Once they parted with Sayaka, conversation had died down almost completely. There was not much they could tell each other, even when Lilly had a lot to say. But she could not voice any of it lest she might scare off Madoka. Instead, the Witch kept quiet and walked freely under the rising moon's light. Night had fallen not long ago and she started to feel better already. She just liked the darkness more.

"Um... Yuri-chan?"

"Hm?"

As she was spoken too, she turned her head questioningly to meet a curious, pink gaze. "I just wondered... could it be that you are a night-person?"

As the human-shaped Witch cocked an eyebrow, the smaller girl quickly raised her hands defensively. "Um... I mean... it's just... um... you look so... relaxed all of a sudden..."

She stopped when Lilly's frown changed into a smirk and she was nodded at. "You're right. I do like the night a lot more than the day. Shame that I can't see much of it."

"Oh, so that's how it is... um... you see, I'm not so fond of the night, I'm always a bit scared there might be something out there I can't see watching me..."

An amused snort escaped the Witch as she shook her head in disbelief. It was cute of Madoka and a good sign that she opened up a bit, but...

"There is always something you can't see, even in broad daylight. However, in the dark, there is a good chance that it can't see you, either. Besides, technically, there are Witches out there, maybe you felt their presence when you were younger. I've heard that children can sense a lot more than adults."

Whether this was true, she did not know. However, she had noticed a few of the smaller ones look at her with actual fear, as if they could sense the danger emanating from her. Also, the pinkette was not entirely wrong with what she said; after all, Homura kept watching her from the shadows.

Madoka thought about this statement for a while and silence regained its grasp on them. As they went, Mortal World's Witch was rather glad that Madoka was with her today. This way, she could both take in her sweet scent -which she should not do all to often, she remembered- and stay in contact with Homura. Miki Sayaka had far too less potential to mask her presence.

However, her 'sister' had not said anything for quite some time. Maybe she should remind her that she was here.

"Where are you right now?"

It took a while until she got an answer, though Lilly did not worry about it. 'We found half a dozen Familiars and a full-grown Witch on our way. However, this should be it. I'm at the bridge close to home.'

"I see. That's..."

Her thought stopped when she heard Madoka's phone ring out in the silence, instantly perking to attention.

The pinkette quickly pulled out the device from her pocket, looking at the caller-id for a moment before answering: "Yes, Sayaka-chan? Did something happen?"

However, her own 'call' demanded attention at this point, so she could not listen in on the two humans' conversation. 'Lilly? Are you alright?'

Was that actual worry? It sounded like it, which made the Witch feel a bit warmer at once. Then she answered: "Yes, I am. Just got distracted. Once I brought Madoka home, I'll head back as well. Mind cooking something?"

At first, something akin to disbelief came in, then she got an actual reply: 'I do mind, but I will still do it. Besides, you should prepare yourself to meet Tomoe Mami within the next few days.'

"Understood. I'm looking forward to your cooking, then."

She got the equivalent of a sigh and that was it. But Lilly had not even lied; she really wanted to taste what her 'sister' was to make. However, something else she wanted to t...

Have to stop with those stupid metaphors...

Madoka had stopped and was looking at her. "Yuri-chan? Sayaka-chan wants to talk to you..."

She held out her cellphone to the Witch, who took it gingerly and held it towards her ear. Though after a moment of consideration, she decided to activate the speakers so that the pinkette could listen in as well. From the look of it, she was worried about her friend.

"Miki-san?"

"Ah, finally! There's something I want to ask you, Akemi."

She sounded a bit... confused. Maybe something happened when they left her... the facts formed a new hypothesis in Lilly's mind and she did not like it. She did absolutely not like it. But she could not show that right now, so she just went on with the conversation.

"Sure, just ask."

"Um... this thing you told us about... was it white, about the size of a cat and with deep, red eyes?"

At the description, her own eyes narrowed and the expression she wore now had Madoka take a step back. "Yes... why?"

"Um... you see... that thing was here until a minute ago"

Apparently, even Sayaka had caught on the danger in Lilly's voice, seeing that she became reluctant. However, it was not a good idea to be too intimidating, so the Witch sighed and tried to get the edge out of her voice and her gaze lest she might scare off Madoka for real this time...

"So? What happened?"

The pinkette was listening intently as well, her hands clasped together as her childhood friend started to explain.

