The two constellations

How much time has passed? How much time will pass...

With a blanket over her, Homura was sitting on the bed, while one more morning had arrived. She stared into nothingness, her thoughts as lost as her spirit.

Madoka, what are you doing?

The flapping of wings and shadows appeared in the empty room, coming from the window. She opened the curtain and saw black birds on the sill, with caps sewn on their heads covering their eyes.

"Shoo!" She hit the window to make them leave, however they pecked at the glass in response. "I already have enough to deal with..."

The sound of the doorknob.

She quickly closed the curtain and stood in front of the window. Even if Chiharu would not be able to see, it was better not to take chances.

The door opened at once and a cheerful boy came in, announcing, "Let's wake up! Today is a big day!"

Homura's eyes widened. "Why are you here?"

"Ohohohoho!" Udo put his hands behind his head. "My sister spoke to me! I think I'll get emotional..."

She jumped out of bed and said, trying to keep her composure, "Get out of my room."

"But you didn't ask why I'm here?" He smiled. "I have great news! Today we're going to walk around Tokyo."

Homura did not change her expression.

Udo smiled more.

She only had one thing to say, "Leave."

He was confused. "Huh? Didn't you combine that with her?"

"Her?" Homura looked at the doorway behind him.

Madoka was in the corridor with Ichiro, both looking at her.

The shock was such that Homura realized belatedly that Udo had stood by her side, embracing.

He put his face closer and whispered, "She wants a good story to tell her mom, but for that she'll need some photos."

Madoka slowly showed a smile.

The body became completely tense, Homura struggled hard to hide the grinding of her teeth, wondering if that calm face was not malicious.

While Udo's was a certainty. "And this time there'll be no excuses."

She closed her eyes and sighed before uttering, "I'll go..."

"Yay!" Udo celebrated. "We have to thank our brother for arranging this. He's the only one that Chiharu-san listens."

"And rightly so." Ichiro left. "Hurry up, we'll be leaving after breakfast."

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

"Hmmm..." Madoka looked at herself in the mirror. A salmon-colored blouse with ruffles and fair shorts, all very simple. After all, there would be plenty of places to visit and walk, which required comfortable sneakers as well. The weather was fine, being able to see the frozen summit of Mount Fuji.

She left and went straight to Homura's room. She found the girl with glasses and braids already in the corridor, waiting. She wore a black high-necked sweater, a below the knee lilac skirt and black pantyhose, with a low-heeled shoe. Her smooth, pale skin, barely exposed, looked even more waxy.

Homura noticed the other girl's curiosity.

"You look more mature with those clothes," Madoka commented.

"Then that should serve..." Homura headed for the staircase.

After descending, the two found Ichiro. If it were not for the more colorful tones of his social shirt, it looked like the man would go to work.

"I already knew," he smiled at the girls, "my brother would be the last to get ready. I hope he doesn't put too much makeup."

Madoka saw that Chiharu was at one of the entrances to the hall, the woman's deep green gaze fixed on her.

It was not just her that had noticed the presence. "Ah, Chiharu-san, do you want to come with us?" Ichiro invited.

The housekeeper looked at him, saying in a monotone voice, "I only want you to take good care of your sister."

He grew more serious and nodded.

She then looked at Homura. "Won't you need your medicines?"

The girl answered without delay, "I'm carrying them in my handbag."

"It seems small for that," Chiharu remarked.

Homura's gaze remained steady. "I won't need all of them."

"This makes me feel better." She looked at Madoka. "Be careful and have fun..."

Everyone saw Chiharu turn around and leave, rather slowly. Ichiro then commented, "If anything happens, Tokyo has a good number of hospitals where we're going to walk."

"Don't worry," Homura replied.

"Look who's coming!" Making a lot of noise as he descended the stairs, Udo appeared wearing a white jacket and pants with a pink shirt underneath. He also wore a pink hat, displaying only the discolored ends of his hair, and a pair of polished white shoes with black soles. Confirming his brother's fears, he had outlined his eyes in black and painted his lips with a 'natural' color.

"Where did this inspiration come from?" Ichiro hid his face in shame.

He jumped from the last step and spun. "The name of this look is..." Then he tipped his hat toward the pink girl. "... M'doka."

"Ha... hahaaa..." Madoka frowned.

"I'm kidding!" Udo examined what she was wearing. "But our clothes sorta fit, right?"

She frowned more. "What a coincidence..."

He paid attention to his sister. "Oooh, what have we here?" He approached, walking around her. "This dark theme looks good on you."

Homura followed him by her gaze.

