Another timeline gone…

She twisted her body and drove her weight into the bat she was holding, timing just right and swinging in the right angle. A satisfying pop was heard later and the ball she hit was sent flying.

DING

DING

DING

DING

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMUUUUUU RUUUUUUUN!

"Ah… That's the fifth time in a row," she muttered as she looked up her score. Sure enough the neon orange lights shined a bright number five as fanfare burst all around, colorful streamers fell from the compartment above and showered around her. More beeping sounds and bright lights lit up before she rested her metal bat on its rack and retreated back to where her companions were. Exiting the booth's door, the first thing she saw was Madoka's smiling face filling her vision as she felt her hands be grabbed by a pair of warm hands as he pink haired girl bounced in front of her.

"That was so cool, Homura-chan! Five times in a row in all three sets! And that was on the highest difficulty too! Where'd you learn to hit like that? It was amazing!" squealed Madoka as she hopped on her feet with barely controlled awe.

It wasn't long before Madoka was grabbed from behind by Sayaka Miki's arms, promptly dragging her best friend away from Homura before she overwhelmed herself. The bluenette had a sour look on her face yet what complaints she had was swallowed in exchange for grudging respect as she held on her best friend, "Yeah, yeah, the transfer student's got moves. I should've expected this. Heh, that was good match by the way, I couldn't believe my eyes either."

She studied the blue haired girl's face before allowing herself a small smile as she replied, "Likewise, Sayaka Miki. That was an admirable performance, I'd play again if you'd like."

Sayaka blinked at her before breaking out a smile and said, "Yeah, but I'd be better off playing against a real person than a machine. That's how good you were, transfer student. Well… Maybe not as good as Madoka when she puts her mind to it, but good enough."

This caused Homura to raise an eyebrow and turn her gaze at the pink haired girl questioningly.

Madoka fidgeted slightly as she twiddled her thumbs, "Well… I did teach Sayaka-chan a bit two years back but that's it…"

"D'awww, stop being so humble, I bet you'd be wiping the transfer student's score on the floor if you were against her, hahaha!" laughed the blue haired girl as she pulled in Madoka and twirled the shorter girl around like a life sized doll, much to the pink haired girl's dismay.

"S-Sayaka-chan, p-p-please! I'm getting d-d-dizzy!" protested Madoka as she struggled within her best friend's grip.

Homura watched the scene before her with great interest before sighing. She was currently accompanying her two classmates inside an arcade located at the heart of Mitakihara City. The sounds of various games and machines drifted past her ears with the blinking lights around her going on and off. The rough laughter of other patrons could be heard all around, namely some male students gushing over a new fighting game, though there were other customers hanging around like kids and their parents, couples and the occasional middle aged salary man.

Once or twice she was alerted of the presence of other Magi yet the readings disappeared as soon as they came. It was possible that these Magi wished to hide themselves from her to avoid trouble. Whether they were rookies or veterans, she didn't know, but if there was one soul that she knew that frequented these kinds of places then it was Kyouko Sakura. However it was still too early in the timeline for Kyouko to appear, possibly not for another week but she couldn't be too sure.

Mami Tomoe was dead and Madoka Kaname had a bloodlust of a professional killer.

There had been too many divergences from the normal timeline for her to relax. Still, she had managed to successfully keep both Sayaka Miki and Madoka Kaname from approaching the mall where the Garden Witch was known to spawn. But then again, that was based on her observations due to the many times she had encountered it there. Witch Barriers were tricky like that, the location in which they appear are all inconsistent with a few never appearing at all while many other Witches she had never seen before are created.

Take the fused Witches she had fought with Madoka just a few days ago. She was lucky that those two were relatively weak compared to a minor-Walpurigs class Witch and that their fused form and Barriers weren't all that strong. She would've counted herself lucky had she not fought more dangerous beings in even harsher conditions. She even died once in that Barrier and that was something she couldn't ever live down.

"Good for nothing."

Just as she was about hiss at the voice internally, Madoka grabbed her attention by addressing her, "Homura-chan, Sayaka-chan's going to get us some food. Is there anything that you'd like?"

