As N Approaches Infinity

by Corisanna

Despairing as yet another timeline goes horribly wrong, Homura wanders into Karakura. There she discovers that while the spiritually-aware people of Karakura were distracted by Ichigo Kurosaki and Xcution, Kyubey contracted the Kurosaki sisters as magical girls. Drawing the attention of the shinigami could be just the advantage Homura needs.

52. EINUNDFÜNFZIG

A/N: boop

I love your reviews, analyses, and guesses. (*_*)

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EINUNDFÜNFZIG

TIMELINE X + N + 1

Homura felt better when she woke in the morning. Though she was awake in time to go to school, she decided to stay home and work on her arsenal. The presence of the new magical girl who seemed to want to fight her made it imperative that she be prepared for anything. Besides, it was just a half-day and she could do the classwork in her sleep at this point. Remembering the previous day's conversation, she texted Madoka and Sayaka to say she was going to give her "injury" an extra day to heal and called the school to report her absence and repeat the cover story. Sayaka replied with an emoji-ridden expression of concern and encouragement. Madoka replied that she would bring her lunch when the half day was over so they could all eat together. Homura paused thoughtfully, then accepted.

Yoruichi was lazily reading her phone over her shoulder as Homura ate breakfast. "When are you leaving for Karakura?"

"I am not going to Karakura," Homura said distractedly.

The cat straightened into alertness. "You're supposed to do another briefing and get instruction."

"I have a phone."

The cat's tail lashed irritably. "It's not the same and you know it."

Homura looked at her darkly. "I am not leaving Madoka and Sayaka alone to be preyed upon by the Incubator like last weekend and I do not know the new magical girl's intentions. I am staying here."

After a minute of consideration, Yoruichi conceded the point with an inclination of her chin. "Call Kisuke to tell him."

"Fine," Homura sighed.

Kisuke Urahara skilfully attempted to wheedle her into doing the trip anyway, which Homura had expected. She stonewalled him sullenly.

"I asked you before and I'll ask you again: How do you expect me to be able to help you if you distance yourself from my base of operations?"

"As I said before and will say again, you are an intelligent man," Homura replied. "I presume you are capable of finding a solution."

In the pause that ensued, Homura could practically feel that he was pursing his lips in consternation. Yoruichi chuckled lowly.

Urahara tersely said, "I've been working on an idea, but it will still take some time."

"That is not my problem," Homura said.

"It kinda is," Yoruichi drawled. "You have a limited window in which to sort all of this out before you you could be forced to turn back and teach us everything all over again. Four weeks left, now. Tick-tock."

Homura pursed her own lips in consternation. Point taken.

"I admit your concerns are legitimate," Urahara sighed. "I'll rearrange some of the lessons into reading material with prompts for Yoruichi to verbally explain certain points in more detail. And send me the pictures you took of the new girl. I'll see if I can find anything about her. Ah, speaking of research! I traced Noriko Chiasa's progress from her school, into a section of old buildings around a park with no cameras, picked her up getting chased by Yoruichi, into the alley, and then nothing. There was a security camera on the one loading dock but it shorted out as Chiasa turned the corner."

"That's another convenient coincidence that seems to keep popping up," Yoruichi said lowly. "Reiatsu feedback powerful enough to mess with human electronics?"

"That would be my guess," Urahara agreed. "Like a spiritual EMP. Do you care about the science behind that?"

"Nope," Yoruichi answered as Homura shrugged.

"I poked around the businesses and found a couple work orders for faulty lighting at the ice rink and completely dead everything at the dry cleaners. By the blueprints in the city's files and Yoruichi's description, Chiasa was pretty close to their breaker box. So..."

"That is good to know," Homura murmured.

"Oho, you sound like you have an idea," Urahara crooned.

"Perhaps," Homura said blandly.

After tidying up, Homura manifested her shield and pulled out her haul from the previous night. She sorted the items methodically, lining them up in neat rows on the floor as she paired weapons with related ammunition. Once it was all set out, Homura sat on the floor and worked her way down each line, loading and readying each weapon and storing them in her shield for quick access in battle without the bother of loading on the fly. Homura was pleased that Yoruichi knew to keep her mouth shut and stay out of the way when she was handling weapons. In some early timelines when she had done this in front of Sayaka or Kyōko, they would babble or distract her by moving around or poking things.

Well, Kyōko did most of the poking. Once Sayaka contracted, she learned to be wary of munitions because her largely mêlée style got her up close and personal with them in battle. Kyōko was more reckless in that respect.

When Homura stored the last set of weaponry, Yoruichi asked, "Were you low on the grenades and RPGs too, or...?"

