PLEASE READ - I didn't do much in this chapter and the reporters will be revealed eventually but the reason why the chapters have been so short is because I've been trying to keep most of the plot a secret and let the true motive gradually unfold. It won't be as dark and twisted as the original PMMM (obviously) but the ending WILL have a happy ending for ALL characters without any of them dying (as far as you know anyway). I`m surprised I didn't get any flames yet because I paired some of them up with guys but as the title says it is THE IRREGULAR UNIVERSE so whenever Homura goes back in time its never the same and always changes and you`ve probable already figured it out but Daitaro is the only one who actually remembers anything and we find a little bit of his past in this chapter ( I`ll make it more detailed when he tells his feelings to Mami). I also really want more reviews (sorry for asking but I just love getting them) so anyway that's about it so enjoy chapter 5.
Chapter 5
A good friend lost
Night revealed itself again taking the place of bright, warm, sunny day to the dark yet calm, beautiful dusk. The kind girl tossed and turned in her bed as she couldn't get to sleep. It wasn't just about making the contract but also about what she did to Aito, she heard her papa's voice from the kitchen "Madoka, are you up?" Her papa shouted from downstairs
"Ya, what is it?" She said walking down the steps to see her mama on the floor overworked from her busy day. After getting her mama up with the help of her papa she eventually made the decision to ask "Mama, Papa...can I talk to you about something" she sat across from her mother at the kitchen table as her papa made a midnight snack for her "what is it that you wanted to talk, Madoka?" Her mother asked as the received her glass of alcohol from papa and Madoka getting a glass of cookies and milk "well...ummmm...it's about a boy" both parents looked surprised for a moment but then smiles began to show on their faces and her blush became noticeable
Madoka's dad took a seat at the table with them "ah, so who is this boy?"
Madoka's mom spoke "its probably the boy named Aito that she's told us about a couple of times" her guess was correct
She looked down and nodded "but its just that...he likes me as more than a friend..." She stated
"So what did you say back?" Madoka's Mom questioned sliding her finger around the glass
"Well...that's the thing...I just ran away from him when he told me" Madoka said
"Aww that probably crushed him" her mom said refilling the glass
"But do you like him back, Madoka?" Her dad asked
Madoka started to blush and feel uncomfortable but she spoke "well...my chest feels tight when we get really close together..."
"Well we can't really tell you what to think. Listen to your heart, if you feel that you like him back in that way then go out with him" Madoka's mom said
"But...what if I can't find my feelings" Madoka muttered to herself
Madoka's mom got up from her seat "Papa you can answer this one; I'm going to bed"
"Just take your time and think about your feelings until you've got an answer" her papa said as he took the empty saucer from Madoka and placed it in the sink
Madoka took the advice "thanks papa" she said as she walked back to bed but she still felt discouraged about what she should do. Should she make a wish to understand the feelings of both herself and others?
She stared up at the bright cloudless sky through the window soon snapping out of her daze hearing the teacher's voice. She couldn't answer the question and looked like a fool in front of the others. Eventually the eventful day of school was over and done with but everyone including Saotome-sensei knew that something was bugging Madoka.
What was bugging Madoka the most is that Aito had acted like it had never happened. He wasn't ignoring her or anything but she needed to talk to him.
She received a small tap on the shoulder making her jolt up in surprise. "Hey, Madoka you seemed to space out in class today so you can borrow my notes for the test that's coming up in a couple of weeks" Aito said with a smile and also avoiding the crowds of the hallway
Eventually getting out of the school Madoka cleared her throat and began to speak "Umm Aito...I want to talk to you..Well if you have the time"
"Oh sure" he said
"W-well about what you said yesterday...I've had some time to think and...well...I want us also to be...more than friends!" She shouted getting it out of her system
Aito was speechless and dumbfounded since he's never seen this side of Madoka's personality "G-great! I kinda have never done this kinda stuff before so sorry if you didn't get the reply you expected...Madoka" he said as a hard blush came across his face
Madoka gave a warm smile "its fine and I'm sorry for running away and I probably hurt your feelings..."
