Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kure Kirika was having a bad day. Not that this was unusual, most days were rather empty at best but today was turning out even worse than normal. She had gone shopping and her change had slipped through her fingers. So now she was stuck picking it all up while the people behind her got increasingly annoyed and loud.

On the floor scrambling to pick up the coins and bill that had slipped she had a fleeting thought, she wished someone would care enough to help. Of course, no one did, no one ever would.

In the end despite the shouting of the people behind her and how much the money had scattered Kirika managed to pick it all up and finished paying. Never once knowing how much meaning this rather terrible day could of had for her in another world.

It was a tiny divergence really. Oriko rather than going shopping on this particular day decided to stay in to study.

After that day in which nothing of importance happened, time continued to pass. Kirika occasionally had pointless vapid conversations with her classmates when she bothered to turn up to school.

She continued to move aimlessly forward mimicking a functional person. She simply drifted purposelessly in a world which felt empty of meaning.

Kure Kirika was having a bad day. Not that anything special had occurred today yet though, hell she had bothered to get up and go to school which was more than she could say for herself half the time.

As the day went while on the way to get lunch, she wondered why she had bothered to turn up. Not like she was learning anything or had any friends here. So stuck in her thoughts Kirika didn't notice when while walking up the stairs a foot slipped.

She fell, not far she hadn't walked up too many steps but enough to hurt her leg and get a rather nice view of the floor heading rapidly towards her face.

Yet she never hit the ground. Someone caught her.

"Are you ok?" asked her saviour.

Kirika didn't reply for a second as she looked up at the person who had bothered to catch her. She had amethyst coloured eyes, long beautifully taken care of hair and had to be very physically fit to stop Kirika's fall without even stumbling.

Kirika after freezing for a second managed to pull herself out of the arms of the girl who caught her. Eventually, with a blush on her cheeks, she managed a rather breathless "thank you" before trying to run off.

Trying being the operative word here. What she had forgotten was that she had hit her leg on the way down and so her attempt to escape this rather embarrassing situation was hindered by the fact she was limping rather than running.

"I think you should go to the nurse's office that doesn't look healthy," said the person whose name Kirika really needed to learn.

"Oh, yeah good point, I um know the way, um thanks for catching me" Kirika replied.

"I'll take help take you, you really shouldn't be putting more pressure on that leg" saying that she took Kirikas arm and helped her to the nurse's office.

"T-thanks I'm really sorry for the trouble" Kirka stammered out.

"It was really not much trouble" saying that she started to set off "Oh and get well soon".

Once her saviour had left Kirika sat in the nurse's office. She had been given an ice pack which she put on her injured leg as she waited. However, as time passed she found she couldn't get her mind off the person who had caught her and been so nice to her.

She wished she had managed to get her name but she just could not muster the confidence at the time so now she just had to hope she would bump into her again.

After her leg had recovered a bit she went back to lessons keeping an eye out for the person who had saved her, despite this by the end of the day she hadn't seen her.

Still, today wasn't as bad a day as usual, after all, she had met someone nice, someone who seemed so much more than all the empty people who she existed around, someone who seemed so much brighter than her.

Like a moth to the flame, Kirika could not help but want to see her again even knowing the girl would likely have already forgotten her. When she slept that day she dreamt of a world where she was no longer alone.

When she woke up Kirika felt actual enthusiasm for going to school. Something she hadn't experienced for years.

Full of energy from knowing exactly what she wanted she got dressed, brushed her teeth and set off to school ready to get her saviour's name and get the chance to talk to her properly. She couldn't wait.

Kirika had a problem. She was utterly incapable of approaching her. While she had finally been able to catch sight of her (out of the window of her class) watching her in physical education just showed how amazing at everything she was.

While Kirika did manage to see her at lunch she just found herself hiding away when the purple-eyed girl's gaze wandered towards her direction.

She truly did try to gather her courage but in the end she was a coward who could only watch unable to even stutter out a hello to such a kind and incredible person who had helped her.

Every time she tried and failed to approach she only felt worse.

To make things worse people noticed she was distracted. Kirika could hear the whispers around her. People talking about why the loner girl was so spacy today.

It didn't help that she found herself incapable of paying even the tiniest scrap of attention to her teachers less so even than usual.

Despite waking up filled with hope and enthusiasm by the time she was walking home Kirika was distraught.

Her leg still hurt, she hadn't even managed to pretend to be normal today and she was too much of a coward to talk to the one person she had planned to.

Really what was even the point? Of course, she would never get to talk to her, even if she did it's not like that wonderful person would ever be interested in or care about her. Really she was just wasting her time being so pathetic what was even the point? why doesn't she just...

Kirika opened her eyes, she didn't know when she had closed them but she wished she had kept them shut. The sky was suddenly a kaleidoscope, seemingly made of tied-up strings of a variety of nausea inducing colours that seemed like they didn't quite fit reality.

Everything was wrong. How did she get here in this strange world of string and impossible colours? What happened?

Before Kirika could think more deeply about how she had gotten stuck here something approached her. It looked like a vagally humanoid doll made up of needles and strings.

It lurched toward her like it was being pulled by an invisible puppeteer. Its only other feature was that rather than hands it seemed to have scissors something that became rapidly apparent as it lunged at her.

Kirika stumbled back avoiding the thing enough that it only gave her a small cut across her shoulder rather than cutting off her entire arm when it snipped its hands.

She ran, she ran as fast as she possibly could as the string-bodied, scissor-handed things chased her.

Maybe if her leg had not still been hurt from yesterday she could have lasted a bit longer but as it was she stumbled and then fell.

It's funny, despite what she had been thinking earlier she really didn't want to die. She still wanted things.

She hadn't been able to tell that girl how she felt, she hadn't gotten to do anything she really enjoyed or even found anything to do with her life.

Yet her wants didn't matter, did they? She was going to die in this weird hellish dimension and no one would even know what happened to her. She wondered how long it would take before her mum noticed she was gone. She wondered if anyone would remember her. She doubted it.

Yet before the scissors could close around her she heard a gunshot. It was terrifyingly loud yet she didn't think she had ever heard a sound more beautiful.

The doll who was about to bisect her had fallen over. its strings falling apart as it collapsed into a heap.

She looked over to see just what had saved her even as the other string dolls got shot and collapsed. It was her, her saviour.

The girl walked over to her "Stay beside me if you don't want to die" the girl spoke in a grave tone.

"Ok will do. What is this place, what were those things, how did I get here" Kirika's questions flew through her like a torrent her confusion and fear temporarily overriding her instinct to keep silent and not embarrass herself "What's your name" Kirika managed to just about get out before falling silent. Her last question being the one she cared about by far the most even despite the horrifying circumstances she had fallen into.

"We are in a witch's labyrinth, those things were familiars, the witch likely pulled you here to eat you and, my name is Akemi Homura," she said mechanically she went through them like a list only pausing slightly before answering the last question.

Kirika followed Homura through the labyrinth watching her kill any familiar that got too close with a hail of gunfire.

Eventually, they reached a door.

"Stay here, I've cleared out the familiars so you shouldn't be in too much danger, I need to kill the witch" saying that Homura stepped through the door while Kirika looked through frozen by the sight beyond the door.

Beyond the door was a cloud of needles each carrying thread each thread ending in a scissor. It formed the vague shape of a spider before shifting to a snake and then a wolf endlessly shifting between forms.

The needles endlessly sowed shapes that got cut off by the scissors before they were able to form anything approximating a design. Leaving a trail of ruined works wherever the witch went.

Homura ignoring the frozen form of Kirika behind her stowed her rifle back in her shield before disappearing. An instant later she reappeared and the mass of needles, thread and scissors exploded. The storm of needles and blades did not die however and it responded by sending thousands of needles shooting towards where Homura stood.

For a second Kirika thought that it was over, that Homura had been impaled by the cloud of needles that moved faster than the eye could see and certainly faster than any human could dodge.

Yet before she could despair over the death of her saviour Homura reappeared and the cloud once more exploded. The pattern repeating itself as the mass of the witch is increasingly reduced until eventually whatever force holding the witch together fails and the labyrinth falls apart.

As she finally sees the sky, blue with clouds as opposed to being made of shifting colours and thread, Kirika breathes in a lungful of fresh air.

She looks over at her saviour who seems to be putting a black gem into her shield "You were incredible" she breaths out.

"I was just doing my job, it is the duty of magical girls to kill witches" replies Homura.

"So you're a magical girl, I mean you seem pretty magical so that makes sense" Kirka starts before blushing and swiftly ending her sentence.

"It's not something to be proud of, it's a lonely existence without a happy ending, I'm barely even human." Homura replies before adding "If a white rat ever offers you a wish say no, nothing is worth this, keep your future, you're better off forgetting this ever happened". Saying that she begins to walk off.

"Thanks for saving me again, I'm sorry you're alone, a person as amazing as you doesn't deserve to be alone. I know I can't be any help but my name is Kure Kirika and even if you're not proud of being a magical girl you still saved me and I won't forget that" The words come out in a rush Kirka, wanting to make sure she's heard before Homura is out of hearing range.

Homura turns around for a second before shaking her head and continuing to walk away.

Kirika seeing that Homura is gone and knowing it would be a miracle for her to be able to get even a single other word out to her even if she wasn't, she walks home, her mind filled with wonder at the girl who saved her.

Yet a part of her was also sad to know that such an incredible person was so alone. Kirka knew why she was alone, but surely such an amazing person deserved to have friends and loved ones who cared about her.

As she reached home she found a white cat/bunny looking thing with rings around its ears. Hello, she hears a high androgynous voice speak in her mind.

You have potential so I've come to make an offer, make a contract with me and become a magical girl. In exchange, you get a single wish that could be anything you want.

Kirika thought back to Homura's despairing words about the life of a magical girl "What's the catch."

In exchange for your wish, you will have to spend the rest of your life fighting witches created by the curses of humanity.

"So I'd have to give up the entire rest of my life, my goals, hope and ambitions in exchange for a single wish."

Yes but you can have literally anything in exchange, it is an offer to change anything in a way impossible otherwise. Also, you would not necessarily give up the rest of your life, some magical girls have managed to live years acting as they choose while doing their duty of fighting witches.

"Luckily I don't really have any goals, hopes or ambitions so that doesn't sound like too bad a deal" Kirika replies.

Even though Homura told her not to, the truth is Kirika does not believe that she truly has a future to keep as she is now. She has nothing of value to lose and so she speaks the wish that would make her soul gem shine.

"I wish that I would change and keep changing until I'm a person who can stay and fight by Homura's side no matter what so she never needs to be lonely ever again."

Chapter Text

The Cat/Rabbit reached into Kirikas chest with its ears and for a second she felt immense pain until a shining gem was pulled out from her chest and Kirika fell unconscious.

When she woke up sprawled on the floor she could see the Cat/Rabbit, whom she decided she was just going to call white ring (since it was white, had rings and it didn't introduce itself), was looking at her from a shelf it was sitting on.

Congratulations you are now a magical girl, that gem next to you is your soul gem it is the proof of your magic.

Kirika got up grabbing her soul gem. For a second she felt joyous, after all her wish had been granted.

Until she thought for a second and realised she had no idea what she had just wished for.

"Hey white ring I know I made a wish but I have no idea what I wished for and my memory feels fuzzy, what happened."

My name is Kyubey and I suspect that you being unable to remember your wish is a side effect of said wish.

"Nah I'm still calling you white ring also what do you mean side effect of my wish? I can't have done this for nothing."

Rest assured that your wish has been granted even if you cannot remember it. Now you still have duties as a magical girl so I'd recommend transforming and getting a feel for your magic.

Despite having never done so before transforming while holding her gem felt instinctual to Kirika and in an instant, her clothing changed and she became a magical girl in full.

The first thing she noticed was that her outfit had an eyepatch over one eye. Despite somehow not actually blocking her vision it was still very noticeable.

The second thing she noticed was that her other eye could see something that seemed to exist behind everything yet did not block her vision.

