Sayaka ran through the school, trying to find a place where no one would see her. The school walls being completely made of glass did for little privacy whenever someone didn't want to be seen.

Why was Kyoko now against her too? Sure, she had only said she would look if Akemi Homura had any shady business going on. But wouldn't it make sense to be on the edge until she knew for certain? Wouldn't it make more sense to not trust her until this… feeling she had was confirmed false?

First Madoka, and now Kyoko. The transfer student really was taking everything away from her… Wait, not transfer student; Just that… that devil of a girl. She had been so obsessed with trying to prove Akemi wasn't trustworthy that her head was now going nuts. Great.

Sayaka looked up to realize she was now out of the school building, near one of the schoolyard benches. Most people were already going back to class, so the place was quite empty. From behind her back, a voice called out to her.

"Sayaka-chan!" A tired Madoka ran up to her, trying to catch her breath "Please… Stop… Running…"

Sayaka didn't know if seeing Madoka would really be the best thing right now. She had left her for Akemi after all. Why should she listen to her? Maybe if Akemi really did something to her the girl would finally understand and… God, what was she thinking? Was this why she felt that badly about Akemi? Because of jealously of her taking away her best friend?

"I'm sorry Madoka" Sayaka tried to hold back tears, but the effort proved futile.

"No, you don't have to be" Madoka said, finally able to talk between breaths.

"I… I don't know why I don't like her" The words were getting stuck in Sayaka's throat, the girl failing to not have her voice break with her crying "Just like how Kyoko said, it really doesn't make sense"

Madoka shook her head, before putting on a smile that made Sayaka raise her head even if just enough to see her.

"You are just worried about me, right?"

That much Sayaka was sure of. She didn't know why; it didn't matter if it was because she just had a real bad feeling about Akemi or if it was just jealously of her friend being taken away. She was sure it was because she was worried about Madoka, either because of something bad happening again or because she wouldn't see her again.

"Yeah…" Sayaka finally spoke, the tears fully starting to come through made her voice seem as small as Madoka's gentle voice.

"It's true that Homura-chan sometimes says weird things" Madoka's smile became a nervous one, but happiness could still be seen in her expression "And she even does things that don't make much sense"

Madoka approached Sayaka more, giving the girl a hug that finally tore through her tear-filled dam as she let out the everything she had been holding.

"She also feels like she is always planning something" Madoka started to brush Sayaka's hair with her hand, the feeling a calming one. "I can see why you are worried"

"Then why…" Sayaka's voice began to break more, making it harder to understand what she was saying. "Wh- Why do you still try to get close to her"

"I'm not sure"

"Huh?" Sayaka's eyes widened.

"You see… Whenever I look at her, I get this feeling that I really, really want to help her" Madoka made a little pause as she closed her eyes "And whenever I see her smile, I want to protect that"

"That's just the kindness you always show!"

Madoka shook her head once more, making Sayaka do a small gasp as the pink haired girl ended the hug.

"When I look at Homura-chan I feel like I'm seeing a really broken person" Madoka placed her hands behind her, playing a bit with steps "She almost never smiles, and when she does it feels like a forced one."

Madoka looked at Sayaka in the eyes.

"But then I started to try and talk with her" A smile appeared on her face "And I noticed that she would smile sometimes, I think those smiles were genuine ones. And that… that filled my soul with joy"

Madoka turned around, a small blush could be seen forming on the girl's cheek.

"I-I don't ask you to suddenly trust Homura-chan." Sayaka could hear embarrassment on her friend's voice, it reminded her of how she used to sound like when talking with Kyosuke "But I do ask you that you trust me"

Sayaka looked at the ground. Her hands began to shake as she prepared to talk back. The prolonged silence of the moment making Madoka turn around to check on her friend.

"Wi-Will you still talk to me?" finally said Sayaka.

Madoka's eyes opened in surprise a worried smile appearing on her face. She went up to the girl and hugged her again. This time harder than before.

"Yes, of course."

"You aren't going to disappear with Akemi, right?"

"I won't"

Tears came back to Sayaka as she hugged Madoka just as tight.

"She isn't my substitute, right?"

"Never"

"If-if she turns out to be bad news" her voice was almost incomprehensible with all the sobbing "Yo-you will get a-away from her?"

"If she does" Madoka replied "Thank you for worrying about me"

With that Sayaka stood there with Madoka, her crying slowly calming down until the school bell rang.

