A Wish Within Darkness

by Nar0n

The worst thing to happen to her friend was to become a Witch, she thought. Then Madoka's latest wish went wrong on more levels than even Kyubey could have foreseen and now Homura has to sort things out with an addition to her family, a Witch that should not exist yet by any means and the consequences of both of the above.

16. That Was Really Kind of You

They were about to leave the building when Homura spoke up for the first time since they left Mami's flat: "We have to make a short detour, though."

As she noted that, both of her companions looked at her and Kyoko raised an eyebrow. "So? What for?"

The time traveler just flicked her hair in response and went on. "I will walk Madoka-san home."

She was given a smile from the pinkette as she said that so maybe the smaller girl actually hoped that this would happen? The Magical Girl was not sure whether that was good or bad, though. On the one hand, Madoka being close to her was always nice and it made the observation easier as well. However, this also meant that the pinkette would be close to magic for quite some time. In this strange timeline though...

The other veteran measured her again, then shrugged. "Whatever, I'm not complaining. D'you want some time alone to flirt?"

Both girls paused at the remark. Homura just turned her head to stare at the redhead while Madoka flushed a deep scarlet and began stuttering: "W-What are you talking about, Kyoko-chan?!"

The pinkette got a fanged smirk in return. "Oh come on, you're so into each other. Look, even miss cool is blushing."

Unfortunately, she was right; Homura's cheeks were heating up despite her efforts in preventing that and now that this gentle girl she loved so much looked her way in wonder, the blush only intensified. Therefore, she did the only thing she could do in this situation: she turned away with her hair flying around her figure and steadied her voice... at least that worked. "We should get going."

She could only guess what Kyoko was doing behind her back, at least nothing that included words. Homura sighed inwardly.

It was already difficult enough to deal with Lilly's teasing and that came from her very self who shared her deep affection for Madoka. There might really be the point where she cracked open if it continued like that.

"Anyway, nice move to tell this Sayaka-girl to stay with Mami. She'll be grateful for the company."

The time travler just nodded at the compliment. This was almost the exact reason she did it since going by past experiences, Tomoe Mami took a severe blow to her understanding of this world from learning about what a Soul Gem was for. The same went for Miki Sayaka. So to have both of them try to cheer up each other was a good idea, at least in her opinion.

"Neither of them should stay alone at a time like this."

The others might think that she was looking out for those two out of sympathy but in fact, Homura was just making sure both of them could survive. Manipulating them as much as she could without her efforts being noticed.

"Yes, I agree... Thank you, Homura-chan. That was really kind of you."

As she casted a glance backwards, she saw Madoka smiling at her gratefully. However, the smile vanished soon after and was replaced by a more sorrowful expression. "Though... you two seem to be alright with what happened to you..."

"Nah", Kyoko interrupted the quizzical silence as she started to eat another stick of Pocky. "You know, I freaked out the day that Witch told me, but then I realised something: what the hell should I care? Actually, that whole 'not dying'-thing's quite useful. Helps me to survive."

Homura almost sighed hearing that explanation... again. This might be the twentieth time. However, there was no helping it even if it hurt to hear something like this over and over. The only things she could barely bear were what Madoka said on most occassions.

"I already told you my opinion. I came to terms with what I am long ago."

"That reminds me...", the redhead noted while walking closer to her. Homura could almost feel her curiousity... or her breath. "Mind telling me what wish you made?"

At first, the time traveler wanted to decline flat-out but then again, she needed this girl as an ally... so she decided for a slightly less offensive course of action; while turning her head, she stopped for a moment which resulted in Kyoko almost running into her. After eyeing the other girl for a few seconds, she nodded. "I may tell you... after Walpurgis."

That gained both girls' attention, seeing that Madoka never heard the name before and Kyoko displayed a lot of surprise. "So that's what you're gearing up for?"

Homura just flicked her hair once more and got moving again. "Yes."

"Holy... figures that you're holding out with Mami then. Walpurgis..."

"Um..."