"And that evil cold face..." Udo turned his hat as he smirked. "You lost something important, I know."

Only her lips moved. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"We all lose someday." He opened more his jacket. "That was your turn, don't pretend you didn't know that. Admit it." Then his shoulder was pulled.

Ichiro told him, "We all know how excited you're about this trip, you don't have to continue with this, right?"

Udo saw through his brother's smile how serious he was.

Homura relaxed her body, feeling how hard it was, and looked at Madoka, finding out she was watching that reaction.

The boy shrugged. "Yeah... The message was given. Come on guys, Tokyo is waiting for us."

Leaving through the front entrance, they headed for a black SUV with dark film on the windows. Ichiro was the driver, while Udo got the other seat.

It was he who asked as the girls sat in the back seat. "Why didn't you order them bring the convertible?"

Ichiro checked to see if everyone had fastened their seatbelts before starting. "I just want to get to the nearest subway station. It's golden week, there's no vacant parking near the major places."

The vehicle passed the gate and followed the path that, thanks to the daylight, it was possible to see the cracks and mosses on the old tarmac. The cover of the nearby trees gave an increased feeling of discretion until they reached the main road.

[Madoka.]

Finding it odd, she answered Homura's call without looking at her. [Yes?]

[Did you see my... my...]

[Dolls?] There was a pause, Madoka waited.

[Yes... Did you see them?]

[Hadn't you left them in your room?] In a glance, she saw Homura's hand gripping the seat.

[What?! Don't you know where they are?]

[I counted on your help to keep an eye on them.]

[It's fine.] Homura pressed her lips together and stared at the door window. [They must have gon-]

Through the glass there was a big smile of wax.

She was startled as her child climbed to the top of the car.

Madoka saw the same thing in other windows. The dolls were with their bodies glued to the glass, some had lain on the windshield, blocking the view.

"Strange..." Ichiro said.

"What?" Udo asked.

"I think there's something wrong with the suspension, the vehicle feels heavy on the steering wheel."

The boy raised the front of his hat to see better. "When the last inspection was done?"

"It's up to date."

He smiled. "That's what happens when you're used to fly helicopters."

Ichiro shook his head. "Idiot..."

"At least takes us there in one piece, okay? I trust you, brother." Udo looked at the backseat. "By the way, Madoka, do you see that port there? It's where I live, Yokohama, in the horizon is our destination."

For Madoka there was nothing to see but a pile of dolls. "Ah yes... It's very interesting..."

"Incredible, yeah?" He showed his teeth in a big smile.

"I've already visited Mitakihara. It's a big and modern city," Ichiro stated, "you shouldn't treat Kaname-san like she's from the countryside."

"Ha!" Udo did not hide his disbelief from his brother. "Mitakihara isn't even a tenth of Tokyo."

"Right..." Ichiro looked in the rearview mirror. "Kaname-san, is there any place in particular you would like to visit first?"

"Hum... For me whatever. I'll leave it to you."

Udo threw up his arms. "LET'S GO TO DISNEYLAND!"

"No and it's impossible. Golden week, did you forget? Only with reservations." Ichiro glanced at his brother. "Although in your case perhaps it was possible. Someone might confuse you with one of the park's attractions."

He took off his hat. "That would be my dream."

"Wehihi..."

With arms folded, Homura watched the trio as she heard the footsteps of one of her children on the roof of the car and noticed a bump forming. Without making a fuss, she used a magically strengthened hand to push the bodywork back into place.

The hills were left behind as they entered the urban area. At the first intersection, Ichiro turned right and then passed in front of a station.

They entered a nearby paid parking lot. When the vehicle stopped, Homura left and saw her children in a organized troupe, already waiting for her. Their smiles only made the girl more uncomfortable.

Madoka decided to leave by the same door. She winked and made a gesture of silence to the dolls. "Shhh..."

"I've already decided," Ichiro said as he triggered the vehicle's alarm, "we're going to the Imperial Palace."

"What are we going to do there?" Udo asked, "the Emperor's public appearance was days ago."

"The garden, of course."

The boy rolled his eyes.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

At the station, the dolls jumped over or crawled under the turnstiles while Ichiro bought tickets. "With these we can use the subway for the rest of the day."

Luckily, there was a train to board at the platform. Unfortunately, even though it was a holiday, it was full.

Homura tensed, because she could not see her children among the people, she only could count on the acknowledged fact that they behaved better when Madoka was around.

Manuke was watching a mother sitting with her baby sleeping on her lap.

Then the child opened his eyes.

The doll smiled at him and waved.

