Preparatives

Mami enjoyed visits.

When she lived alone, the visit of a neighbor, the landlord, or even a plumber or electrician, helped to break the grueling routine between the school and protecting the city. It helped her to forget the emptiness of the rooms of her apartment.

Today, on the first day of the golden week, she was waiting for a special visit, but unexpectedly received another, also special.

However, Mami was not so happy, because the meaning of 'special' from this visit was for being 'very strange', especially with everything she had just heard from the two girls at the entrance. "Let me see if I understand. You're going to visit your relatives, but aren't you an orphan?"

Homura said nothing, keeping an aloof expression.

Mami crossed her arms. "When I heard you're living alone, I figured you're in a similar situation to mine. Even though you're from Tokyo..."

"I'm an orphan."

Hearing Homura, Madoka smiled at Mami for the blonde to leave that aside.

But Mami was too confused. "Could... Could you explain it to me better..."

"Are you going to do what I asked or not?" Homura was more serious.

Mami sighed and opened her hand. From the tips of her fingers flew thin ribbons that went straight to the face of Homura. The ties began to weave and to change color, some became transparent, while others became red.

"Done." Mami closed her hand.

Homura took the delicate object on her face, a pair of glasses, a replica of a shadow of the past.

"It's simple glass. I still have difficulty to craft lenses and I don't know what kind you used."

"It's okay." Homura continued to examine it. "What's the guarantee that it won't evaporate?"

"It's small and simple enough. I've put enough magic to last, as long as you don't expose it to extreme conditions," Mami said, rather annoyed, "and if you doubt it so much, why don't you just buy a new one?"

Homura put the glasses back. "It was Madoka's idea."

The pinkette just nodded at the revelation.

"Oh... Right..." Looking suspiciously at her, Mami asked, "Are you going to spend the entire golden week in Tokyo?"

"I don't know," Madoka replied, "by the letter, it seems they want to see if Homura is well."

"Letter?" Mami frowned and consulted Homura.

The girl with braids and glasses turned her face and clenched her fists.

Feeling the tension, Madoka continued, "Ahnnn... And you will stay in Mitakihara, Mami-san? With Nagisa-chan?"

"Nagisa..." It was enough for blonde to ignore Homura. "Yes, I will..."

Madoka looked around the apartment. "But she's not here, is she?"

"She's at her boyfriend's home. He's going to introduce her to his family."

"And you look worried." Madoka saw Mami clasp her shaking hands to her chest.

"Worried?!" The blonde gritted her teeth and whispered, struggling not to shout, "He knows everything!"

"We already talked about it." Madoka gestured. "Calm down, he doesn't know everything."

"It doesn't matter if he knows," Homura added, still not looking at the other two, "if it's just him."

"Nothing bad happened, Nagisa will be more cautious," Madoka concluded, "and this won't compromise my mission here at all."

Mami pressed her hands harder against her chest. "It's not just that..."

Madoka waited for her to continue, with an air of curiosity.

"When I found out she had a boyfriend, I was too harsh on her." Remembering, Mami shook her head and partially covered the face with her hand. "Nagisa told us that he discovered it by accident, but I don't think so. I believe she may have revealed to him in an act of... of..."

"Rebellion?" Homura asked.

Mami covered her face even more, closing her eyes. "I made a mistake. I thought I was prepared to take care of her, relying on the experience I had with Kyouko. I even thought it would be easier... but now I think all the time she might be lying, hating me in the back."

"She would never do that for that reason," Madoka said, "but out of love... It's a strong feeling that leads us to do unthinkable things."

Homura looked at her.

"When she realized what she was doing, I'm sure she felt terrible for hiding it from you, but she couldn't muster the courage to reveal to you, because it was too late..."

Mami gestured for her to stop. "I know... I know... But, I mean, I can't avoid thinking that. Sometimes I wonder if this comes from me or..." She sighed. "... from my witch."

"Both are the same, so don't carry that doubt."

Listening to Madoka speak with such seriousness, Mami commented, "Madoka-san, you really became someone else."

Looking surprised, Madoka smiled. "I don't see myself like this. I think, meeting so many lives and past, I have learned one thing or another. Hehe."

"It's time to go," Homura said.

"Yes," Madoka agreed, "we'll let Mami-san receive her visitor."

"Huh? How you..." Mami looked back, to where her glass table was, with two cups and cutlery already arranged.

"It's Sasa-chan, isn't it?"

"Yes, she said she would have breakfast with me..." Mami returned her gaze to Madoka, expressing some concern. "I'm still surprised that she's from the Law of Cycles."