Of course she would ask. The raven-haired girl did not even wait until the pinkette actually voiced the question, although she did not feel well in explaining. If she did not however, someone else might do so... which was worse. "The Queen of Witches will arrive in Mitakihara at the end of this month. Her power is enormous but with two... or three veterans, there should be no problem to take her down."

She added the second number with a sideway glance at Kyoko, who paid it no mind. But even then, Homura's confidence was mostly an act. She was well aware of the fact that this battle would be hard even if she could preserve the other Magical Girls until then. If she told Madoka about her worries however, the kind girl would insist on helping them.

This must not happen.

"I... see. So you will be fine?"

She did not manage more than nodding slightly. Even if Homura herself was alright afterwards, there was not much to do. Watching over her friend until she turned nineteen, then end her own existence. Once Madoka was free of this curse called being a Magical Girl, her mission was complete.

But in this case... what will happen to Lilly?

Maybe the Witch would simply stop existing. But... would this be what she wanted as well? Most likely, seeing that they were the same.

However, there was definitely trouble coming their way. Kyoko took the worst timing possible to tell everyone about what she knew. As it looked, Sayaka had another two days at most before her soul gave in to the grief that would befall her now.

. . .

"Thank you for letting me stay."

The younger girl's voice sounded tired as she sat down again and put away her cellphone. Her junior just called her parents to tell them she would stay at Mami's place and now they just sat there in silence. But this was not good.

What are you doing, you idiot? Stop sulking and cheer her up!
Mami found it hard to listen to herself seeing just how shocked she still was. The blonde learned about a lot of things Kyubey never told her before in the last two weeks. Just what other secrets was he keeping from her?

It was of no use. The veteran shook her head a few times to clear her thoughts before putting on a gentle smile. She was thankful that Miki stayed with her so that she was not all by herself. "It is my pleasure to have you, Miki-san."

Which it was indeed. She rarely had any guests at all and Homura never stayed over night. She worried over her little sister, after all.

Akemi-san is a nice girl despite my first impression...

When they first met, Mami really thought that they would become enemies. But instead, they became partners. She already grew fond of this quiet girl after having seen the kindness under this cold shell a few times.

Her thoughts wandered for a while but she returned to the situation at hand eventually. With an actually cheerful smile -not a forced one like before-, the blonde got to her feet and wandered over towards the kitchen. "How about I make something for dinner? Do you have any preferences?"

It seemed to work; Sayaka's expression became less heavy and she actually looked up with a small smile. "I don't really care. Besides, I'm sure everything you cook is delicious, Mami-san."

The praise had her smile widen. "I am giving it my best, then."

She rarely had the chance to cook for others, so she would give it her all.

.

. . .

.

Once they separated from this Madoka-girl at her home, the two Magical Girls took another path that should lead to the Akemis' place. While they did, Kyoko wondered whether she should start to talk to Homura. She was not as talkative as Yuri but the Witch did not speak all that much, either. Well, the redhead barely cared.

"Mind telling me something?"

The other girl shook her head but made a remark before any questions could be asked: "Not out here. We can talk once we reach my place."

"Again with the secrecy, huh?"

But then again, she could understand that... Homura lived with a Witch and in Mami's town on top of that. Of course she was cautious. It was annoying but at least she would get her answers.

On the other hand though, Kyoko really wondered why this Magical Girl looked just like Yuri. Had the Witch taken her shape? Why did she even wonder, she could ask them soon. Right now, the redhead was a bit more curious about this pinkette. She seemed to live an ordinary life in an ordinary house, so why was she having so much potential?

From what she saw in her... 'career', the girls that would become the strongest Magical Girls were those that either had or would have trouble in their life just as Kyoko herself had.

"So, what's with that girl? Any idea why she's so strong?"

She thought that a safe question. Even if Kyubey was stalking them, it was only natural to ask for something as unnatural as that and it appeared as if Homura thought so as well because she answered. "I'm not sure myself. Generally, the amount of misfortune one has to carry indicates the potential, but with her... not even Kyubey knows, I think. Madoka is just your average, fourteen-year-old girl. With a loving family and friends, no actual problems."