Before she explored whatever that was however Kirika had one priority finding a mirror.

Once she reached her mirror she looked at what her costume looked like.

It seemed like a mix of a butler and maid outfit with white thigh-high socks and a black jacket over a buttoned white shirt. It also had some light pink highlights along the jacket that added a bit of colour.

Alongside this, she noticed that her eye without the eyepatch over it seemed tinted pink as if she had a coloured contact on it.

When she removed her eyepatch she found her other eye's colour was unchanged. She assumed that this related to the thing that she could only see with her pink left eye.

You should also be able to call upon a magic weapon that can help you in your duty of slaying witches.

Hearing this Kirika did as asked with a thought and summoned blades ending in a wickedly sharp curve shaped like claws.

Despite having never swung a weapon in her life these felt right, like she knew how to rip through something with them before even having tried them out.

However, there was still something she wanted to work out.

She had the feeling that she could twist that field that she could see with her left eye. Looking at the clock on her wall she focused and twisted the field behind it.

Nothing happened. It did not move, or change in any way shape or form but after a second Kirika noticed something.

Its hands were moving more slowly and when she stopped twisting the field around it it returned to normal speed.

She tried to stretch it out rather than twist it like before and found that the clock sped up. Apparently, she could see and affect time.

Since you've used magic it may be wise to hunt a witch, if you don't eventually your soul gem will get cloudy and you'll lose your magic.

"Well not like I've got anything else to do and I do feel like stabbing something could help work out some frustration about not knowing what I even wished for."

If you transform back and hold your gem out you can use it to track witches.

Hearing that Kirika transformed back, noting that her eye colour returned to normal when out of her costume.

Having nothing better to do she set off in search of a witch feeling annoyed that she didn't even know why she was doing this yet also strangely motivated.

Eventually, she got a sense of the direction of a nearby witch and started to head towards it when something very strange happened.

The world went grey and everything stopped moving. She quickly transformed in case this was someone targeting her or something but no one appeared.

She noticed that while she could normally see time while the world was grey it was like it was no longer there.

She was unable to see or change time in any way shape or form.

After a few moments of nothing happening, she decided to keep heading toward the witch promising herself to work out what that was later.

A few moments later the grey disappeared and time resumed for everyone else, she also finally reached the witch.

Entering the labyrinth it looked like the entire area was an abstract painting.

Objects lay around the labyrinth stretched like playdough while stairs that twisted in on themselves leading to nothing populated the area.

As she walked along something that looked a bit like a dog if you stretched its proportions out unevenly and put a few dozen extra teeth in its mouth jumped out at her.

Unlike last time (last time?) this familiar didn't manage to land a scratch on her as with a thought she twisted time so that it moved at half the speed before impaling it on her claws.

Kirika continued through the labyrinth with a smile blooming on her face as she ripped through familiars.

She eventually reached the centre of the labyrinth leaving a trail of the witch's distorted familiars dead in her wake.

The witch was an amalgamation of parts, it had a multitude of legs each different ranging from human to birdlike to something that didn't look like it came from any creature from Earth. Each of them either squashed or stretched to somehow add up to be the same length despite their differing makeups.

The rest of its body was made up in the same way, a jumble of pieces from different animals, plants and other things stretched and distorted into a form that fit together without having a single part that was the same size or that should have any chance of connecting without swiftly falling apart.

Kirika rushed towards the witch ready to cut it apart but its many arms and legs moved far too erratically to predict and she found herself unable to get anywhere near the witch without being crushed or impaled.

While she did try to slow the witch she was only able to twist time enough to affect one or two limbs at a time due to its size forcing her to deal with the rest at full speed.

Kirika seeing that she couldn't reach the witch as if she kept up the same tactics tried something new.

Rather than trying to twist time around the witch, she stretched it around herself accelerating her movements.

As the world slowed around her she managed to get around the many swinging limbs of paradoxical size and length cutting off arms and legs as she went until she finally ripped into the centre of the witch cutting it open and slaying it.

With that, the labyrinth fell apart and a black tinted gem with a spindle-like appearance fell where the witch was.

Kirika grabbing the gem heard a voice speaking into her head.

Good job slaying the witch, what it dropped there was a grief seed, touch it to your soul gem to restore your magic. If they get too full however they might rehatch into a witch so make sure to give me them to dispose of before that happens.

"Ok white ring, return it to you when it gets too full, got it"

Saying this she tapped her soul gem to the seed and watched as the specks of black that had slowly developed on her gem while she was fighting were sucked into the seed.

The seed filled up slightly but not fully with darkness and her gem returned to being a sparkling citrine.

Before Kirika could decide whether to head home or hunt another witch however the world went grey once more and everyone else froze.

Seeing this she came to a decision, she was going to find whatever was freezing time.

She quickly realised however that she had absolutely no clues as to what could be causing it or what direction it was coming from so she just decided to search the city and hope she found something.

After about an hour of jumping across roofs and looking around the city as time switched between moving and stopping Kirika was just about ready to give it up and head home when she saw another person moving while time was stopped.

The girl was walking out of a building, casually loading a gun into the shield on her arm as she went.

Kirika seeing this was her opportunity to talk to who was stopping time and maybe get a clue about her wish quietly walked behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.

The girl jumped in response her face displaying a shocked expression at being touched while time was stopped.

"As funny as that shocked expression of yours is I was wondering if you could help me. You see you keep stopping time and I'm trying to work out why I'm not affected."

The shock faded from the girl's face and her expression swiftly turned serious "I have no idea who you are or why you can move right now" she stated seeming very tense

"Oh that a shame well you turning off time constantly is really annoying so if you can't help you can at least provide a bit of fun" Saying this Kirika who felt strangely annoyed at being told the stranger didn't recognise her lunged towards her.

The girl swiftly moved back just avoiding the swipe before taking a rifle from her shield and firing at Kirika.

While this did get Kirika to jump back as time was still stopped after a second of travel the bullets froze.

Seeing this Kirika jumped back in with a smile. "I guess you're not used to fighting people who can keep up with you".

The girl realising that keeping time frozen would not work, let time resume, the bullets she had fired earlier flying off into the distance.

Her greater experience was letting her avoid Kirika and occasionally deflect the claws with her shield but she could tell that she couldn't keep this up.

Once time resumed Kirika quickly stretched time around herself and twisted it around her opponent, leaving a massive speed difference between the two.

The girl who had been holding off Kikrka until now found herself on the back foot.

Kirika managed to get around and grab the girl holding her with her claws an inch from her face.

"You see I made a wish fairly recently but the only problem is I have no idea what I wished or why I made it in the first place and you're my only clue. So you better have an answer for me" Kirika spoke while holding her opponent.

The girl she was holding paused time and took in a breath as if to answer the question before taking a grenade out of her shield.

Kirika jumped back seeing the grenade (not realising it was a flashbang) before being blinded and deafened.

Before she could react she felt bullets tearing through her stomach and realised she was probably screwed.

By the time her vision returned the girl was standing over her a gun aimed at her head.

"What a stupid place to die" Kirka said despondently realising she had probably just gotten herself killed for no good reason.

The girl still pointing her gun at Kirika's head spoke.

"Those wounds aren't enough to kill you, as long as your soul gem is okay a magical girl can take much worse punishment than this. I don't particularly want to kill you as long as you stop trying to attack me."

"Yeah that was a dumb idea to begin with, you're still my best shot at working out what I wished for though, It has to be connected to this somehow" Kirika says waving a hand towards the greyness around them having dismissed her claws.

"Well you could be useful, in around a month Walpurgisnacht will be arriving in Mitakihara. It's a witch so powerful it can manifest without a barrier and will destroy the city, If you agree to fight it I'll let you live"

"Welp if you say so then I guess I'll fight this super witch for you. Who knows If I stick by you for long enough maybe I'll work something out" Kirika holds out her hand for a handshake

"My name is Akemi Homura, I look forward to your assistance," Homura says shaking Kirikas hand.

Kirika slowly gets up still holding the areas where she has bullet wounds over her chest.

"My name is Kure Kirika, I'm at your service," she says with a smile.

Homuras name fills her with an emotion she cannot name and though she doesn't know why, her reply feels right, like it's what she should be saying.

Hearing that however, Homura freezes, "Kure?" she utters "I thought I told you not to make a wish, why did you?"

"Oh so you did know me, see I was right we're already making progress. I'm afraid my memory is a bit fuzzy right now but one thing I'm sure of is that I was completely sure my wish was the right thing to do even if I don't remember what it was."

Homura with a slightly mystified expression unfreezes time and begins to walk off "We can discuss this more in school tomorrow, for now just heal your injuries"

"Ok Homura" As time restarts Kirika stretches time on the bullet holes making them heal significantly faster than they otherwise would "See ya."

As Kirika heads home she considers Homura 'Fight a super witch huh, I'm not sure about any of this but as long as I can work out what I wished for It'll be worth it.'

With that thought Kirkia heads off to bed feeling surprisingly optimistic about the future.

She was going to fulfil her wish, she just had to finish working out why she made it in the first place.

Chapter Text

Arriving at school (Significantly more punctually than usual) Kirika arrived in time to see Homura walking the same direction.

Seeing her Kirika quickly walked up to her knowing there was still a minute or two of path before they would reach the school.

"Hi there, I'm happy to say I'm all healed up and ready to help in whatever mega witch slaying plans that you might have" Kirika spoke to Homura in an upbeat voice not a hint of negative feelings about having been shot appearing in her voice.

Homura looking over at her only said a quiet "hello" before speaking to her telepathically

Magical girls are capable of talking to each other like this, if I'm going to explain this to you then I would rather not have the entire school staring at us.

Oh like how White Ring speaks, I didn't know being a magical girl came with telepathy that's cool. Does this mean we can talk to each other without being in the same room? Kirika was visibly excited about that last prospect.

Yes though I would ask you not to bug me when I'm doing things of importance, however. Also White Ring?

Well, I really couldn't be bothered to remember the rabbit's name and that's more memorable. I wouldn't bug you, I'll make sure to only talk to you telepathically about the most important things.

While Kirika's words may have inspired confidence the smirk she had while answering slightly undermined said confidence.

Well on the subject of Walpurgisnacht, It's essential a number of witches around the city are dealt with before it arrives. A large number of Greif seeds are needed if we want to be able to deal with it. Having someone else clear them out would give me more time to stock up in preparation.

With all this preparation you're putting in, I have no doubt we'll be able to kill Walpurgisnacht. I'll kill as many witches as it takes to find my wish.

Kirika despite having only killed one witch so far was confident in her ability to hunt down any witch she could find.

I'll write you a list of likely times and places for witches to appear If you can kill them off you will save me some trouble.

As tempted as Kirika was to hang around they had reached the entrance of the school and she got the feeling Homura would not take too kindly to Kirika blatantly following her to her lessons so they went their separate ways.

Kirika, magical girl capable of slowing time and ripping witches to shreds or not, still did not have any sort of attention span for learning and so swiftly thought of an important thing to bug Homura about.

Hey Akemi, you mentioned you told me not to make a wish yesterday, maybe if you describe what happened you could jog my memory a bit.

You fell into a witch's barrier and as I had been hunting that witch I saved you from a few familiars before killing the witch. You seemed interested in me being a magical girl so I gave you the very sound advice not to join me as one which you seemingly ignored.

While Kirika was sure some of Homura's rather grumpy sounding mental voice came from the fact she had made a wish despite Homura telling her not to, she assumed at least a bit of it came from the fact Kirika had almost certainly interrupted her during class.

Even if I don't fully remember what happened thank you for saving me even if I ignored everything you said afterwards. I may not remember what happened but either way, now I know I owe you twice.

You can repay me by dealing with the witches on the list I'm going to give you and not interrupting me during class.

If you say so.

With the mental conversation done, Kirika tried (with limited success) to focus on her lessons as the day passed.

After school ended Kirika met up with Homura once more. The first thing Homura did was pass a list to Kirika listing the times and locations where she should search for witches.