"No. But if they are there, I may as well take them," Homura answered.

"I'm getting the impression that you could supply an army," Yoruichi said drily.

"Fighting Walpurgisnacht requires an army's worth of weaponry," Homura said with a shrug.

"...Right."

Yoruichi was silent for a few minutes as Homura bustled around preparing a tray of tea and cookies for her friends, who would arrive within the hour. Homura was mildly frustrated— she did not have Mami's flair for artful food arrangement. And she swore she could feel the cat watching her struggle. Would having a normal cat be the same way?

"Hey, Akemi," Yoruichi said. "There's supposed to be another disappearance today, right?"

"Ah." Homura manifested her shield and retrieved the calendar of disappearances and strange incidents Urahara had put together for her based on the infodump from his alter in the previous timeline. "Yes. Saki Yamaha. Kazamino. Her body should be found in an amusement park tomorrow." She looked at the cat with narrowed eyes. "I think it would be suspicious for you to be present at another potential turning."

Yoruichi purred. "I was going to say the same thing." She sounded quite pleased. Practically smug. Homura raised an eyebrow, but the cat ignored the implied question. "Not sure if you going could also be suspicious. If Mami Tomoe was on your side, it would be less suspicious for her to venture into Kazamino. And less dangerous, maybe— you said she had a preexisting friendship with Kyōko Sakura, right?"

Homura hummed doubtfully. "There is a rift between them at this point, so I do not know."

"Ah, well," Yoruichi sighed. "I guess just go hunting tomorrow and hope you run into the Witch. You can never have enough spare Grief Seeds."

Looking at the calendar, Homura said, "I will search the area after the announcement of her body's discovery airs on the morning news. The Incubator probably knows I know the truth. If it confronts me, I can say I search whenever I hear about a girl dying mysteriously."

"Works for me. Then the other girl— Momoe? She's Monday by the hospital, right?"

"Yes." Homura looked up and pursed her lips. "I may have to find a way to accompany Miki to the hospital as Madoka usually does. If I can get a Grief Seed and time it right, I may be able to keep Momoe from turning."

"Mind the cameras," Yoruichi drawled.

"We just spoke about that," Homura said with a dismissive wave of her hand. Yoruichi cooed her gleeful understanding.

Any further conversation was interrupted by the doorbell. Madoka and Sayaka were cheerfully waiting on her doorstep.

"Look, Stranger Danger!" Sayaka crowed, brandishing a grocery bag. "I'm the one giving the candy this time!"

Madoka giggled and held up a bakery box. "I got us a little cake from the usual place."

Homura sighed fondly and shook her head. "Come in."

Lunch was pleasant. Homura was content to quietly let Sayaka and Madoka's bubbly chatter wash over her. Somehow, they both understood what she was doing. Not unusual for Madoka, but somewhat surprising for Sayaka. At least at this point in the timeline. Homura didn't miss the blue-haired girl's occasional serious glances her way, but chose not to acknowledge them. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what was rattling around in Sayaka's head today.

"So, are you staying here this weekend?" Sayaka finally prodded her when they broke out the cake.

"Yes." Homura carefully set slices onto small plates, face serious as she concentrated. "I do not want to leave you two alone in Mitakihara. That is to say, I do not want to be far away should you find yourselves in trouble. Whether it is a labyrinth or the Incubator or— ah."

"What-ah?" Sayaka asked, leaning her chin on her hands and watching Homura's face.

Homura frowned and lay the knife down, then put the slices of cake in front of her friends. "Something disturbing happened last night. I want to warn you."

Sayaka snapped upright again, ignoring the cake. "What?! Is that why you didn't come to school in the morning?"

"Yes."

Madoka nibbled on the tines of her fork. "What happened? Are you hurt?"

"I was not injured, no." Homura sighed, considered her words, and continued, "You recall that magical girls can challenge one another over territory or limited resources, yes? As I discussed with Mami Tomoe."

"Yeeeeeeaaaaahhhhhhhh," Sayaka said suspiciously.

"I know the two most active magical girls in this area by reputation. One is Mami Tomoe. The other is... I have heard that her name is Kyōko. I saw her from a distance once. Dark red hair, dark red costume, almost always seen snacking on something or other— from what I have heard. I have heard that she can be extremely aggressive, but... not necessarily terrible. From rumors, it depends on if you manage to offend her somehow. If you do, then she can be vicious."

"Uh, what offends her?" Sayaka asked warily.

