The day ended in the worst possible way. Hitori and Homura had agreed on her procedure: Homura would try to approach Mami to try to convince her or stop her from fighting with Charlotte. Hitori would be in charge of protecting them from any threat and, if she could stop Mami, protecting her and ensuring that she did not escape from her. However, nothing worked. Homura was caught by Mami in the witch's lair. Hitori, for her part, decided not to act. If she could somehow convince Madoka not to become a magical girl, Mami must die. Thus, Madoka would understand that being a magical girl is worse than she imagines.
- Why didn't you act, Hitori?
Hitori remained silent.
- It's the only way to more easily convince Madoka not to make the contract.
- Don't you see how much she suffers?
- Madoka's suffering is indifferent to me, Homura. If she must suffer in this way so that she does not make the contract, so be it.
Hitori was right. Homura knew that whatever happened, Madoka would end up becoming a magical girl. The same thing always happened. However, Homura couldn't accept seeing Madoka suffer. She couldn't stand seeing the girl she loves so broken.
- You're right, Hitori. You're right... but don't you feel anything for her?
Homura said, clearly uneasy.
- Although I feel bad for her, I would do anything to fulfill my mission.
- And which one is it?
- Help you, Homura. If you give in to despair, you will become a witch. I don't want that to happen to you.
Homura couldn't argue at that. She knew it very well. Again, Hitori knowing even more than she lets on.
- Anyway... what should we do now?
- Recruit Kyoko. Since Mami died, Kyoko will come to take her place. We have to convince her to fight by our side.
- Good idea, but you forget about Sayaka. If Sayaka becomes a magical girl, sooner or later she will transform into a witch.
-Then let's try to stop Sayaka from making the contract. If we succeed, we will have Kyoko on our side. At least until we defeat Walpurgis.
Homura nodded. However, the plan was risky. If they already had trouble preventing Madoka from becoming a magical girl, trying to do the same with Sayaka would be even more exhausting. Furthermore, Homura was beginning to doubt Hitori's intentions. While the two were allies, Homura knew nothing of Hitori, and she refused to talk about her own past. What was she planning? Is Homura so important to Hitori that she doesn't care in the least that Madoka suffers, as long as she doesn't make a contract with Kyubey?
- Hitori, what was your wish?
- My wish?
- Yeah. You became a magical girl after making a contract with Kyubey, like all of us. What was it that you wanted? Why can you also freeze time?
Hitori thought about it for a moment and spoke uncomfortably.
- I do not want to talk about it.
- Trust me.
Hitori calmed down a bit, but she was still uneasy.
- A friend died because of me. Someone very dear to me. If only I could turn back time...
Homura remained silent.
- So…
-Yes. I was so desperate to save her life... not only her, but also my family...
- Hitori, I... I don't know what to tell you.
-And you wouldn't have to tell me anything either... I just... it was Walpurgis. The day Walpurgis appeared, my entire family died at her hands...
Homura hugged Hitori.
- I understand you. I totally understand you. I did the same for Madoka...
Hitori smiled.
- Do you know why I'm so interested in helping you, Homura? Do you know why you are more important to me than Madoka? – Hitori sighed. – I know you want to destroy Walpurgis to save Madoka. That's why I came to you. Together we can defeat Walpurgis. You can save Madoka, and I can save my family...
They continued hugging for several minutes, until Hitori got up from the bench.
- Homura, I know you still don't fully trust me. But I want you to promise me that we will stay together until that day comes.
Homura nodded.
- I promise, Hitori.