Harbinger of the storm

The relentless wind was carrying large clouds of sand, which carved the rocks of the desert.

If there were any living being, it would never survive long enough to figure out that existed something able to resist this fury.

A dark tower, shaped like an hourglass, rose imposing in that inhospitable landscape. The transparent top of the hourglass revealed that less than half of it was filled with pure white feathers. The wall of black brick of inviolable aspect that surrounded the lower part, kept its eternal guard against the griefs of the world.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

A nut, in its ephemeral flight, was a solitary point in the blue sky. It touched the green lawn ground, bouncing and rolling, travelling several meters before finally finding a resting place.

But not for long.

"I found! It's here!" Homura went with haste toward the nut, holding her cap so it would not fall. It was black, similar color to her shirt and mini skirt. She wore no socks or shoes, the pleasant and soft ground did not requisit it.

"W-Wait! Homura-chan..." Nagisa ran at full speed, closely followed by Homura's dolls. She carried a large black pin with a spherical head and her pink clothing were similar to the other girl, except that she was not wearing a cap.

Something that Homura noted. "Madoka. Where's your cap? You dropped it?"

Nagisa stopped and immediately brought a hand to her head. Her eyes widened. She continued to stroke her white strands of hair until she found the red ribbons that bound her little pigtails. She was relieved. "Ah... Homura-chan. You can't go so fast! My legs are short."

"I just keep forgetting this detail." Homura said. "See! My dear Okubyou is with your cap."

The doll, with a bulky black hair, put the pink cap and pulled down with force, burying it at the head of Nagisa. Other dolls began hitting their sharp teeth, laughing at that hilarious scene.

"Children!" Homura exclamated reproachfully.

Nagisa straightened her cap. "Ugh... And at school they said I looked like a grade schooler because of my height. They had no idea."

"Oh... Don't be sad Madoka." Homura pointed toward a direction. "We're close to the hole."

In the place where Homura had pointed out, were two dolls. Manuke was next to a small hole in the ground, jumping and waving, excited to see that the goddess looked in her direction. Usotsuki took the opportunity that the other doll was distracted to give a blow to the head with her pin.

Manuke's head disconnected and fell to the ground. Desperate, she ran after and ended up stumbling on it, to the delight of the other doll.

"They're impossible today." Homura remarked, turning her attention to Nagisa.

"Yeah..." Nagisa was looking at the nut on the ground and the pin in her hands. "Hmmm... I don't think it's that close."

"I guarantee that you'll be able to put the ball in that hole on your next shot."

"Eh?!" The secure way that Homura spoke amazed Nagisa. "Don't talk nonsense, Homura-chan. I have already given so many shots to get here that even lost count."

"You gave sixty-two shots and lost count on the third one." Homura answered.

"I lost on the third? I thought I had lost when it as about ten." Nagisa smiled. "Ehihi. Now I know I wasn't made for this sport."

"Maybe it's just a matter of detail." Homura ran a hand through her hair, causing black feathers come out of it and being taken by a current of air. "Your pin for example."

"There's something wrong with it?"

One of the dolls approached Nagisa. She carried a smaller pin.

"Since you reminded me of your new stature." Homura said. "Try this one, Madoka."

Nagisa exchanged her pin with the one the doll was carrying. She ran her hand along the object's body and felt its weight. "Uh-huh... It won't cost to try, right?" She smiled.

"Great." Homura got out of the way between the nut and the hole. "It's all yours."

Nagisa approached the nut and placed the head of the pin on the ground, getting ready for the shot.

"No." Homura intervened, holding Nagisa. "You must align your front foot with the ball and have to lean that shoulder."

"L-Like that?" Nagisa got a bit startled by that.

Pulling, Homura adjusted the position of the little girl. "In the direction you're facing, even if it was a good shot the ball would never reach the hole." Then she walked away. "Now it's good. Just be careful not to stick yourself."

Nagisa looked at the tip of the pin. "Okay. Heheheeee..." Laughing nervously, She aimed the head of the pin to hit the nut.

Homura and the dolls saw when Nagisa lifted the pin.