The station was filled to the brim with people, a sea of umbrellas extending as far as the eye could see; it being a Saturday afternoon and the station being the closest one to the center of Mitakihara really didn't help. Thankfully Sayaka and Kyoko had been able to find a dry bench to sit on. They were waiting for Akemi and Madoka, whom much to the dismay of Sayaka were going to come together.

As much sun and heat as there had been the last few days, it was still raining season. The rain wasn't more than just a drizzle, but enough for people to bring out their umbrellas. If anything, it was better this way, the umbrellas made the usually impossible to go through crowded station be more manageable as people left gaps between each other.

Sayaka looked at Kyoko, who was playing some kind of game on her phone. The girl was wearing a white shirt and short jeans, tied to her waist was a light blue jacket she had taken off before getting on the train. It was in total contrast with Sayaka's outfit, who was covering quite a bit more of her body; a decision she had soon regretted with the heat that still came through even with the rain. Her outfit consisted on long blue pants and a short sleeve white t-shirt that could be seen through the open zipper of her jacket.

After yesterday's discussion on the rooftop, they hadn't talked much, Sayaka being too prideful to do so. Dinner was like always; Kyoko having told her through Line what to prepare; but they didn't say a word while they were cooking. Madoka had told Sayaka to try and give Akemi an opportunity, and she would; but that didn't take away from the sense of betrayal she still felt from what Kyoko did. Even if she knew she was in the wrong.

"There they are" Kyoko pointed with her chin towards the sea of umbrellas, from within it a pink and a red one could be seen getting closer.

Madoka had come in a white dress, a few light pink ribbons here and there to make the piece a bit more complex. Akemi on the other hand was wearing long black jeans and a grey hoodie, Sayaka didn't even understand how the girl couldn't be dying from the heat; it felt almost as if her cold eyes were cooling her down somehow.

"Sayaka-chan, Kyoko-chan!" Madoka ran towards them, closing her umbrella after getting under the small roof the bench had. "Good afternoon!"

"Hello pinky" said Kyoko, putting away her phone. "You too, emo girl"

Akemi seemed unfaced by the comment, completely disregarding it before doing a small polite bow with her head and speaking.

"Good afternoon"

"Y-yeah. Good afternoon" replied Sayaka.

Madoka looked at Sayaka, her usual smile changing to a more understanding one. After what had happened yesterday Madoka had sent Sayaka more Line messages than usual, almost as if she was trying to assure the girl they would still be friends. Sayaka wasn't still completely sure if what she felt was jealously or something else, but at least this made her feel a bit better.

"Should we get going?" asked Madoka "We are already a bit late, I don't want to make Hitomi wait more"

"Yeah, we should" confirmed Sayaka before pulling out her extendable umbrella. She turned towards Hitomi's house and started walking.

Once they were out of the station the amount of people had quickly gone down, as much as it was still the city center, the part they were getting into was more of a residential zone. Most people that were here were either the few that could even think to buy one of these apartments or people going to work to big offices or hotels.

Sayaka looked back, Madoka was walking next to Akemi; It seemed like Madoka was telling her the story about the cactus she had saved. And Akemi was listening close, or at least looked like she was. Much to Sayaka's dismay Akemi really seemed to care about what Madoka was saying at all times. Even when they used to just said good morning to each other and Madoka tried to start a conversation just for Akemi to answer quickly and finish said conversation in an instant, the girl had always listened to what Madoka said. And it was clearly just Madoka; other people from class would sometimes try to approach her, only for them to be either completely ignored or be given a generic answer. Some of them even backed off the moment Akemi laid eyes on them, not even talking with the girl.

While Sayaka had been lost in thought Kyoko approached the pair.

"Telling the cactus story again?" said Kyoko to Madoka, a grin on her face. Madoka couldn't help but let out a small nervous chuckle.

"Yeah… It's just that is one of the few things I've accomplished" Madoka's voice made Sayaka flinch, she always talked like that about herself. Sayaka was about to speak, but Akemi was faster.

"That's not true, Madoka" The girl face was completely serious "You've done great things. You always show kindness to everyone, forgiving even those that hurt you."

Sayaka looked at the girl, she agreed with what she was saying. But why did it feel as if the girl knew Madoka for far longer than what she should? Was it the certainty in her voice?