"Well... ah... it... he wanted me to form a contract, but I said no. Uh... and he asked about you."
At first, she was relieved that the idiot had done something smart for once. When the last part of the statement came however, she felt her feet go numb. This was not good. Kyubey was up to something and when it started investigating, it would not take much longer until it understood what exactly Akemi Yuri was. Though its curiousity might bring her another few days, seeing that the Incubator would want to find out how she came into existence. But on the other hand, she should not speculate on that.

So instead, she forced the feeling of dread away and sighed again. "Good thing you listened to me, then. What exactly did Kyubey want to know?"

It took a few seconds for the blunette to answer. It sounded as if she was confused herself.

"Uh... he asked what exactly you told us about Magical Girls and stuff."

"And that's all?"

"...Yes. Why, thought he'd ask something else?"

She was a bit suspicious now. This was strange and made no sense, going by its regular behaviour. Besides, she should be more careful. Miki Sayaka was an idiot, but unfortunately not stupid.

"Yes, I thought so. This creature is not used to someone working against it, so I figured it would try to gather as much information as possible."

That was true, after all. And the more uncomfortable she could make those two feel about Kyubey, the less likely it was for it to get them to contract.

"Uh... okay... nah, whatever. Do you think I'll be alright?"

She sounded worried and so looked Madoka. However, this situation became more and more surreal. How did she manage to get on Sayaka's good side to the point that she could give her advice? Though... maybe she did not. However, she was the only expert the blunette could ask right now and since Lilly made sure to emphasize the "fighting for the rest of your life"-part a lot, she was cautious. Good.

Now wearing an unreadable expression, the human-shaped Witch sighed once again and nodded at Madoka to calm her first. After all, the pinkette was far more important.

"Yes, you will. Even when Kyubey is eager to form contracts with as many girls as is possible, he will not just make one without granting a wish of yours before. You should be careful, though: he will definitely talk to you again."

"Alrighhht... Don't worry, then. I'll just say no again and that's it... right?"

At this optimistic outlook, she just shook her head with a disbelieving smile that had Madoka tilt her head questioningly. "Yes it is, granted that you actually turn him down."

"'Course I will!... well, I don't want to hold you up any longer. See you tomorrow, Akemi."

"Very well. Good night, Miki."

Since the blunette called her by her last name only, Lilly decided to do likewise. When she had hung up, she returned the phone to her companion, who took it somewhat gingerly. As they started moving again, she reluctantly adressed the topic: "You didn't look convinced that Sayaka-chan will turn this Kyubey-person down."

She was given a sideway glance and a sigh as Lilly lowered her head ever so slightly.

Of course not. This stupid idiot contracts every time, no matter what is done to prevent it and the only successfull way of stopping her from that so far is to kill her before she does it... which is even worse.

Of course she did not say that out aloud. Her words were different, focussed on scaring Madoka away from contracting without keeping her in the dark: "Kyubey is very skilled in manipulating people. Miki-san would not be the first to fall for one of his traps."

Since the contract itself was a giant trap, this was definitely true, at least from Lilly's point of view. However, she felt bad for making Madoka worry about her friend so much. Though it was better this way. If she did not, the pinkette might do something stupid.

"So you think Sayaka-chan would..."

She stopped as the Witch sighed and shook her head. Of course she knew what would most likely happen, but she could not bear this fearful expression. The only thing she could do as to not jump this girl and hug her was to have the gears in her head turn faster and faster, induldging in other trains of thoughts.

"Please don't speculate over this kind of thing. I'm doing that far too much already. Don't worry, though: Kyubey's main method of recruiting is not going to work. Contracting a girl when she is facing certain death... well, however, since Homura and I are around, he can't do that."

"Um..."

Carefully including knowledge about how the Incubator worked... and with the stream of information she provided, no one would actually believe that Lilly held something back. She showed Madoka a gentle smile and nodded at her. "As I said, don't worry."

At least she smiled back, even when the sorrow in her eyes was still clearly visible. Oh, how much she wanted... focus, Witch!

She almost screamed that out aloud, so much did being around the kind girl put her off. I see, that's why you stay away from her, Homura...

It was just too hard to be around this girl she loved without her even suspecting anything and just as she thought of her 'sister', Madoka voiced another question: "Say, Yuri-chan..."

The gaze the Witch sent her was telling her to continue, so she did after a moment: "Homura-chan... what is she doing? Does she fight Witches when she separates from you?"

That went without saying, though Lilly knew what the pinkette meant. She wanted to know if her 'sister' would get hurt. So she might as well ease her worries, giving her another smile.