"Toooooh!"

With the shot, the nut ascended highly. During its fly, it was intercepted by a black bird, who held it by the beak. The bird carried it until they reached the hole. Then dropped and the nut entered straigh in it.

Homura and the dolls clapped in celebration. "Good shot, Madoka."

"But..." Nagisa looked at Homura, openmouthed. "But that's cheating!"

"Oh my!" Homura smirked. "Rules exists to be broken. Fufufu..."

Using the head of the pin, Nagisa nudged Homura. "Homuuuu~"

"H-Hey." Homura flinched.

Nagisa narrowed her eyes and smiled. "Being evil again, huh?"

"I think that's already a part of me." Homura said wistfully, lowering her gaze.

Noticing the reaction of Homura, Nagisa held her hand. "But for me, Homura-chan always will be Homura-chan, no matter what."

Homura looked at those orange eyes, with traces of yellow. "And Madoka always will be Madoka."

"The one who will always need a helping hand in golf." Nagisa said, making a pout.

"I think the word 'always' is an exaggeration. We'll practice it together for a long time, right?"

"Absolutely!" Nagisa dropped the hand of the raven haired girl. "Let's see if I do better than you on the next hole and no cheating this time."

"Good. So let's get the ball." Homura gestured with her hand. "Go ahead."

"Huh?"

"I'll give you an advantage, so you won't have to run." Homura gave a small smile.

"Ah... Ehihi." Nagisa was all smiles, a little embarrassed by the subject of her height being brought up again. "Thank you Homura-chan!" Then she left.

While Nagisa walked to the hole, the dolls went in front of their master, waiting for any response.

A gust of wind swung the long black strands of Homura, and also took away her smile. With her head, she waved to her children.

The dolls made the sign of silence to each other before returning to follow Nagisa.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

It was a fine morning.

Kirika, carrying a newspaper, walked the streets of the old part of the city, with its stone buildings and masonry, of fine architecture and manicured gardens. It was hard to believe that cozy setting could exist in the so bustling, modern Mitakihara.

However, Kirika destination was a place no one would consider it was welcoming much less lovely. It was a stone mansion, where its walls had a series of graffiti:

THIEVES

WHERE'S OUR MONEY?

DIE MIKUNI!

CRIMINALS

Kirika passed them without giving attention. She went to the mailbox. When opened it, several cockroaches left. "Yuck! Shoo!" She saw that inside there was nothing but trash and food waste deposited by passersby.

The rusty gate issued a creak when Kirika entered the mansion yard, overgrown with weeds and scattered debris. The front windows of the mansion were all broken, with wooden sidings in place of glass, transmitting a feeling of complete abandonment.

Far from it.

Before she could reach the door, Kirika heard it being unlocked.

"Good morning." Said Oriko when opened the door. She already was in her school uniform.

"Good morning big love!" Kirika came in and soon took off her shoes. "I brought the newspaper and already saw that we won the second prize of the lottery. Usually we win the third or fourth. Are you wanting to draw attention now?"

"We may need the money when the situation gets worse." Oriko locked the door. "Although I still did not see us using it."

"If you want, I could buy a nice gift for you. Kukuku..." Kirika accompanied Oriko through the hall. It was ample, with a staircase that led to the second floor. Unfortunately, the decadence that was presented at the entrance was reflected in the interior of the mansion. The wooden floors have long not seen polish and some were even rotting because the nearby windows had lost its function to protect against wind and rain. The furniture accumulated dust and cobwebs, the same for the balusters and handrails. The wallpapers were stained and swollen because of moisture and mold. It was also possible to see the marks on the walls where were the pictures, which were taken along with other works of art when police raided the place. All that gave an impression that the place was haunted.

Passing beside the stairs, they came through the door that led into the living room. Compared to the hall, it was in better condition. It had a large sofa with a wooden coffee table and a TV on the wall. The space also has a bar, but the shelves that housed the drinks were empty, result of the police raid. Across the room was a sliding door leading to their beloved garden.

On the counter of the bar, a radio announced the news.