Almost at the same instant the child began to cry, to the mother's concern. "Oh... What happened? Did you have a bad dream?"

It had been thirty minutes of travel when Ichiro warned, "Tokyo station, is this one."

They landed on a platform with a great movement of people. They climbed the stairs and walked down familiar corridors, with many shops. When they left the red building of gothic architecture, Madoka and Homura found themselves in the same large courtyard surrounded by skyscrapers of days ago.

Udo took off his hat and bowed. "Ah... It's good to be back."

"Come on, there's a lot to see." Ichiro led them, going straight across the busy avenues. It was possible to see, beyond the tall buildings of steel and glass, there was a verdant island surrounded by a thick stone wall and a moat.

Udo turned to the girls, all happy. "That Mitakihara doesn't have, does it, Madoka?"

She smiled. "No... Nothing similar."

On the bridge there were security cabins and guards watching, but none of them could see the dolls leaping effortlessly over the moat and balancing along the edge of the wall.

Ichiro pointed. "The east garden of the palace has already opened for the public."

"Oh, but I wanted to take a picture here with Homura," Madoka said.

"Huh?" Homura was paying attention to her children as she was pulled gently by the other girl to the edge of the moat.

Udo was excited. "Cool, let me-"

Ichiro received the smartphone from Madoka.

"Hey! I asked first."

"She gave it to me." Ichiro used his arm to move his brother away. "Okay, don't forget to smile."

Madoka and Homura stood side by side. With Madoka looking at her, Homura showed a polite smile.

After taking some photos, they went to the gate that gave access to the garden. There were large numbers of people coming and going, but the road was wide enough.

As expected, the garden was ornamented with showy plants and trees, but there were also buildings of ancient architecture, which blended very well with the scenery.

"There's a guardhouse," Udo pointed out, speaking to Madoka. "And there's a tea house."

There were also carp ponds, from which the dolls took their time to frighten them. The sound of water, birds and insects formed a relaxing symphony.

They climbed a paved path, past the high walls and into a plain surrounded by trees. The low grass was like a green carpet where some people sat or lay on it.

"It's a peaceful place, isn't it Homura?" Madoka asked.

The girl with glasses nodded. "But there're always the skyscrapers surrounding it to remind them of where they are."

They approached a structure on the plain, a large platform made of giant stone blocks.

Udo smirked at Madoka. "Did you know that there was an altar where they made human sacrifices?"

She raised her eyebrows. "This is where the main tower of Edo Castle was located. With five floors, it was the tallest in all of Japan, but it was destroyed in a great fire and they never rebuilt."

And his smile was gone. "Yeah... You're right."

For Ichiro's delight. "Still trying to impress her with your vast knowledge?"

Udo returned to smile. "Ah, I was just trying to scare her a bit."

"Uh-huh..."

"It's true!"

They climbed a ramp to the top of the platform, where it provided a good view of the extent of the plain, but it was not enough for the entire garden.

Without the trees to offer cover, the wind was stronger there. Homura's long braids swayed as she noticed Madoka pointing the camera lens at her. "What is that?"

"I'm taking pictures of the garden," the other girl replied, in a tone that it was obvious.

"Why are you including me?"

Madoka frowned and smiled. "Because you look pretty."

Homura looked away. "I see..."

Udo puffed his chest with fresh air. "Ahhh... Okay, can we go now? It's my turn to choose the place."

Ichiro grimaced. "When did we decide that it'd be like that?"

Madoka said, "I'm curious to know where he wants to take us."

"See?" Udo said to his brother as he adjusted his hat. "The past has its charm, but I want to show the Tokyo of today."

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

After another subway ride, they left the station and came to a crowded sidewalk, with buildings covered by billboards, perfect for the dolls to climb.

Udo jumped and raised his arms to that scenery. "Shibuya!"

"He's very happy," Madoka commented.

Ichiro nodded. "This is his real home." Then he pointed. "Look."

It was the bronze statue of a sitting dog. Udo hurried to it, speaking, "This is our dear Hachikou. He came to this station every day and waited for his owner. One day the owner died, but he kept coming to the station to wait for his arrival," he began to speak slowly, putting more emphasis, "every day, for years, until his death."

"Uhmm." Madoka smiled.

But it was not exactly the expression he was expecting. "Ehhh... You already knew that."

"Everyone knows about Hachikou," Ichiro said.

"It's a beautiful story of devotion," Madoka looked at Homura.

"To the point of being remembered and winning a statue," the other girl added, "but is there anyone who can assure that in the end he has meet his owner again?"

Madoka's expression hardly changed, only a slight raise of her eyebrows.