He shook his head "Don't think about it and...I was wondering if we could start off our first date tomorrow night w-well if its okay with you and your parents"
Sayaka along with the furry pink eyed creature perched on her shoulder popped out from the bushes "sorry to disturb the mood but we've got a problem" she said to the duo
"S-Sayaka-Chan! Have you been spying on us the whole time?!" Madoka asked startled by her sudden appearance
"That's not important right now. We gotta get to Mami's house fast"
The pink haired boy from before dashed through the busy sidewalk pushing aside unknowing people and getting rude remarks back.
"Going somewhere?" An unknown voice spoke making him stop in his track
The voice continued "you should be with Mami right now. Why are you running away?" The voice was revealed to be Homura's
He glared at her for a few seconds but he gave up. He started to groan in pain shutting his eyes and holding his forehead in pain. Homura quickly came to his aid "how about we just sit down" she said as they walked to a nearby cafe.
The waitress soon came to their table. Homura ordered black coffee "do you want anything, Daitaro?" She asked
He shook his head but Homura said otherwise "he'll have a medium cup of hot chocolate please" the waitress left the table leaving the two of them alone for a short while.
Homura broke the silence "why did you run away?"
The young boy pouted "I hate Mami"
"And why is that?" Homura asked
"Mom and Dad never loved me..."
"And that's Mami's fault?" She asked trying to get more information
"Our Dad...had an affair...with another woman. She gave birth to me and...My biological mom didn't care about me so our dad and my fake mom took me in...I never got the same treatment as Mami though. I remember this...look that my fake mom gave me...it was like she didn't see me as a person..." The refreshments soon reached the table
Homura took a sip of her tea "why aren't you drinking it?"
"I-I just don't feel like it..." She felt his forehead
"Your burning up. You should be in bed...at least have some of the hot chocolate" Homura said
Soon Homura went back to the conversation "so why exactly were you so mad at Mami if your parents treated you like that?"
"Because Mami got everything she wanted while I usually got nothing...they showed up to Mami's ballet recital but they didn't show up when I got my black belt. Mami was even nice when she was a little kid! She was always so perfect and I was just in the background! It was always Mami this Mami that and 'why can't you always be like Mami!' It pissed me off so much! I eventually ran away when Kyubey told me where I actually came from. As a star child I thought I was just another tool...well on earth anyway" he started to doze off in his chair but after having some hot chocolate he started to come back to Homura
Homura threw the empty cup into the garbage "let's go, Daitaro" she stated as she held his hand and walked out of the coffee shop
He took another sip of his hot chocolate "...Homura...I wish you were my sister instead" Homura didn't respond to him and the rest of the walk was quiet between the two until they reached Mami's apartment.
The door opened up revealing the twisty haired girl. "I found him running away. I bought him some hot chocolate because he's getting a fever and it's chilly out"
Mami smiled warmly "thank you Homura. You're a good person... Do you want to come in? We were about to go looking for him in a couple of minutes"
Homura nodded and came in still holding Daitaro's hand. Everyone was there "well I think we owe a thank you to Homura for everything she's done for all of us" Mami said as she brought out a wok from the bottom cabinet "does everyone like stir fry?!" She said with glee
they all laughed and agreed. "I'm sorry for being so mean to you Homura. I should have been less suspicious after all your an amazing Puella magi with a big heart just like Mami-san" Sayaka said
"Thank you Sayaka but you had the right to be suspicious" Homura said
Mami brought dinner to the table "I'm also sorry for getting the wrong idea about you Homura. You were just looking out for us all along and I hope we can all be your friends"
Homura smiled "I'm so happy to hear that from you all" she said as more apologies came and came
Eventually they all had to leave and get to their respective homes all of them leaving with smiles on their faces now that they all made a new friend.
The night came in once again and Madoka couldn't sleep. She was both excited and nervous for her first date.
'Are you worried about your coming date with Aito?' Kyubey asked Madoka using telepathy.