Before Kirika set off Homura had a bit more to say.

"There is a chance you will encounter Tomoe Mami, she is a veteran magical girl and has had Mitakihara as her territory for a few years now. If you encounter her while hunting it's best you let her be and hunt a different witch, while she is a very skilled magical girl she's too unstable to rely on."

Kirika didn't know Homura well, not yet at least but she could tell those last words likely suggested her instability had hurt Homura at some point. Kirika decided even though she hadn't met her yet she didn't like Mami.

"Well even if the other magical girl here is unreliable I promise you'll be able to rely on me, now I believe I have a few witches to hunt. Good luck with your preparations."

"Good hunting" With that Homura turned her shield and began to walk off.

Kirika was sure that to anyone else she would seem to just mysteriously disappear but being able to move in frozen time kinda ruined the effect.

Still, she had witches to hunt so with a muttered "See ya" Kirika set off towards the nearest witch on the list.

Having a list of places and times made witch hunting much faster, while before Kirika had to walk around playing hot or cold with her soul gem to find one, now she could just follow her directions and get straight to witch killing.

By following the list she managed to kill 5 witches over the rest of the day.

While she was rather exhausted by the last one and had had to use up the grief seed she had gotten yesterday and hand it to White Ring in order to get through them she still did it.

She had to show that she was reliable, unlike the people who had left Homura alone.

That meant that no matter if one of the witches tried to mock her with her past memories (her past doesn't matter to her, she can't let it) or that the one shaped like an octopus made of bones impaled her through a shoulder at one point (she can heal bullet wounds it wasn't that bad).

By the end of the day, she had a stockpile of 5 grief seeds and still had a list of targets for the next day.

While her soul gem was still a bit cloudy she couldn't use one of the grief seeds yet as she needed to show Homura what she had done and make sure that she didn't need any.

Come the next day Kirkia headed off to school early once again hoping to get a chance to talk to Homura on the way there.

On the way, she tried to contact Homura by telepathy but was just told to meet up on the roof over lunch.

Once lunch came around Kirika met up with Homura on the roof and presented the list with 5 witches crossed off before showing the grief seeds.

"Did you not use any grief seeds after fighting the witches?" Homura questioned looking slightly concerned.

"well I used one from a witch I killed before meeting you after the second witch but I wanted to confirm I killed them with you and see if you needed any before using one myself" Kirika answered.

"Show me your soul gem" Homura commanded sounding suddenly very serious.

Kirika turned the ring into a gem and handed it over without a second thought.

Despite having just asked to see it Homura was surprised to have it so readily handed over.

"This has significantly more grief in it than is safe, use one of the grief seeds on it" Homura said handing it back.

Kirika quickly did as told, feeling somehow lighter as the dark material was drained from her soul gem.

Homura then continued "Do not let it get that dark again it can affect your mental state and if it fills up completely or if it breaks it will kill you, you should not hand over your soul gem so easily."

"you don't seem the type to do anything bad with it, if you wanted me dead you'd have killed me a couple days ago" Kirika replied with a shrug

"Still I'll take good care of it, not got any plans of dying."

"You really shouldn't trust so easily, most magical girls end up remorseless killers who would happily see you dead for a grief seed or two" Homura states bluntly.

"Like I said, I have a good feeling about you, I'm certain if I stick by you I'll remember my wish. Speaking of grief seeds I could only kill so many witches yesterday because of the list you gave me so you deserve at least two of these."

Kirika gets out two grief seeds and throws them over to Homura who effortlessly catches them.

"If that is really what you have decided I will not refuse" Homura says as she puts the two seeds into her shield.

Kirika looks to the grief seed that she had used on her soul gem a minute ago and has a thought "I should probably give this to White Ring before it tries to eat me or something."

"As much as I despise that thing it is probably best you dispose of that grief seed soon yes."

Kirika from her short time knowing her has come to understand that Homura is rarely expressive unless surprised, yet the loathing she holds in that sentence is palpable.

Kirika considers offering to kill White Ring for a second before deciding that may be a bit premature and so simply nods.

Homura stands up seemingly getting ready to leave before thinking for a second and turning to say one last sentence to Kirika before heading off.

"List or not, killing 5 witches in a single day is impressive, If you can keep that up we may have a better chance against Walpurgisnacht than I expected. Just don't get yourself killed" Homura says starting to leave the roof.

"Don't worry I have no plans on stopping any time soon. This list will be empty before you know it" Kirika said confidently.

Homura didn't turn around but Kirika knew that she had been heard as she headed back to the rest of the school day she had only one thought going through her head.

She would not disappoint Homura, she was going to kill every witch on that list and when it was empty find a dozen more.

Before the day was over 6 more witches were crossed off the list and by the time Kirika turned in to sleep there was not a single injury visible on her body.

Though as the evening continued she had been burned, sliced and half drowned at one point she was fine.

Time heals all wounds after all.

Chapter Text

The labyrinth's most notable feature was the smog. It filled the barrier in a choking cloud that made breathing painful and navigation a pipe dream.

Kirka decided when she found the witch she would make sure it had an extra painful death.

The problem was finding the witch however, Kirika found plenty of familiars, clockwork spiders with bladed legs that jumped out at her and hunched over vaguely human-looking things with gasmask faces that wandered the labyrinth aimlessly.

Kirika may have actually been ambushed and harmed by them, if not for the fact that the smog failed to stop her time sight, letting her vagally see the field around them move.

For Kirika this was more than enough warning to chop any familiars that got too close to her into itty bitty pieces.

This did not change the fact that this barrier certainly deserved the title of labyrinth, with the smog making seeing impossible and leading anyone who entered in circles.

Still, Kirika was going to find and kill the witch, nothing would stop her, even if she could barely see and her lungs felt like they were burning.

Finally after searching for far too long Kirika finds the centre of the Labyrinth by following one of the gasmask familiars.

The witch was made of glass and clockwork forming the shape of a grand snake. Along its back pipes pump out that horrific toxic smog. It sits curled up as a line of the gasmask familiars walk into its mouth.

It's possible to see the familiars get crushed by the clockwork inside the witch and processed through it as the smog is created by the horrific cycle.

Kirika having had enough of this particular hellscape stretches time around her and cuts through one of the snake's two clockwork eyes before it could react.

While the snake uncoils to attack Kirika goes along its back smashing piping and clockwork as she goes.

Finally, the snake snaps to the left flinging Kirika into a nearby wall before swiftly biting down on her with its glass fangs.

Kirika twists time around the snake's head enough that only one leg gets pierced by its fang rather than her being impaled by both of them.

Kirika responds by ripping the fang out of the snake's mouth and shoving it through the witch's remaining eye.

Before she can finish ripping the now blinded witch to shreds however something else gets it.

A hail of musket fire shatters the already crippled snake and in seconds the barrier dissolves into nothing.

Kirika quickly snatches the grief seed before the interloper steals it from her and stretches time on her leg so that it heals quickly.

Looking at the magical girl who denied Kirika the satisfaction of forcing that witch to choke to death on its own fangs, she could see features that Homura described as belonging to the other magical girl of Mitakihara.

Mami had blond hair which contained a hair clip seemingly holding her soul gem.

Aside from that she had a skirt, a number of ribbons over her outfit and ribbons covering her mouth and nose.

Mami after the barrier finished dissolving dismissed the ribbons over her mouth and nose and began talking.

"I couldn't see too much in there but it looked like you were struggling against that witch, I'm happy I got here in time to help."

Kirika went to reply before coughing up some blood from the damage the smog did to her lungs. Noticing the problem she stretched time on her lungs and focused some magic into healing it. Within a second (subjectively) the damage was a memory.

"I was rather looking forward to feeding that thing its tail and making my very own ouroboros before smashing it actually" Kirika replies.

"Are you sure, I could see you coughing up blood a second ago and your leg is rather bloody. I know what it's like being a magical girl sometimes everyone needs a little help." Mami replies seeing Kirika's words as bluster.

"It's rather rude to interrupt a girl while she's stabbing something to death you know" Kirika replies enjoying the light annoyance forming over Mami's face.

"You're rather impolite for a girl who I just saved and who is hunting on my territory" Mami states her voice gaining a bit of an edge.

"It's a big city with lots of witches infesting it, I'm just getting rid of them as a public service" Kirika ignores the threat in Mami's words and begins walking away slowly on her now repaired leg.

"I already had to deal with Akemi trying to bully people out of making a wish and harm Kyubey I really don't want to have to deal with another selfish, self-interested magical girl who only cares for herself," Mami says looking incensed.

Kirika who was considering calmly walking away turns around claws having manifested on her hands "Mind repeating that first part" She says her steady voice doing nothing to disguise the rage sufficing every word of her sentence.

A number of ribbons begin appearing around Mami "Just that I'd rather not have to chase two unruly magical girls out of my city", Mami looks absolutely confident in being able to achieve her statement.

"I'm willing to accept you saying whatever you want about me but after that if you don't shut up soon I'm going to do something at least one of us is going to regret" Kirika growls out.

If Mami were just insulting her she wouldn't give a shit but calling Homura a bully and threatening to chase them out was a line too far.

"If you attack me I won't be the one to regret it" Mami says simply not making any aggressive moves but visibly ready to turn her ribbons into muskets at a moment's notice "If you think you ca-"

The world goes grey. Homura obviously doing something that requires her to stop time.

Kirika now the conversation has abruptly stopped, decides that attacking Mami without even checking with Homura would probably end badly.

She's fairly sure she could take her but it would be a waste of grief seeds.

Unlike when she mentioned White Ring, Homura didn't give the impression she wanted Mami dead, so rude or not it was probably best just to leave her be.

Having thought this she runs off, using a grief seed to empty her soul gem as she goes.

By the time that time resumes, Kirika is over a mile from where her conversation with Mami was leaving a very annoyed and slightly confused magical girl in her wake.

As annoyed as Kirika was with Mami it wasn't long before she got back to hunting finally killing the 17th and final witch on the list that Homura had given her on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day Homura had agreed to meet up at her house on the weekend to discuss their strategy for when Walpurgisnacht turned up.

Kirika wanted to make certain that she was living up to Homura's expectations.

She had no doubt that they could beat Walpurgisnacht, after all, Homura could stop time and had a bunch of explosives, while Kirika had yet to find something she couldn't rip apart with her claws.

Still, if she was going to turn up to Homura's house for the first time she had to show her best side and how better to do that than a completed list of dead witches.

Still, she has a bit of time of the day left and has run out of witches to kill.

Kirika could go and try to hunt one herself but she really does not want to run into Mami again and trying to find a witch with her soul gem seems like the perfect way to end up meeting her whether she wants to or not.

Kirika suddenly has a thought, if she's visiting Homura's house tomorrow for a planning session surely it would only be polite to bring snacks right?

With her mission for the rest of the day set, Kirika sets off to buy some snacks for tomorrow.

She quickly finds a problem, however, she has no idea what Homura likes. All their talks ended up being purely about magical girl business and witches.

This leaves Kirika with the horrifying revelation that she doesn't really know much about Homura other than the fact she saved her before she became a magical girl and that she spent time preparing for Walpurgisnacht and stopping time.

As she shops, Kirika decides that the solution to not knowing what Homura likes is getting such a wide range of snacks that she has to like one.

'If she's connected to my wish then it might not just be about her as a magical girl' With this thought Kirika came to a decision.

'Tomorrow I'm not just going to plan how to beat Walpurgisnacht I'm going to get to know Homura as a person.'

'I know somehow that she's a good person not a bully like Mami said but I don't know why. Is this another thing I forgot after my wish?'

Kirika tries to focus on the memory of Homura the time before her wish but achieves nothing but giving herself a minor headache.

Still, as Kirika walks home carrying shopping bags with the wide range of snacks she bought for her meeting with Homura tomorrow she is confident that she will be able to work out her memory.

As time went on Kirika had become increasingly confident that Homura was the key to finding out her wish but now she was sure.