"Ahn, are you going to want to take a picture?" Ichiro asked.

"Ah. Yes... Yes..." Madoka offered her smartphone to him.

However, Udo was faster. "My turn!" He took the device and walked away. "Girls, make a cool pose."

No idea what a 'cool pose' would be, Madoka and Homura just stood side by side near the statue.

"That's good." Udo stood for a while pointing the camera at them. "Just a little more. A little more... Done! A great photo."

"Good." Madoka went to meet him.

Ichiro arrived first and aggressively took the smartphone out of his brother's possession.

To the perplexity of the girl, but not much of Udo.

"Right." Ichiro handed it to Madoka. "I removed his number from your contact list."

She was even more surprised. "His number?"

"Yes." He looked at his younger brother. "He's THAT sneaky."

"It's more practical than putting it on a piece of paper." Udo pointed to the north, already changing the subject. "Let's go, there's a lot of good stuff to show."

To get there they would have to cross a large intersection. More than a hundred people watched the cars pass, waiting for the right moment.

And it came.

Like armies about to clash on the battlefield, people on either side of the street walked on the wide crosswalk. Everyone was at a fast pace, some even ran, but without accidents.

Watching the crowd, Homura noticed something else, something she had already seen in the garden. Compared to Mitakihara, there were many more foreigners. Indeed, Tokyo was a city of the world.

Her gaze grew.

Among the tangle of trousers and skirts, shoes and sneakers, was a set of four white paws and a fluffy tail.

Her arm was pulled, it was Udo. "Watch where're you going, you almost bum-WHOA!"

She pulled her arm with such force that it almost knocked him down. Unfortunately, the distraction was enough to lose the creature from sight.

Ichiro looked back. "What was that, Udo?"

"Hmmm... Nothing..." The boy checked if he still had all the fingers in his hand.

The man exchanged glances with Madoka, sighing.

She shrugged.

They reached the other side and continued down the sidewalk. Homura was much more tense and alert, looking at the trees, poles, and tops of the buildings. Her children were very distracted, mimicking the choreography of a group of girls in an advertising panel, to be useful in the search.

She did not find what she wanted, but her eyes met those of a girl on the other side of the street. She wore with the pomp of a European princess, in pastel shades of pink and green, and carried with her an elaborate sunshade. She was using heavy makeup and various accessories, but what stood out most was the pendant with a crimson gem in the form of a stylized heart. After the brief exchange, the girl returned to her walk, looking at the store windows calmly.

Homura clenched her left fist.

"Here in Harajuku you'll find anything." Udo entered a thrift store. "Imagination is the limit!"

The others followed. The place was a series of narrow corridors, with lots of clothes on sale, plus gadgets and other small trinkets. The themes were varied, ranging from mundane to bizarre.

At the bottom of a corridor came a middle-aged woman, her hair and eyes were pumpkin-colored, her cheeks covered by star-shaped glitter. She wore garments of same color, that resembled pajamas, and fluffly slippers with platform soles.

Udo did not restrain his joy at the sight of her. "Moniii-chaaan!"

"Udo-kunnn~!" The woman exclaimed in an overly cute voice, while clapping and making little jumps.

"Today I brought my family to visit your magnificent store."

The saleswoman bowed to them. "Please feel at ease. If you are looking for something specific, ask me."

"Thank you..." Ichiro nodded with some embarrassment.

Smiling, Madoka nodded too.

While Homura was paying attention on the street, her mind occupied. [Tokyo must have a great concentration of magical girls, but I felt no presence...] She turned to the other girl to ask. [Madoka, you sent someone from the Law of Cic-]

Madoka was trying on a pair of orange-rimmed glasses with purple lenses, it was so big it covered her forehead. [Huh? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention.]

Homura averted her gaze.

Suddenly, Madoka felt something being put on her head.

"Oh, that hat fit very well! Black with pink draws a lot of attention." Udo was pleased. "Let's call it 'H'mura' look."

"Wehihi..." Madoka tried to adjust her glasses so that the brim of her hat would not hit it.

He looked at his brother. "How about you?"

"What?" Ichiro frowned. "Don't you think there's something here for me?"

"Hmmm..." Udo gestured for the woman to come closer. "Hey Moni-chan, please don't tell me he's a lost case."

"Definitely not," she said, smiling, "with someone as handsome as him, it's hard to make mistakes."

"Eh..." Ichiro pressed his lips. "Thank you."

She continued, "Fortunately, his shirt has a good mix of colors, if only he unbuttoned his collar and sleeves..."