Homura pursed her lips. How much would it be safe to say? She hadn't really planned for the conversation to go this way— she thought she'd mention Kyōko in passing and move on. Maybe she could do something to keep Sayaka from butting heads with Kyōko as badly as the girl often seemed to manage. Sayaka tended to blow up in rage first then accept Kyōko later after she got more information. Maybe if Homura got the blow-up portion done before the two even met...? Tricky.

"It is... hard to say, having never met her myself," Homura answered slowly. Distantly, she didn't like that lying came so easily these days. "I have heard that she is very cynical about our... duties. That something terrible happened to her. That she fights off idealistic magical girls who are more concerned with fantasy than reality to teach them a lesson. That she sometimes allows Familiars to roam until they consume enough souls to spawn a new Witch, then defeats the Witch for its Grief Seed."

Madoka gasped softly. Sayaka scowled and snarled, "Then she is terrible!"

Homura frowned and tented her fingers together on the table. "It may not be as black and white as it appears at first glance, Miki."

"You're defending her letting— letting those things— letting them eat people?! That's pure evil! There's no excuse—!"

"Grow up," Homura snapped before she could stop herself. Sayaka reared back as though slapped. Homura huffed and massaged her closed eyes. "Miki. You must remember how badly our situation can force a magical girl's hand. Whether or not a girl knows her Soul Gem will turn into a Grief Seed if it is not cleansed, we all know that as it darkens, we struggle more. That its darkness is a deeply disturbing and dangerous thing. Our magic is more difficult to access. Battle requires more and more effort, which increases the amount of magic we need to accomplish the same things— a death spiral. We take more damage and heal more slowly. In short, we know that our chances of dying in battle rise apace of the darkening of our Gems. Many girls just do not know that there is a worse state beyond death for us. It is like slowly starving." She dipped her chin and looked up at Sayaka through her bangs. "It is one thing to talk of ideal standards for food when you are comfortable. When you are truly starving, it is madness to dismiss any food out of hand. Ideal standards mean little when you are trying to avoid death and have no safe options. In such circumstances, you may come to be grateful for even molding trash, no matter how disgusting. You may become desperate enough to steal food. Desperate enough to fight or kill for food. No matter what ideals you had before you could no longer afford to maintain them. There have even historically been incidents in which desperate humans resorted to cannibalism to survive. Even in the more recent past." And here she was using creepy moral relativist food metaphors like Kyōko. What had her life come to? She tilted her head and tried to be less cynical. Aim for sad? "Some people stick to principles even if it kills them. That can be noble. Many others compromise for the sake of staying alive. It is human nature. They may not even realize they are doing it. Have you never heard that one of the dangers of saving a drowning person is that they may drag you under them and drown you in their panicked effort to avoid death?"

And now she was using a metaphor about drowning to explain something to a girl whose Witch form was a mermaid. Sometimes Homura felt like her life had become a cosmic joke.

Sayaka's face was cycling through emotions. Hither and thither with a center at appalled and confused. She sputtered but could not summon words. Anger appeared frequently, as did hurt and doubt. Hopefully, that was a sign of thought beyond knee-jerk reaction level. Hopefully, Homura hadn't just broken the strange tie that had developed between them in this timeline. She was finding herself actually enjoying that tie. Cautiously, even uncertainly, but it was... nice.

Homura sighed heavily. "I am not saying that such survival tactics are admirable. Nor moral, or even desirable. I wish to stress that they are potentially understandable. Yes, there are some magical girls who are rotten to the core. But figuring out which magical girls enjoy it and which have had their hands forced by the system is not necessarily simple. I only ask that you pay very close attention to magical girls and accept that they likely fall into a shade of gray on a black to white scale."

"Even you?" Sayaka mumbled.

"Especially me," Homura replied tiredly. She took a deep breath and decided to up the ante. "Who knows? Maybe this Kyōko just needs the right sort of... support. Rumor says she was once Tomoe's partner. Do you think Tomoe is the type to associate with someone with no redeeming qualities?"

"N-no...," Sayaka said quietly.

Madoka gathered Yoruichi into her lap and solemnly said, "We'll have to keep an open mind. But be very careful."

Sayaka poked her cake with her fork, face troubled. "Ye-yeah."

"That is all I can ask of you," Homura said with a nod. "This is all a tangent, though. I need to warn you about a different magical girl who has appeared in this territory. One I have never seen or heard of before."

Madoka bit her lip. "Maybe Mami knows her?"

Tilting her head thoughtfully, Homura murmured, "Perhaps. I should approach Tomoe about this as a courtesy, anyway. This is technically her territory. She just does not particularly mind sharing if other girls are polite about it."

"So what's the big deal with this other magical girl?" Sayaka asked.

"I do not know her motives, but I believe she is dangerous," Homura answered.