"...the authorities and firefighters are still on the railway Joushin, site of the tragic fire on the train to Shimonita. Witnesses said a man in one of the carriages set fire to himself and chased people to embrace them, shouting the word 'purification'. There was great panic and commotion, with people jumping out the windows with the train still moving. There are twelve confirmed deaths so far, still without identification.

This new event is another in the list that should go on discussion this week at the United Nations. The phenomenon is being called by the code name 'haven', alluding to the recent massacre in Bridgehaven Memorial Hospital, in United States, where a woman armed with automatic pistols killed her own mother who was in a coma for years and seven others, most patients in the oncology section, before killing herself. The case is one of the most notable because the woman visited her mother every day and was well know by the staff, which facilited her action to enter with weapons without inspection.

Most disturbing is that new cases are being reported worldwide and more often. Despite the terrorism hypothesis not be officially ruled out, there is no group assuming authorship and was not found any link on the people involved in these attacks. Interpol is ahead in the investigations and suspicions fall on anonymous groups on the Internet, which form..."

Oriko turned off the radio. "The governments have begun to act, but they have no idea what they are dealing with and neither resources."

"That's not good." Kirika left the newspaper on the table. "Time is running out, right? Isn't it better we act now? How long we have to stay with those two 'searching' for Kyuubey?"

Oriko headed to the couch while straightening the knot of her black bow on her collar. "I am still waiting for my next vision."

Feeling leniency in the attitude of Oriko, Kirika replied. "Maybe if we go where Kyuubey is now, you can see what needs to see."

"Have patience Kirika. It is okay, I just need to take care of a few more details, just that." Oriko pulled the tie ends so hard that almost tore it. "By the way, I asked you not to touch that subject, except by telepathy."

"Uups! S-Sorry big love!" Kirika spoke with a pleading expression. "Where's our little love?"

"In the bathroom." After answering, Oriko sent a telepathic message. [Yuma, are you still bathing?]

Soon came a reply. [Hi mama. I'm done, I'm already drying myself.]

Oriko stared at Kirika as she sent the next message. [Do not forget to dry your ears, you know they were full of wax last time.]

Kirika raised her eyebrows by noting that Oriko had allowed her to hear the conversation. She wasted no time to participate as well. [Little love! Dry these ears!]

[Papa?!]

Kirika continued to talk to Yuma, making a wink to Oriko. [That's it! If you don't, I'll open a candle factory and you'll be my raw material.]

[Ah! Don't do that! I'll even use the hair dryer!]

"Hair dryer?!" Oriko murmured in amazement.

Kirika's face reddened by holding a laughter. [No hair dryer! I want to see you using the towel, huh?]

Oriko shook her head in denial about the conversation she just had heard as she sat on the couch.

Kirika calmed down, her skin returning to normal tones. "I even have a way with children, right?"

"I can not deny that at least you try." Oriko began flipping through the newspaper, glancing at the news. "You are not in your school uniform, so I should assume that you does not go to school today as well."

Kirika put her hands behind her head. "Nah... I'm still tired from having searched in Kazamino for new demons."

"Very well." Said Oriko. "So supervise Yuma, she must finish her homework before I came home from school."

Kirika saluted. "Yes mistress!"

Hurried footsteps were heard and soon the door opened. Yuma, already dressed, carried a towel. "Look papa! I'll dry in front of you."

"Yuma!" Oriko did not like what she saw. "Your hair is still wet, you should not walk around the house like that."

"But I wrapped the towel around it on the way." Yuma said, as she pushed the towel against the ears. "Don't worry mama."

Kirika smiled. "Hmmm... I think I'll give up the idea of opening a factory."

Yuma breathed in relief.

Meanwhile, Oriko already rose from the couch. "Okay, I am leaving. Do not forget about what you have to do Yuma."

"I'll finish before lunch." Yuma passed the towel to dry the green ends of her hair. "Hey, were you talking about Kyukyu before?"

The question took Kirika by surprise. "Oh... it's... hum..."

"Yes we were." Oriko spoke. "I had a vision and feel that we are closer to discover the whereabouts of Kyuubey."