Tomorrow she was going to get to know Homura as a person and she was sure that if she did that well enough she would definitely get her memory back.

Honestly though, even if it didn't help get her memory back at all Kirika also just wanted to get to know Homura better.

Kirika got the feeling that Homura didn't really have anyone who knew the girl rather than the magical girl.

Even if she hadn't known Homura for long Kirika decided that Homura deserved a real friend and who better than Kure Kirika for that duty?

As Kirika got ready to go to bed she wondered just who Homura was under the cold unfeeling and eternally serious mask she put up.

Kirika got the feeling that whoever the person under the mask was she would love to meet them.

With that, Kirika fell asleep with high hopes for tomorrow. She just knew that it was going to go well. It had to.

Chapter Text

This timeline has been rather different from usual, Homura considered.

It started with the fact that unlike most timelines, Homura did not need to ward the incubator off from Madoka at all before she transferred into school.

Even now, though it had taken her making perfectly clear that if the incubator approached school she would kill its bodies, Madoka had not been contacted by the incubator.

This alone is a difference from the norm where Homura had to spend a significant amount of time and effort trying to prevent the incubator from disturbing Madoka.

Sadly while she had managed to keep Madoka safe so far the same could not be said for Miki.

Unfortunately, Miki had the bad luck to stumble into Mami while she was on a hunt and the incubator noted her potential.

Fortunately, Mami has managed to keep Miki from informing her friends about magical girls, so hopefully when she contracts, she only gets herself killed, rather than dragging Madoka with her.

Homura had attempted to get Miki to understand the gravity of being a magical girl but all that achieved was alienating Mami.

Still being at odds with Mami and Miki was nothing new and the fact they didn't seem to be dragging Madoka down with them already made this a better timeline than most.

Still, those were not the most significant changes from the majority of timelines

That would be Kure Kirika.

When she caught that girl falling down the stairs and prevented her from breaking her neck on the floor, Homura had rather expected that would be the last she ever saw of her.

The fact she fell into a witch's barrier was unfortunate but, over her loops, Homura had saved many civilians from witches' barriers, with most barely remembering what happened and assuming it was a dream.

Kirika seemed to be an exception to the rule, remaining lucid in the barrier and presumably making a wish shortly after Homura set off.

Having a person able to move during time stop and not knowing why was terrifying.

It was something that had never happened before and if she had been even slightly slower or less experienced Homura was sure that Kirika would have killed her.

Despite this Homura didn't really dislike Kirika, not in the way she disliked the people who repeatedly failed Madoka such as Mami or Sayaka, and nothing like the sheer loathing she felt towards the incubator.

However, Homura did not understand Kirika. She held not even the slightest grudge over being shot. Alongside that, she was perfectly happy to hunt witches on Homura's behalf, as long as she was given directions, and she was even happy to share the grief seeds.

While she didn't quite trust Kirika yet she had one thing that meant that she was sure that Kirika was sincere about working with her.

As bizarre as the idea that her wish messed with her memory Kirikas every action convinced Homura that she was entirely truthful about her wish's side effects.

While Homura had no idea what Kirika's wish may have been, the fact she could move when time was stopped makes the idea it could somehow be related to her less utterly improbable than it would be otherwise.

Homura does not really believe Kirika made a wish to do with her, in the end, they had barely interacted. No one would sell their soul for a stranger and certainly not for Homura of all people.

Still, it was a convenient reason to work together and Kirika's ability in hunting had given Homura a large amount of critical time.

She had managed to conduct more raids on yakuza storehouses which combined with not needing to spend as much ammunition killing witches meant she was uniquely well-stocked for this point in the timeline.

Alongside this, she had more time to ensure the incubator got nowhere near Madoka, something that could well be the difference between this timeline's success or failure.

Today however she was waiting in her flat for Kirika to arrive to discuss plans for Walpurgisnacht.

While she had not seen her in action much aside from her near death experience, Kirikas magic was impressive, able to speed herself up and others down.

Homura was sure she could find a use for it against Walpurgisnacht.

As she was thinking this she heard a knock on the door.

Opening it she saw Kirika, she was wearing a button-up top with a tie, long boots, A skirt, and a tight on one leg while the other only had a small belt slightly above the knee.

Aside from that, she seemed to be carrying two bags.

Homura let Kirika in and led her to the table so that they could start planning for Walpurgisnacht but before she could start Kirika interrupted her.

"Good morning Akemi."

"Just call me Homura" Homura replied to the greeting before adding "And good morning."

"Only if you call me Kirika" Kirika replied before carrying on.

"I've finished the list you gave me, all those witches are kaput" Saying that she put one of the bags on the table, it was filled with about nine grief seeds.

Before Homura could react Kirika continued "Don't worry I used some grief seeds for myself, My soul gem is so clean and clear you could use it as a mirror"

Saying this Kirika also put her soul gem on the table, seemingly trying to look at herself in its surface before remembering what she was here for and looking back at Homura.

Homura was surprised, that list had 17 witches on it and Kirika had only had it for 3 days, since she killed 5 witches on Wednesday that would suggest she had killed six witches per day on the following two days.

"Are you sure you are not pushing yourself a bit too far, even experienced magical girls can get caught off guard and killed against a witch."

Homura was honestly slightly concerned, even with the locations that would have required fighting practically non-stop, did Kirika really not have anything else she was doing?

"Nope, as you can see I don't even have a scratch on me from all those witches, you can rely on me to kill as many witches as you need."

Kirika sounded self assured and confident when saying this but Homura got the sense that Kirika was putting on a show.

Homura decided it may be best to avoid giving Kirika too many more witches to hunt for a while lest she burn herself out before she could be of use against Walpurgisnacht.

"Well I am pleased you are ok, I do need you if we are going to take down Walpurgisnacht after all" Homura decided it was best not to confront her right now and instead focus on what was important.

Killing Walpurgisnacht so Madoka did not have to make a wish and could be safe.

"Well I couldn't possibly leave you while you still need me" Kirika said with a smile that seemed a bit more real.

Kirika then put her other bag on the table "Since we're having a planning meeting I bought some snacks, I don't really know what you like so I just bought a bunch but I'm sure you'll like something here." Saying that she emptied the bag and just as she said a large range of different snacks ended up on the table.

Homura wasn't quite sure how to react to that, it was a nice gesture, even if there was no chance they would be able to go through even a portion of what Kirika bought over their meeting, but also unfamiliar.

Seeing that Homura wasn't going to respond quickly Kirika continued "Speaking of do you have any favourite snacks or foods, since it would be faster next time to just bring the ones you like."

Homura honestly was not sure how to respond to such a simple question. She had over the loops always simply eaten what was efficient aside from occasionally taking pocky from Kyouko when working with her.

"I don't have any strong preference" Homura decides that this was the easiest way to end that line of questioning.

"well in that case you're just going to have to try a bit of all of these, I'm sure you'll like some more than others."

Kirika opens up a pack of chocolates and offers one to Homura who takes it before trying to get the meeting back on track.

"As I mentioned Walpurgisnacht will be arriving towards the end of the month", her statements punctuated by the pendulum swinging behind her.

Homura moves some of the snacks aside and puts out a map of the city and draws a line "It's most likely approach would be from here so that is where we will want to get up so we can attack it as soon as it manifests."

Kirika eating a few crisps nods, swallows and then asks "So how do you want me to help until then, should I just keep killing witches and gathering grief seeds for the big day?"

Homura thinks before deciding, she wasn't willing to inform Kirika about Madoka yet, she simply couldn't trust her enough but her ability to move during time stop could still be useful.

"You have exhausted quite a lot of the local witch population so it's best to wait a few days before going on any big hunts."

Kirika rather than seeming pleased about having exterminated a large amount of the local witch population looked slightly disappointed "There must be something I can do."

Homura having already considered this replies "Since you can move while time is stopped you could help me gather some ammunition. I tend to raid the yakuza for guns and explosives and if you helped me collect their weaponry it could make that go a bit faster."

Kirika's slightly disappointed face swiftly turns into a beaming smile "Stealing from the yakuza with you sounds like a great time, count me in."

Homura slightly relieved that Kirika was so up for helping nodded.

She wasn't willing to bring up stealing from JSDF yet in case Kirika had moral scruples about taking weapons from people who were not criminals.

Kirika over the conversation kept offering Homura different snacks around the table presumably trying to work out which ones Homura enjoyed.

"So aside from stealing from the yakuza and mapping out the local witch population do you have any hobbies?" Kirika says trying to restart conversation.

"With Walpurgisnacht coming so soon I do not have much time for hobbies I'm afraid, considering how much time you must have spent hunting witches over the last few days do you have any?" Homura says trying to deflect the question.

"Um, people watching I guess, with the fact all our classrooms are made of glass it's quite easy to see what's going on. Aside from that not sure, maybe some will come back to me when my memory is less messed up"

Kirika pauses thinking for a second "Guess until then that makes my main hobby working with you to find out my wish" she finishes looking incredibly self-satisfied with her proclamation.

Homura almost feels tempted to laugh with how single mindedly Kirika pursues finding her wish and how certain she is that she'll find it through Homura.

While Homura still truly doubts that Kirika's with had anything to do with her other than some coincidence that interacts with her time stop, she doesn't try to correct Kirika.

It has been far too long since Homura has had someone who she could rely on even a bit and while she may not truly trust Kirika yet as long as she could help prepare for and beat Walpurgisnacht that's all that matters.

Their planning session and discussion went on for a few hours more than Homura had planned and by the end Kirika had finally convinced Homura to pick what snacks she enjoyed most but eventually they reached the end and Kirika said her farewells.

"I'll make sure to bring the things you like next time, see you soon to raid the yakuza", Kirika started to head off before turning back around.

"I just remembered we never traded phone numbers, I know we don't really need to with the whole telepathy thing but still", Kirika handed over her phone and the two girls traded phone numbers.

With that Kirika set off doing a small excited seeming dance to herself as she left with the phone number.

After the end of their planning meeting, Homura went out to make sure the incubator wasn't doing anything suspicious.

She considered if giving Kirika her phone number was a mistake a few minutes later after getting a few dozen texts from her.

Homura was barely able to keep up with replying to her.

Still, even if she could not fully understand Kirika and even if she took up more time than Homura expected she was still glad to have her help.

Homura has never been able to rely on anyone in her attempts to protect Madoka but some small part of her hoped that maybe Kirika would be the first to not disappoint her.

Chapter Text

"You seem to have very good knowledge of where the yakuza keep their guns," Kirika says while passing Homura a submachine gun which she puts in her shield.

"I have good knowledge of a variety of things" Homura replies grabbing a number of pistols from the locker she had opened.

"Can't argue with that" Kirika moves to the next gun locker down before seeing a katana in front of the guns.

"Can we keep the katana", Kirika says picking it and and swinging it around a bit.

"I have no use for a katana" Homura replies.

Seeing Kirika look slightly down about that fact she adds "However my shield has unlimited storage space so there is no reason not to."

Kirika gives a small "yay" before passing Homura the katana which goes into the shield with all the guns.

After a few more minutes of looting, they finish emptying the stash of guns and ammunition.

After leaving the building and walking onto the next street across time resumes.

"The next one is in a few miles" Homura notes as they set off toward their next target for looting.

"On the subject of guns I met Mami on Friday, she seems to have a distinct love of muskets" Kirika comments having forgotten to bring it up yesterday.

"So you've met this city's other magical girl, how did the meeting go?" Homura inquires.

"Well, she stole my kill, took credit for saving me and then insulted both me and you when I wasn't grateful so I'd count the fact I didn't stab her as the main positive" Kirika said with a slight grimace.

"That's unfortunate, hopefully, she doesn't hold a grudge" Homura seems unsurprised if slightly disappointed that the meeting went badly.

"I don't get why you care, we can definitely take her and it's not like we need another person taking grief seeds" Kirika says still rather grumpy about how her encounter with Mami went and unable to forgive her for calling Homura a bully.