"I thought we were supposed to keep an open mind," Sayaka grumbled.

"This one ambushed me without provocation," Homura said bluntly. She stared hard at Sayaka, hoping to get the seriousness across. "That is the most dangerous sort of magical girl. I was lucky that she is arrogant enough to grandstand before attacking. Had she wanted, she could have attacked me from above before I even knew I needed to defend myself. She had the high ground in a narrow space. I was distracted. I could be dead now." Seeing Sayaka and Madoka both had gone pale, Homura settled back and carefully used her fork to slice a bite from her cake. She had made her point.

"Okay, yeah, that sounds... really bad," Sayaka said shakily.

"What should we do?" Madoka asked.

"Be extremely cautious. I do not know why she approached me. I do not know if she will seek out potentials like you two or if she is just targeting those with existing contracts— or even if she is specifically targeting me. The two clues I have are that she knows my name and that she wanted to verify it. She said she wanted to label me correctly."

Face twisted in disgust, Sayaka said, "Wow, can she sound any more like a serial killer?"

Homura's lips quirked in a brief, grim smile. "Anyway. She had very long brown hair in a ponytail. She introduced herself as Ayase Sōju. Her magical girl costume was a long, frilly white dress with purple ribbons." She paused to chew her cake, running over potential problems in her head. If one unknown magical girl could show up, what ruled out others? After a sip of tea, she continued, "Actually, be careful with any girl with a silver ring on her hand. Like mine." She held out her left hand, fingers splayed to show her Soul Gem ring. "If you go near Shinchi, there is a magical girl there who seems extremely defensive of her territory. I do not know much about her aside from that. I was too far away to make out her hair color, but her costume is a short frilly blue dress and a marching band hat. If she confronts you, apologize and say you are not contracted and do not intend to challenge her. I think she may accept that. When she showed herself to me when I trespassed by accident, I bowed my apologies and left. She did not chase me."

"Well... that's good. I guess," Sayaka said uncertainly.

Homura nodded. "There are also magical girls to the north in Asunaro, but I know very little about them." She tapped her fingers on the table and slowly said, "Do not mention this to anyone, but there is some sort of spell over Asunaro. I am trying to figure out what it is."

"A spell?" Madoka said in surprise.

"Yes. The one time I crossed the city limits, it took a moment to notice the spell. It made me forget the Incubator." She forked another piece of cake and sourly said, "That is extremely dangerous for me. I will not go into Asunaro proper again until I figure out that spell."

"Did the Incubator do it?" Sayaka asked, voice gradually rising. "Did it do that to keep you from telling other girls about it?!"

"I do not know," Homura said quietly. "It does not fit with the pattern of behavior I have observed in it. It does not seem to particularly care if magical girls find out the truth, provided it happens after contracting. If a potential who is powerful enough finds out, it simply outright says to call on it if she thinks of a wish she would stake her soul on. If such a girl contracts, she is likely already in a distressed state. Distress and the truth often cause magical girls to decline faster, which works to its advantage."

"Then why is it being so damn cagey about it with Tomoe?" asked Sayaka.

"All I can do is guess," Homura said carefully. "The way it misled her about its injuries at Madoka's house... It may be trying to leverage Tomoe against me as a proxy. I would also not be surprised if it sees Tomoe as a useful recruitment tool to ensnare the two of you." She eyed them speculatively. "You were quite impressed by her in combat, were you not?"

Madoka and Sayaka glanced at each other, then their respective laps, blushing guiltily.

Homura made herself smile wryly. It bordered on a grimace. "Do not be ashamed. I have heard she is legitimately impressive. She would have to be, to survive as long as she has. And I doubt she has any idea she is being used. Her concern for you in the labyrinth was most likely genuine." After a long stretch of unhappily silent eating, Homura sighed. "I think we have spoken about enough serious business," Homura said as she pushed her hair back over her shoulder. "How is that boy doing, Miki?"

Sayaka's face lit up. "Guess what?!"

§ x § x §

After a long brainstorming session, Homura ate one of the dinners Madoka's father had packed for her and set out for Mami's apartment. Yoruichi followed at her heels, an insurance policy to drive away the Incubator if it was present. Mami's face was stunned when she opened the door.

"Good evening." Homura bowed slightly. "I apologize for bothering you. I need to pass a warning to you."

"About what?" Mami asked slowly. She glanced down when Yoruichi darted forward and curled around her ankles, purring.

"Business." Homura glanced down the hall and nodded to indicate Mami should look at the family several doors down. A harried mother was squabbling with her children. Potential witnesses to talk about magic. "May I come in?"

Mami frowned uncertainly, then nodded. "Of course."