"Oh and by the way, you're contributing," chimed in Sayaka as she waved a few Yen bills.

With the edge of her lips twitching, she dismissed the snappy remark she had in her mind and took out her purse. Handing Sayaka a few bills of her own, she then replied, "Buy me ice cream. Pumpkin Vanilla. Laugh and I will punch you."

"Righto, kiddy gal," snickered the blue haired girl before backing off as Homura took a threatening step forward, "Haha! Be back in a jiffy!"

Homura restrained herself from chasing after Sayaka and hitting her at least once and instead turned her attention back to the remaining girl whom was giving her a blank look.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"Does Pumpkin Vanilla flavor even exist?" questioned Madoka with a confused look.

Raising an eyebrow at this, she casually replied as she dug her fingers along the back of her head and flicked the black mass of her silky smooth hair, "It does. You only need to know where to find it."

"But Homura-chan, does Sayaka-chan know?" ventured the pink haired girl with an uncomfortable expression on her face as she fought back an amused smile.

Oh…

"If she ever gets lost, then she could contact us with her phone," she answered, nodding once to assure Madoka's discomfort. However that was if Sayaka didn't find herself within a Witch Barrier the time she was gone. Homura made a mental note to call five minutes later if the Blueberry didn't return.

Madoka gave her a warm smile before tugging at her sleeves while saying, "Why don't we play some more while she's out? Sayaka-chan has a habit of walking off to places when on errands. We'll go look for her later!"

She didn't resist once she was being pulled away and merely followed the shorter girl's lead as they walked. Being pulled like this had its own charm, a great change of pace from her usual actions. She almost forgot how soft and fragile Madoka's hands were, as if her companion's gentle fingers would break if she even thought of applying enough force. The warmth, the calmness and the peace… She missed it, she missed this feeling and she relished in it.

Yet she knew it couldn't last forever. She also knew that this Madoka was slightly different from the others. She also needed to be alert, to be awake to every single threat which would destroy this peace, all for Madoka's sake. She would defend this everyday life from anything that will come… Witches, Incubators, and Magical girls alike… And when it came to down to it once her own Soul Gem was pitch black… She'll destroy herself if it meant harming Madoka.

"You sure about that?"

Yes, even from the goddamned voices inside her head which she couldn't seem to get rid of despite—

"Homura-chan, have I ever told you how easy you are to read?" Madoka asked in her cheerful tone as she led Homura towards a crane game, ignoring the raven haired girl's surprised look to insert a coin. Now that came out of nowhere and Homura couldn't help but give her a confused stare while she played.

The pink haired girl giggled as she saw her friend's reflection on the glass as she made to grab for the plushie she liked, "Maybe that's one of your charm points. The cool and mysterious transfer student having a cute side to her while being an awesome Magical Girl by night. Is that what they call Gap Moe?"

"You watch too much anime," pointed out Homura as she averted her gaze.

"I-I think so, hehehe…Wha! Noooo!" crying out loud as she failed to get the black kitten toy, Madoka dug in her skirt pocket for another coin for a second try, "I hope this isn't rigged… Anyway, I hope you're not going to run off as soon as we finish up here. If I couldn't help it, I'd go to your house to make sure you're well rested but I'm not that nosy. How have you been adjusting to Mitakihara?"

Well at least she isn't questioning my occupation as a Magical Girl, thought Homura before crossing her arms and observing her companion's game, "Everything seems to be in order. I've had no difficulties adapting and all of my papers have been completed. It's a nice city."

"Heeeh," the pink haired girl giggled at this as she continued to play, the lights of the game reflecting in her eyes, "I never meant that, Homura-chan, I was wondering if you're happy here. Being so glum would give you wrinkles, but I guess being cool and mysterious is just natural for you, hm? Have you made any friends yet?"

"I thought you were my friend," replied Homura without missing a beat. A moment later, she averted her gaze and added, "I suppose you could say I'm happy."

"Of course you're my friend! And I'm glad you think that way. Ah!" once again, Madoka failed to acquire the plushie she wanted to get and it seemed that she was all out of coins.