"If she survives till then she would be very useful against Walpurgisnacht, there is no reason to pointlessly antagonise her more than we already have" Homura states bluntly.

"Oh yeah about that she seemed annoyed at you for hurting White Ring and trying to prevent someone from becoming a magical girl" Kirika noted on hearing Homura admit she had also antagonised Mami.

"The incubator cannot truly be harmed, if you kill it, it will just send an additional body. I have been trying to keep it away from school so it doesn't manipulate the people there into contracting."

"You did mention that you tried to get me not to contract when we met. Any particular reason you're so dead set against others becoming magical girls" Kirika questioned.

Homura's tone of voice became cold "This life is a curse, we fight for the rest of our existence for our wishes without a happy ending. The Incubator manipulates children into it without telling them anything about how it's going to ruin their lives. Part of why I despite Tomoe Mami is that she tries to make this life seem glamourous and leads girls to contracting like lambs to the slaughter."

Kirika can tell this is a subject that Homura cares about deeply and that she may have scratched a raw wound.

"Well in that case I'll help you make sure no one else gets tricked into making a contract. With both of us working together there is no way White Ring can get anywhere near school."

Homura looks over at Kirika and seems to consider saying something before just saying "Thanks Kirika."

They walk in silence the rest of the way to the next yakuza stockpile Kirika thinking about their discussion.

While she wasn't sure before Kirika was now certain that Homura had a magical girl friend in the past who was killed due to being a magical girl.

It was the conclusion which made the most sense to Kirika.

Still, the obvious problem there was they became friends with Homura and then died.

Kirika silently swore to herself that she would be a better friend to Homura than whoever it was in the past.

She would stay by Homura's side no matter how terrible the witch or how crushing the opposition.

She wouldn't abandon her due to something as stupid as getting killed.

They reached the next stockpile and Homura froze time.

"So how many more of these are we going through today" Kirka asked considering that they had already stolen more guns and grenades today than the average person sees over their life.

"This should be the last one, after this we would have to go further afield to find any weapons worth taking" Homura replied as she efficiently went through the gun stores.

As Kirika and Homura worked their way through the stockpile Homura thought for a second before talking.

"Tomorrow a witch will appear around Mitakihra General Hospital, It is deceptively powerful and Tomoe will most likely get killed by it if we let her fight it" Homura declared.

"Well you did say she could be useful against Walpurgisnacht so I guess you want me to go and kill it before Mami gets herself killed" Kirika said with a grin looking forward to getting another chance to kill a witch.

"Actually considering how deadly this witch has the potential to be I would think it best If I went with you this time" Homura replied.

"In that case, I will have to look forward to tomorrow when I get the chance to hunt with you" Kirika says her grin becoming a bright smile at the thought.

By this point, Homura has finished packing guns and Kirika has run out of things to pass Homura.

"Indeed well see you tomorrow" Homura says getting ready to depart.

"There is nothing I would look forward to more" Kirika replies as the pair go their separate ways.

With nothing more to do and having spent the entire day going 'shopping' with Homura, Kirika heads home.

As she heads back she notices a cute black cat and sends a picture of it to Homura with the text, reminds me of you.

It takes a few minutes but Homura does eventually text back the single word 'cute'. Which Kirika counts as a win.

Before long the rest of the day has passed and Kirika is back at school.

The day goes by fairly normally, Kirika sadly doesn't get to chat to Homura over lunch since Homura is already talking to a pink haired girl and doesn't look receptive to another party entering the conversation.

Still, she occasionally gets the chance to talk telepathically with her and before too long the school day is over.

While Homura knows that the witch would manifest at the hospital she does not have its exact location so Homura and Kirika go into the hospital to try and find it.

Kirika finds that reception knows Homura, something confirmed when Homura makes an excuse about some minor heart checkup to get into the hospital.

When Kirika looks questioningly to Homura she explains that she had heart problems for the majority of her life, she recently had surgery to correct it meaning she had spent a rather long time at this hospital.

Kirika absorbed this information as they searched through the hospital but before she could think of a reply they sensed the presence of the witch.

Unfortunately, the witch had appeared outside meaning they had to walk down the stairs in order to get to it.

By the time they arrived at the witch, its barrier was open and Homura had just managed to spot Mami having walked in slightly before they got down.

Homura turned to Kirika "I will go in first and try to negotiate with Tomoe Mami to let us take the witch, if I have any problems I'll contact you or stop time, otherwise take Mami leaving as your signal to enter."

Kirika nodded "You probably have a better chance of convincing her of anything than I do."

With that Homura headed into the Labyrinth.

Kirika waited for about a minute before time stopped and Kirika rushed in.

When she arrived she could see Mami turning around with a blue haired girl next to her.

Much more importantly however Kirika could see Homura wrapped in ribbons so tightly she couldn't even talk.

In under a second Kirika had drawn her claws and careful to not cut Homura ripped the ribbons trapping her to shreds.

"Thanks for that" Homura said as Kirika helped her up to her feet from the ribbons.

"I should gut her" Kirika stated her whole being emanating anger, "I should gut her and feed her her intestines for daring to do that."

Homura looked slightly shocked at just how angry Kirika was about her imprisonment but gathered herself and tried to calm her down.

"She simply thought that I was trying to poach the witch from her, while her going to get herself killed would have been unfortunate, killing her in response would not be productive" Homura said.

Kirika now a bit calmer replies "Fine I won't kill her but she shouldn't have gotten away with doing that to you."

"I'm going to release the time stop and try to force her to leave the witch to us. Follow my lead and don't attack her unless she attacks first" Homura says, once Kirika nods in response the time stop ends.

"That was rather rude Tomoe Mami" Homura says with Kirika standing by her right.

Mami turns around shocked to see her ribbons shredded and Kirika standing next to Homura.

"When did you... You two were working together all along?" Mami steps back a number of muskets forming around her as she gestures for the blue haired girl to stand behind her.

"We don't want a fight Tomoe Mami just let us hunt the prey this time" Homura says staring Mami in the eye.

"Is this truly who you are Akemi" Mami says through gritted teeth.

"I'm not the one taking an innocent into a witch's barrier, if you die her death is also assured you know" Homura says looking at the blue haired girl behind Mami.

For a second it seems Mami is considering taking it to a fight anyway but she looks over at Kirika and then at the girl behind her and finally says "You win."

She turns around to the girl behind her "I don't know if I can win this fight and keep you safe so we will have to leave this witch to them Sayaka."

Sayaka looks at Mami outraged with the situation "Are we really going to let them get away with this" she says almost trembling with righteous anger.

Mami as she walks out of the labyrinth with Sayaka in tow says "If we got into a fight there one side would likely have died and I don't know their capabilities enough to be sure I would win. As much as I dislike her Homura has a point, I am responsible for your safety and won't compromise that by getting into a fight."

On that note, the pair left the barrier leaving Homura and Kirika to kill the witch.

"I still think you went easy on her," Kirika says as the two begin moving through the area.

"It was the best solution, no point harming someone who can help us against Walpurgisnacht, especially now I've made sure she will survive the day" Homura replies

The labyrinth was full of gigantic sweets and other confectionary, the air smelled like sugar.

As the two walked forward they spotted two types of familiar one more human like and one more mouse like Homura shot them before they could begin to make problems.

Finally, they reached the centre of the barrier a doll sat in the centre of the room. Around the room say pillers with platforms on the top holding types of sweet while the background had massive forks and walls of sugar.
Homura stepping into the room pulled out an RPG and prepared to kill the witch. Before firing she turned to Kirika.

"When I kill that, the real witch, a wormlike creature with large teeth will come out of it. It is only vulnerable from inside its mouth and will spawn a new version when killed until killed multiple times.

"Piece of cake" Kirika responds.

Homura fires the rocket and as noted the witch leaves the blown up doll and charges the two magical girls at high speed.

The two jump onto different platforms with the witch starting by going for Homura.

Each time it tries to eat Homura it ends up swallowing a grenade killing one of its forms.

After losing its second last form it turns its attention to Kirika while Homura jumps down to the floor.

Kirika jumps towards the witch when it opens its jaws to consume her.

Before it can bite down however Kirika lengthens her claws into the witch's mouth and tears it in two, killing the witch.

Still, Kirika made one minor miscalculation, she was now standing in the air having jumped off her platform.

Kirika begins falling towards the floor.

Yet she never hits the ground. Homura catches her.

"Looks like you caught me again saviour" Kirika says landing in Homura's arms before shaking her head unsure why those words had come to her.

Homura puts her down and helps her to her feet unsure how to respond to Kirikas words.

"Are you sure the first time you met me was when you saved me from the witch?" Kirika asks having a very strong feeling this was not the first time Homura had caught her.

Homura thinks for a second before remembering "I did meet you once briefly before that, you slipped on some stairs and I caught you before taking you to the nurse's office."

As the conversation continues the barrier crumbles to dust and Kirika picks up the grief seed before offering it to Homura.

"I think you deserve this one for catching me again," Kirka says giggling slightly before smiling sincerely.

Homura accepts the grief seed tapping it to her soul gem "You saved me from Mami's ribbons so we are even as far as today is concerned".

Saying this she hands the grief seed back to Kirika who cleans her gem with it too.

"Today that worm thing, tomorrow Walpurgisnacht" Kirka says filled in that moment with unshakable faith that nothing could go wrong.

Homura while somewhat pleased having killed the witch and saved Mami was not quite so optimistic but Kirika's faith did still give Homura a little bit of hope.

Homura spoke under her breath so quietly that Kirika could barely hear straining her hearing "This is the one, it has to be".

Homura seemed like she was getting ready to go but before she could set off Kirika stopped her.

"If we just killed a sweets witch together, I think we should celebrate by going down to a cafe and eating some sweet pastries to note the achievement" Kirika spoke grabbing Homura's hand and almost dragging her with her.

For a second Homura considered refusing and shrugging Kirika off but in the end, she thought about how long it had been since she had properly celebrated anything and let Kirika drag her along.

When they got the pastries Homura couldn't remember the last time she had had something so sweet.

Chapter Text

Kirika felt joyous while heading to school today. Yesterday she had finally gotten to take Homura to a cafe.

Not only that but by the end of the afternoon Homura even had a very slight smile.

This may not seem like much but Kirika knows Homura is not at all expressive.

That hint of a smile on anyone else would be someone so happy they were practically jumping for joy.

As such heading to school, Kirika couldn't feel anything but joyous herself.

On the way to school, she spotts Homura walking and talking to a pink haired and a green haired girl.

While Kirika finds it slightly disappointing that she won't get the chance to talk to Homura on the way to school she decides to still walk fairly close by.

Kirika is walking close enough that she overheard a bit of what the pink haired girl was saying.

"It's a shame that Sayaka called in sick today, she seemed fine on the weekend so I wonder what it is," the pink haired one said.

"Well Sayaka does spend a lot of time around the hospital visiting Kyosuke, maybe she finally caught something from hanging around there" The green haired one mused.

Before the conversation could continue, the pink haired one noticed Kirika walking by.

"Oh hey Homura that's your friend right, I've seen you two hanging around each other after classes" Saying this the pink haired girl waved Kirika over.

"Hi my name's Kirika, nice to meet you" Kirika said seeing no reason to not head over.

"My name's Madoka it's nice to meet a friend of Homura's" Madoka said cheerfully.

"My name is Shizuki Hitomi, it is nice to make your acquaintance" Hitomi said much more restrained.

Homura looked unsure about Kirika being invited to talk to the two but not having anything she could do about the situation decided to simply go with it.

"Kirika is a good friend of mine who has been helping with a few things I have had to do since leaving hospital" Homura said to properly introduce Kirika to the group.

Kirika felt over the moon about being called a good friend of Homura's even knowing it was mainly an excuse for them hanging out so much for magical girl stuff.

"So what were all of you discussing before you invited me over," Kirika said, moving to walk closer to Homura's as they went up the path.

"Oh just that our other friend called in sick today" Madoka says seeming slightly down about her absence.