Madoka nodded 'Is it really Ok if I do this with him, Kyubey?'
'That's up to you and him to decide but Aito is pretty confident but still has the same feeling as you do about tomorrow.' Kyubey replied, 'It's not unheard of or a rule against it for a normal human to mate with a Star child. Some Star children even give up the eternal life they were given to stay with their mates'
Madoka started to feel guilt 'Aito would give up eternal life for me?!'
'Well we raise Star children on a planet far away from earth. It isn't really eternal life but it's just the life span they get from living there. But on earth Star children can live up to 500 years. So if they want to be with their mate so much we reduce their life span.' Kyubey explained
'Well...' Madoka was still unsure
'But if it matters, Madoka' Kyubey continued 'I think it would the best choice to become a Puella magi. That way you and Aito would not have a barrier between you two by your different ways of life. Your emotional bond would be strengthened'
'I'll keep that in mind. But I'm still going to think it over carefully' Madoka replied to Kyubey before getting lost in her thoughts again about tomorrow.
Kyubey had a point though and it would probably be best if she did become a Puella magi. That would make her able to help Aito and the others more and it would probably make her feel more comfortable about her relationship with Aito. But since she promised everyone that she wouldn't become a Puella magi without giving it a lot of thought and talking it over with them but mostly with Aito so for the time being Madoka put off becoming a Puella magi.
"Good morning!" Madoka shouted as she ran down the stairs giving her Mom and Dad a quick kiss on the cheek and giving Tatsuya a hug after learning from experience that he doesn't like kisses. "Why so excited today Madoka?" Her dad asked giving her a plate of scrambled eggs with buttered toast
"I'm going on my first date tonight at the carnival with Aito!" She said happily
"Don't worry sweetheart I said it was fine" Madoka's mom said from the bathroom still getting ready for work in the bathroom
He smiled at her "have fun okay" Madoka nodded and headed out the door for school
The school day dragged went by incredibly slow as Madoka had tons and tons of energy swelling up within her over my upcoming date with Aito. A mixture of energy and relief washed over when classes finally ended for the day.
They soon said goodbye to Sayaka who left to go see Kamijo again.
Soon after Aito took hold of Madoka's hand making her jolt up slightly in surprise "the amusement park doesn't open for half an hour so I was wondering if you wanted to hang out in the park...w-well if its okay with you"
"Y-Yes!" Madoka said quickly so she wouldn't sound rude "I'd be happy to" she looked around admiring the bricked roads that they walked on and covered the gated wonderland that was covered with flowers on the sides and the rare field mouse that poked its head out from the shrubbery. The sun started to set starting to reveal stars and the white sphere in the sky.
She took a deep breath and exhaled "When I was a little girl I was afraid of the night time but when I look up...I...I feel like I'm connected to something up there"
Aito gave her a smile "it could be. Maybe in another universe you're a goddess in another universe."
Madoka thought about it for a few seconds "no way! You're actually thinking about it?" Aito laughed
Madoka turned a deep red "Aito-kun that's not fair! You tricked me!" She wined playfully
An object in the boy's pocket vibrated. He pulled out the object that was revealed to be his cell phone. "The amusement park is open now, you ready?" Madoka nodded
The Theme park bustled with tons of people. Stands that held both tasty food snacks and games with many prizes filled the Park. Followed by the many sounds of children laughing and the sounds of rides moving across the tracks that went high past the clouds.
"Wow! It's beautiful!" Madoka said in awe "well? Let's go" she said with glee as she held Aito's hand and dragged him with her.
So far the date was going fine...well for Madoka anyway. The only thing that scared Aito was the roller coasters that went upside down but Madoka loved them. Luckily for him he bought her a human sized stuffed bunny so he didn't have to go on them.
She held Aito's hand with a concerned look on her face "Aito you look pale are you okay?"
"Y-Ya...never better" he said dizzily.