"Really!?" Yuma was excited by the news. "That's good! We are already looking for him for so long..."

Oriko returned the greenette reaction with a smile.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

While the Mitakihara school invest in the modernization of education, Shirome retains its beams and foundations fixed on tradition. Its sumptuous campus, which looked more like a castle, housed high school to elementary grade students. Politicians, businessmen and other well-known people have already graduated there. Despite the fame and the high cost, Shirome has open door for anyone who could pass their competitive tests.

However, today its great gates were closed to Oriko Mikuni.

"I did not anticipate this. Hmmm... I see that my focus on getting more of those visions has affected me a lot." She spoke to herself.

"Look who's here!"

That drew the attention Oriko toward two girls who stood nearby. The one in front had a long hair, as blue as her eyes. The other was a blonde with brown eyes, short hair and wore glasses. "Good morning Komaki-san, Miyuki-san." She noted that the two students of Shirome she knew were wearing casual clothes. "It seems that there will be no class today."

"Ooooohhh..." Komaki widened her blue eyes and gasped in mock surprise. "The school closed until further notice because of these attacks that are happening. Why nobody told you? Dear Mikuni..." Her voice and her smile that followed exuded malice. "Maybe you should pay someone for it, was not what your father did?"

Oriko nodded, saying. "It was a mistake on my part, I should have paid more attention to what is happening. Fortunately you two get up early and went here to warn any student to come by mistake. Thanks for your solidarity."

"Look here, scoundrel!" Komaki exploded in anger. "You're just staying here in Shirome because of the money that your father stole and hid. OUR MONEY!"

Miyuki grabbed the arm of Komaki. "Enough! We should not even have passed here. Akira-san is waiting for us."

"I know. I know." Komaki calmed down, then she continued to talk with a smile. "I just couldn't resist to coming here to see the face that ordinary would make. Our walk around downtown and the mall is still standing, Miyuki-san."

"Mall?!" Oriko eyes widened.

Komaki weirded. "Yeah... and you're not invited!"

Oriko lowered her head and squinted. "Mall... mall... mall..."

"Hey! Are you listening?" Komaki tried to draw attention.

Miyuki became scared. "S-She is having one of those freaking out moments!"

"Damn it!" Komaki returned to chafe. "In addition to being a thief, she's crazy."

Oriko raised her head and spoke naturally. "It is better that you go there at this time."

Komaki shook her head with an expression of disdain. "Let's go."

"Y-Yes." Miyuki was still horrified.

Before the two leave, however, Komaki addressed Oriko one more time. "Mikuni, you're already tired of knowing that your name tarnishes the reputation of our school. Want a hint? Take the opportunity that the school closed and do a favor for all of us: When these gates reopen, do not step over here anymore."

Oriko continued standing, watching the two girls distancing themselves. She sighed. Since the scandal involving her father, her school life was never the same. However, she would not give up, would never make the same mistake.

At that moment she felt her cell phone vibrate.

"Kirika..." Oriko did not need her clairvoyance to know who was. Soon she saw the message on the screen.

S2S2S2 BIG LOVE! S2S2S2

I was unable to answer the questions of our little love. T_T

You want me to prepare what for lunch?

I'll bring there running. ^o^

Oriko smiled. She would not give up, but would have been much harder without them. She began typing on the phone, answering the message.

There is no need.

I am returning because Shirome is closed.

Just tell Yuma already that if she finish the homework, she and I will take a walk this afternoon.

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

"Wow! I can't believe that we're entering the mall!" Yuma was amazed.

"I prefer the park, but today let's do something different." Oriko was holding the little girl by hand as she looked around. It was the largest mall in the city, in the form of a glass dome, as well as the most crowded. Because of this, Oriko soon noticed that there were not many people as could be expected and even some stores had not opened its doors.

Yuma pulled Oriko's hand. "Look mama! They have fish in the fountain!"

"Yes. Lovely, is not?"

With its five floors, although there were signs of public insecurity, there was no shortage of places to visit.

And it was in one of them they found a person.

"Mama!" Yuma pulled the hand again. "That's not Mami-senpai?"