Homura spoke to Kirika telepathically It's possible that she's off for something magical girl related, if you can, check if Mami is in today.

Kirika replied to Homura I'll make sure to see if she's in class and report back to you.

As she did so Kirika also replied to Madoka "Oh that's a shame, I hope she recovers soon."

"Indeed, honestly it half feels like she's pulling away from us even when she's not sick. I hope she's not gotten involved in anything" Hitomi comments.

As the conversation goes on Homura seem's to be getting slightly uncomfortable knowing what she does about just what Sayaka is getting herself involved in.

Kirika seeing the problem quickly goes to divert the subject.

"So when did you two meet Homura anyway" Kirika says taking the opportunity to try to learn more about Homura.

"We are both in her class, also I'm the health officer for the class and had to take Homura to the nurse for her heart medication" Madoka explains.

""It's great to see Homura with you, actually I was worried that with her transferring in so late she wouldn't be that close to anyone else" Madoka continues.

"Well as Homura's good friend, I couldn't just leave her alone could I, anyway Homura's really cool if other people aren't her friend it's their loss" Kirika says looking up at Homura as she ends the sentence.

Homura seems torn, unsure exactly how to react to this conversation and so seems relieved that they finally reached the school and have to head off to classes.

"It was nice talking to you," Madoka says as she sets off, Hitomi echoing her words.

"I'm happy to have met you too" Kirika replies setting off to her classes.

As she goes she wonders about the exact relationship between Homura and those two.

Homura had stated that being a magical girl meant that she could not have normal friendships or relationships so the fact she was voluntarily hanging around the two was slightly odd.

Still, as long as neither of them hurt Homura then Kirika was fine leaving that be.

School went on as usual, Kirika far more focused on contemplating Homura than her lessons or classmates.

Still, she has a job to do and so focuses on trying to see if she can spot Mami.

As strange and discomforing as having all the school classes made of see-through glass it is convenient for trying to find people.

No matter what class she looked at however Mami could not be found.

She relaid this to Homura both of them understanding that this meant Mami was probably with Sayaka.

Kirika also kept an eye out for White Ring remembering her agreement with Homura that they would kill it if it got near school.

While doing this Kirika kept considering Homura's link to those two girls.

While Kirika was not totally sure, this morning did give her a suspicion.

Kirika could see that Homura reacted much more strongly to Madoka's statements than Hitomi's.

Furthermore just being around Madoka something about her gave the impression of potential in a way she hadn't seen around anyone else.

As such Homura sticking around Madoka and trying to keep White Ring out of the school along with Homura feeling uncomfortable discussing Sayaka had one thing that connected them.

Homura wanted to prevent Madoka from making a contract and becoming a magical girl.

After considering it for a second Kirika decided she was totally on board with this.

Kirika was more than happy being the only magical girl Homura needed by her side.

Aside from that Madoka seemed doing perfectly fine as she was, she had friends and seemed upbeat about life. There was no reason someone like that should make a wish.

Kirika has been a Magical Girl for a week now she understands that being a magical girl means giving up almost everything for a single wish.

It is a tragic fate that will kill most who sign up for it.

To Kirika however, this past week felt like the first time she had been alive in years.

Before she made her wish she had been walking forward seeing nothing and caring for nothing yet now she truly felt like she was doing the right thing.

Even if she doesn't know what has wish is, even understanding that she will spend the rest of her life fighting against eldrich monstrosities.

She can't remember a time she was happier than she is now.

So spontaneously filled with happiness as school ended Kirika waited for Homura to leave so that she could go with her.

Catching sight of Homura Kirika swiftly set herself walking by her side.

"So Madoka's the person you're trying to protect from White Ring then?" Kirika starts, wanting to confirm her deduction.

"Madoka will not make a contract with the incubator, I will ensure she is not harmed" Homura replied seeming tense.

"Ok got it, I'll make sure White Ring never gets the chance to so much as see the pink of her hair" Kirika says pleased to have been proven right.

With that sentence the tension abruptly leaves Homura's body, a fear that had been building up in her abruptly dispelled.

"Thank you" is all Homura replies the suddenness and completeness of Kirika's agreement with her mission leaves Homura empty of any other reply.

"So got any more witches to hunt today or any more yakuza to steal from" Kirika asks, considering leaning on Homura's shoulder before deciding that might annoy her.

"There will be a witch appearing this evening most likely but aside from that you should have removed the vast majority of Mitakihra's witch population over the last few days", Saying this Homura gives Kirika the address of the witch.

"As far as the yakuza are concerned as I've already mentioned we have taken everything of value from the local ones and to get anything more would take a day trip." Homura puts bluntly.

"So aside from protecting Madoka from the incubator, we don't truly have any more tasks today" Homura almost sounds surprised by her own sentence as if she's not used to having gotten through her timetable this quickly.

After thinking for a bit Homura makes a decision "I guess I will go home and manufacture some additional ammunition for when Walpurgisnacht arrives."

Kirika not really wanting to go her separate ways from Homura just yet thinks of an idea "I could come with you, your house is closer to where the witch will be appearing than mine anyway so it would be more convenient."

"Do you not have anyone expecting you at home" Homura questions.

"Nope, I'm practically a free agent. I can spend as much time with you as I like" Kirika replies forced upbeatness put into her words.

That thought made Kirika think of the last text she had received from her mother earlier on Monday.

"I will be home from my work trip for the weekend before setting off again on Monday, looking forward to catching up and hope you're doing well at school" was its contents.

"Yeah, no one's expecting me" Kirika continued under her breath.

Homura deciding not to think about the implications of that sentence agreed to let Kirika stay with her for the evening.

With Homura's agreement, the slightly dark mood that appeared over Kirika vanished like it never existed.

The two headed to Homura's home.

When they got there Homura got to assembling pipe bombs and putting them in her shield.

Kirika, not wanting to interrupt, watched in fascination as Homura went through the motions of bomb making with a level of skill and elegance that only comes from years of practice.

Eventually, however, Homura runs out of pipe bomb materials leaving the two simply hanging out at Homura's house.

After a small period of silence, Kirika staring at some of the holographic displays on Homura's walls Kirika asked a question.

"Could I stay over tonight? My home is kinda empty and It would be a pain to head back after hunting a witch so late." Kirika regrets letting the question out of her mouth the second she's done saying it.

She already knows what the answer will be and hearing it would only hurt.

Before she can take back her question however Homura replies.

"I have an unused guest room so you may, it would not be an inconvenience."

Kirika stands still for a second before hugging Homura a quite number of thank you's leaving her mouth.

Homura lets Kirika hug her for a second before stepping back, "It's really not a problem" Homura states.

With that the day passes by, the two eventually order takeout as there is little food in the house.

They have some discussion planning for when witches are likely to appear, other magical girls Homura has met, and a few non-magical girl related subjects like what school Homura went to when she was younger.

Eventually, Kirika goes out with Homura to hunt the witch.

With their combined firepower alongside the use of timestop, it does not last long.

At the end of the day, Kirika goes to sleep on an unfamiliar bed in a house she had only visited twice.

It feels infinitely more comfortable than the one she has at home.

Chapter Text

The next day Kirika wakes up to an unfamiliar ceiling.

While Kirika had no regrets staying at Homura's she did realise that it created a few practical issues.

Kirika noticing that she had woken before Homura, opened a window enough that she could get in or out of it and left to quickly solve this problem.

By abusing her speed as a magical girl Kirika quickly got to her house, gathered some clothing and her toothbrush, before returning to Homura's in a matter of minutes.

By the time she had gotten back into Homura's house (back through the window she had left open) and finished getting dressed, she could hear Homura getting up.

Deciding she would be a good guest, Kirika finds the cereal Homura uses for breakfast and pours out a bowl of it for her.

Kirika considers having some for herself before deciding it seems a bit too bland to be to her taste.

As Homura steps out she finds Kirika has already gotten breakfast out for her.

While Homura sits down to eat she finds Kirika looking around for something.

"Where do you keep your sugar" Kirika questions.

Homura points to the right drawer and Kirika gets it out, pours herself some cereal and then puts multiple spoonfuls of sugar over it before eating.

"I doubt that much sugar is good for you" Homura comments.

"But it would taste boring otherwise, anyway I can burn it off fighting witches" Kirika replies enjoying her very sugary bowl of cereal.

Homura's only reply is a slight shrug.

Eventually, they finish and set off to school.

The pair end up not talking to Madoka and Hitomi like yesterday due to the presence of Sayaka who glares at them when she thinks the other two aren't looking warding them off.

The day passes swiftly quickly school is over and people are setting off home.

Kirika and Homura after school decide to patrol to check if there are any witches around Homura may have missed when Homura notices something.

"I can sense a witch's barrier next to Madoka's home" Before even finishing the sentence time is frozen and Homura is taking off towards Madoka's house.

Kirika swiftly runs with her.

Soon they reached a position where they had some view of the events taking place.

It seemed to be a conflict between a couple of magical girls, One wielding a sword and the other a baton against a third magical girl dressed like a jester who was commanding three witches.

Homura took up a sniper position before turning to Kirika "This is a conflict between magical girls, there is no reason for us to intervene. Just find Madoka and kill anything that tries to harm her while I keep overwatch."

Kirika nods before setting off to find Madoka while keeping an eye on the conflict.

The two magical girls seemed to be winning the sword-wielding one having killed two of the witches and the magical girl holding a baton had the jester looking magical girl on the ground before her.

Before the conflict could end however a fourth magical appears wearing a red cloak and starts talking to the group.

Voices are raised and Kirika can hear scattered parts of the shouted argument.

"Nothing to do with us!" and "I've had enough of it!" were said loudly enough it was hard not to hear.

As this occurs Kirika finally catches sight of Madoka and starts heading towards her but before she gets to her there is even greater commotion.

Kirika hears a scream of "You're the reason they died!" from the cloaked magical girl and looks back at the battle.

The magical girl holding the baton suddenly falls over limp a witch sprouting from where her soul gem had been.

The witch was a mammoth creature its upper half was made of a number of beaked skulls of differing sizes stacked on top of each other. It had dozens of hollow eyes that stared into nothing and a lower half made of four sections of tied cloth that could appear to form a skirt if you squinted.

It quickly turns on the other magical girls and witches turning the conflict into a chaotic free for all.

Kirika decides to contemplate the significance of that even after ensuring Madoka's safety.

Finally, Kirika reaches Madoka who is currently wandering around the barrier just out of line of sight of the battle.

She seems frightened by the nearby sounds of explosions and conflict.

"Hi Madoka."

"Kirika? Do you know where we are?"

Kirika remembering Homura wants to keep Madoka out of magical girl business replies "A bad dream, don't worry you'll wake up soon."

Kirika can hear the sounds of conflict in the distance moving closer to their location until it begins to become visible.

Kirika covers Madoka's eyes as she sees the cloaked magical girl who had entered the barrier headless body go flying and land nearby, likely killed by one of the remaining witches.

After this most of the sound of conflict goes quiet.

A short time passes, finally, Kirika hears walking.

Kirika finds the jester magical girl heading towards her and Madoka, the last remaining witch (A floating orb with eyes, horns and two clawed hands) from the original fight floating beside her.

The magical girl seeing Madoka and Kirika begins talking "Oh what are you two doing here, you don't seem involved in this?"

Kirika turn to Madoka and whispers "Dream or not I recommend you close your eyes for the next part" she says looking at the dead body near them and the approaching magical girl and witch.

Madoka lets out a quiet "ok" and Kirika turns to face the approaching enemies.

"Well I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or you're one of Oriko's 'friends' but frankly your presence here irritates me so die ok" the approaching magical girl states.

Kirika stretches time around herself and twists it around the witch and magical girl before they are even finished speaking and manifests her claws.

In what must seem like less than a second to the jester-looking girl Kirika had removed the limbs of the girl's witch and then chopped it in half for good measure.

The confident expression on the magical girl's face abruptly disappeared and she pales.

