runnin' the organization now?"

"She was Matriarch's closest sister, Sunbird." Inquisitor gulped. "But there is no one now."

"We dunno," Revenant said, "Willa failed ta find Washington."

Inquisitor became irritated again. "I don't think you get it, she found Washington and what we heard here is what's left of it."

Revenant likewise. "No way! Generalíssima said that if Washington had fallen, everyone outside would be-"

"Dead? That's what she keeps saying so she can believe that there's still someone out there who cares about us. Accept the facts! Sunbird is dead! There is no more Washington!" The man looked away. "And if that happened even to Washington, then Motherland Union can't be in a better situation." He then muttered to himself, "I should have thought of that, but it's too late now."

Revenant was confused, "Whadya mean?"

Lucky cogitated, widening her eyes, "I think he means that Generalíssima is now the leadah of the entire Sistahhood, or, perhaps, of all magical girls."

Inquisitor stared at them intensely, his face trembling. Then he let the words escape, "We are the last ones..."

／人 ◕‿‿◕ 人＼

In the middle of the bathroom, the woman with long, straight white hair looked at her reflection in the wide mirror on the wall. Her stature was imposing, her beauty was stunning, her face was serene, and her gem in the tiara was like the throat of all afflictions.

The end was nigh.

Hurried footsteps were heard, and soon the woman saw Generalíssima enter. She was crying, this became clearer when she stopped in front of the sink, very close to the mirror.

Generalíssima looked at her own reflection. The image was one of complete defeat, which she only had her fists as an answer. "IIIAAAAAAHHHH!"

The end was nigh.

The image of the perfect woman shattered into dozens of pieces. Some fell into the sink, many shattered further as they met the floor.

Generalíssima raised her head and exclaimed, "There's nothing more to be done! The Sisterhood will end and everyone on Earth will die!"

The woman took a step toward her.

Shaking her head, Generalíssima continued to whine, "I have failed, I don't deserve to be what I am."

Another step.

"I didn't know what to do," Generalíssima spoke, sounding more like a girl than her usual mature voice, "I don't know how to be a leader."

And another.

"We only had that one chance..."

And one more. The tall woman was right behind Generalíssima, being able to smell the soap used on those dark pink locks of hair.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorr-"

The woman held Generalíssima and forced her to turn around.

"Ah...?" The pair of dark pink eyes met the pair of pink colored ones. Generalíssima's hands were together at her chest, her body was cringing.

The woman waited no longer and, in a lunge, kissed her.

"Hmmpff?!" Taken by surprise, Generalíssima's mouth was invaded by the other woman's tongue. The soft, warm lips pressed against hers, as did the arms that wrapped around her body. Her hands landed on the tall woman's smooth skin, sliding down to her back, recognizing the firmness of the flesh. The memories that surfaced eventually made her surrender for a moment to that lust, but she really was not in the mood for it. In a sudden movement, she shoved the woman away. "Stop, Estér! What are you doing?"

Smiling, the woman smoothed her white hair as she licked her own lips. "Accepting your apologies, Leona."

"But what does it matter?" Leona bowed her head. "What can we do?"

Estér suggested, "Let's leave."

Leona immediately raised her head. "Huh?"

"Let's spend the last moments of this world together and happy." The woman shook her arm, causing the jewelry hanging from it to make noises. "Look on the bright side: wherever we are, we'll be watching this from a box seat."

Leona trembled, gritting her teeth. "You've got to be kidding."

"Ah..." Estér smiled wider. "Sad Leona is cute, but I prefer that version more."

"You and your sense of humor..." After grumbling, Leona turned her face away, wistful. "I sent that novice to her death."

"The only chance she had of survival was to find Washington," Estér said, "you did nothing wrong."

Leona replied, "I could have gone looking for Washington."

Estér grew more serious. "I've already done that and, as I've told you, the original base is destroyed, burned and with marks of combat. I haven't found any bodies, but I haven't found any hints of a possible relocation either." She raised her eyebrows. "And we have other priorities, don't we?"

Leona grimaced in frustration. "The rocket is not ready, and without the stolen seeds..." She reached out to the dark gem on the other woman's tiara.

Quickly, Estér grabbed the arm and pulled it away. "How many times have I told you not to do that?"

Leona kept looking at her with concern.

Estér smiled. "I'm fine, I can last much longer than you think."

"But with every hope you devour, the worse the end will be, won't be?" Leona inquired.