Through the window, Oriko saw Mami in a cosmetics shop. "Yes, she is."

Once the two entered, Yuma ran to embrace. "Mami-senpai!"

"Huh?! Yuma-san?"

"It is a big surprise to find you here, Mami-san." Oriko greeted.

"Oriko-san." Mami smiled. "I must say the same."

Yuma jumped in joy. "Walking with mama and senpai, this is the best day ever!"

"Huhu. That depends on whether Oriko-san intends to accompany me." Mami noted the pom-poms hanging in the pink shirt collar that the little girl was wearing, that brought back some memories. "You're not going anywhere in particular?"

"No." Oriko answered. "It would be great to follow you."

"Ah... in this case." Mami then took a pot on the counter. "I was experiencing this skin cream." She put a hand to her nose and sniffed the top of the palm, then extended to Oriko. "Could you give me your opinion about this perfume?"

Oriko felt the perfume. "It is good, though I prefer fragrances with a more citric content, too sweet cause me headaches."

"It must be strong now because I just applied." Mami stared at the package labeling. "I think I'll take one."

When Mami had just paid for her goods at the checkout, Yuma inquired. "Did you also not have class today?"

"'Also'?" Mami was curious.

Oriko replied. "Shirome is closed because of the recent events."

Mami nodded. "Mitakihara school too, for the same reason."

"Kirika will like to know that." Oriko said, smiling.

"Hi?! Kirika-san studies in Mitakihara school?"

"I do not blame you for being surprised, Mami-san. It would be difficult to meet her there, since she skip class so much."

The three girls stopped in front of a window of a clothing and footwear store.

Looking at what was on display, Mami asked again. "It's because she's a magical girl?"

"That is the excuse she uses, but the truth is that she do not like the school. I always question her about it, but I can not force her to go." Oriko replied.

"I see." Mami affirmed. "It's difficult, but not impossible to reconcile the two things."

"That is why I will always admire you, Mami-san."

"Mami-senpai is a real heroine!" Yuma exclaimed.

"I can't see myself as such." Mami's gaze was lost. "I just didn't have a choice and embraced this fate."

"I would not say being a magical girl for so long would be just a whim of fate." Oriko looked at Mami. "To protect our world you would do anything, right?"

"I..." Mami froze for a moment when she faced with that olive green eyes, which appeared to be probing far beyond what it seemed. "I think so, I would give my life for it."

Oriko closed her eyes, smiling. "This is to be a true heroine."

"Haha." Mami was embarrassed to hear that. "Heroine or not, I still like to see some more shops."

The three continued their tour, proving clothes, enjoying the music releases and visiting exhibitions of art open to the public.

Sitting on a bench in the hallway to rest, Mami realized something. "Why isn't Kirika with you?"

"Papa is taking care of the garden." Yuma replied.

"Huh?" Mami was taken by curiosity.

Oriko explained. "She is at home. It is something she likes to do."

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

"KUKUKUAHAHAHAHA!"

With her long claws, Kirika was cleaning the garden. "No weed will be between my big love and her flowers! Take that, and that! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

"It's an activity that requires delicacy and calmness, I think it's good for her." Mami remarked.

Oriko nodded in agreement. "Indeed."

Yuma nudged Mami. "How's Kyouko-neechan?"

"'Kyouko-neechan'?!" Mami raised her eyebrows. "She is well and apparently you two have been getting along."

"Ah... hihi. She told me she preferred that I call her by her first name." Yuma, smiling, looked at the sky through the glass dome. "I was a bit afraid of her, but I knew she had a good heart, because she fight at your side."

Mami returned the smile. "You're right."

Oriko rubbed Yuma's head. "Even if she avoids talking to me or Kirika, I am glad that Sakura-san has approached my dear. I think you succeeded to change her, Mami-san."

Mami denied. "No. I have no merit in this regard." She paused, letting out a sigh before continuing. "Kyouko... had a difficult past, but she's a very strong person."

Oriko nodded. "I see. You should know her better than me."

"Where is she now?" Yuma asked.