Watching the shorter girl search for coins, it was here did Homura let out a sigh before taking out her purse and inserting her own coin, "Move aside."

"H-Homura-chan?" startled, Madoka couldn't help but be surprised at this point.

"Point," ordered the raven haired girl as the game began before her companion smiled at her and pointed at the chosen plushie.

After three more failures which almost drove Homura insane, she managed to succeed in retrieving the plushie from its glass prison, leaving its soft, cottony brethren and being held in the embrace of one happy Madoka Kaname positively delighted. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all…

"Thank you, Homura-chan!" the pink haired girl said gratefully with a wide smile.

"We should call Sayaka Miki. She's been gone for quite awhi—"

"I'm here! Sorry! I was caught up in the queue and… is that a hella huge plush toy?" Sayaka stared in bafflement at the oversized white seal toy Madoka was busy hugging the stuffing out before turning her gaze at Homura who simply shrugged. Shaking the migraine out of her brain, she then continued, "Anyway, here's your ice cream, transfer student. Took me ages to find a stall but I found one in the end. And Madoka—Madoka please put the seal down and get your taiyaki."

"But the seal will get dirty, Sayaka-chan!" protested Madoka in a quivering voice.

Sayaka clicked her tongue as she handed Homura her ice cream, "Then I'll carry it, stop complaining. There we go! H-Hey, just how heavy is this thing?!"

"Must be the stuffing," suggested Homura in her usual deadpan as she licked her ice cream. She raised an eyebrow and examined her frosty treat a little bit closer and found that it had a different taste from the one she had been used to eating. Maybe it's because it's been sixteen timelines out of her total loops since she tasted one.

A shiver went through her as her entire body tensed. She felt her mind go numb as a creeping sensation went up her spine and wrapped itself around her head. Somehow the ambient music and sounds of machines gradually faded as if someone turned down the volume. It wasn't a magical interference or an effect of a nearby Witch Barrier but something else. Something both human and natural. Her eyes flicked to Sayaka Miki yet the blue haired girl didn't seem to take notice of anything.

Madoka on the other hand…

She watched the pink haired girl freeze for but a split second before both of their eyes met. A silent understanding exchanged between their brief eye contact. Somehow, they both knew that something has gone wrong. How or what was unknown yet judging from how they felt goose bumps in their skin meant that it was something bad.

It only got worse once Homura heard it herself.

Help me…

She knew that voice, familiar enough to make her eyes dart to the general direction of its source.

Oh god… Shit, it fucking hurts…

Her expression darkened once she recognized whom this person was but the look Madoka was giving her didn't sit well with her. She knew that Madoka couldn't hear the telepathy but it seemed that her own subtle movements were being picked up. Homura set her lips straight and tried to come up with a proper excuse to leave.

"Sayaka-chan, don't you have homework today? I mean, Miss Kazuko did call you out earlier for flunking that math test," piped up Madoka in her usual chirpy tone, catching her best friend by surprise before the look of dawning horror descended upon the blue haired girl's face.

"Wha-What?! Oh, right! I forgot! Damn, I was so hyped that I—"

"If you must go, then go. Would you like us to accompany you?" internally, Homura hoped Sayaka wouldn't accept and much to her great relief, everything went according as she desired. She still didn't like how Madoka was looking at her though.

"Hell no, I can go by myself but… Madoka, are you sure you'll be all right?" asked Sayaka with a worried tone, an uncertain look upon her face as she stared at her best friend.

Madoka gave her a reassuring smile and nodded, "Of course, Sayaka-chan. You know me."

Huh… Now this was odd.

"I have to go too," murmured Homura before turning around and walking off. She didn't even say goodbye before making her way through the crowd of people before her and cluttered machines. She heard Sayaka Miki's muffled complaint and yells before she found herself just outside the arcade, dusk already settling in upon the silver metropolis which was Mitakihara.