"Uh-huh." Madoka smiled. "She has been guided by me recently and she doesn't know much yet."

"Even so, I don't understand why she hid it from me in our first meetings. She even camouflaged the source of magic."

Homura commented, "Just because it's part of the Law of Cycles doesn't mean that it's an ally."

Oriko's image popped into Mami's mind. "Maybe... But Sasa-san didn't share the reason for doing so. If there's something in me that she's afraid of, I'd like to know."

"Sasa-chan was a solitary magical girl who believed only in herself," Madoka said, "she never put much faith in trusting others. That's what she must be afraid of."

... You can't trust so blindly!...

From Mami's memories, Sasa's voice echoed. "Hmmm... I should give her more time, I won't press her about it." Then she smiled. "She's about to come. Don't you want to stay a little longer? I can make some more tea."

"I don't have time for that." Homura opened the door to leave.

Madoka looked at the other girl's haste. "Oh... I'm sorry, Mami-san, we're going to catch the train to Tokyo this afternoon and we still have some things to do."

"Sure, have a good trip."

After saying goodbye to Mami, they went to the elevator. On the way, Homura again removed her glasses to examine, in which she noticed Madoka smiling slightly. "What?"

The elevator door opened and there was a girl, her mouth hanging open.

Madoka soon greeted her, "Good morning, Sasa-chan!"

"Ma... Ma..." Sasa put her hand on her chest to compose herself. "Madoka-sama, what a surprise..."

Madoka gestured, smiling. "Don't call me that."

Sasa protested, "But that's right, after all you're the goddess who saved my-" The elevator door began to close.

Homura managed to stop it with her hand. "You really are clueless, aren't you?"

After seeing that girl's intimidating expression, Sasa returned to look at Madoka.

She had opened an even bigger smile.

"Ahh..." Sasa shared the smile. "Of course! Madoka-CHAN! Hahahaaa..." And she left the elevator, passing between them. "So you came to visit your friend."

"Close friend."

"Close friend, that!" Sasa gave quick poke on her own forehead. "Is she fine?"

Madoka nodded. "She's waiting for you."

"Good to know that my friend, who is your close friend, is well..."

Homura's gaze narrowed.

Sasa gulped. "H-Have a great golden week, Madoka-saCHAAANN!"

Madoka clasped her hands together. "I wish you the same, Sasa-chan! Wehihi."

With Sasa standing in front of Mami's apartment door, Homura and Madoka went into the elevator.

When the door closed, Homura said while hiding her glasses in a pocket, "She's still going to be a problem."

"Why? Everything is going well." Madoka pressed the button on the panel to descend.

"As long as she doesn't know what she really is, but she'll find out when her body start to twist or when one of her familiars appears."

"That won't be easy to happen."

Homura frowned at Madoka's sudden statement.

"Did you hear Mami-san? She's worried about her curse, she's thinking too much about it... While Sasa-chan doesn't even know witches come from magical girls."

More surprised, Homura asked, "Did you already know?"

"No..." Madoka then nodded to herself. "But as they say, ignorance can be a blessing."

"'Can be?'" Homura grew more serious. "So she's an experiment."

Madoka looked at her.

That determined look. Homura's heart froze.

"I want her to live."

Was it anger? Is that what she could feel in her voice? Homura was not sure, she could no longer think about it, only to control the tremors in her body, not to lower her gaze down, nor her head.

Madoka continued to stare at her.

For how much longer?

The elevator door opened, breaking that moment. As she left, Madoka continued, "She'll find out someday, but when it does happen I hope her relationship with Mami-san has matured."

Homura breathed again, she had not even noticed that she had held it. "So that's the plan..." When they reached the street, she said, "Now let's go to a drug store."

"It's about your heart, right?"

"Yes." Homura looked at her own chest. "Your parents don't have much idea of my condition, but with them it's different."

"Do you remember which ones you took?"

"I stayed in the hospital long enough to memorize them." Homura became more thoughtful. "I'm not sure about the dosage, but that doesn't matter."

They walked the streets until they found one. It was big store, a good sign that the medicines that Homura needed were there, but the street was too busy.

The two arrived near a wall. Homura turned to it and conjured an hourglass and laid it on the palm of her hand. The world faded and was lifeless, without movement. She looked at her goal, the drug store, feeling more safe. However, taking the first step, her wrist was held.

It was Madoka, the dead colors on the girl immediately revitalizing. "Please, leave some money on the shelf."

Homura nodded and crossed the street amid the frozen vehicles.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

The Kanames' house was noisy at that afternoon.

"Did you put enough clothes? It'll be several days, huh?"

"Yes."

"And the phone?"

"In my pocket."