"Ah." Mami was poking her chin, thoughtfully. "Hmmm... I asked her to clean the apartment, she owed me that yet. She must finishing it now."

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

"This has to work."

Kyouko tied the mop at the base of her spear. "I think it's good."

Guided by her will and magic, the spear came to life and began to clean the large windows of the living room.

Kyouko oversaw it, proud of her achievement. "Good. This really should be enough. Now..." With a somersault, she took a full bowl of chips on the table and fell lying on the couch. "It's TV time!"

When turning on the TV with the control, came on the screen images of ambulances, as well as police officers and firefighters.

"...a sad day for the Germans and a new warning to the world. We're live here in Essen, where an attack on a mall claimed the lives of fifty two people. Our sources confirm that an as yet unidentified man entered the place with a bag of weapons and explosives. It's unclear if he was captured by the authorities or..."

Kyouko began to change channels. "Only has this shit now. I already know that the world is more screwed than ever. Bah!" Then one caught her eye. "Whoa! Women's soccer? Japan versus United States? I'm in! Go Japan!"

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

"I honestly can not imagine Sakura-san doing it." Said Oriko.

"Huhuhu." Mami laughed. "Me neither."

Then a growl was heard.

Mami was intrigued. "Yuma-san?"

The girl with green hair put her hand over her belly, embarrassed.

"Oh... The walk left you hungry." Oriko commented.

"This is an emergency!" Mami stood. "Thankfully, the food court is on this floor."

"Food court? No." Oriko rose from the bench along with Yuma. "I think there is a better place. We passed a little time ago in front of a cafe that has parfait on their menu."

"Parfait?" Yuma said with a tone of curiosity.

"Never proved?" Mami asked with a smile. "Then it's settled!"

The three entered the place and chose a table. It was small but warming, where the matte windows at the entrance offered some privacy.

Soon after they made the requests, Mami said. "Oriko-san, I would talk to you about this in our next evening together, but..."

"If it is something important."

The blonde was with a more serious expression. "I'm worried."

Oriko agreed. "Of course, we all are. Schools were closed and the news are still reporting new cases."

"The defense forces are already on the streets of Tokyo."

"This is a precaution." Oriko smiled slightly. "Remember that in Mitakihara and Kazamino, despite all that is happening, there are no reports of problems. All this thanks to our efforts."

"We should put more effort." Mami affirmed.

"Huh?"

"It'll take a long time to find Kyuubey if we keep searching only at night, after hunting demons." Mami continued. "Now we have the day off as well. I believe that we can cover the entire city in less than a month."

"Oh yes..." Oriko looked down thoughtfully. "It is a great idea, but what you said reminded me of something I had thought." She then returned to look at Mami. "It is possible that Kyuubey know we are looking for him."

"Mama?!" Yuma manifested in surprise.

"In this case, he may be changing places to avoid us."

Yuma frowned. "Why Kyukyu would do that?"

Oriko shook her head, smiling. "Of course it is just a wild speculation on my part, right Mami-san?"

"I would say yes..." Mami looked away, her voice was almost a whisper. "But... it doesn't cost us to revisit some places."

Yuma came with a determined expression. "Mami-senpai, no matter what, mama will find Kyukyu, don't worry!"

Oriko brought Yuma closer to her. "None of us here will give up. We are magical girls, we are all survivors."

"Survivors?" Mami murmured.

"Huh?" That reaction got the attention of Oriko.

"Nothing." Mami gestured. "It is just that my wish has a lot to do with what you just said."

"Wished for your life?" Oriko got interested. "Because I wished the same."

"Really?!" Mami was amazed. "And are you happy with that?"

Oriko caressed Yuma. "Yes, I am."

Mami smiled. "That's what matters."

The waiter came with a tray with parfaits. Mami's was passion fruit, while Oriko's was lemon and Yuma's, kiwi fruit.

"Mine is greener than yours, mama."

"True." Oriko agreed.

"Hmmmm!" Soon after experiencing the frozen dessert, Yuma asked. "Mami-senpai, after we find Kyukyu, could I visit you?"

Mami had a expression of disbelief and soon said. "Of course you can."