"You know... I'm sure she would appreciate your worry as well, but there is no need to, really. Yes, she does fight Witches. However, she is now allied with another Magical Girl and even alone, no Witch can stand against her."

As Lilly told her that, Madoka's eyes went a bit wider. "Is Homura-chan really that strong?"

Stronger than the pinkette imagined right now, she guessed. This was something Lilly took pride in as well; the girl she originated from was even beyond the other veteran Magical Girls, surpassed only by those that harboured so much potential that a wish of theirs could ring in a new age.

Therefore, she gave the smaller girl a thought- and cheerful nod. "Yup, definitely. In fact, I think that she could overthrow a small dictatorship all by herself."

Counting just how many weapons and explosives the time traveler gathered already, this was definitely a possibility. How unfortunate that Walpurgis was more than just a small dictatorship.

Madoka on her part looked down and mumbled something: "I already guessed that Homura-chan was strong, but like this..."

At this point, they almost reached the Kaname-residence. However, Lilly was unable to hold back any longer, so she established what physical contact she could manage without disturbing her temporary protege... so she patted her shoulder a few times.

"Don't think about it too much. And before you ask: no, I can't tell you why she became so strong. Maybe she does if you ask nicely, though."

Of course Homura would not answer, not after what happened last time. But in the end, this was merely a means of establishing contact between them.

Homulilly loved Kaname Madoka. However, she knew that with her being an anomaly and a Witch, there was no hope for anything that lasted. Also, she inherited Homura's believe that the pinkette deserved better.

In difference to the Magical Girl though, Lilly already had the perfect person in mind; She would make sure that Kaname Madoka fell for Akemi Homura.

Looking at herself from an outside perspective helped a lot in terms of understanding. Her 'sister' cared for this girl to the point that she would willingly throw her life away if it saved her.

So who else should be the one to care for her. That made perfect sense to Lilly.

"I...I'm not sure that she would... I don't even know if Homura-chan likes me..."

As they entered the alley where Madoka lived, she received a doubtful stare from the Witch. How far from the truth...

"Believe me, she does. However, she's used to lose those close to her, so she would never let on about it."

The other girl looked to the ground now, displaying a sad expression while clasping her hands together around the handle of her bag. "Hearing all this... you had a hard life, hadn't you?"

For that, she was patted on the shoulder again while Lilly tried to cheer her up... somewhat. "Now, now. We manage... at least I do. However, there is something you could do for Homura..."

As she said that, Madoka looked up in surprise. Apparently, she did not expect to be able to help. "Really? How?"

Lilly just smiled at her somewhat mischievously, though that was mostly due to imagining the scene if it worked. "When there is a good moment, give her a hug."

"Huh?

Hueeh?!"

At the suggestion, her companion's face flushed in a deep scarlet and she looked somewhere else after a moment of returning Lilly's gaze in disbelief. The human-shaped Witch sighed inwardly. Of course that had to happen. Why were the Japanese so strange when it came to physical contact?

She knew the reason, of course. However, she was not happy about it at this very moment.

"B-B-But... I barely know her, so... wouldn't that be... too much?"
As Madoka tried to get the whole sentence out, Lilly's mind kicked in and bisected the choice of words. The girl had thought about doing it for at least a moment. What held her back was mostly her strangeness with Homura. That was good, very good. It made her task a bit easier.

Lilly smiled at the pinkette reassuringly.

"Kindness is a strength not many possess. And Homura has barely had any given to her at all, so in this case, really... there is no need to be shy."

Of course, this implicated that Lilly had not given her much herself, but Madoka had no chance to ask for this; they reached her home and her guide stopped walking, raising her hand to wave her goodbye. "That's that for today, then. It was fun talking to you, Kaname-san. See you tomorrow."

"Oh... uh... yes. Thank you for walking me home, Yuri-chan."

She received a grateful smile and a small bow that had her squeal on the inside, though it did not show on her face. Lilly just returned the smile and turned around. "No problem. Good night."

"Yes, good night to you too!"

She walked away and vanished within the darkness, going home herself now. Fortunately it was dark or otherwise someone might have seen her almost lunatic smirk, dark and completely pleased with herself.

In the best case, she had just set up her 'sister' with the girl she loved.

.

. . .

.

While Homura was busy with preparing dinner, she pondered the situation. Everything went better than she expected up until now, but they had to be careful. It would not get easier for the remainder of the month.

With a sigh, the time traveler took another look at the meal that was almost done and decided that it was alright. Stew was not that hard to make and Tomoe Mami had taught her the basics in a timeline long gone, so Lilly had to live with that.