"You selflessly sacrifice yourself for others" Akemi kept on talking, Madoka seemed to be on some kind of trance as she looked at the girl "You speak about the cactus as being your only accomplishment, but didn't you join the club when the Sakura tree hadn't bloomed yet? You helped with that too"

"I didn't do that alone though…" Madoka looked to the ground, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"The other two members couldn't save the tree until you came, Madoka. I believe it was you the one who saved it. Just like..." The girl seemed to say something more in a whisper, but Sayaka wasn't able to hear it with the rain; neither did any of the other two it seemed.

"Homura-chan?"

Akemi stood thinking for a few seconds before coming back to her senses, a smile appearing on her face. But judging by Madoka's reaction, that was one of the forced ones the girl had talked about. But wasn't that her usual smile?

"No. It's nothing."

Madoka looked at Akemi one last time with a worried look on her face, but after a moment they all kept on walking.

It took a bit more time than expected, they had to take another path because of some roadwork, but they finally arrived at Hitomi's house. The fifty stories skyscraper was a huge apartment complex, and around ten of those floors belonged to Hitomi's parents.

The reception room of the apartment complex was massive. Two gathering areas were at each side, white couches made for a good place to sit while there was a small bar in one of the corners. The place had a few plants, mainly ferns and some bonsais, that contrasted the general white/gold color of the room with some splashes of green. A wall fountain was found right behind the information desk where the building staff was in. As Madoka had described it once: 'It feels like one of those 5-star hotels Mama sometimes goes to for work'

Madoka and Sayaka were used to the apartment complex, even then the sight was still incredible. But it was the first time in there for Akemi and Kyoko. Curiously Sayaka looked at them, trying to see their reaction.

Kyoko was completely in awe, looking at everything as if she had gone into a tourist attraction. The girl had her qualms with people spending way much more than necessary on stuff like this, but even then, the beauty of the place still caught her attention.

Akemi on the other side… She looked almost as if she didn't care, like if the place was yet another apartment complex. Was she used to this kind of things? But she was an orphan, right? Did she have that much money?

"It's pretty, right Homura-chan?" the girl had placed herself a bit in front of Akemi, and was now looking at her with an expectant smile. Sayaka could have sworn that Akemi was about to say something before closing her mouth and taking a second to think.

"Yes, it really is." She said instead, the smile looked the same to Sayaka as the one before. She really didn't know how Madoka could tell them apart or if this one was even different from before.

Sayaka approached the desk, the worker that was there immediately recognized her.

"Shizuki-sama has told us about your expected visit, she is already waiting in her apartment" the desk attendant said as he pointed towards the elevator with a smile. A small 'ding' could be heard from it, meaning it had been unlocked.

"Right, thanks" said Sayaka as she and the rest went towards the elevator.

The elevator ride was a long one, Hitomi living on the fortieth floor not helping with the speed. No one was talking, which didn't really help to ease the ride. Sayaka understood why Kyoko wasn't speaking, there was a bit of tension between the two after all, but Madoka and Akemi not talking didn't help at all; And Sayaka didn't know what to say.

The elevator was a big one that much was true, it felt as big as one of those cargo ones. But even then, why did Madoka feel like there wasn't enough space between her and Homura? It wasn't like she didn't want to be close to her, but she felt that touching the girl would almost be a sin. Like she was way over Madoka's level.

Homura's clothes really suited her, and it was nice seeing the girl in a more relaxed attire. Madoka could imagine Homura with a ponytail and the clothes she was wearing on top of a couch; the girl reading a book with the same focused eyes she put on from time to time… Maybe she would wear red glasses, yeah that would look good on her…

A small `ding` could be heard as the elevator door opened, showing Hitomi's entrance hall. The elevators led directly into the apartments, each one being a full floor. Hitomi was already waiting at the entrance, the girl wearing a simple yellow dress.

"Good afternoon, everyone" said Hitomi, going up to them; everyone giving their greetings back. Homura approached Hitomi and took out a pastry box.

"I believe this is the first time we properly speak, it's a pleasure." Homura did a polite bow "Thank you for having us today. It isn't much, but please accept this"

"The pleasure is mine, Akemi-san" Hitomi paired her smile with a small bow before accepting the pastries. She turned to the rest "Come in. We are going to study in my room"

The group followed Hitomi before entering her room. A big queen-sized bed sat in the middle of it, it had one of those canopies that Madoka would often see royal people had in movies and such. One wall was made completely out glass, an amazing view of the city being displayed. Close to her bed a big desk with a few drawers and a mirror in the middle had some of their student's books open. In one of the corners close to the windows a table with a few chairs had been prepared for them to study in.