Oriko stopped the spoon when she was about to snatch up and put it back in the bowl. "Mami-san, would not be a nuisance?"

"No. Absolutely not!" Mami shook her head. "You all have helped us a lot here. I should even do the same for you in Kazamino."

"It is not as extensive place like here, it would not be necessary." Said Oriko. "And Sakura-san?"

Mami gaped, but smiled afterwards. "The apartment is mine and you're welcome. Kyouko is getting used, I believe that soon you two will make up."

"Right..." Oriko sighed.

"You know?" The blonde spoke again. "Next year starts high school and I plan to enroll in Shirome."

"Huh?!" Oriko eyes widened. "But... but there is very expensive."

"I know. Hence I have studied hard, I want to try to get at least a partial scholarship."

"Wow!" Yuma got all excited. "You two will be together!"

"It may be that we do not get in the same classroom." Mami kept smiling. "But it's quite possible that we'll cross at the corridors. Isn't... Oriko-san?!"

Oriko, crestfallen and with pursed lips, was barely breathing.

Yuma became concerned. "Mama?"

However, the only answer that came was as a loud bang followed by a tremor. Some windows shattered with the vibration, accompanied by cries of despair.

Yuma covered her ears. "Ah! What was this?!"

"It seemed like an explosion." Mami stood, exchanging glances with Oriko.

Oriko nodded. "Let's go."

Once they come out to the mall's corridor, the girls faced with a crowd running for their lives. A thick black smoke hovered close to the ceiling.

Mami made a remark. "From the direction that people are coming, it happened in the food court."

They turned aside there, trying to avoid people coming the opposite direction. Oriko held the hand of Yuma firmly. The smoke and heat grew more intense.

Then they met with a terrifying sight. A young man ran desperately, as if he could escape from the flames that were consuming his back.

"Mami-san!" Oriko drew attention. "We have to take him down."

Mami understood the request. Making the soul gem in her ring shine, she created a ribbon on the ground that held the foot of the man, causing him to trip and fall face down. Without delay, she clasped her hands and, when opened, was already holding a thick blanket also made of ribbons. She tossed on the man, covering and killing the fire.

"Stay with Mami-san." Oriko left Yuma and went to the man who was agonizing.

Mami picked up the blanket and found that his condition was serious. From his legs up to hair was burned. It was difficult to discern whether what was charred was the clothes or skin.

Mami brought a hand to her nose due to that horrible familiar smell and then realized that Yuma was witnessing the same thing.

"You will be fine." Oriko held the man's face. "They were only minor burns."

When Oriko exchanged glances with Yuma, the little girl knew. She held out her left hand toward the young man and the gem in her ring began to radiate a greenish light on him.

Mami did not took away her eyes from that event until it was over. The man's wounds were healed, still had some redness, but nothing compared to what was before.

"Hey you there!" A guard of the mall appeared. "Get out! Come this way!"

"This young man inhaled a lot of smoke, help him, please." Oriko instructed the guard, while helping to lift the man.

Mami looked toward where keep coming the smoke, that was getting each time more thick.

"We can not do anything else, Mami-san." Oriko returned to hold Yuma. "Let's get out."

Near the mall's entrance, there were already several cars of the police, fire department and ambulances. A cordon was being formed around the place. The sounds that reigned were from sirens, coughing and weeping.

Taking advantage of the chaos, the girls avoided being addressed by the authorities and mingled with the crowd.

"I wonder what happened." Mami inquired, noting that, in the light of late afternoon, Oriko and Yuma were with their skin, clothes and hair covered in soot. Just found that it would apply to her as well.

"Good that I ran."

Near them, two men were talking. They were uniformed, indicating that they were staff of the mall.

"When I heard the laughter of that guy, I knew it was something bad. When I felt the smell of gas, so..."

"I started running when I heard the screams." The other man said. "I knew him. He had been fired from that snack bar last week."

"Supervisors of that place always treated the employees badly. I knew that one day someone would want to revenge."

"Damn, but he could just killed the guys. Now I'm going to miss a few days of work because of a short fuse."