"Um, I was kidding I wasn't actually going to kill anyone that would be insane," the girl says backing up.

Before she can get more than a step however Kirika has her knocked to the floor and picks up the girl's soul gem.

"Sorry, but I'm afraid I was told to kill anything that tried to hurt Madoka so I'm afraid I have to cut this short" With that she sticks a claw through the soul gem.

The girl who was trying to get up suddenly falls over losing all animation.

The barrier dissolves and Kirika is outside Madoka's house with Madoka who still has her eyes closed.

The bodies of the dead magical girls had dissolved with the barrier leaving a peaceful and undisturbed street.

Had she not been present for it one could easily imagine that no conflict had happened here and that multiple people had not died under a minute ago.

Kirika had collected the grief seed of the witch she killed.

Madoka slightly trembling speaks "Can I open my eyes now."

Kirika changing out of her magical girl outfit responds "Yep, look you're home, like I said just a bad dream, don't worry about it."

Madoka opens her eyes and sees that she is indeed outside her home.

As Madoka processes this Kirika speaks to Homura telepathically Madoka is safe, what's the situation?

The witches are dead alongside all the magical girls except for the one with the sword who ran off was Homura's reply.

Madoka slowly wanders into her house feeling extraordinarily baffled and confused wanting nothing more than to sit down and forget this extremely disturbing afternoon.

As Madoka walked home Homura arrived next to Kirika "I was watching but could not hear what did Madoka see."

"I got her to close her eyes before anything bloody got into view and said it was just a bad dream, not sure how convincing that will have been though, she probably heard some kinda disturbing stuff" Kirika explained.

"That's unfortunate but short of preventing this entire situation that was probably the best we could have hoped for" Homura responded.

The two set off to the roof of a nearby building Homura wanting to make sure nothing else happened the rest of the day before she headed home.

"So magical girls turn into witches?" Kirika asks thinking back to what she saw as the conflict was ongoing.

"Yes that is the final tragic fate of all magical girls, should your soul gem fill with grief completely it will transform into a grief seed" Homura spoke in a haunted voice.

Homura saying this looked directly at Kirika seemingly trying to spot any sort of negative reaction.

Kirika had the feeling that if she was the type of person to have a breakdown about the fate of magical girls Homura may never fully be able to trust her.

"So what grief is some kinda witch sauce. Eh oh well, I already knew that filling up would kill me so it doesn't really change anything" Kirika said with a shrug.

Homura looks up at Kirika surprised once more at Kirika this time for her underwhelming reaction to the truth.

"So any other magical girl truths I should know," Kirika asks.

"The soul in soul gem is literal and if it ever is more than 100 meters from your body you will no longer be able to control it" Homura states.

"Wait that means when I handed you my soul gem you were literally holding my soul" Kirika replies blushing.

"Is that really your entire reaction to this?" Homura asks.

"Well not like it really changes anything, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, not like I was ever planning to throw away my soul gem anyway. Guess I might make sure to keep a closer eye on it though" Kirika says looking at the ring on her finger containing her soul.

Kirika looked at Homura as they finished their conversation.

While she looked perfectly put together Kirika could see a tiny tremor in Homura's hands.

She was not entirely sure whether that was from Madoka having been in danger or Kirika's revelations about the magical girl system but either way could see Homura was struggling.

Kirika grabbed Homura's shaking hand with both of hers, looked into her eyes and made a promise.

"No matter what the fate of magical girls might be or the fact that my soul is in a rock I will remain by your side. So you don't need to face this cold uncaring system yourself. No matter what you need you need done you can depend on me. I promise."

Homura looking into Kirika's eyes saw nothing but sincerity. After a moment like that Homura let out a breath, "Thank you."

The two stayed like that for some time on the top of a building's roof that would be utterly unreachable for regular people looking down on the city.

It looked perfectly pristine as if this afternoon's events had never taken place.

Eventually, enough time passed that Homura and Kirika returned home picking up food as they went.

As they finished eating Kirika began to get ready to go to her house.

"You can stay if you want" Homura commented "It wasn't a one-time offer."

Kirika hearing that smiled "I think I'll take you up on that."

As the two girls headed to sleep they each considered the day.

Homura wondered if today's events were simply random chance.

Did the fight happen out there due to the independent actions of those magical girls, just one more divergence in an already divergent timeline?

If it was not random chance then why did this happen and is whatever is changing things an enemy or ally?

As she went to bed however she was comforted by the fact she had at least one person she could rely on.

Kirika considered.

She had killed someone today.

The person she killed seemed to be an unrepentant murderer and Homura had told her to kill anyone that tried to hurt Madoka but still.

Should she feel guilty about that?

As the day ended and Kirika went to bed she found she didn't have an answer.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up to a slightly more familiar ceiling.

Having brought her essentials over yesterday she had the chance to relax a bit rather than having to rush off.

Still, she does eventually get up and dressed. Like yesterday she decides to make breakfast for her and Homura before she wakes up.

Kirika rather than making herself cereal again finds where the leftover snacks from Saturday were left and decides that they will make a perfectly good breakfast.

These were the ones Homura was not as interested in anyway so not like anyone else was going to eat them.

When Homura entered to have breakfast she started to thank Kirika for setting it out before looking over at what Kirika was eating.

"I'm fairly sure biscuits, crisps and a doughnut do not count as a good breakfast" Homura comments as she sits down to eat her cereal.

Kirika looks up from a bite of her doughnut "I'll have you know I am just being efficient with the food in the house. If you want to criticize my eating habits have some non-instant food in the house which isn't cereal."

"I suppose you are an incredible chef who cooks all her own meals then?" Homura questions Kirika.

"Nope, I just have absolutely no problems with being a hypocrite." Kirika said before taking another bite of her doughnut, then continued "Though I could learn to cook if you want me to."

"If you wish to learn to cook that is your prerogative" Homura replies.

"If you want me to I could kill as many witches as you want or steal as many guns as you need" Kirika continued.

"Even if you need me to deal with another magical girl. I feel like I could do anything with a smile as long as you ask me to."

Kirika had found her answer to her question yesterday.

As long as she was doing it for Homura's sake she wouldn't feel guilt for anything.

"In that case how do you feel about helping me gather weapons from the JSDF after school" Homura decided to respond.

"There's nothing I would rather do" Kirika says finishing her questionable breakfast.

As the two head off to school Kirika alternated between hanging onto Homura's arm and skipping.

They eventually get to the school and split off to their classes.

In the end, many things haven't changed.

Kirika could still barely focus on class, she could still hear her classmates whisper about her behind her back.

Yet Kirika could honestly say she had changed.

She didn't care about what her classmates said behind her back. She no longer felt like she had to fit into a mould that did not fit her to exist.

Kirika even without remembering the wording of her wish knew she could never regret this.

After all, she finally had something to exist for.

School eventually ended and with that Kirika and Homura set off on a day trip to the local JSDF base to commit burglary.

"Kirika, why do you go along with what I ask so eagerly? It cannot just be for the sake of trying to remember your wish can it?" Homura questions while they walked to their destination.

"I guess it just feels right, I mean sure I want to find what my wish was but truthfully I cannot remember I time I was as happy as while I've been working with you," Kirika says looking up at Homura.

"And you are sure that's not just because as you mentioned your wish made your memory fuzzy?" Homura inquires.

"Yep, I'm absolutely certain, I wouldn't give this up for the world," Kirika says absolute in her conviction.

"Have I really earned such commitment?" Homura asks.

"Well, you saved me didn't you" Kirika responds.

"I thought you did not remember that" Homura points out.

"It still happened whether I remember it or not. Besides in my view if it feels right I may as well go with it" Kirika states as the JSDF base comes into sight and Homura pauses time.

"So if it feels right you're willing to blatantly willing to commit crimes and cause harm?" Homura asks as they enter the base.

"If you asked me to I would do it with a smile" Kirika responds forcing open the door to the armoury.

"And if anyone else asked you" Homura continued as she began loading guns into her shield.

"Of course not, why would I" Kirika says making a pile of explosives for Homura to pick up.

"Am I truly so special" Is Homura's response as she moves on to putting the explosives Kirika had finished gathering into the shield.

"I can't think of a single person more special on the entire planet" Kirika replies continuing to look through the armoury for useful equipment.

Homura very obviously strongly disagrees with that sentiment "I am not particularly special and am most certainly not the most special person in this city talk about the planet."

"Well no matter what you tell yourself you are the most special to me at least" Kirika responds after considering how best to phrase her sentence in a way Homura could not immediately refute.

Homura does not respond just continuing to empty the base of its weapons and ammunition as effectively as one possibly could.

Despite this Kirika can clearly make out the question Homura would be asking just from her face.

Why me?

Kirika so wishes to explain to Homura her virtues, to explain her kindness and her beauty and all the wonderful things about her yet she knows any attempt would just make Homura suspicious and push her away.

Despite everything she still has not changed enough, she still is not yet the person Homura needs, still not someone she can accept.

She needs to keep changing.

In slightly tense silence the two finish looting the base before leaving and letting time resume.

Kirika can tell that Homura's mood won't get better without intervention but sincerely cannot think of a way to make it better.

She's the problem after all, or rather the fact that Homura cannot accept the idea of being cared for without assuming there are conditions she simply has not spotted yet.

Kirika from that thought has an idea, she simply seems to appear a bit more selfish so Homura can accept she has reasons for her actions.

Even if Homura doesn't understand that Kirika can think of nothing more selfish than wanting to have Homura by her side.

"By the way Homura could I stay at yours over the weekend? There's something I need to avoid at home for a bit" Kirika asks.

"As I said the offer is open, even if I didn't expect that to mean practically getting a full time roommate," Homura says accepting Kirika's request.

"Also I'm we are getting some food other than your cereal and instant dinners. I may not have high standards for my diet but I do have standards" Kirika says deciding she may as well have some fun with this.

"We can go shopping after school tomorrow " Homura answers.

With the mood slightly broken the two begin heading back towards Homura's home.

As Kirika goes she sends a text to her parent "Sorry I don't think I'll be in the house for the weekend I had plans with a friend before you texted and it's too late to cancel."

As they walk Kirika decides that they still need to do something nice if she wants to end the day on a higher note than now.

"Hey Homura, we never did anything after protecting Madoka yesterday and killing that witch controlling magical girl. I think we should do something nice to celebrate getting through that without anyone being harmed." Kirika says looking over at a nearby bakery that was still open.

Homura seems unsure but is eventually won over by Kirika's pleading expression and so they head over to the bakery.

The pair order some cakes and find a table to sit down on.

Kirika speaks first "I really didn't have much before I became a magical girl you know. I have never quite fit. I tried to pretend but I never really could. You need to understand this so you can understand why I care so much." Kirika takes a breath "As much as you may have just been using me to kill witches and help in your tasks that's still something I've never had before. I want to be by your side not just for your sake but for mine, so when I say you matter to me that is the absolute, fundamental, unequivocal truth. So please, keep using me!"

Homura pauses before responding to that.

She has to ask herself a question. Is she just using Kirika?

She originally chose not to kill her due to her potential use against Walpurgisnacht and most of their interactions have been Homura sending Kirika to kill witches or otherwise assist her in furthering her aims of protecting Madoka.

In that way as unfair as it feels to even think it to herself yes she has been using Kirika.

Yet Homura has one task, her one endless task.

To protect Madoka.

If Kirika is truly willing to help with that goal then Homura has no choice but to keep using Kirika as much as she allows.

Anything less would mean not doing all she could to protect Madoka.

As such if she is to complete her goal Homura will set aside her feelings and simply use Kirika as well as she possibly protect Madoka.

She cannot do anything less.

"Ok then, I will make sure I use you as best I possibly can to fulfil my wish." Homura finally said.

With that, Kirika gained a truly wide smile "Just give me an order."

The two finish their cakes and head off back to Homura's house.

As they go Homura gives Kirika a new list of witches to hunt down knowing that in the days between going hunting a new batch will have arrived.