Madoka waited for Homura to sit, trying to get a place next to her, but not only did she sit to an already sitting Hitomi but Kyoko quickly placed herself on her other side. Madoka held a small pout that was starting to appear before sitting in front of Homura and taking out her things.

"Well then" said Hitomi while looking at everyone "We should say what we are having problems with so we can help each other better"

"Easier to say what I don't have problems with" sighed Kyoko, pulling out their last practice tests; most of them had around 40-30 points, but some were able to break through the 50-60 mark. "I don't have much time to study with work and all, and when I have it I don't feel like doing anything y'know?"

Homura picked the tests and started to read through them, her thinking eyes felt almost as if she could see things on the paper that others couldn't. Madoka couldn't help but stare.

"Y-you spending the weekends playing games or being outside don't help either" replied Sayaka, a bit of an uncomfortable tone in her voice. The pair didn't seem to fix their last fight.

"This aren't that badly done" Homura suddenly spoke up, still looking at the tests "You are getting the final answers wrong, but the methods are there."

Hitomi looked at one of the tests that Homura was holding, the girl lowering the paper so she could see more easily.

"It's true!" said Hitomi "You seem to forget about the negative symbol in a lot of equations when rewriting them for example."

"And the literature tests are easily salvable" added Homura "A bit of extra effort on syntactic analysis and you should be able to get a passing grade"

Kyoko's face lightened up, her eyes opening in surprise as she looked at the girls.

"Really?" she let out a small sigh "thank goodness, the school doesn't let you work unless you get a passing score on everything"

"I believe that with today and a few more effort by yourself you will be able to pass everything, Sakura-san" said Hitomi, a polite smile appearing on her face as she placed down the girl's tests. "What about you, Sayaka?"

"I fear for my English grade" Sayaka said "I like Saotome-sensei, really, I do. But she complains so much about her love life that I end up forgetting what we do in class!"

"Ah!" Madoka exclaimed "I can help with that! I got used to English during my stay in America. If you have any doubts speak to me"

Hitomi let out a small giggle before looking back at Sayaka "Anything else you have trouble with?"

Sayaka thought for a few seconds before letting out a long sigh.

"Math… I was able to get through last month tests but this whole derivatives thing doesn't stick with me" said Sayaka, letting her head rest on the table.

"I'm the same" said Homura, the sudden declaration made Sayaka lift up her head. Madoka already knew, her being the only one with this knowledge making her proud for some reason.

"Wait, really?" asked a confused Sayaka.

"I've memorized the different rules, but there are a few problems that I can't seem to grasp." Homura sighed; it was the first time Madoka saw her do that. A new expression to remember.

"That's nothing like me at all then… I can't even memorize the thing, there is too many of them!" said Sayaka, the girl holding her head between her arms. Madoka was happy that the bluenette hadn't attacked Homura yet, it seemed like yesterday's talk at least made her reconsider her opinion about the girl.

"I have a study sheet I made with personal annotations" said Homura, taking out a two-sided piece of paper with some very organized notes in it "You can copy it if you want, it might help with the memorization"

"Really? Thanks" Sayaka took the sheet of paper and started to look at it.

Homura seemed to try and fix her problems with Sayaka, seeing the display of help made Madoka put on a big smile on her face. If Homura was starting to tear down the walls she had built around her maybe everyone could become friends.

"What about you Madoka-san?"

"I'm just having a few problems with Classic Literature, having missed these last years isn't helping with that either" Madoka sighed "At least I don't have to worry about English…"

"I will help you with that, Madoka" Homura spoke up, she still had a look full of confidence and determination. Madoka felt almost as if Homura's eyes were seeing her very soul, the purple eyes of the girl felt almost like a alluring void, one where Madoka started to lose herself in.

"O-okay" Madoka finally was able to speak "Thank you, Homura-chan"

The raven-haired girl only gave her a small nod and a little gentle smile as an answer. And with that they all started to study.

The teachers had given study guides that had a few exercises in them, so it was easy to follow the subject at hand as a group; Hitomi being the one guiding everyone along made for a very efficient study session. Homura and Sayaka were being tutored by Hitomi, though from the outside if looked more like both of them were helping Sayaka.

"Agh!" complained Sayaka "I just can't understand it! Where does that One come from anyways?"

Homura sighed; the girl was holding on to her patience but Madoka could see her starting to get tired.

"As I said twenty minutes ago, that's the inverse."

"Then what about the one next to it? It isn't there in the original equation!" Sayaka was looking at the book, found the one they were doing and pointed towards it.