Hearing the conversation, the girls looked at each other.

Until Oriko manifested. "Whatever it takes, we will overcome."

／人◕‿‿◕人＼

Lying on a meadow, Nagisa pointed to the starry sky. "These stars seem to form a goat."

"Where?" Homura, who was lying next to her, pointed too. "Those?"

Nagisa held the arm of Homura and adjusted it. "No. There."

"Ah yes. You're quite right, they look like."

"Actually it just the head. Ehihi." Nagisa released the arm. "Homura-chan, you managed to find a constellation too?"

"Uh-huh..." Homura pointed again. "I was seeing those ones, they form a window. Can you see?"

"Ah." Nagisa squinted, making a funny face. "Yeah, I think I'm seeing them. It's closed, isn't it?"

"Yes, but not locked." Homura replied.

"Uh-huh..." Nagisa closed her eyes. "You know, when I do that, I can remember all those stars around me."

"I know how it is." Homura placed both hands on chest. "I stood there for a moment... with you."

"I saw so many lives being bathed by the light of these stars." Nagisa continued. "For every magical girl rescued, I could see their world, their time, their motivations that led to their hopeful wish. I saw many good things, but I also saw a lot of bad ones." Then she turned to Homura. "It would be possible?"

Homura glanced. "What..."

"If you had the power, you would create a haven for every living being?" Nagisa slid her hand on the left hand of Homura. "As you did here?"

"No." Homura gestured with her head in denial. "I made this place for me. Each one has their own ideal, their own paradise. If I created for others, it would be from pure presumption."

"What if this problem did not exist?" Nagisa insisted.

"Impossible." Homura answered dryly, looking away.

In response, Nagisa rolled and stood upon Homura.

"M-Madoka?!"

Nagisa had a smile, but her eyes expressed concern. "Homura-chan, even though we're together for some time already, I'm still feeling grief in you."

Homura remained silent.

Nagisa leaned her head on the chest of the other girl. "It's because you still don't see me as Madoka, right?"

Homura stammered. "No... I..."

"Sorry... sorry..." Nagisa said in crying tone.

"Madoka, you're wrong."

Nagisa looked up.

"It's not your fault. It's just..." Homura passed a hand to remove the white strands of hair that had stuck at Nagisa's face due to tears.

Nagisa held the hand of Homura, who had begun to tremble.

"It's because the memories of my life that I had boiled down to a labyrinth. I believed it would end there, but I came out and I don't know where to go now." Homura sighed. "Madoka, no matter how we end together, I think I'm broken inside. There is nothing that can be done."

"NO!" Nagisa cried. "It's not true!"

Despite the energy of that reaction, Homura continued impassive.

"I'll fix you, Homura-chan! I'm here for that." Nagisa squeezed the hand she was helding with both hands. "I'll make you happy."

Those hands were not of Madoka, but Homura could feel in Nagisa the same strength. The way the little girl expressed reminded much Madoka with which she fought side by side. That helped, because calling Nagisa by that name sounded more natural.

"I'll remove this... this plague within you!"

The hard part was to control the emotions. It was a farse, everything a farse. But why? Why her heart stubbornly beat at that pace?

"I'll make you crack a smile every day, starting now!" Nagisa stood up. "I have a surprise for you."

"Hi?" Being lost in thought, Homura thought she had stopped to pay attention to something.

"I was saving it for the near future, but I'll show what I can do already." Nagisa raised her left arm and between the fingers radiated a strong pink light.

It was so strong that Homura was forced to put a hand in front of her eyes. When the light dimmed, she did not believe what was seeing.

In Nagisa's hand had a bow with aspect of a branch, decorated with pink gems. At the upper end of the bow bloomed a rose.

"Hmmm... and that's it! Ehihi." Nagisa was embarrassed. "The truth is that I can't really do much yet, but my magic is getting stronger every day! What do you think?"

Homura was gaping.

"Homura-chan?"

She felt her eyes getting wet. It was a farce, it had to be a farce, but now her smile and her words were not. "It's beautiful..."

Next chapter: Ghosts and the damned