Homura slipped off her shoes as Mami closed the door behind her. "I apologize for my cat. She follows me everywhere sometimes. Would you like me to put her back out?"

"No, no, she's fine," Mami said more warmly. Yoruichi purred more loudly and rubbed her face into Mami's leg. A smile ghosted across Homura's face at Mami's resulting giggle.

"I brought a gift," Homura said, holding up a cloth-wrapped bundle tied together with one of her old purple hair ribbons. "Cookies."

Mami smiled and accepted the package. "Thank you. Please, follow me."

Homura sat at the usual table while Mami, ever the perfect hostess, bustled in the kitchen and brought out two artfully-plated slices of some kind of fancy cake. I need to pay attention to how she does it sometime, Homura thought idly as she thanked the blonde. She deliberately took a bite as Yoruichi slunk under the table. The mutual acceptance of cookies and cake was akin to a truce ritual.

Mami watched her for a minute before setting fork to her own slice. "What kind of warning do you want to give me?" She was obviously weighing every aspect of Homura's appearance— probably watching her body language for signs of attack or dishonesty.

"Perhaps I should start with a question," Homura replied. "Do you know a magical girl who wears a frilly white dress with purple ribbons? She has long brown hair in a ponytail."

Mami frowned. "I don't think so."

"She said her name was Ayase Sōju."

Tapping a finger on her chin in thought, Mami said, "I don't recall hearing that name, even in rumors. Why?"

Homura lay her fork on her plate and clasped her hands together on the table. "She tried to attack me last night."

Mami's brows rose. "Go on."

"I was in an alley. I was not transformed. She descended in front of me, also not transformed. She knew my name, but said she wanted me to verify it so she could label me correctly. She then transformed."

Mami took a sip of tea, troubled. "Did you fight?"

"No, I escaped. I try to avoid unnecessary battles. I wanted more information on her motives and did not wish to draw attention from normal people," Homura answered. "I was lucky that she was so arrogant as to reveal herself before attacking. I fled south and waited to see if she would follow. She did not. She moved west." After a pause, she ventured, "I then encountered a magical girl in Shinchi. She made a display of challenge when I trespassed, but she did not chase me when I bowed at her and left."

"That would be Nonon," Mami murmured with a wave of her hand. "She's been a magical girl at least as long as I have. Probably longer. Her magical aspect is sound and music. She's highly experienced and viciously territorial but we worked out a border between our territories after several fights. She shouldn't follow you back here unless you provoke her."

Homura had known Mami had worked out deals like that before she had contracted, but had never cared about the other parties involved.

Mami looked down with her brow knit in thought and drummed her fingers on the table. "There are a pair of sisters a bit west of here, but I haven't seen them for a few weeks and neither fits the description," she murmured. "I know of other magical girls in the surrounding areas, but none of them match." She looked up at Homura and frowned. "She knew your name?"

"Yes. That concerns me. I... try to avoid becoming well-known."

"Could she have followed you from wherever you were before you came here?"

Homura couldn't come out and say that was impossible. "That would be extremely improbable. I went to great pains to obscure myself."

"Even from Kyubey?" Mami said in the same pensive tone. Fishing for information by surprise. Smart.

"Even from Kyubey," Homura agreed pleasantly. Nice try.

"Hmmmmm." Mami took another bite of cake and watched her guest carefully as she chewed. Homura patiently bore the scrutiny. "Why did you come to tell me about this, Miss Akemi?"

Homura mirrored her and resumed eating the cake. "I felt you needed to know about a potentially dangerous interloper of unknown origin."

A wry smile curled Mami's lips. "You realize you're also a mysterious interloper, do you not?"

Acknowledging the dig with a snobby inclination of her chin, Homura replied, "Perhaps. But I have no intention of challenging you for this territory or fighting you in anything but self-defense. I cannot say the same for this new girl."

Mami cocked her head curiously. "You sound... concerned?" She didn't quite succeed at concealing her hope.

"Yes. I do not want you to die," Homura said bluntly, focusing on her cake instead of her hostess' face. She never liked to see Mami vulnerable. It always struck her as wrong even though she knew the perfect confidence and nobility the girl projected was largely a mask. But the first dozen or so timelines in which she had effectively been Mami's apprentice had solidified that mask as the ideal Mami in her mind. Whenever Mami's vulnerability slipped out, it reminded her that her past self hadn't noticed anything amiss until the timeline in which Mami's mind had snapped.

She really wasn't a very good friend, was she?

"Why?"

Homura blinked out of her melancholy and looked up. "What?"

"Why?" Mami repeated, mystified. "Why do you care if I live or die?"