As they went, Kyoko put her arms behind her head. This sounded fishy to her. "You sure? What if that 'loving family'-stuff's just an act and they treat her like shit?"

She was not sure because of the darkness, but she thought she saw Homura flinch. The other girl did not look at her but her voice had become a bit colder than before. "If they did, I would have taken care of that."

Well, she obviously hit a nerve with that, although the redhead was not sure why; that was just an idea, after all. However, it told Kyoko something else that had her smirk widen.

"So I was right. You're totally into her."

She was not even given a look once again and there was no response, either. Unfortunately for Homura though, that did not bother the redhead much as she just continued to comment on that. "But why're you holding back, huh? If you want her, then take her. It's that ea..."

She did not came to finish as slender fingers took a firm grip of her collar and she came face to face with the other veteran. The look in Homura's eyes had changed from blank to burning and now the redhead saw herself in serious trouble. "You're pushing it too far, Sakura Kyoko. If you talk of Madoka like an object any longer, I will kill you here and now."

The sudden change in behaviour surprised even her. Okay, she went too far but how should she know that the reaction would be this sudden?

So instead of gaping at the raven-haired girl like an idiot, Kyoko raised her hands apologeptically. "You're right, sorry. Shouldn't have said that."

Of course, had this been her own territory, she might have said something more provoking... but Mami was around as well. So if she got on bad terms with Homura, she blew her chances of getting along with her former partner.

After a few more seconds of silent glaring, the hand was taken from her and the other girl's indifference returned. She did not say any more as she turned around and continued to walk while Kyoko sighed and followed, hoping that the invitation was not withdrawn because of that.

"You're fortunate, though."

"Huh? What?"

The sudden remark confused her for a moment, but the other girl quickly elaborated. "I can forgive your behaviour even if it gets insulting. Had you said something like this with any of the other Magical Girls or Yuri around, you would be in serious trouble."

She figured something like that already. That Sayaka seemed to be friends with the pinkette and Mami at least liked her. But then again, Kyoko did not dislike her, either. Especially when there were only that many people that treated her like a normal person despite how she looked like. Actually, that was rather rare, now that she thought about it.

The redhead wanted to say something but the ringing noise of a cellphone stopped her from doing that. As Homura pulled the device out of her pocket and answered the call, she wondered just who would call her this late. Well, maybe her not-girlfriend wanted to talk to her?

"What is it, Yuri?"

Or not. That was the Witch calling.

A few seconds passed as the raven-haired girl listened to whatever was told. "I see. We will go there, then. Besides, put out the dishes for one more."

Some more silence followed by a short "Yes" and Homura hung up. As she pocketed her cellphone, she cast a glance on Kyoko. "A Witch not too far from our route."

Now that was good news at least. Looked like Yuri could not go herself with Kyubey closeby.

"Fine with me. You think you can keep up?"

The other veteran only flicked her hair and replied with a short "Yes". Maybe she should be glad that it was nothing more?

Yes, she had been threatened not too long ago but a bit of teasing should be fine, especially when it was not Madoka-related.

Guess I really underestimated her feelings... not going to make fun of that again...

She preferred not to die after all and while Sakura Kyoko was confident in her own abilities, she knew that there was no chance to win against a total unknown that could get backup from Mami and this powerful Witch. Additionally, there was no reason to get into a fight over something as unimportant as this. Homura seemed to accept her as she was, just like her "sister" did.

Now that I think about it... quite a lot of people that don't just judge me...

She shrugged it off and continued to walk after Homura. It was a pleasant surprise for a change but nothing she would count on. Kyoko only counted on herself, after all.

.

.

.

Once they closed in on a more dilapidated district -which Homura told her was a construction site as of now-, their Soul Gems took the trace as well. The Witch was not far away anymore.