Estér did not answer.

Leona had already expected this. "What do you think of Inquisitor's theory? That whoever stole the seeds is one of those new witches?"

Estér did not hide her vexation at hearing that name. "That man has caused you a lot of trouble, I must remove him."

"No!" Leona clamored, "he may be causing trouble, but he's a competent member of the Sisterhood. He's still useful."

Estér frowned.

This time, it was Leona who smiled. "He follows the rules, he will never be a threat to our plans. I can handle him. Now, tell me what you think of his theory."

The woman sighed and threw her long white hair back. "I have never seen anything like these witches. I don't know if I'm able to tell the difference between them and magical girls."

Leona suggested, "Couldn't you read everyone's mind?"

Estér shook her head. "Some might recover their memories during the process."

"So no..." Leona closed her eyes. "We've gone too far ... too, too far."

"Do you regret it?" Estér asked.

She reopened her eyes, in a firm, determined countenance. "No. Those lives you took would be lost anyway. Incubator cannot win!"

"He'll not win, I assure you." Estér's pink eyes twinkled. "However, that rocket plan looks like it will fail. So, I ask again, now seriously, would you leave with me in that case?"

Leona lowered her head and pressed her lips.

While Estér raised her head, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I knew..."

"There are many children here, literally," Leona explained, "they believe in me, in my strength. I can't leave them alone... I can't abandon them, like... like..."

"And you wished to be free," Estér commented with a certain irony.

"It's MY decision!" Leona narrowed gaze. "Are you jealous?"

"What if I am?"

The tone was threatening, but Leona knew this woman too well. She smiled and moved closer.

"Oh?" Estér raised her eyebrows.

Leona put her hand on her own chest and then transferred it to the other woman's chest. "You know where my heart belongs."

Estér did not smile, her hand caressed her face, her thumb sliding on the skin of her lips. "Mi reina. Nuestra viaje juntas está llegando a su fin y aún no sé a qué más lugares me llevarás."

A hint of sadness showed in Leona. She hugged her, their faces were close. She was looking into Estér's lips when she whispered, "Gracias por todo, no te olvidaré, lo prometo."

Estér stepped back, also pushing Leona gently.

The dark pink haired woman was confused, but then she heard footsteps. She looked toward the entrance to the bathroom.

Soon Revenant appeared. "Generalíssima! Are ya... heah?"

Seeing the black woman's surprised reaction, Leona glanced at Estér.

The tall woman had a serene face.

Leona then looked at the shards of the mirror on the floor and returned to staring at the Sisterhood member.

Revenant was still silent, tense.

Generalíssima spoke, "I'm better now, what's it?"

Revenant shook her head, regaining her composure. "Inquisitor wanna talk ta ya, in private."

Generalíssima nodded. "Now? I can do that." She walked to leave the bathroom, passing by Revenant. However, the sister held her arm tightly. Generalíssima immediately turned her head, glaring at her.

Revenant was not intimidated. "Inquisitor said some things about Matriarch. Is it true?"

After a brief silence, Generalíssima instructed with a cold voice, "Tell the others that Willa has not yet made it to Washington, but has managed to set up a short call with them. Expect good news soon."

Incredulous, Revenant exclaimed, "That's a bloody lie!"

"Revenant..." Generalíssima maintained her coolness. "False or not, hope is the only thing that will still allow the Sisterhood to exist. If you understand that, let me go, or I will do it by force."

The black woman lowered her gaze and slowly released the arm.

Generalíssima left, saying, "Ask Nano to fix the mirror, it looks like someone has been breaking it..."

Estér stood watching Revenant put her hands to her head, making a face of desolation. The black woman muttered something, a prayer or curse perhaps, before she too left the bathroom.

Alone, Estér abandoned her serene countenance. Her lost gaze was bitter, full of guilt.

"HUHUHUHU!" "Hihii...hihihi... hahahahaaa!" "Fufufuuu!"

"Houuhohohohohoo!" "KyahahahaHAHAHAHAHAAA!"

Estér looked at the source of that cacophony of laughter and moved closer.

Each fragment of the mirror showed the reflection of the lower part of different faces, of the mouths of different girls.

"Are you laughing at my misery?" Estér smiled with disdain. "Fools, I'll still get what I want most."

The fragmented reflection now only showed the lower part of Estér's face, her mouth in each reflection opened at the same time to utter.

"The final dawn approaches, goddess."

Next chapter: Grief syndrome