Homura stared at her in silence for several long minutes. She felt Yoruichi slink up into her lap but couldn't look away from Mami. Finally, she tiredly said, "I have seen too many magical girls die."

Mami's face went similarly solemn, but her eyes looked like she was trying to solve a puzzle.

Finishing her cake, Homura lay down her fork and gathered Yoruichi into her arms. As she rose, she said, "Be alert. Please keep your Soul Gem clean and stay safe. There is a paper with my number in the package I gave you. Call me if you encounter Sōju or hear more about her." She walked to the door and slipped her feet into her shoes, then looked back. Mami had half-risen from the table and looked confused. Homura bowed. "Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to speaking to you about other matters soon."

Mami stammered a reply, but Homura let herself out before she could be drawn back into conversation.

§ x § x §

Shortly after she returned to her house, Homura's phone started chiming with a flurry of incoming text messages— the group of everyone in the know had been told she wouldn't be visiting Karakura at their Saturday evening meeting. Homura wondered how Urahara had told them because not one of them challenged her decision. Orihime's messages were warmly encouraging and included an offer to come up and purify her Gem if need be. Isshin's messages read like a helicopter parent checking on their child at summer camp, starting serious and gradually slipping into silliness. Ichigo's were supportive with that same awkward offer to talk if she ever needed to, later followed by an offer to smash Isshin's phone. Karin and Yuzu peppered her with questions and chatter that became difficult to follow. When Karin finally asked if they could just call, Homura stared doubtfully from the phone to her windows. She could angle the screen away from view so the Incubator couldn't see who she was talking to if it was spying and had a way to see past the curtains, but if it was hanging around outside and she had the phone on, it might recognize their voices. She wasn't sure how good its hearing was.

"No worries," Yoruichi said lowly. Homura looked up to the shelf from which the cat had been reading over her shoulder. After stretching, the cat dropped from the shelf and said, "I'll go out and guard the house. Gimme a pillow to claw up so we can get covered in fluff and you can toss me out like you're angry. Just ignore all the pathetic meowing and scratching I do after."

"Why?"

Yoruichi hummed pleasantly. "You've earned a bit of downtime with the girls, even if it's remote." She winked and added, "Besides, clawing the little monster to shreds is fun. Let it come. Give me a great excuse to go at it. See if I can get both eyes this time."

After setting up the incident and some surprise clawing of her arms to make her genuinely angry when she tossed the black cat out the door by the scruff, Homura allowed the Kurosaki sisters to call her.

"Oh, wow, you totally sound like you need to bitch about something," Karin said gleefully. "Tell us, tell us!"

"Tell us, tell us!" Yuzu's voice echoed.

"Is it the violin twit?" Karin urged, voice thick with the craving for juicy gossip. "Or the Incubastard?"

A surprised, ugly laugh burst from Homura's mouth before she could quash it.

"Aw, yeah! I win! Told you I could make her laugh by calling it names! Right out the gate, too! Pay up, Yuz!"

Yuzu's voice carried a pout. "Aww, I thought it would have to be a happier topic."

"Never underestimate the uplifting power of pettiness, Yuzu!" Karin gloated. "Now, Homura! Let's get down to bitching about life!"

"Language, Karin!" Yuzu chided.

"Pfffffftttttt."

They spoke about all manner of things from serious magical girl business to mundane gossip into the wee hours of the morning. It was surprisingly easy to talk to them. Yuzu's cheer and Karin's sass made for a disarming back-and-forth balance. Plus she didn't have to pretend with them. She could compare this Sayaka to other Sayakas outside her own mind, express her frustration with changes she tried to make going oddly, and really just speak about time travel in general. It was a relief. Even talking to them by phone felt like they were right there with her instead of hours away. Was this what it was like to have a confidant? It had been so long since she felt like this with a Madoka who knew everything that she wasn't sure. Whether or not that was it, it was soothing to vent and be vented at.

Homura's sleep was actually deep and restful that night.

§ x § x §

Sayaka chewed on her pencil as she struggled with her English translation assignment. She was laying on her bed belly-down, head propped up on one hand as she shifted her scowl back and forth between the laptop with its translation prompts and her admittedly poor notes from class. Homura makes it look so easy when she helps me, she thought.

May I come in?

Sayaka stilled and slowly looked up and around her room at the "sound" of the androgynous voice of the Incubator in her head. Nothing. "Where are you?" she asked suspiciously.

Outside your window, the voice replied.