"Oh yeah..." Udo nodded to his brother. "That would be nice."

"Right." Ichiro followed the instructions.

The woman then picked up a set of rings with different sizes and vivid colors. "Put those on your wrists and neck. Your youth will flourish."

"Flourish, hmmm..." He put some rings on his wrists and, reluctantly, on the neck. "So how do I look?"

"Two years younger." Udo ruffled his brother's hair. "Now three."

"You look more cheerful now," Madoka commented.

"Do I?" Ichiro looked at himself in a mirror, touching the rings around his neck. "I'm not used to it, I feel uncomfortable."

Homura gave no opinion, reserving herself to watch that banal scene from a distance, but the saleswoman began to approach. The girl soon said, "I'm not interested."

"I don't have much to suggest," the woman replied, "you pass the message very well."

"What did you say?"

"Yours hands are stiff, as if there's no flesh in them." She continued in a sweet, low voice, contrasting with the impact of the words she said. "Your posture is closed and your clothes are heavy... You try to hide a conflict within yourself, your hands reveal that struggle, it's the way you found to call for help."

Homura tensed her lips and looked down.

"I don't know you, I know I can't help with this. However, if you want to continue like that..." The woman took a small red scarf and wrapped it around the girl's collar.

Homura saw that one end of the scarf was suspended at the height of her heart.

"That will bring life to all this darkness."

"Oooohhhh..."

Homura then saw Madoka with her hand covering her mouth, marveling.

"It looks good on you," she said.

The saleswoman closed her eyes, nodding.

"Thank you..." replied the raven-haired girl.

"Moni-chan! Moni-chan!" Udo called, "Can you take a picture of us?"

"Of course!" She received Madoka's smartphone and positioned herself.

Udo instructed, "Let's get together guys."

To the surprise of Homura and Madoka, the dolls appeared running to be part of the group, disputing the little space available.

"Don't push," Ichiro complained to his brother.

"I'm not."

After a few shots, the woman returned the device.

"They're excellent," Madoka said, "thanks."

Udo was looking at them. "You have to share with us."

"No, I don't want anyone else to see this." Ichiro removed the rings.

To the indignation of his brother. "What are you doing?!"

"That's too much for me, but I'll keep my collar and sleeves unbuttoned, it's a holiday after all."

Madoka took off her glasses and hat to return them.

Udo stopped her. "Not the hat! This is my gift, I'll pay for it."

"But..."

"Madoka, I want you to remember this day." He flicked the brim of his hat. "But photos are just images. Our memories are made up of all our senses. So I want something you can touch, smell, put in your mouth if you're crazy. Haha!"

"Hihi..." She said politely, "Then I'll accept this gift."

Seeing that, Homura turned her attention to the scarf she was wearing, to her children and to the saleswoman.

The woman smiled and nodded.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

"It really looks good on you." Now wearing a black hat, a questionable addition to her look, Madoka praised the other girl and her scarf.

They were again on the streets of Harajuku, looking for a place to eat.

"My sister seems like a refined artist now," Udo commented, "well, she wanted to be one."

Homura kept her impassiveness.

"Let's go here." Ichiro pointed to a restaurant.

Udo made a face. "Eww... Regular food? Why not a hamburger?"

"Have you forgotten our sister's health?"

The place was small, claustrophobic, but well lit and with ambient music. There was no waiter or an attendant, but two vending machines, one for drinks and one for combo meals. After choosing and putting the money in the place indicated, they did not have to wait long for the plastic-packed meals to appear in an opening that linked the place to the kitchen.

"We could afford something more expensive, huh?" Udo whined.

And Ichiro retorted, "My hunger says it's worth more than the price, that what we call business."

Homura interrupted the discussion. "Excuse me, I'll go to the bathroom to take my medicines."

"I'll go with you!" Madoka volunteered.

For the size of the restaurant, the bathroom was spacious. Homura put her handbag on the sink counter and began to take out the medicine boxes.

"You really brought them," Madoka said.

"Chiharu-san will check." Homura looked at her through the reflection of the mirror and stayed that way. For a time the only thing that was heard was the sound of the pills being popped out of their blisters, then she asked, "Are you satisfied now?"

Madoka grew more serious. "This isn't about me."

Homura threw the pills into the trash can.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

After lunch and a short subway trip, they reached another part of the city with great skyscrapers.

"Here we're, Shinjuku..." Udo adjusted his hat. "Do you want to show our daddy's company?"

Ichiro replied, "I want to show Kaname-san something that she must have seen many times on TV."