However, there was a surprise when they went further into the area; a raven-haired girl in a black dress was waiting for them, her purple eyes illuminated by a streetlight as she turned their way upon hearing the two sets of footsteps. Kyoko mostly eyed the dress as she never saw it before. It suited the Witch, but why did she wear it right now? And why was she here to begin with?

"Good evening, Homura, Kyoko. I heard that there was a hunt, so I came out to watch."

The redhead just nodded while Homura already transformed. Once the purple light stopped engulfing her, the Kyoko took a look at her clothes and raised an eyebrow. "Why's your outfit looking like a school uniform?"

Now both girls regarded her with a momentarily confused look before Homura looked down at what she wore. With the purple skirt and the white top with those also purple shoulder pads, it did look like a uniform, only those diamond-shaped things on her tights put it off a bit.

Her question was not answered, but this time both the Magical Girl and the Witch seemed to be rather clueless themselves. Now that Kyoko could actually compare them as they walked next to each other, they really seemed completely the same. The only difference was that Yuri had a smirk on her lips and wore her hair in a ponytail just like the redhead did. But she still wondered... "Oi, Yuri! What're you even doing out here?"

As she asked, the other 'girl' turned her head and tilted it quizzically. "Didn't I say that already? I want to watch you kill the Shadow Witch, Elsa Maria."

That sounded just as stupid as before. "That makes no sense. Why should you just watch?"

The remark only made the Witch smirk and there was -once again- no reply, at least not from her. Homura told her, though: "Because the only way she can help us is by setting the whole barrier ablaze, which in turn would kill us as well."

Fire it was, then? The thought made her shiver considering her own experiences with that particular element. That would at least explain why Kyoko never saw the Witch fight before, though. But why would she need to burn the whole barrier? Wasn't there a method that would not take up so much energy?

Well, who am I to criticise?

With that thought, she shrugged and continued to walk after the other two. Strangely enough, there was no talking for a while. She guessed that they would at least exchange information or something like that, but no. They just walked. That was okay, but Kyoko still wondered a bit.

. . .

Little did the redhead know that the two 'siblings' were actually talking for a while now. Homura summarised what happened at Mami's place and Lilly had a hard time suppressing a facepalm.

"Just how stupid is this girl? I thought she was smarter..."

At her exasperated question, the Magical Girl replied as coolly as usual: 'This is not related to her being stupid. She just didn't know what this would lead to.'

At this point, it started to unnerve her that Homura would not be at least a bit angry even when she knew that her 'sister' had to stay calm or her Soul Gem would get tainted. However, no such limitations weighed down the Witch so she happily took the chance to boil with rage. Their carefully crafted plan was once again ruined because of one minor detail. Miki Sayaka would die.

'Though I wonder why you told her in the first place.'

She did not tell Homura before but the question had her sigh rather heavily nonetheless. "I wanted to find out what happened if I told her bit by bit. How should I know that she comes to spill it to everyone the moment I'm not looking?"

Now it was Homura's turn to sigh. 'It can't be helped, then. We have to make do with...'

"What're you two sighing about?", the girl in question demanded to know as both Akemi's turned their heads towards her. She paused for a moment as she saw Lilly's eyes burning with anger but then just raised an eyebrow. "What's that for? Did I do something?"

Of course she did! She ruined everything!

However, the Witch would not put it like that. Instead, she looked around carefully and kept her eyes open for every patch of white fur, but found none. That was reassuring but not a proof, so she could not be sure that Kyubey was not around and as long as Tomoe Mami was alive, she would not take that risk.

"Oi, stop ignoring me!"

The Witch paid Kyoko no mind as she calmed her tingling senses. Homura already held out her hand and opened the barrier they had been walking towards. The girls walked quite a bit as they were conversing, she noticed.

As her 'sister' was busy, Lilly turned her head again and motioned for the entrance. "I will tell you once we're inside."

With that said, she stepped into the eldritch realm and found herself in a world coloured only in black and white. There were no Familiars around, but she could sense some of them being not too far away.

As a means to preserve energy, the human-shaped Witch closed the bond so that Homura would not pull her into time stops before turning around to point a finger at Kyoko who just wandered into the barrier herself. "And now to you."