She sent out a pulse once more, her tracking magic stretching outwards until it reached its hundred meter range limit. She picked up on the beacons of other Magi around her, a couple minding their own business down the block, a lone Magi at the outskirt of her range and a faint beacon… its light fading into nothingness as its life ebbed away.

Cursing under her breath, she broke into a run, shoving past pedestrians with a subtle amount of her magic increasing her strength by a fraction. It was maddening, really, having to focus her attention on that flickering life some twenty meters away from where she was and receiving a detailed feedback on its slow descent to death.

Crossing the street and dodging a few more tired salarymen, she finally came across a damp and dirty alleyway where the beacon had led her. She really hated alleyways due to her most recent experiences with them yet she trudged forward and began her search. Finding her target wasn't all that hard though, all she had to do was follow the scent and sight of blood on the ground before coming across the distinct figure of a human being slumped against the wall.

She hoped she was wrong yet it seemed that she was right again. She hated being right.

With that in mind, she managed to hiss a name she didn't expect to leave her lips until a few more days later, "Kyouko Sakura…"

The red Magical Girl was barely conscious once Homura found her. Open wounds on her stomach and torso were accompanied by chunks of flesh in her arms and legs missing, whataver Kyouko fought would've been formidable to reduce a veteran Magical Girl to this state. Homura was no healer yet she could close up the worse of Kyouko's wounds with her magic but at the price of cleanse later. She was torn between the thought of sacrificing her dwindling supply of grief seed or Kyouko's life before finally deciding on the other girl's life.

No amount of begging or whining was going to stop her from collecting the debt Kyouko had on her.

She shifted her magic to her hands and focused them on the red haired girl's open wounds.

Ruby red eyes cracked open to stare at her purple ones before its owner let out a pathetic chuckle, "Oh hell… Some luck I got… Damn, shit…"

"I'd recommend for you to lose consciousness. Talking and staying awake will only worsen your condition," said Homura as she kept her narrowed gaze at the gradual pace Kyouko's wounds healed themselves. Already she could feel her Gem darkening and it wouldn't be long until she needed a cleanse. She wasn't even done with the worse injuries yet.

Just as she thought it wasn't going to get worse, she heard hurried footsteps approaching her from behind. Pulsing once, she found out that the person had no magical signature leading her to assume the worse.

"Homura-chan! What happened here? You suddenly left and— Oh no…" Madoka came to a halt once her eyes found Kyouko's battered form, her eyes widening in shock before a concerned look took its place, "Homura-chan… Why is she injured? What's happening here? Is she… the same as you..?"

Pursing her lips, Homura found it hard to stay silent once Madoka started talking to her in that tone, "She's dying. I'm trying to save her. This happens all the time."

"Y-Your Gem though," pointed the pink haired girl with an audible gulp and Homura found herself glancing at her Soul Gem. It was muddy black and she cursed under her breath.

"Shit," she snarled before retrieving a Grief Seed from her inventory and cleansing, "Give me a second here…"

Kyouko's response was nothing more than a half awake groan of pain as her head lolled to the right.

"There," stashing away the Seed, the black haired girl was about to resume her healing yet Madoka suddenly knelt at her side and supported the red Magical Girl's neck and body against the wall, "What are you doing?"

"Keeping her still and the flow of her blood steady. It will let her bleed but it's better than having them clogged up once you're done… fixing her," Madoka then looked into the other Magical Girl's eyes and let out a shaky breath as she said, "Please save her…"

"You didn't need to ask," replied Homura as she tried her healing magic once more. Honestly, if Sayaka Miki had contracted then this would've have been easier. But unfortunately, she didn't have such luxury and she had to make do with what she had. She concentrated a bit more and poured as much as magic she found reasonable into the red Magical Girl. Kyouko had started to regain some color once her condition was slowly stabilized, her breathing not that labored and her expression relaxing even for a bit.