The date eventually came to an end but luck was on their side since the day was uneventful! It was like their lives were going back to normal. The summer night air and the carnival playtime left them both smelling like a mix between dandelions and caramel candy apples. The newly made couple stopped at the door and Madoka gently placed the large plushie on the doorstep "W-well I guess this is goodnight and the date was wonderful!" She said shyly as a blush came across her face
Aito scratched behind his head "ya we should really do more stuff together sometime...well goodnight!" He said as he started to leave
"Aito" She said making him stop and turn
"Well...on first dates...people usually k-kiss and do you think we could...w-well if you want to..." Madoka trailed off on the topic, each time getting a darker shade of red
"Okay! Let's try" Aito said in a hurry like he was a little kid opening a Christmas present
They both took deep breaths, each of them nervous for the new feeling they were about to get Aito opened his eyes for a moment only to notice Madoka had kissed him on the cheek not the lips. "I'm sorry if it wasn't what you were expecting but I want to take it slow right now" Madoka said as the dark red blush faded away
Aito nodded "that's fine with me Madoka. Besides I'm sure it'll be worth the wait"
Madoka giggled "you sure you don't want to stay the night? My parents would be 100% ok with it...well if you used the guest room"
"I'm sure. My house isn't that far away from yours and plus I can defend myself if there's ever trouble, good night Madoka" and with that, the two went their own separate ways until tomorrow at school
The bell rang once again signaling another school day had just begun. Students and teachers alike filled the hallways of Mitakihara middle school. But today was an unusual one, everyone was giving odd looks to Madoka and Sayaka and each other and there were even some students crying. Miss Saotome came in the classroom but her face didn't show the eager expression to start a new day with her students, it showed sadness like someone had died but what also caught Madoka and Sayaka off guard was that it was all followed by the strange absence of Hitomi.
"I'm sad to announce that Hitomi Shizuki was found dead with a group of several other student of Mitakihara middle school, everyone will be called down to attend the assembly" the speaker turned on announcing all the grade 8 and 9 students to report to the gymnasium for the memorial assembly.
Everyone started to get up from their desks and walking in a neat and orderly line like if they were robots.
Madoka still sat in her seat, stunned from what she had just heard. The class was soon empty leaving the trio (Sayaka, Madoka and Aito) in the class unknowingly.
Madoka tried to cover her pain but she failed. Sayaka slammed her hand against the window "h-how could this happen! If only I became a Puella magi sooner this wouldn't have happened!" Sayaka said
"Madoka...Sayaka..." Aito looked more uncomfortable than ever. He had never been in a situation like this before, usually on his planet when somebody died they took a couple of days off to have some fun to deal with pain so crying was out of the ordinary where he came from
Eventually the three went down and met Mami along the way to the assembly. Madoka couldn't look at the slide show presentation and had to shield her eyes every time a picture of Hitomi came up. To her it was unbearable to have a friend for so long to die before they could even start to live. Once the accumulation of crying students and teachers ended, classes were canceled for the rest of the day but they couldn't go home until school ended. But eventually the school bell rang and the crowd of students overflowed the streets and sidewalks all relieved that school was over but mourning for the tragic loss of a classmate.
"So how did she die?" Mami asked, her voice void of its usually cheery sound.
Aito took a sip of his tea "She was in a large group of people and they all committed a mass suicide. They mixed two chemicals together in a bucket" he was also void of emotion
"Don't say that! Hitomi would never do such a thing!...she couldn't have...it must have been a witch kiss" Madoka's outburst caught Mami and Aito off guard but Sayaka felt Madoka's pain and gave her a heart filled hug
Sayaka stood up from her seat and walked to the entrance and exit of Mami's apartment "Madoka's right! They said that strange tattoos were on the necks on all of the kids that died. I should have done something...if I was a Puella magi I could have protected Hitomi! Think about it! If we have a friend so close to us just wiped out like that who is safe from these horrible witches...no...bitches are more like a name for them. I'm going to make a contract with Kyubey right in front of Kamijo! He will know everything about this world...I don't want to lose another loved one!" And with that Sayaka left with Kyubey clinging her shoulder for dear life as she ran to the hospital as fast as her legs could take her.
Next chapter coming soon.