They walked down a street with an intense traffic of vehicles, passing under footbridges and viaducts, then appeared a building that stood out in relation to the others, with a pair of two hundred meters high towers.

"Ah, this is the city hall," Madoka said.

"That's right." Ichiro pointed. "We can go to the south tower and get a good view of the city."

Udo pointed too. "Madoka, do you see that building far away?"

She saw a sixty-story skyscraper.

"That's where my brother goes to work for the rest of his life."

Ichiro was quick in his words. "You'll too."

"I still have some time," Udo said, convinced, "and in case I go, you're going to get me a position in the communications' department, right?"

"I've talked to our father, but you have the wrong idea of what it's like. There you'll also have to fill reports and wear a suit and tie."

"I'm going to change that policy."

"Who said you'd be the boss?"

Udo pulled down the brim of his hat, covering his face. "D-Don't make me lose hope!"

As she listened their conversation, Homura sighed.

I don't belong here.

She looked back and saw her dolls waving, smiling, amid the crowd that passed by them without notice.

I don't belong anywhere.

She noticed that Madoka was looking at her, serious again.

That changed when Madoka's smartphone vibrated. She smiled. "It must be my mother, I sent the picture we took together at Harajuku." As soon as she read the message, she frowned. "Oh..." She read several times to be sure.

"What is it?" Udo jumped to her side to see the screen.

Surprised, Madoka pressed the device against her chest to hide it.

It was late, Udo gaped and smiled. "Ohhhh! I already like your mom!"

Ichiro was curious. "What happened?"

The boy replied, "She commented on the photo, saying 'Who's whose boyfriend?' ."

"Ah..." Ichiro pondered, "So she doesn't know we're Homura's brothers. She didn't tell her. We have to sort this out."

"Nah!" Udo hugged Madoka. "Write to her that we're a couple."

She widened her eyes. "This is wrong..."

"It's just a little joOOAAHHH!" Udo's arm was held by Homura and pulled away from Madoka. "Are you trying to break my hand again?"

"Again?" Ichiro raised his eyebrows.

"Haha, it's nothing..." He moved his aching wrist. "But our sister is quite strong for someone who had heart surgery."

Homura remained silent.

Madoka began to write a message. "I'll explain to her."

Meanwhile, Udo came up with a suggestion. "Ow, if you really want a good view of the city, we have to go to the Skytree."

"Skytree? On a holiday?" Ichiro smiled in disbelief. "We'll only manage to get tickets to enter at night."

"Much better!" Udo returned toward the station. "But we have to go now!"

Ichiro waited for him to open a distance to approach Madoka and whisper, "Kaname-san."

"Huh?"

"I apologize for my brother being so obnoxious. If it's too much, call me."

"No..." Madoka glanced at Homura.

She was tense, following Udo by gaze.

Madoka smiled. "There's no need."

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

They left another station. Skytree, a six hundred meters high metal tower, was easily visible from that point, but it was still far away.

Something that upset Udo. "Why Asakusa station? We could have gotten straight there."

"There must still be enough tickets available to buy," Ichiro replied, "and there's a very special place nearby."

They came to a large gate, where an immense red paper lantern stood suspended in the entrance. Two statues of gods, one on each side of the gate, watched an endless crowd.

Udo was not eager to face that. "Of course would be like that on a holiday..."

But they kept on, slowly finding a way between people. They passed under the lantern, seeing that at its base was a beautiful carving of a dragon.

There was another gate ahead, to get there they would have to continue on a long path in which either side had many shops. Souvenirs, traditional kimonos and fans, handicraft products and typical goodies, were sold there.

"Madoka, will you want something?" Udo asked.

"We can see this on the way back," Ichiro said as he led the group.

The first monks were spotted and also people wearing kimonos. At intersections, rickshaws passed, usually with tourists inside.

Madoka took pictures of everything she saw.

When they passed the second gate they came to a large courtyard. There was a five store tower, each with an eave, and a long spire of metal on its top. Both the pinnacle and the eaves contained bells that made noise with the touch of the wind.

Continuing along the path, there was an incense burner where people approached to purify themselves with the smoke. After that was the temple, the main building, predominantly red, with white, green and golden adornments.

"Senjouji," said Ichiro, "the temple of Kannon."

"Goddess of mercy." Madoka's countenance was one of joy. "She took upon herself the sins of the world, even from the executioner who killed her, and so she was sent to hell. However, when she stepped on the doomed soil, the whole hell became a paradise. She could ascend, but when she heard the cries coming from the mortal world, she decided to go back, because her mission was not over."