"We have to do it because of the type of derivative it is, that's just how you solve the inverse hyperbolic sine derivative." Replied Homura, a bit of anger coming through her voice.

"The what?" Sayaka looked with confused eyes at Homura, who closed her eyes before pinching the bridge of her nose and letting out a long sigh.

"I believe it will be better if you just focus on the simpler rules." Started Homura, slowly opening her eyes once again "You should be able to get a passing grade that way at least"

"She just called you dumb" said Kyoko, who was crossing out a chemical reaction because of a mistake she had made.

"Try to memorize as many as you can from the sheet" said Homura, disregarding Kyoko's comment "the first twenty are easy, focus on those"

Sayaka looked at Homura before sighing and looking at the formula sheet.

"Listen, the sheet looks amazing, great work and all that" Sayaka raised her head and looked at Homura "But the whole over analyzing the rules just makes my head hurt more!"

"It's better to understand what's behind a rule than to only memorize it without knowing the why of it"

"Maybe for you" Sayaka gave back the sheet "But clearly it isn't working for me…"

Homura looked at Sayaka a small angry frown appearing on her face.

That's cute thought Madoka.

"Well, well don't worry" Hitomi interjected between the two "I will send you a simpler sheet through Line; is that alright with you, Sayaka?"

"Yeah, thanks" She took out her phone.

"Akemi-san" Hitomi looked at Homura, who had placed her usual stoic face once more. "I will help Sayaka, I believe you already solved your problems, right?"

"Yes, I have. Thanks for the help."

Homura closed her notebook and slowly looked up, her eyes meeting with Madoka's.

"Are you having trouble with something, Madoka?" asked Homura.

"Eh? Ah…" Madoka was completely lost, she had been observing what Homura and Sayaka were doing for so long that she had stopped paying attention to her own studies.

Homura waited for a few seconds for an answer, but the still coming to her senses Madoka wasn't able to give one. As such Homura got up and walked up to Madoka, placing her hand on the table and leaning in to see what the girl was working on.

Wasn't she too close? Madoka looked up at the girl, the purple earring she always wore was shining with the lights of Hitomi's room.

"Ah, I see" Homura pointed towards a list of kanji Madoka had been writing as she read. "I'm guessing those are the ones giving you trouble?"

"Y-yes" said Madoka, looking back at her notes "Missing three full years of school has left me behind when it comes to old kanji. It's not like it's a problem in my daily life, but classic literature is a problem"

Homura seemed to be deep in thought after hearing what Madoka had said, it looked like she was trying to decide something on her mind before she shook her head and looked back at Madoka.

"I'm already finished with my things" she took her chair and moved closer to Madoka. "I'll be here, if you need help with anything let me know."

With that the girl took out a small pocket book and went into reading. The book title "A Silver Garden" caught Madoka's attention, but since she was supposed to study, she decided to leave the question for another time.

Kyoko looked up from her worksheet, it had been like two hours since they started with this study session. And to be honest, Kyoko was more than tired of studying. She looked around, Madoka and Akemi were next to each other. Right now, Akemi was explaining something to the pinkette, but Kyoko could see that as much attention as Madoka was trying to pay she would often try and sneak glances at Akemi leaning over her shoulder, a small blush on the girl's cheeks.

Really, Sayaka didn't know what she was doing. Yeah, Akemi may be weird, but Kyoko knew what she was seeing. And she was sure that trying to make Madoka get away from Akemi would only make pinky angry, if that was possible. For what Kyoko could see the girl had an obvious crush on Akemi, even if she didn't know herself.

It didn't seem like she had to do much about how Sayaka treated Akemi anyways. She was sure that the bluenette still thought badly of her, she knew how prideful she could be. But whatever Madoka had told her after she ran away yesterday seemed to be enough for her to end the direct animosity. Sayaka was still angry with Kyoko though, that much she had noticed after coming back from work yesterday. But they've had discussions like this before, some time for her to cool of should fix it. Or at least she hoped it did.

Her phone vibrated, she looked inside her bag and took it out. A Line message from Chiharu.

"No one knows anything about her other than public records. Lives by herself in a state paid building, is an orphan since birth and has been hospitalized many times."

"So, she's clean then?" replied Kyoko

"Either that or she really knows how to cover her steps. She has apparently been to a psychologist when she was younger, but given her circumstances it doesn't surprise me. Want me to try and get her files on that?"

"Nah, not needed. Thanks"

"Alright, that's it then."