"What about the charger? Deodorant? Sanitary pads? Toothbrush?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Madoka and Junko went downstairs, carrying two filled travel bags. "Oh... Are we late?"

"There's still time." Homura was already waiting for them, carrying a more modest bag.

Tomohisa was waiting too, more worried. "Why so much? Madoka, you don't even know if her family will let you stay. The passage in the letter was for Homura-san only."

Junko rolled her eyes. "Oh no, no, we won't talk about it again."

"It's okay, dad, Homura told me they'll let me." Madoka winked at Homura. "Right?"

The girl with braids nodded quickly. "It's true. Their house is big, if I remember."

Tomohisa and Junko were curious about what she said.

Homura looked down. "They... may have made a renovation... I think..."

Junko shook her head and smiled. "Enough. I already bought the ticket for my beloved daughter's first trip to Tokyo! Kuku..."

"Yeah..." Madoka was embarrassed with her mother's excitement.

Tomohisa said, "I'm only worried that it bothers Homura-san's family."

Homura affirmed, "Actually they'll be grateful for you giving me shelter all this time."

"Hmmm..." He held his chin. "If they see it as a way to repay us, then it would be alright."

"I want to go!"

"Takkun?!" Madoka saw her little brother jump.

"I want to go! I want to see the big house of Homuranee!"

Junko narrowed her eyes. "You have to grow up a bit more to visit a 'big' house."

"Hey." Tomohisa held the excited boy. "Have you forgotten about the baseball game I'm going to take you?"

"Are you going to play with him too, Dad?" Madoka smiled.

"Don't even give that idea!" Junko exclaimed, "I don't want to take those two to the hospital."

Tomohisa was annoyed. "Junko... I'm not bad. I played for the college team."

"You stayed on the bench during the entire game, that's what you mean."

He closed his eyes and smiled. "I lacked charisma to convince our coach..."

"Uh-huh..." Junko made a face that she was not very convinced and headed toward the exit of the house. "The train won't wait for you."

After the farewells. Junko took the girls by car to the train station. Her driving was aggressive, accelerating too much and getting too close to other vehicles.

Madoka, who was in the passenger seat, was apprehensive. "Mom, we'll be on time, I don't think we need to be in such a hurry."

"I'm driving normal, it's the other drivers who decided to be lazy on holiday." In the rearview mirror, Junko saw Homura in the back seat along with the bags. "How's the luggage?"

"It's fine."

She turned her attention back to the street. "So, Homura-san, are you going to tell me about your family? You've always kept it a mystery, but now I'm going to leave my daughter to their care."

Homura remained silent.

Madoka commented, "They shouldn't be bad people."

"I'm not insinuating anything," said the mother, "but I know they have a big house. Are they rich, Homura-san?"

Homura spoke in a low voice, "He's an entrepreneur..."

"Who? Your father?"

Silence.

Junko sighed and turned the wheel more than she needed, making a sharp turn. "OK! And your mother? Could she and I be friends?"

Homura said without hesitation, "She's dead."

"Oh... My condolences. Has this been a long time? How she died?"

"Mom..." Madoka became apprehensive again.

Junko gave a quick glance at her and said, "People die. One day could be me, Madoka. You two are old enough to get used to this idea."

"Murder."

With the revelation of Homura, Junko stopped looking at her daughter, imagining the face she was doing. "So... That's why you avoid this subject so much. Who did this was caught? Were they punished?"

"Yes..."

"Justice was served," Junko continued, "but I won't say it's fair. This is a loss that changes our lives forever." Then she smiled. "What would happen if I died... I don't think I need to worry too much. Tomohisa wouldn't leave you in need of anything."

Madoka was crestfallen. "Yeah... He wouldn't."

"Money would be the problem. Your father would have to sell the house and find a more affordable place." Junko took her foot off the gas pedal. "Your college wouldn't be guaranteed."

"I'd try a scholarship." Madoka put her hands to her chest. "But, Mom, this is getting kind of macabre..."

"Kukuahaha... True." Junko looked at the rearview mirror. "Homura-san, if I could talk to your mother, I'd say you're a excellent friend of my daughter."

Homura looked away and slight moved her lips, but said nothing.

They parked in front of the station and soon Madoka and Homura were holding their luggage, ready to board.

Junko took a deep breath. "What are you waiting for? You have to look for your seats. I was lucky to buy the passage of the seat next to Homura-san's."

Madoka hugged her.

"Why all this? You're just going to visit your friend's home."

Madoka asked her, with suspicion, "Am I the one who's emotional?"

Junko pushed her daughter lightly, holding the shoulders. She raised her eyebrows and opened her eyes wide. "I want to see the photos later."