"Cool story..." Udo yawned. "Guys, the temple is full of people, I don't think we'll be able to enter."

"We can wait a bit," Ichiro replied.

Homura felt a presence behind her. It was her children, each doll with a fan hiding its mouth, except Noroma, who had already chewed its own.

While they waited, Udo returned to the shops and brought dumplings on skewers. "A few dangos to sweeten our mouths."

Finally, they were able to climb the temple stairs and reach the entrance to the main hall. There was a large golden altar, rich in details, surrounded by flower arrangements and lamps.

Not that Madoka could see, with so many taller people in front of her.

"Do you want me to take some pictures?" Ichiro offered.

"I would like."

While he was receiving her smartphone, Ichiro noticed his brother looking outside, more specifically at the Skytree tower. "After that, we'll be off or it may be too late."

Leaving the temple, it was a half hour walk to the Skytree. It was possible to get there faster by subway, but the experience of realizing the size of that colossus step by step was worth it.

The tower was part of a complex of shops and restaurants.

Ichiro said, "Before we go up there, we can eat."

"I'll already let you know!" Udo smirked as he pulled his jacket. "No matter where you go guys, I'm going to have a biiiiiig, juicy hamburger!"

At the base of the tower was a pavement where people took photos, but most were in a long line.

For Udo's despair, "Damn..."

"These people want to see the sunset," Ichiro said, "I'm sure there're tickets for the night."

The dolls did not wait. They jumped and began to climb the great metal structure, beckoning their mistress to accompany them. However, Homura kept her feet firmly on the ground.

Madoka took more photos, trying to focus on the zenith of the tower.

"You're gonna end up breaking your neck like that or, worse, letting your hat fall." Udo approached. "Why don't you lie down?"

She looked at him.

And Udo felt she was suspicious. "I'm serious. See, there are other people doing that too." He took off his hat and lay down next to her feet.

Madoka then did the same.

"Ah, that's no good." His fingers nimbly touched the screen of the device. "You shouldn't use so much zoom, your lens doesn't allow that. Instead, use the fisheye effect."

She raised her eyebrows. "The image became distorted, but now I can put the whole tower in the picture."

"Yeah and you'll highlight its size, it's cool."

Homura watched the couple laughing and talking, her eyelids were heavy.

"He managed to impress her a bit after all," Ichiro commented and glanced at his sister.

The girl did not make any movement.

"Well, I'll go buy the tickets." Ichiro left.

"I'll go with you."

Before he turned, Homura passed by in firm steps toward the line.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

The sun was gone as the group got into the elevator. Fast, in less than a minute they had reached the height of three hundred and fifty meters.

The door opened onto a deck with large panoramic windows. There was also a cafe and souvenirs for sale. As Ichiro predicted, there were fewer people at that time.

"You can see Disneyland from here." Udo was excited. "I just need to find where."

"Why don't you use that?" Ichiro pointed to an interactive screen with information about the most important places to see.

"I'm not a tourist!"

Madoka began taking pictures when she recognized. "Is that... the Tokyo Tower?"

"Yeah, the old tower..." Udo played with the perspective. "Look, I can hold it between my fingers!"

"Wehihi." She took another photo.

With her arms folded, Homura looked at the city at night. From that point the sight was very familiar, not unlike Mitakihara.

".senihs ytic ehT"

She affirmed, "I didn't ask for your opinion."

"What did you say?" Ichiro frowned.

She exchanged glances with him, but then looked away. "I... I was thinking aloud." And left.

They walked around the deck, up to a point where the floor was glass and they could see the base of the tower, giving a greater sense of the height they were.

Udo started jumping and stepping against the glass.

Ichiro grabbed him. "Hey..."

"What's up brother? Are you afraid of height? Someone who pilots a helicopter."

"I'm afraid of your stupidity."

"Haha, this doesn't break." Udo looked at Madoka. "See, she's not scared."

She smiled. "I'm more worried about you than scared. I don't know if..." When she turned, the other girl was not there.

Homura was gripping her red scarf in a dark corner far from them.

Seeing that, she turned to the other two and forced a grin. "Maybe she is."

"Hmmm..." Ichiro was also looking at Homura.

"Yeah." Udo shrugged and left. "Let's go up more guys."

After paying for the entrance, they used a smaller elevator. It went up from inside the tower and there were windows that allowed to see the metallic structure. In the case of Homura and Madoka it was more than that.

The dolls were sitting on the lattices, greeting the newcomers.

They reached another observational deck, smaller than the previous one. It was actually a ramp going up, making a spiral around the tower.