A few seconds passed after a second reply came through

"You owe me one btw"

"Yeah, yeah"

And with that she closed her phone. If Chiharu couldn't find anything bad regarding Akemi Homura, then there was no way the girl had any kind of criminal record or something. Just a normal girl. Well, minus the whole orphanage and hospital bit.

Kyoko got up and walked towards Sayaka who was still trying to solve the math problems from the study guide.

"Yo" whispered Kyoko as she got closer, with Hitomi busy with her own studies and with Madoka and Homura being so busy flirting with each other she could speak freely.

"What is it?"

"Got the info on Akemi" Sayaka's eyes opened, energy coming back into her body.

"And? Is she…?"

"Nope, as clean as one can be" Kyoko sighed "The girl had a rough life, but there is nothing weird other than that"

"I see..." Sayaka hardened her grip on her pen "Thanks…"

"I promised after all." Said Kyoko.

Sayaka was still looking at her notebook, clearly wanting to say something but being unable to find the words to do it. Kyoko waited a few seconds; she could guess what Sayaka wanted to say.

Kyoko put on a small smile and gave Sayaka a pat on the back with a bit more strength that she intended to, surprising Sayaka in the process.

"Don't worry 'bout it" said Kyoko, Sayaka was now looking at her face "We can't do like it didn't happen, but we can both admit it's dumb to fight cause of that"

Sayaka loosened up, letting her pen on the table before nodding. "Yeah, you are right"

Kyoko completely stood up and looked around the room before saying out loud.

"Shouldn't we take like a break or something? I can't really keep going" Everyone looked at her, Hitomi looked at the clock on her wall before saying anything.

"Yes, I believe we should" She got up of her chair and patted her dress to try and straighten it a bit. "Sorry I hadn't noticed the time."

"We also got a bit too much into it" said Madoka with an embarrassed smile on her face "Sorry, I didn't notice the time either"

"It's alright!" said Sayaka "I feel like I may be able to pass the test now… With some luck"

Hitomi giggled before approaching her door.

"I'll go get something to drink and eat. Wait a minute please"

After a few minutes Hitomi came back pushing a rolling tray cart that had a teapot and some biscuits in a cute yet clearly expensive bowl. The girls cleared the table where they had been studying and helped Hitomi unload the cart before everyone sat back again.

Hitomi started pouring some tea into everyone's cups, the form was clearly a refined one even to the untrained eye of Kyoko; though with how many times she would go to tea ceremony classes it wasn't much of a surprise. As Hitomi was pouring Sayaka's cup she spoke up.

"So, did everyone solve their problems with next week tests?" She finished pouring Sayaka's cup and went on towards Madoka's.

"I think so…" said Madoka, who was already aiming for the sugar cubes. "I will have to revise a few things, but I should be able to keep up my grades"

"I think you'll do just fine, Madoka" replied Akemi, a small gentle smile on her face "You learn quick"

Madoka was clearly embarrassed by the comment, making her try to hide her blush behind the teacup.

"You are just a great teacher, Homura-chan" she finally said "It was really easy to understand how you broke down the narrative points"

"Thank you, Madoka" Akemi took out a sip of her tea.

Really, Kyoko hoped at least one of those two new they were clearly flirting with each other. It didn't make sense if they didn't. No, it would make her mad if they didn't know. No one should ever be that oblivious. Hell, even Violin Boy would have noticed the kind of flirting those two were throwing at each other.

"As for me…" Said Sayaka, picking up one of the biscuits from the bowl. "I should manage. But I hope the teacher doesn't decide to pull a fast one on us and throw only hard problems in the test"

"Honestly," replied Akemi "I hope for the same. It's been the first time in… well, years since I'm nervous for a test"

Sayaka swallowed the chocolate biscuit she had been eating and looked at Akemi with a bit of a joking smile, even if a forced one.

"Ey, Akemi-san" said Sayaka "What if we both fail together? That way I wouldn't be the only one who does so in our group"

"Sadly, for you, I have to refuse" Akemi placed a smile, though Kyoko wasn't sure of whether or not it was a real one based on Madoka's frowning expression "I might be having problems, but I will still get at least an eighty score on the test."

"Haaaah… I wish I had that confidence" replied Sayaka.

"What about you Sakura-san?" asked Hitomi before taking a small bite of one of the biscuits Akemi had brought.

"Should be fine" Kyoko replied before throwing a full biscuit into her mouth, chewing for a few seconds and swallowing "Like you two said I just have to pay more attention to what I'm doing"

"I'm glad everyone was able to reach their objectives." said Hitomi.