Kyouko didn't look like she was going to stand any time soon though judging from the darkness in her Soul Gem and the extent of her still present injuries. Still, she opened one bleary eye and swept her gaze along her saviors. She glanced at Madoka before finally settling her eyes upon Homura, her lips parting as she murmured in a quiet voice, "We're being hunted. You're going to be next…"

That was the last thing she could utter with her remaining strength before she went limp. Homura checked her vital signs and found that they were damaged albeit functioning properly. She would probably need a cleanse but given the current situation, that would have to wait. Now, she just had to move Kyouko some place safe and unnoticeable. Her own apartment would do but a thought kept nagging her mind as she absentmindedly answered Madoka's own confused stream of questions.

They were being hunted. 'They' being Magical Girls. And it's possible that she may be next if she took Kyouko's words to heart. Recalling the other Magi she detected earlier, it seemed that they weren't aware of the current situation yet but if this attack on Kyouko was related on the strings of disappearances…

Just as she was about to sink deeper into her own little world, she felt a warm hand settle itself on her shoulder and she found herself staring into Madoka's eyes. The pink haired girl then kneeled at her side and spoke in a gentle yet clear tone, "Homura-chan, I know you're wondering about this and why this is happening but this isn't really a good place to think. M-Maybe you can gather your thoughts better someplace else? I can help if you want just—"

"That won't be necessary… I… I will be able to take care of things on my own. You see how dangerous it is? I can't let you be involved any further. There's obviously something sinister afoot and it may be related to our upper classman's disappearance as well as other kidnappings," she stood up, and dusted her skirt, "Go home."

Narrowing her gaze, Madoka stood up as well before replying defiantly at the other girl, "I want to help, Homura-chan. I won't take no for an answer. Please let me help… Do you… Even know how to take care of her? Or her injuries? I don't like how that gem on your hand gets darker by the second…"

So she noticed that, huh? This was going to take some explaining to do.

"We're moving her to my home. I can hide her injuries but it won't bet for long. Can… No, I'll call a cab myself," sighing heavily, she was about to take out her phone when her companion spoke up.

"I can do it! It's the least I could do," piped up Madoka as she took out her own phone and dialed a number.

And this was supposed to be a good day too. Unfortunately it seemed that the universe was hell bent on making her life as miserable as possible. And she was down to a few charges left. She'll have to hunt soon but the prospect of being targeted by whatever was strong enough to take down a veteran like Kyouko didn't sit well with her. Kyouko was arrogant and cocky but she made up for her battle prowess, pragmatism and overall relentless ferocity with a spear.

Taking down a beast like Kyouko required just as much experience and clever tactics.

Homura didn't know if she was up to the task facing someone like that.

It was around six in the evening did the two girls manage to bring the unconscious Magical Girl to the apartment. An hour later, they've finished wrapping up Kyouko's wounds and leaving her in Homura's bedroom to recuperate. Madoka was visibly nervous being inside the odd black haired girl's home and she couldn't help but look around. She was surprised on how… Spartan it looked.

A few chairs and a sofa at the center with what seemed like a holographic pendulum swinging overhead. Scant few pictures decorated the wall though even these didn't add color to the interior of the room. Still, a nagging thought in her head told her that there was more to this room than it seemed. She couldn't stand sitting on the chair she was on so she got up and walked towards the bookshelves across her sofa.

Homura was absent, gone off to buy some pain killers for when the girl they saved woke up. Madoka was told not to disturb the red haired girl so she had to stay out of the bedroom until then. She wondered what was going through Homura's mind in that alleyway. Madoka had never seen the cool and collected transfer student that panicked at the prospect of a looming fight. The only times that she could consider that would garner that reaction would be back in that Witch's Barrier.

Madoka tensed once she heard the front door open and close. There was the sound of plastic bags shuffling before Homura came into view holding the medicine and bandages.

"Thank you for keeping an eye on her. I tried to be as quick as possible," she spoke as she passed by Madoka and took out a can of juice from the grocery, "Here, it should calm your nerves."

The pink haired girl accepted it and opened it, taking a sip before asking, "Um… So do you have any idea? On what's causing this, I mean. Aren't Magical Girls supposed to help each other? To fight against Witches? It doesn't make any sense."