"Like that's not creepy," Sayaka muttered. Eyes narrowed, she stood and stalked to the nearest floor-to-ceiling window to tug aside the drapes. Nothing on the sill. She found it when she looked out the nearest window on the adjacent wall and pushed the drapes and curtains all the way open. The creature was perched in the very center of the sill as though it was perfectly normal for a catlike being to have reached an apartment building's fourth floor ledge with nothing to climb.

Good evening, Sayaka Miki! May I come in?

"No. Buzz off," she snapped.

I would like to speak with you without the interference of others.

Sayaka crossed her arms and glared at it. "So, what, it's my turn to get perved on? Not interested."

The creature approximated a frown. As I explained previously, I am incapable of—

"Whatever. Homura's right. You're totally a stalker."

That is precisely why I wish to speak with you alone, outside her influence, the Incubator said. Homura Akemi is affecting your perception of me. Her presence has not allowed you to form your own opinion of me.

"I dunno, man. You sure act like a stalker," she droned, unimpressed.

It blinked its beady red eyes up at her. Choosing to change the topic altogether, the Incubator said, I am curious what Homura Akemi told you about Soul Gems and Witches. You asked some interesting questions of Mami Tomoe when you visited her.

Sayaka shifted her stance, fists on her hips, and retorted, "What's it to you?"

I do not understand your question, it said in a way that reminded her of emotionless robots on television.

Rolling her eyes, she asked, "Why do you care?"

Her narrative may be inaccurate and dissuade you from considering a contract which could benefit you greatly.

"And you, too, right?" she parried. "I heard what Madoka said about contracts. You get something out of this whole thing and you aren't saying what it is."

It stared at her for a long minute, tail undulating behind it, then its body shifted to a different position to mirror an adjustment in the angle of its argument. Considering how pointed the questions were, I infer that you are aware of the tie between magical girls and Witches.

"Good for you, smartypants," Sayaka sneered. "Yeah, Soul Gems turn into Grief Seeds and magical girls turn into Witches. Why would I ever want to sign up for something like that?"

It didn't deny her statement and ignored her question. Obviously, you knew the answer to the questions when you asked them of Mami Tomoe.

"Obviously," Sayaka said with a more sarcastic roll of her eyes.

Then obviously you know that she is not aware of the truth. This truth upsets you. Do you think it would upset Mami Tomoe?

"Duh."

Well, then. I must thank you for urging her down the path to despair.

Sayaka blinked in surprise and knit her brow. "What do you mean?"

Mami Tomoe was blissfully ignorant. You have introduced her to doubt. She is not unintelligent. It is only a matter of time before she comes to the correct conclusion. As with many magical girls, the truth will accelerate her descent into despair. The Incubator tilted its head and crinkled its eyes in a mockery of a smile as dread rose in Sayaka's heart. I have been observing her for two years now. She has been so adept that I became convinced that she would be one of the rare girls to endure to adulthood. I believe you have successfully sabotaged that possibility. She will become a Witch much sooner than I had anticipated. It is much more efficient. Thank you!

She was going to be sick.

"Get out," Sayaka rasped.

I am already outside, the Incubator said quizzically.

"Go away!" Sayaka yelled.

My, my. You humans have the strangest reactions to efficiency. It stood and lazily stepped to the edge of the window sill, past the reach of the window's dim light. When it glanced back over its shoulder from the shadows, its red eyes glowed. If you ever change your mind about the contract, call me and I will help.

"Help?! That's not help! Why would I ever want your help when I know what you would do to my soul?!" Sayaka raged as tears blurred her vision.

Many humans eventually find a wish they want so desperately that any price is acceptable, the Incubator replied casually.

"Not me! Never!" she snarled. Sayaka slammed her fists on the window. "Leave! Now!"

As you wish, the Incubator sighed. If you ever find something you want so badly you would sacrifice your soul to obtain it, I will be waiting. And I am sure Mami Tomoe would welcome a partner. A burden shared is a burden lightened, after all. Perhaps you could delay her fall.

The white figure disappeared into the night with a graceful leap.

Sayaka roughly drew the drapes closed. She left her hands fisted in the cloth and slid to the floor, grimacing as she let loose an angry sob.

It had done exactly what Homura said it might. Homura knew so much! She had to get Homura to help Mami. Had to. She had to do something. Mami was too nice, too heroic to be rewarded with a transformation into a Witch. Or with insanity, as Homura had said was possible. There had to be a way to help her. Sayaka was sure of it. She just had to find it.

For the first time in her life, Sayaka understood what it was like to loathe something with her entire being. It was like being consumed in a tempest at sea, her rage at the storm bearing her up to defy the sky from among the waves.

The Incubator would pay for what it had done. Somehow.