Time went by, the biscuits quickly disappearing under Kyoko's hand. And after a while only a few remained. The sun was about to set, so the group quickly said their goodbyes and headed to the station. The group separated in two, as Homura and Madoka went to pick the same train.

Homura walked out of the station with Madoka by her side. The rain had stopped a few minutes ago, their umbrellas now loosely hanging from their hands. Homura looked at Madoka she had gotten a bit wet when the wind had picked up before, her hair was getting stuck on her forehead.

Quick flashes of Madoka lifeless body lying on the ground, rain still falling from the damage Walpurgisnacht had done went by Homura's mind.

Homura closed her eyes and shook her head a bit, before opening them again and confirming that Madoka was still by her side. The girl gave Homura a side glance before speaking.

"S-so how did you like today?"

It had been a nice day, all things considered. She was able to spend the whole afternoon with Madoka, there hadn't been any fights with Miki Sayaka or Sakura Kyoko and she had even solved the problem she had with math. And besides, any new day in which Madoka smiled was a good day.

"It was great" said Homura "Thank you for inviting me"

"I-I see. I'm glad" Madoka stopped on her feet before turning around and looking at Homura. "My house is over there, so I-I guess this is where we part ways"

"No" said the devil "I will accompany you to your home, Madoka"

"Yo-you don't have to" Madoka had an embarrassed smile on her face.

How cute.

"I wouldn't be able to rest if I don't see you getting home safely" The demon got a bit closer to Madoka "I insist, let me accompany you"

Madoka's cheek turned red, the girl quickly turning around to try and hide her embarrassment.

"W-well If you insist" she made a small pause "Thank you, Homura-chan"

The way towards Madoka's house was one the devil knew well; it was part of her pride that were she to be dropped anywhere in Mitakihara she would be able to return to Madoka's house without a problem.

The devil was walking a bit behind Madoka. It wasn't back enough to make the other girl feel bad about it, but enough for the devil to keep a close eye on her. Besides, it wasn't like someone that had done what she had done deserved to walk right next to her anyways.

After a few minutes of walking, they reached the Kaname household. Madoka turned around and faced the devil, a bit of an embarrassed smile appearing on her face.

"Thank you for coming with me" said Madoka "I had a lot of fun today!"

"Yes, it was my pleasure"

Madoka fidgeted a bit where she was standing, looking to the ground.

"So, I was thinking…" Madoka started to say, her voice being quieter than usual "Since we live in the same direction and all…"

Ah this question, Homura knew what she was going to ask. This had been a thing that happened a lot in the earlier timelines. Madoka asking her to go to school together, an activity that Homura had held close to her heart before. But now she wasn't deserving of such kindness.

"W-Would you like to go to school with me?" Madoka kept looking to the ground, waiting for an answer.

Homura really wanted to say yes.

Say it.

But she really shouldn't get that close to Madoka.

Say it.

In fact, it was quite obvious that the girl wasn't going to remember her role as the Law of Cycles. At least not for now.

Say it.

And with that information, Homura was sure that going back to following her with her Clara Dolls would be enough. She would still talk with her at school, but their relationship shouldn't go beyond classmates.

SAY IT.

Homura looked at Madoka, the girl was quite tense; But even if this would hurt her a bit, it will end up making Madoka happier in the long run.

"I'm sorry Mado-"

A sharp pain in her head made Homura unable to speak for a few seconds, Madoka noticed this and approached the girl with a worried look on her face.

"Homura-chan?"

"It's nothing, Madoka" said the devil "Sorry for worrying you"

The devil made a small pause and looked towards the girl with a gentle smile. How many times had Madoka made that worried face for her? It was less than the devil would like, but even then, more than enough for her to fall all over again in love with the girl. A melancholic look plagued the devil's face, Madoka clearly noticed it her worrying look deepening.

"Ar- are you sure?"

"Yes. Please don't worry." The devil made a stop, trying to think of something. "I'm probably just a bit tired from today"

Madoka looked at the girl with clear concern. If the devil knew something is that as much as someone could lie to Madoka, the girl had almost a sixth sense to see how people really were feeling.

"About your question from before." Said the devil, taking attention away from what had happened "I would love to accompany you to school, Madoka"

Madoka's face quickly went through different emotions. Worry, confusion, happiness, and back to a bit of a concerned face, though a smile was present.

"Ah... Thanks" said Madoka still a bit confused "See you tomorrow…"

"See you tomorrow, Madoka" the devil said with a small smile.

