XXIII.

Destruction and gunfire rain.

They fall one by one, retreating into a pile of buildings.

"None of this is working!" Miki exclaims, furious. Her gem is a muddy blue. No one looks much better.

No one, Homura realizes dully, except Madoka. Hers is a clear pink, unfettered, despite firing so many arrows and using so much magic. Her expression is steady.

"We need a plan." Mami sounds authoritative but her expression is weak. She looks tired. Kyoko looks tired.

They're all tired.

Of course they are.

"I have an idea," Madoka says and she smiles at Homura.

Homura knows. She knows. And the shield just *isn't* light enough.

If only she could turn it. If only.

This had started with an arrow that changed the world.

Homura knows that an arrow will end it. This time it's not pointed at her.

It might as well be.