She just got a raised eyebrow in return again. "What's with me?"

Forcefully breathing deeply, Lilly tried to calm down. Being too angry would not help her cause. It relaxed her at least slighty even when she was far from actually being calm and her voice was full of venom: "I don't like Miki one bit, but I still needed her for the plan. Now you killed her."

Of course, wording her accusation like this was still a bit immature but she was not in the mood to actually explain anything. Thus, the redhead became confused. "What're you talking about? I haven't killed anyone!"

But before the Witch could continue with accusing the other girl, Homura put a hand on her shoulder to make her stop. "What she means is that Miki Sayaka is currently in a... bad position. Just a few hours ago, she learned that a close friend likes the same boy and now she was told that her soul is no longer in her body. She will become suicidal on Monday at last if not sooner."

Now it was Kyoko who sighed as red light engulfed her and she transformed into her own attire and brandished her spear for a moment before shouldering it. "I see. Sorry for that, then. Didn't know this would happen."

"It's fine", Lilly replied while pinching the bridge of her nose. "She was a lost cause since the moment she contracted. That girl is not made for this life but the main problem is that Madoka will most likely make a wish to save her once Kyubey talks to her about that... So I have to kill her off before that happens."

As the two 'siblings' exchanged a glance, Kyoko looked from one to the other. "And that will help? What about that revenge-contracting-thing?"

Being reminded of that possibility, the Witch shook her head. "That won't happen. I already have an idea..."

It was not even a bad one. Though... if she was caught, then her cover was blown... but on the other hand, it was a risk she assumed she had to take lest Madoka would do something reckless.

"Whatever, I don't really care anyway. And what's with that Witch?"

She motioned for their surroundings. They stood at the foot of a large statue and a small entrance led inside. There was an empty field around it but that housed nothing besides a few minions that were not relevant, seeing that they did not notice them.

"Elsa Maria is at the top of this statue. I can sense her up there."

Lilly pointed upwards at a bright light that shone into the distant sky, the only colour that differed from their monochrome surroundings.

She could have actually used this as a beacon to fly up there, but her Telekinesis still used up a lot of energy, so she would not do that. Especially when Mortal World's Witch had no intention to participate in the fighting. Instead, she had Kyoko go first to hold back the minions so that Homura could shoot them. Her 'sister' did not even need to stop time as those snakes simply charged head-on and most were struck down by the redhead's spear anyway.

Once the first wave was defeated, the two veterans nodded at each other with their previous problems almost forgotten. There was a Witch to kill and they concentrated on that. However, Lilly did not.

"By the way, Kyoko: why were you telling Mami about the Soul Gems again?"

As they examined the room, they found a set of stairs leading upwards. While they walked, the older girl answered her. "You know, that's actually none of your business. But since you told me in the first place... well..."

She kept quiet for a moment, apparently thinking about how to phrase what she was to say. "I haven't been on good terms with Mami for almost a year now... so I wanted to use that as... you know, a peace offering."

The unexpected explanation had both Akemi's look at Kyoko. However, as Homura wanted to speak, they both felt a hand on their shoulders when the Witch used them as support for a larger jump. She rose upwards, catched a falling shadow-snake and landed about three meters in front of them with the thrashing minion firmly in her grasp. As she turned around, she presented her catch. "Look what crept at the ceiling."

The Magical Girls eyed the creature, then the Witch that held it. Kyoko sighed and shrugged. "Guess we've to be more careful. Couldn't you've told u... the hell?"

The sudden change in tone was because of a simple fact: Lilly had bitten off the minion's head, inhaling the black smoke that remained when it dissipated. Those creatures would just disappear normally but since the human-shaped Witch worked with her own magic on holding them, their essence remained long enough so she could eat it. This was way faster than eating one after the other as well, a technique she thought of in Kazamino.

"What? I'm hungry!"

Kyoko's stupefied look had her smile inwardly. As it seemed, this girl did not expect her to be as pragmatic about her food as she was. However, Homura chimed in: "You can discuss that later. Besides, choosing this particular information as a peace offering was not the best idea after all."