"Wehihi. Leave it to me."

Junko looked at the other girl. "Homura-san. I'll leave her with you."

Homura simply nodded.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

Through the window, Madoka saw the landscape passing swiftly, they were already outside the urban perimeter of Mitakihara. A continuous hum and the occasional bumps reminded her that she was on rails. The horizon showed no sign of bad weather, as her father had said. "I think it'll still be day when we reach Tokyo."

Homura was in her seat with her arms crossed and eyes closed, trying to rest. "Don't worry about it."

"There'll be someone waiting, won't be?"

"I'll take care of that." She opened her eyes and sighed. "I feel like your mother forced you to come, because she wanted to know more about me."

"You got me." Madoka smiled. "I'm on a spying mission, but I wanted to come too!"

Homura pressed her lips together.

Making Madoka look more worried, and said in a softer voice, "I know you're anxious. It's very hard for you, but if there's something you want to tell me about your family..."

"Madoka..." Homura took the red glasses out of her pocket and examined it again.

The pinkette waited, making no sound or movement.

Homura slowly opened the frame and placed it on her face. "Do you have the hope that I might be the person you once knew?"

Madoka shook her head and the word she uttered carried honesty, "No."

Homura looked at her.

With that, Madoka could not contain a smile. "But you look cute like that, you can't deny it. Wehihi."

Homura lowered her eyes and smiled as well, but it was a tired smile, not up to the person she loved.

The landscape, which was almost rural, gradually became more urbanized. With each station that the train stopped, the area with rails widened and there were more trains passing by.

The afternoon was drawing to an end when Madoka could catch a glimpse of the great city ahead, a veritable wall of light. An endless number of buildings and panels with advertisements bathed her eyes.

The train began to slow down, and a female voice announced the instructions through the speakers, making it clear about the destination.

"Tokyo Station."

"Madoka..." Homura took the luggage.

"Uh-huh..." She received her part of it.

The train stopped and a line formed for the exit.

Homura instructed, "Stay close to me."

The doors opened and a crowd took the platform. The girls followed the group to the stairs. They descended and found themselves in a labyrinth of lit corridors and stores, sings and turnstiles. Another female voice announced the arrivals and departures as hundreds of people crossed paths all the time.

"We need to descend more," Homura said.

Another flight of stairs and they were on another floor packed with people. Overwhelming sounds of conversation and smells came from the snack bars.

"Aren't you hungry, Homura?"

"We don't have time."

They reached an immense circular hall, where the ceiling was a dome at dozens meters high.

However, Homura was not there to appreciate the architecture. Soon she saw a man in a suit and tie, holding a sign on his chest where it was written:

Homura Akemi

She gestured to Madoka. "Come."

When the man noticed the girls approaching, he quickly lowered the sing and straightened his posture.

Homura stopped in front of him and waited.

He then bowed. "Akemi-sama, I'm here to take you. Please, let me carry your bag, you shouldn't overextend yourself. I apologize for us not finding you at Mitakihara station to avoid this inconvenience."

Homura pressed her lips and nodded. "She is with me. She's my friend and will stay with us."

The man looked at Madoka with surprise.

The girl smiled and timidly waved.

Then the man spoke to Homura, "I'll have to communicate her."

She looked away. "Do it..."

"Excuse me..." The man walked away and made a cell phone call.

Madoka came closer to Homura and whispered, "Don't worry. If they don't allow, I have money to buy a ticket back." And she used telepathy. [And I can keep in touch with you through other means.]

Still on the cell phone, the man nodded. "Yes, a friend."

Homura glanced at her. "They will."

The man hung up the cell phone and returned. "Everything is alright. Please let me carry your luggage, too."

"Oh..." Madoka smiled. "You... don't need..." But then she noticed Homura looking intensely at her and shaking her head.

"Please..." The man held all the bags, plus the sing that was under his arm. "Follow me."

They left the building, coming to a large courtyard. From there it was possible to see the majestic gothic architecture of the station, made of red bricks, surrounded by modern skyscrapers. With so much light, it was impossible see the first stars of nightfall.

Madoka then found out where they were going. A black car of popular model, indistinguishable from the others that were parked.

The man opened the trunk and put the luggage inside, then opened the backseat door and gestured for them to enter. "Please, Akemi-sama and..."

"Madoka Kaname," she said with all sympathy, "and you are..."

"Madoka Kaname-san, please come in."

"Ah." She nodded and entered. Homura was already put her seatbelt, arms crossed, hiding her face in the shadows.

Soon the man came in, started the car and they left.

Next chapter: Relic