She stopped what she was doing and turned her purple gaze at Madoka, "No, I've never encountered something like this before but Magical Girl killings were not something uncommon. It's just that being targeted specifically for some reason has caught me off guard. It's odd. And as for the last question, you're mistaken."

"How?" challenged the pink haired girl with a frown, "You're Defenders of Justice, this isn't supposed to happen!"

"Everyone has motivations and goals. A Magical Girls primary objective being to survive. You saw how powerful Witches could be and how hard it is to acquire a Grief Seed to restore our magic. Once a Puella Magi runs out of magic, they cease to function properly. Grief Seeds are increasingly limited resources so it wouldn't be a surprise if a few Magi get into scuffles over the ownership of a territory where they could harvest Witches."

Madoka's eyes showed surprise for but a moment before she averted her gaze, an uncomfortable look on her face.

"It's just like other people. Some are good, some are bad and some are in between. Puella Magi are the same seeing as we're all girls ourselves. To save or destroy, those are our only choices. You should be grateful for you have the choice to look away and be happy," Homura bore a grim look before she sighed and walked to where the other girl was. She then stopped before Madoka and held out her hand, "I'll give you insurance that you'll be safe. You can fight to an extent so I won't have to be worried about you defending yourself. Give me your weapons, I'll enchant them with my magic."

"Why?" asked Madoka, her voice only filled with confusion, "Why make sure that I'm the only one that needs to be safe? Why can't you save everyone else?"

"I am… I'm trying. But I'm not a god, I'm a Magical Girl," Homura glanced at her bedroom where the unconscious Kyouko was residing, "I just save those that I could."

The pink haired girl's grip tightened on her skirt before letting out a brief sigh. She then reached within her skirt pocket and took out the brass knuckles she kept hidden and placed them on Homura's hand. The Magical Girl regarded the crude weapons warily before closing her eyes and grabbing hold of the stray magic in the air and harnessing it around her Soul Gem before sending them into a concentrated stream towards the objects in her hand.

The room was filled with purple light for all but a split second before dying, the brass knuckles in Homura's hand glowing eerie purple in the dim lighting.

"I'm a Magical Girl and you've been close to me. There's no telling if you're not going to be attacked too so I enchanted these so that you could defend yourself," she explained without missing a beat, "If anything happens, I'd like you to give me a call and I'll come running. If it's a Witch or a Magical Girl, I will save you regardless. I will be hunting the killer in the meantime and… try to bring her into justice."

"Homura-chan…" Madoka didn't seem to be all too happy about this turn of events.

"Because that's what Magical Girls are supposed to do, right?" she regarded the pink haired girl with eyes of hardened determination yet her visage was devoid of any emotion, "to be Defenders of Justice, to right what was wrong, to save those who are in need."

The feeling of dread never left the apartment's living room.

Sayaka Miki sighed heavily as she hugged the huge seal plush toy Madoka gave her. Well, apparently, the transfer student was the one who got it for her best friend yet Madoka decided to give it to her before chasing after Homura. She didn't like how her best friend was getting close to that queer transfer student but she supposed she couldn't blame her. Homura was all right yet something about her set Sayaka on edge. She told herself that she was just being an idiot yet she couldn't fully open up to someone who looks like they're hiding a few secrets.

She contemplated calling Madoka just to check up on her yet decided against it at the last moment. It wasn't that late yet, maybe she could call Hitomi or something. Just as she was about to do just that, her vibrated in her school bag's pouch. A sigh and she tucked the stuff toy under her arm and tried to get her phone. Looking around, she was still far off from her home, this was going to be a pain explaining to her parents. The passing cars were rather noisy so she retreated to a nearby park and opened her phone there.

A single message.

It's from Madoka.

Hello Sayaka-chan! Sorry for running off like that.

I promise to make it up to you later!

Where are you now?

Smiling at this, Sayaka began typing back her reply.

I'm cool. Was just going home.

This toy's really heavy you know? You'd be better off carrying it yourself.

I'm at a park now, taking a breather. I'll text you back later.