But even then, she could not stop to worry; her 'sister' had broken the bond about ten minutes ago. That meant that Madoka was at home and safe, so the Witch headed back as well. At least she should do, but Homura could not find out whether she actually did. This bond could only be established from the other end, as was the magic-synchronisation the Witch used. That was rather unfortunate, the Magical Girl found. But at the same time, she was not one to complain. Instead, she took everything as it came, thus preventing herself from lamenting too much. Up until now, it served her well although she might have given in to Lilly a bit too soon because of that fact.

However, it was far too late to ponder her decision in this matter anyway; this little Witch had grown on her already and Homura would not let anyone hurt her.

With a sigh, she put the stove on a smaller temperature to keep the dinner warm. All that was left was for her 'sister' to return. Taking into account that it was about twenty minutes from the Kaname-residence to this place, she should arrive within the next five minutes.

When have I started to hold her dear...

This could become a massive problem and the time traveler was well aware of that. So far, neither of them knew whether Lilly could actually leap trough time like Homura did, so if this timeline was another failure, they might need to part ways. The same could happen anyday if Tomoe found out, though it was more probable that the other Magical Girl died in case of a fight.

Even when she would not believe it two weeks ago, but by giving her this Witch born from herself, Madoka gave her a small piece of happiness she never expected to have before; a family.

"I'm home!"

Speaking of Witch, there she was. However, Lilly stopped dead in her tracks when she heard Homura respond for the first time since she started announcing her return a few days prior: "Welcome back!"

As the Magical Girl walked towards the door, she saw her 'sister' standing there with a surprised look that dissipated after a few more seconds. She put away her shoes and placed her bag next to Homura's, then went into the living room with an interested expression. "That smells good. What do we have for dinner?"

Instead of answering, the time traveler went to wash her hands while Lilly started peaking at their meal. As she reemerged from the bathroom, the Witch did the same and they went to eat right after.

Although... Homura did cook enough for six people, but even when she herself had finished her portion, the girl sitting opposite to her continued downing spoonful after spoonful with a speed that would put even Sakura Kyoko to shame. Needless to say that it was impossible for her to speak like this.

"Could you activate the bond again? There is something I wonder about."

"Huh?"
Lilly stopped for a moment to take in what exactly had been said, then nodded. "Sure."

As the bond formed again, the Witch already continued her meal. No matter how often Homura felt it though, it remained unusual; this slight sensation of feeling something on the outside of herself, it being but a small touch of their consciousness and yet enough to make her able to feel so much through it.

It was different to how the Incubator did it; not just messages that were translated, sent and retranslated. They were at the core of this kind of communication now, being able to transmit even their emotions to the respective other. For example could she feel Lilly's pleasure with eating the stew right now as well as a certain amount of worry further down, close to the edge of their connection.

'So, what was it that you wanted to know?'

Ah, right. She should go and ask her question now that the contact was established.

"I wondered what exactly distracted you back then. You seemed to be talking to Madoka, so I kept quiet."

From the amount of glee and love she felt floating through the bond, there was little chance it had been someone else. The Witch just smirked and nodded while lowering the spoon again.

'I guess Kyubey is going on the offensive now. It established contact with Miki Sayaka after we parted ways at her home.'

"I see."

So that had been it. Actually, Homura guessed something like this, but she needed confirmation before she could decide on what to do.

'Don't worry, though. I scared them both so much in that regard that Kyubey alone won't be able to convince them. However, we have to think about what to do with that Kamijou-boy.'

Now the thoughts got a thoughtful note, even when this sounded redundant: 'Theoretically, I could just go and kill him and no one would ever know...'

Of course she thought about that. Homura had done so herself on several occassions in the past, but it never seemed worthwile. Also, she was not that kind of person that would shun others for pondering something she had had in mind herself.

"That's of no use. Either Kyubey notices you or something else goes wrong. And even if not, Miki Sayaka will most likely swear vengeance to whoever did it and go on a goosehunt."

At the remark, she could feel Lilly's amusement and see her smile. The Witch was almost done with her last portion and slowed down to savor it.

'This would be fun to watch if we had no agenda of our own. Besides, my compliment for this stew. You have to show me how to make that... it's a shame that I completely lost the knowledge of how to cook when I was born.'

Homura just shrugged and rose to her feet to clear away the dishes. It was strange what of her knowledge had remained in Lilly anyway; almost everything about everyday life was gone while fighting, magic and most memories of the events in Mitakihara remained. Also, every last memory of Madoka was there.