Hell looked as empty as it always did. The static half-moon light bathed the entire dimension, some of it being lost by the ever-consuming orb of despair and the rest being reflected by the devil's ebony hair.

The pond below the orb was even bigger than the other day, now the size of a small pool. It didn't surprise Homura; the incubators had a limit on how much grief they could process and the world was going haywire with many natural disasters. But this amount of grief was uncomfortable even for her.

Homura was in her student clothes and sat on top of one of the many pieces of rubble that littered her dimension, what seemed like a skyscraper that had been cut in half, and was looking at her dark orb with panicked eyes.

"Madoka..." Homura let out a long sigh.

Sure, Homura liked the idea of walking to school with Madoka. But that was a problem! She didn't want to get too close to Madoka. The plan was to just watch her a bit closer, nothing more. Something that would both please the kind hearted girl that had been trying to help her while still staying far away enough for her to be able to leave without much attachment.

No, she couldn't let this alter her plans. Homura knew that if she were to get closer to Madoka the girl would end up suffering. She always did one way or another, be it by becoming a witch or by straight up dying.

"You really are completely useless" said a voice that sounded too much like hers.

Homura looked up and sure enough she saw someone sitting on top of a broken window, a few meters above ground. The devil was looking at her with a smug smile on her face.

"We saved her from the cruel fate she had inflicted upon herself" the devil kept talking. "And now she wants to get close to us? I don't see why we shouldn't let her"

"I know you aren't real" replied Homura. "There is too much despair here, you are just an illusion"

The devil let out a small chuckle.

"I'm as real as you are, Time Traveler" the devil flew up to Homura and passed a hand through her chest "Though this body isn't, that much is true"

"I'm not going to hear what a deranged part of my mind has to say" Homura looked at one of the Clara Dolls that was playing nearby "You are just like them, a part of me yes. But not me."

"Why does that even matter?" said the Devil with a grin on her face "What I say is still the truth. Madoka will be safer with us around her"

"Madoka deserves a normal and happy life" Homura looked defiantly at the Devil "And a devil cannot be part of that normal life"

Homura ran her hand through her ebony hair, a tick she had gotten after taking off her braids.

"I won't listen to anything you say" She stated while putting her foot down and looking at the devil with a confident look.

"Oh" started the devil, who teleported next to her and leaned in, whispering into Homura's ear "But you already did"

Homura tried to hit the devil but her hand just passed through the hallucination, hitting nothing but the grief-filled air of the dimension.

"What are you talking about" a demanding tone covered her uneasiness.

"I was the one that said to accept her advances, remember?" the devil flew up into the sky, leaving the half-moon behind her and extended her wings. "I told you to accept her lunchbox. You really think that I didn't know she would try to get even closer if we did that?"

With a rain of raven feathers, the devil disappeared from her view, Homura looked around to try and find the hallucination. Something hit her head hard before breaking, red juice falling down her face. She looked up to see two of her Clara Dolls, both having thrown a tomato at the girl.

"I was the one that accepted Madoka's proposal of going to school together" Homura turned around, but there was nothing behind her.

The devil appeared hanging upside down from the sky in front of Homura, a grin on her face.

"I was the one who finally completed our wish of protecting her." The devil walked towards Homura, the sand under Homura's feet started to make her sink.

"I was the one who made this universe for her"

"I AM the one she expressed concern for today" the devil made a small pause "Not you. Not the one that couldn't save her even once."

Homura suddenly found herself surrounded by the devil hallucinations.

"Are you sure that I am the illusion here?" the voice of the devil echoed throughout hell "After all, aren't I the one who created this place?"

Homura let out a scream and covered her ears, trying to stop hearing the devil's voice. But it never did.

"You are just the magical girl that became a witch. Shouldn't you be dead?"

Homura transformed into her devil's clothes and surrounded herself with her ebony wings. The raven feathers embraced her before with but a thought she disappeared from the despair filled Hell.

And with that she was on her room, the first rays of sunlight starting to find themselves going through the cracks of the window's blinders illuminating the otherwise dark room.

The voice now gone.

Current date: Sunday 11th, May.

A/N: And with this we have hit the 20k words mark. I'm kinda scared seeing how much I've been able to write this week, and I will try to keep the rate of a chapter every 3-4 days. At worst I will be posting a chapter every week.

Thank you to all that are still reading these. And a bigger thank you to those who use a bit of their time to leave their thoughts in the reviews.