Pressing the send button, Sayaka then stowed her phone into her pocket before walking off once more. Madoka had always been a worrywart though there are a few things that amazed her about her best friend. For one, Madoka was the kind of person who was weak willed and easily cowed under peer pressure and stress yet she was a good person all around. Always bubbly, always cheerful, always understanding… Sayaka couldn't help but be amused by the Madoka her best friend is projecting on the outside.

Right, because as kind as Madoka Kaname was on the outside she was just as ruthless on the inside. It was always amazing and terrifying whenever Madoka descended into that phase. It also got Sayaka thinking on what on earth just happened to her best friend. She's been with Madoka every step of her life yet there were just something she didn't understand. How could a selfless, comforting and understanding girl beat a train molester in cold blood without as much flinching?

Sayaka shuddered as she recalled that fateful spring afternoon a few years back. It was supposed to be a normal day out with Madoka, shopping, looking around and generally goofing off. And then that incident just had to happen. The first time she saw it, she didn't even have the strength to move. It wasn't until other men and women managed to pry off Madoka from the molester did she manage to gather the courage to talk to her best friend.

She would've slapped herself at that moment. Her? Being scared of her adorable best friend? She should feel bad about that. Still, the look in Madoka's eyes back then still disturbed her. She tried asking the Kaname household if anything was wrong but it seemed that Madoka's parents were just as confused as she was. It didn't seem like she was getting answer either way unless she sucked it up and asked Madoka herself.

Right! That's what she was going to do. It's about time she confronted Madoka about this, especially with that Akemi girl lurking around. Strange how Sayaka felt worry for a girl like Akemi instead of the other way around. If Madoka somehow hurt the transfer student then who knows what would happen.

She came to a halt at that moment. Something was wrong.

"What the..?" her question never ended as she saw a blur of white and orange crash right in front of her. It was the battered form of a young girl in an orange dress and black cat-like cap. Sayaka would've run to help her had she not seen the gaping wound on the young girl's stomach. Blood… It reminded her of that time again. She couldn't move a muscles as her entire body was paralyzed.

Just as she was about to force her will upon her limbs to move again, she noticed a blur of white dash on its four legs towards the fallen girl. And somehow, Sayaka could understand it. It was a tiny animal cross between a cat with a fluffy tail and long flat membranes sticking out of its cat-like ears. It had a look of concern on its face as it nudged the injured girl with its paw.

Nagisa! You need to stand up! You're going to get killed! Wake up now! Urged the white animal with growing anxiety in its tone.

"H-hey! What's going on?" called out Sayaka as she forced her legs to move and approach the injured girl. Someone's going to be killed? The thought made her blood run cold for a moment before she snapped herself out of her reverie. She had to help this girl.

The creature looked up at her with its curiously red eyes and tilted its head, You can hear me?

Sayaka didn't have the chance to reply as she watched the creature receive bloody holes on its body, gunshots roaring at the distance and shredding him to pieces. She went deaf at the moment, her adrenaline running high as she moved, as fast as she could towards the girl. She didn't even feel the bullet piercing her back and exiting through her stomach.

She was shot.

She was shot…

She was going to die.

BANG

A bullet hit her shoulder as she fell into the ground. She couldn't even scream as the pool of red liquid gathered underneath her at an alarming rate. She couldn't breathe, it hurt so much. She raised her head and looked at the girl ahead of her. It seemed that she was unconscious but otherwise very much alive, her own injuries leaking with blood.

A step beside her and she turned her gaze upwards. She found herself staring at someone's weapon, a gun or staff of some sort, she couldn't really make out. What did she see was the fact that her culprit had a horrified look on her face, the weapon suddenly shaking erratically before the culprit turned tail and ran. Well at least the kid was safe, she couldn't say the same for the white animal though…

Sayaka Miki was dying and the last thing she heard was the words 'wish' and 'contract'.

"I wish I can heal that girl."

Nicolas Notes: Aaand Blueberry gets an extra life. Dammit, why did I put Kyubey in there? I was planning to kill Blueberry off! Anyhow, more magical girls! We'll get to see Madoka punch people again in the next chapter! Rate,review and share your feedback! Thanks for reading.