"Wow..." Udo stared at the stars through the glass panels. "And it's not even the highest point, it's a shame we can't go there."

"Yes," Ichiro mused, "even though I've seen it so many times by helicopter, it still fascinates me. That feeling of the great being so small."

Homura was lagging behind the group when she heard what would be a flock of birds. She stopped and saw her children, holding hands and bare feet, plummeting from the tower. Soon she noticed that Madoka had stopped too, looking at her with serenity. It was time to explain. [Nothing wrong, they're just playing.]

Carrying the same expression, Madoka walked again, she seemed satisfied.

It was not a certainty for Homura, nevermore was. It was not the first time, and since then, it has become increasingly difficult to decipher her.

The ramp ended in a circular room, at the highest point they could reach.

"Four hundred and fifty meters..." Udo came as close to the window as possible and opened his arms. "I'm flying!"

The room contained a small hall, where a set of mirrors and lights formed incredible patterns. Other than that, there was just the opportunity to take unique photos.

Ichiro saw an attendant look at her watch. "I think our time is running out."

People started to head for the elevator. Homura was walking along with the crowd, she was in a hurry, since Udo was just behind.

"Ow, are you trying to run away, sister?"

She gritted her teeth, but they were going to return home after that. Only a little more...

When she got into the elevator, Homura noticed that it was already full.

"Looks like the other two will wait."

With Udo's comment, she quickly turned around.

Standing outside, beside Ichiro, Madoka slowly opened a smile.

Homura's eyes widened, it was the same feeling when she first saw her this morning. It was too late, the door closed.

With the elevator descending, Ichiro spoke to Madoka, "We have time for one last peek."

"Yes."

They walked to the nearest window, the silence bringing a greater sense of the vastness of the world.

The city and the night, two starry skies that meet on the horizon.

"I hope Udo doesn't try something silly with our sister," Ichiro said.

Madoka replied, "You worry a lot. I saw it today, you're good for her."

He paid attention to his own reflection in the glass. "You're wrong, I wasn't a good brother."

She lowered her gaze.

"I did things... that I feel shame. With our absent father, I as the oldest brother should have been exemplary, but I used that position against her. Now, when I see Homura like that, I know it was due to me."

"And you didn't ask for forgiveness?"

"When I realized what I had done, it was the first thing I did and she accepted. However, they were empty words and acts. She doesn't even recognize me as from the same blood. I can't compensate for the damage that was done, I can't change it..."

"I've lived with Homura for a long time, I can assure you..." Madoka looked at him. "You're making a mistake."

Her soft voice brought a harsh assertion, Ichiro hesitated to ask, "What do you mean?"

"Did you stop being what you were and never considered it? For I say, Homura has changed. You two now have enough experience to know how much this past represents to your life from now on. I believe in her heart, you should too."

A shooting star. Ichiro's heart sped up, filled with a will, a hope.

This woman...

Startled, he looked at her. There was only a teenage girl, wearing a stupid black hat, but with a steady and calm expression. He felt small, like he was in front of his mother.

And as it was, he did not need more words to understand. "You want me to help her."

Madoka clasped her hands together and nodded slowly.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

They say that the trip back is shorter than of the departure. It was the feeling they had when the car parked in front of the mansion.

Udo spoke as everyone left the vehicle, "And there're still many places we haven't visited."

Ichiro agreed, "Odaiba, Ginza and its underground, the rainbow bridge..."

"Disneyland."

"Can you stop with that?"

"Tssss..." Udo smiled at Madoka. "So? Did you like?"

"It was very good," she replied, looking at Homura, "right?"

She gave a quick reply, "It was..."

For a moment Ichiro pressed his lips together.

Something that did not escape Homura.

Meanwhile, Madoka maintained a gentle smile.

Udo hugged himself. "Uhhh... Guys, it's always a bit chilly out here at night, let's go in."

When the door opened, the first ones that entered the hall were the dolls, running.

After was Udo. "Ah... Back to the mausoleum."

Ichiro warned, "If Chiharu-san hears this..."

"Everyone should be asleep by now."

Suddenly, a strong melody came from a hallway.

"Or not..." The older brother lamented. "Our father is going to spend the night in the library."

Udo took off his hat and scratched his head. "He and that old thing."

"Excuse me."

They saw Homura hurry to the stairs.

As they heard her climbing, Udo remarked, "And there goes our sister to lock herself in her room again."

Ichiro sighed.

While Madoka put her hand to her chest. She lifted her head and closed her eyes to better absorb each note. An old joy, but she did not smile, for its heady charm was the shackles of a soul.

Next chapter: Capitulation