'But back to the topic at hand: will we do anything about Kyubey?'

Another shrug, even when it remained unseen due to the time traveler being in the kitchen now. "No, this is not necessary. I doubt that she is stupid enough to give in so easily. Getting rid of Kyubey is not worth the time. Instead, we should focus on keeping the girls out of harms way. This promises better results anyway."

There came nothing for a while, Lilly just brought the pot with her when she entered the kitchen as well.

'You know... Being in the defense can bring an advantage because you can prepare, but being in the offense is easier because you just need to overpower your opponent and win.'

At the disbelieving stare she was getting, her 'sister' quickly raised her hands in a means of defending herself. 'I know that it's not this easy to summarize, but still...'

Her eyes became somewhat wistful.

'Just imagine this... killing off Walpurgis with ease and everything is fine... at those points in time, I do hate my realism...it stops me from dreaming.'

"From the sound of it, you do dream.", Homura interrupted the unrestrained flow of thoughts, thus gaining Lilly's attention. "And so do I. However, both of us lack the ability to make our dreams come true this easily. We have to fight for that."

They looked at each other for a few seconds, two girls of the same appearance, clad in their school uniforms and with identical magical power within them. At the last statement, both of their eyes had become iron again, though Homulilly wore a confident smirk while Homura displayed her usual blank expression.

The one addition that her previous statement missed, she did not need to make. To anyone else it might have been necessary, but this Witch understood her perfectly fine.

We have to fight for that. And we will, even if it is for an eternity.

A silent vow she herself made long ago, giving up on her own happiness for Madoka's sake. Her life continued because her task was not over. Once it was done, Akemi Homura would vanish, either by her own hand or because she became a Witch.

By being the Witch she was to become, Lilly understood all of that as it was a part of herself as well.

However, the moment passed and both of them got moving again.

. . .

Somewhere else in Mitakihara, a small pinkette was looking out of her window deep in thought, clad in yellow pyjamas and with her pigtails undone. She had her arms rested on the windowsill and placed her head on top of them, sighing deeply upon recalling everything that happened the previous days. The Akemi-twins, Magical Girls, Witches and magic...

It sounded so strange to think about it, but Madoka firmly believed in all of that being real. There was no reason not to when Sayaka did the same.

As she thought about her friend, the girl's mind filled with worry. Would she really be alright?

However, Yuri's words had something soothing as the pinkette recalled them; the twins would watch over them, so there was nothing to worry about.

But even then, Madoka still had the feeling that something was off about the younger sister. Strangely, this feeling was completely absent around Homura even when she barely had any contact with the other transfer student as of yet. Yes, she was intimidated by the older twin, but that was something else. Besides, she believed her new friend that her sister did not do it on purpose.

Then again, Yuri's suggestion returned to her mind and had Madoka blush again. How could she do something as intimate as hugging someone she barely knew? That was for close friends and family...

But even then, for no apparent reason... she did not mind.

The thought had the girl sit straight and blush even more. She could not think of this as wrong, even if she knew she should. In fact, it felt almost natural to want to hug this girl that was so cold... so... lonely?

So this was what bothered her for a while now, Madoka realised: Yuri felt off, but Homura just emanated something she was unable to distinguish since she met her those few days ago. The Magical Girl wore this cold and stony expression and her eyes were sharp, yet dull.

As she was staring into the night's sky, an understanding hit her. Akemi Homura was not normal by any means. And not even this hidden world of magic could explain the change.

Just... what exactly happened to her?

Yuri said that the only one she could ask that question was Homura herself. So maybe... she should.

With a sigh, Madoka pushed herself off the windowsill and fell backwards onto her bed. With her right hand, she patted her large elephant-plushie affectionately and started to smile again.

Kaname Madoka was a curious being, and now her curiousity about this stoic girl had awoken. She wanted to know.

Yes, she would be friends with Akemi Homura.

The thought had her smile grow brighter. She was excited to make a new friend soon.

.

. . .

[The Scheming Witch]

First Act: End

. . .

. . .

So what did we learn up until now? Exactly:

Homulilly: rooting for MadoHomu since "The Rebellion Story"

I wonder what the next act will contain? Will there be an epic showdown between Mami and Yuri? Or is Madoka going to fall like the Witch planned?

Maybe we will even switch to the Magical Girls of the End for a while... though... no, not really. I've read that manga partly and it is not that good. In my opinion, at least.

Well, whatever is to come... stay tuned!