§ x § x §

Homura drowsily let Yoruichi in on Sunday morning, yawning as she threw the curtains wide and turned on her rarely used television to blare the news on her way to the kitchen to reheat one of the breakfasts Madoka's father had packed her. Discussion about the mysterious theft of JSDF weaponry that had leaked to the public became background noise. She let her mind drift as she kept half an ear open for mention of Saki Yamaha's corpse. When the discovery of the body was finally relayed by the disturbed news anchor, Homura turned the TV off and washed the dishes before heading out.

After taking a bus to the northeastern border of Mitakihara and Kazamino, Homura set up a search pattern like she had used for the Pumpkin Witch by the Karakura train corridor. Up one street, down the next, Soul Gem held low to disguise her holding something invisible. She crossed into Kazamino and worked her way toward the amusement park from the news. About half a kilometer away from it, she detected a labyrinth behind an electronics store. Brandishing her Soul Gem revealed a squarish sigil with thick margins and the outlines of two angels holding hands in the center.

The Box Witch. Great. She hated that thing. It was a weak combatant, but its mind games put her on edge. Homura tried to avoid entering that labyrinth when she could— especially with other magical girls. The television screens that displayed memories were loathsome. She preferred to throw Sayaka at this Witch. It was one enemy for which the swordswoman's tendency to charge against something without much forethought was an asset.

With a deep sigh, Homura transformed, set her practice barrier on her Soul Gem, and entered the labyrinth. She could immediately feel that it was a Familiar's labyrinth— no Witch present. Less annoying, but it meant the Witch was still out there and she might be the one to face the same hated labyrinth twice. Bothersome.

Hair drifting in the snow globe's sparkling pseudo-water as she tried to ignore the images of her worst memories on the television screens embedded in spinning carousel horses, Homura pulled a machine gun out of her shield and methodically destroyed each art mannequin Familiar in a hail of bullets.

§ x § x §

Ayase licked her lips and intently watched the labyrinth's door flickering as her prey fought within. Already transformed and holding her sword, she shifted with tension like a cat with muscles coiled to pounce. As soon as the sigil collapsed and the purple magical girl reappeared, she launched herself down from the girl's left. The stoic magical girl sensed her and instantly moved to shield with her buckler. Ayase's grin sharpened— the Soul Gem was exposed on her hand. She could disable her opponent before she could even retaliate!

Then Ayase crashed into the ground where the girl had been. Ayase whipped around, wild-eyed.

Gone.

"Whatever your motives are, this is your last chance," a cold voice echoed in the alley. Ayase looked upward and found the girl perched on the edge of a building. Her face was set in grim disapproval. "Whatever grievance you may have with me, have the decency to talk to me first." She narrowed violet eyes. "Did Kyubey send you?"

"So what if he did?" Ayase said tartly.

"It hates me and has misconstrued events to at least one other magical girl in an attempt to make her hate me," Akemi said, glare intense. "It may be manipulating you." She lifted her chin and looked at her askance. "Either to eliminate me... or to draw me into killing you. I would guess it considers you expendable."

Ayase paused. Kyubey did have reason to want her dead. No matter, though; she'd just have to be on her A-game.

Akemi must have noticed the tic in her face. She sighed harshly, tossed her hair over her shoulder, and brusquely said, "Really, all magical girls are expendable to it. Think about it. Should you decide to oppose Kyubey, approach me when not transformed and I will speak with you. If you attack me again, I will kill you."

Ayase opened her mouth to retort but the girl was gone. No movement. Just gone. She looked at the rooftops with bafflement, then hopped up to the roof and looked around, primed for attack. Nothing. She twitched as she felt Akemi's power flare brightly on the far side of Mitakihara. Probably by the western city limits. Perhaps three seconds had passed and her target was already kilometers away. It was a taunt. Come get me. I dare you to try.

Ayase was confident in her abilities but not stupid enough to go after an alert, powerful opponent on a battleground of that opponent's choosing.

She released her transformation and viciously kicked a loose roof tile, sending it skittering off the edge to crash in the street. "How does she do that?!"

Three seconds to cross the city. If her prey was that fast, Ayase needed to trap her in a closed environment so she couldn't get away if she had any chance of getting one over on her. Looked like it was time to find a labyrinth to camp in.

§ x § x §

§ x § x §

§ x § x §

A/N: Somehow, writing this story makes me hate Incucthulhu even more than I did when I started.

Mentally picturing Homura glowing purple and looking fierce with a caption of COME AT ME, BRO

Kinda like Inucurry's drawing of Rebellion!Sayaka captioned I HAVE THE HIGH GROUND

This chapter was replaced with an edited version on November 1, 2019. Reviews with timestamps before that date refer to a slightly different version of the chapter.