They only got grumbling in return as the other girl pushed her way past them and walked ahead again. "Yeah, I understand. Stupid Kyoko, not telling other people stupid secrets... just shut the hell up."

The next unlucky minion that crossed their way at the end of the staircase was butted into the wall with the flat side of the spear and the redhead kicked it until it dissipated.

.

.

.

They went through several rooms connected by staircases but there were none that led higher at one point. The snakes became less and less with every level they cleared, which was rather different from how minions were organised normally.

However, they tried to ambush them rather regularly so Lilly's senses helped them out quite a few times. Even when she decided not to help, she had her pride on the line if it came to noticing and diffusing traps since she was a prodigy with that herself after all. At least she thought so. Up until now, there was no need to utilise that knowledge.

"So... when there's no way upwards... shouldn't the Witch be around here?"

She cast a glance at the red Magical Girl before shaking her head. Elsa Maria was always at the top of this statue. However, the barrier was entered through the top in most timelines so that the attackers landed on the head of the statue anyway, which resulted in Lilly not actually knowing what to do. At least Homura seemed to feel the same way; she was checking the walls and sighed. "This is a trap, too. We need to climb up on the outside."

"That at least explains why there are so few minions... but why don't we turn this disadvantage into an advantage?"

Now both girls turned to Lilly, who smirked deviously. "How sad that this statue won't fall down even if we blow up the base. Buut... we can blast a hole in the wall and start climbing from up here."

Her 'sister' just nodded and continued to check the walls, this time not for secret passageways but weak spots instead. Kyoko smirked at her. "Good idea, actually. But what with the minions on the other side?"

To that, the Witch smirked and shook her head. "I just go and look for the spot where the smalles amount is nearby. Whatever comes through will be shredded by you."

"Sounds good to me."

With that, the redhead sat down and started to eat a few candy bars. She could not do much as long as the Akemi's were working, anyway. Even Lilly understood that. However, Mortal World's Witch had a better idea after a few minutes and smirked as she felt her heart beat under her command, releasing magic several times and thus, strongly strengthening her aura. The other two looked her way when their Soul Gems started to shine a lot brighter than before.

"What're you doing?", Kyoko wanted to know as she eyed the Witch with merely curiousity. The redhead apparently lost her suspicion, but that could also be because Lilly never told her exactly how her magic worked. Had she known that a single spark of fire could potentially be her end, she would have eyed her a lot more warily. Homura on her part was just waiting for an explanation. She already knew that Lilly liked to boast with good ideas, but that was obvious anyway. The human-shaped Witch never stopped smirking, though.

"Witches react to Magical Girls because they are intruders, the same goes for another Witch that enters their barrier. However, there is as much rivalry between Witches as is between Magical Girls, so the minions will all gather on this side of the statue to get to me. You can safely blow a hole in the wall opposite to me"

Now both girls regarded her with raised eyebrows, though Kyoko smirked as well. "So you're using those rivalries to your advantage?"

With a slight nod, Lilly patted the wall behind her. "I do. And before you ask how I want to get moving again... either I wait here until you kill Elsa Maria, or I weaken my aura and follow you, whichever you prefer."

Now that even the other Witch could feel her presence, she noticed something strange; there was almost no reaction except...

"Wait a second..."

As she closed her eyes, she knew that she was looked at again. Then a kind voice reached her from further upwards. It did not actualy speak, but its intentions became apparent once it echoed through Lilly's body and touched her Grief Seed: Elsa Maria invited her to pray with her.

"Huh..."

With a sigh, she sunk to the ground to think, one hand on her forehead. She never talked to a Witch before and none of them ever tried to talk to her. She just killed them just as they tried to kill her. But this one seemed to be different.

"Oi, you okay?"

With another sigh, the Witch opened her eyes and looked up only to see both Kyoko and Homura coming her way. However, they stopped dead in their tracks when she told them. "Yes... but I was just invited to a fair."