Kirika accepts the list with a grin knowing that her future will be full of fighting and pain yet she does not care the tiniest bit.

As the two arrive home Kirika feels light like the world has brightened around her and everything is perfectly clear.

Maybe she considers this was her wish, maybe this is what she had been searching for.

This perfect clarity.

Chapter Text

Mikuni Oriko had but one purpose in life.

To save the world.

Yet to do so she would have to stain her hands red with the blood of an innocent child.

Still, she would do it, she had to do it. There was no one life worth the world.

Still, Oriko had much left to do if she wished to save the world.

In the end, Oriko stood alone and her power was limited, far too limited.

Despite her best efforts to distract Kyubey such as sending him to contract Chitose Yuma, he would soon find Kaname Madoka and from that second, the fate of the world would be but a turn of the clock from midnight.

It was horrifying to think that should she fail, in but a matter of weeks 7 billion lives would be snuffed out. Oriko was not sure if she could even bear the pressure. Yet there was no one else so she had no choice but to go on despite that.

Her task should be easy, to kill an unremarkable child before she could be reborn into the worst and final witch of human history.

Yet the girl had protectors and those protectors were so much more powerful than Oriko.

She had had so many visions of attempts to slay Madoka yet they would always end with the strike of a bullet, or in later visions claws cutting through her flesh and her gem.

Still, she could not afford to despair no matter the trials her task held for her.

She simply had to set the board to ensure that no matter how powerful Madoka's defenders they would still fail.

Oriko was not truly effective in combat, the orbs she could summon could impart blunt force, yes and their beams could damage most witches yet for Oriko that was barely enough to kill witches of even medium strength.

For all her need to slay Madoka, these past weeks had been a struggle to even survive.

While the average magical girl may be able to survive days without even seeing a grief seed Oriko's visions occured whether she willed them too or not.

This had caused her magic to drain at a truly unsustainable rate.

Still for all the set up it had taken Oriko had finally found a buffer for this affliction of hers.

Manipulating Sasa was not truly hard for how highly that girl had thought of herself.

Her ability to control witches was potent but being chased by the Kazamino magical girls made her an opporunity.

After destroying the soul gem of Mio (one of the Kazamino girls who chose to attack Sasa without her group) while she was distracted attacking Sasa, it was simple.

A few false promises of support were enough to get Sasa and her witches to set up for a confrontation in front of Madoka's house.

From there all it took was convincing Miyako of the futility of her friend's fight, before allowing her entrance to the barrier to ensure everything went as foreseen.

Though it took time, manipulation and staining her hands red with the blood of innocents. Oriko finally had a chance.

Recovering Sasa's supply of grief seeds from Kazamino meant that she finally had some level of freedom to act. alongside this, her observation of Madoka's protectors had finally borne fruit.

Fate truly had a sense of humour, a prophet against two magical girls who could manipulate time.

Still, the opposition she faced was terrifying. The ability to stop, slow down and speed up time was far beyond almost any magical girl's ability to face.

Oriko understood a simple truth from this fact.

If her opposition ever learned of her existence and goals even a second before Madoka was dead it was over.

They were a threat that could appear instantaneously, could not be reacted to and could not be fought.

Still, their inevitability in combat did not make her goal impossible simply horrifically difficult.

Yet for the sake of the world and for the kind dreams of her father Oriko would persevere.

The problem did after all have a solution. She simply needed a distraction grand enough to hold both of the girls hostage for sufficient time for her to kill Madoka.

While Oriko may be alone without a single soul on her side. While her visions showed that no magical girl would ever accept the necessity of her goals. While she would never be supported faithfully to the end.

None of that mattered.

She would ensure that the other magical girls of Mitakihra would assist her. Alongside the surviving magical girls of Kazamino.

Oriko was willing to sign as many girls' death warrants as she needed if it meant the world would go on.

No matter how villainous her actions, no matter how vile the choices she has to make will be, Oriko has to keep going, the world has to go on.

Oriko ends her reminiscence for a moment as she finally reaches today's destination.

"Hello Akane Mai" Oriko speaks to the lone survivor of the Kazmino group of magical girls.

"Who are you" the rather depressed girl asks, her light purple hair frayed and her clothes tattered. She obviously has not been taking care of herself.

"Before I answer that take this" Oriko says handing over a grief seed.

Mai confused but not in a position to refuse charity accepts the grief seed and taps it to her nearly full soul gem. Enough grief leaks out to fill the entire grief seed.

"Now you're in a slightly better head space, my name is Mikuni Oriko and I would like your help and to help you" Oriko speaks.

"What do you mean?" Mai questions.

"My powers as a magical girl give me some knowledge of how I need to act to help others. Right now you feel alone and hopeless, your entire world upended. Had I not arrived as I did you would have transformed into a witch within 10 minutes" Oriko states informing Mai of the horrific fate she had barely avoided.

"Oh" is Mai's only response rather shocked by the fact terrible fate Oriko had just let her avoid.

"You need a new reason to keep going, I'm here to offer you one" Oriko continues.

"I'm listening" Mai responds interested in the pitch from the person who just saved her life.

"In a few weeks, two magical girls in Mitakihra city are going to create a grand calamity which my wish showed me. I am currently seeking allies so that I can prevent the two from causing such destruction. I would ask that you come with me and assist me in my mission." Oriko speaks with such great conviction and determination it's impossible for Mai not to believe her.

"I failed to protect my friends, do you really think I'm able to help you?" Mai questioned.

"I don't think so I know so, my wish led me to you because you need a cause and I need an ally. So far my wish has never led me astray. So put your faith in me, this will be best for both of us" Saying this Oriko puts out her hand.

Mai takes it in a handshake and the two set off.

As Oriko walks with Mai she considers her actions.

Here she is manipulating a girl having gotten all her friends killed. One of whom by her own hand.

In the end, Mai is a piece, but one of many Oriko will need to mobilise when the day comes.

Still no matter how many lies she needs to tell, no matter how many people's lives she may ruin and destroy, no matter how evil the actions that she may take. Oriko must save the world.

Madoka must die.

At the end of the day after sharing her contact details with Mai and ensuring she was in position to direct the girl's actions over the next few weeks Oriko returned to her house.

It was a truly pointlessly large structure. So many empty rooms and decorations that existed for the use of no one.

She looked upon the graffiti on the walls of the structure.

Insults to her father, unkind words for her.

She truly lacked the time or energy to bother to clean the graffiti so simply ignored it and went inside the house.

This home which was once full of life now held nothing but the cold.

Oriko sits down on a seat alone and wonders if there is any point in trying to live on past Madoka's death.

Should she do it correctly the deed should be done without anyone ever seeing her do it and all the magical girls she has manipulated will most likely be killed in the battle against the girl's protectors.

Yet would there be any point to her persisting past her purpose?

As she sits here contemplating the evil she has and will continue to commit Oriko wishes she had anyone to confide in.

Whether they delivered absolution or damnation she truly did not care if she could but share her deeds with another.

Yet she could not. She can be allowed no moments of weakness or hesitation. Even a single wrong word could spell disaster not just for her but the world.

So tomorrow she would go to school and continue to play the part of the helpless seer to Komaki helping her find witches so that by the end she would trust Oriko enough to be sent to her death in a hopeless fight just to buy precious seconds for Oriko to commit murder.

She would keep sullying her hands and lying to all those who think they know her.

She truly was an awful person, wasn't she?

Anyone who did even half of her actions would be detested by the world for good reason.

Yet here she was a person drowned in blood and sin yet in an outfit of perfectly untarnished white.

She truly wishes her lies were white lies.

That her hands could be unstained.

That she could have continued to be a regular girl helping her father and caring for things such as her grades and being president of student council.

Yet she sits here today, her father dead, hated by her school and the people she thought were her friends living solely for the purpose of murder.

She reaches a decision.

Madoka needs to die but she does not need to die alone, Oriko will be right by her side.

Oriko taps a grief seed to her soul.

She has no time for these types of thoughts, she cannot afford these thoughts.

She just needs to save the world.

Nothing else matters.

not even her.

Chapter Text

As Kirika wakes up on Friday she gets up and continues her routine of the last few days of making breakfast though without any other snacks in the house she returns to over-sugared cereal.

Homura walks in.

In some ways, everything is the same as yesterday the two sitting down eating breakfast, yet before there was an uncertainty.

A question of what the two were.

Yet that had now been solved Kirika knew exactly what she was and Homura understood her purpose.

"After school, I will be going with Madoka, try to clear out the new witches, focusing on the ones closest to school and working outward. We can meet up at 7 pm to get that shopping you wanted done" Homura stated setting Kirika's agenda for the day.

"It would be my pleasure, by the time we meet up you'll have all the grief seeds you could ever need" Kirka eagerly replied.

"Good" is Homura's response.

As the two set off to school Kirika held onto Homura's hand for the way there, yet unlike before when Homura might have been uncomfortable now she simply accepted it as an aspect of Kirika.

Homura was a person who worked best when she understood her place in the world and everyone else's place in relation to that.

While she still did not truly know why Homura understood where Kirika stood and so could accept her.

She was more than happy to use a very affectionate tool if it could help save Madoka.

So as they walked Homura had a slight smile.

Not anything like the joyous one across Kirika's face, who was infinitely more expressive than Homura ever could be.

Instead, it was a smile born of confidence. That this was the one. That this timeline she would save Madoka.

When the pair reached the school Kirika hugged Homura and then set off to her lessons.

The school day passed without any particular fanfare and at the end of the day, Kirika set off for her witch-hunting, giving Homura another hug as they separated before Homura went to meet up with Madoka for the day.

As Kirika set off she could just hear the start of Madoka and Homura's conversation.

"You seem closer to Kirika today Homua, did anything happen" Madoka questions Homura.

"I simply understand her better now" is Homura's reply.

Kirika can hear no more than that however as she has a mission. To kill as many witches as she can in the coming hours.

As she walks towards her first witch Kirika is thankful that Homura has such good knowledge of where witches appear in the city, it makes her job much easier.

The first labyrinth she finds is a dark place the ground seemingly made of tar and the familiars appearing like a variety of emaciated animals leaking tar from their eyes, mouths and ears as they attacked Kirika in a frenzy.

Kirika kills her way through them with little trouble, though after a drop of the tar the familiars wept got on her and burned a hole in her costume, she made sure to be weary of them enough to avoid getting any further drops on her.

When she found the witch it was an amorphous blob of tar. The second she caught sight of it however it shifted to form a copy of her except with Tar leaking from her eyes, mouth, ears and ever out of her skin like sweat.

While the copy could not use Kirika's magic it did form its own tar claws allowing her to fight the rabid version of her on equal footing.

In the end, despite the endless hatred in her copy's weeping black eyes and its endless furious attacks, it cannot keep up with her time-accelerated speed and soon is nothing but a gored and decapitated corpse bleeding tar.

The tar tries to leave the copy and form into something else but with a swipe of Kirikas claws its structure is broken and the barrier breaks down leaving her with a grief seed.

With that done Kirika sets off towards the next witch on the list.

This one's labyrinth takes the form of a theatre its familiars humanoid shaped walking shadows with the only corporeal part being either a tragedy or comedy mask.

Their ability to reach through solid objects yet still be solid enough to harm Kirika was an annoyance but they died when their mask was shattered making them of limited threat.

The centre of the labyrinth was a stage where the witch was waiting with an audience of familiars. The witch much like its familiars was a void.

It unlike its familiars had a dozen masks all over its body with the one over its face shifting. Each time a new mask with a new expression reached the witch's face its form changed.

Depending on the mask it could be anything from a towering figure with claws and horns of void to a small acrobatic one that held a dagger of shadow and moved fluidly.

When Kirika arrived on stage the witch gave a bow and the audience of masked voids gave a silent applause.

In the end, the fight was a pain with Kirika needing to shatter every mask on the witch before it died as it shifted to dozens of different forms over the fight each with new annoying gimmicks.

Still in the end Kirika stopped the show and left with a grief seed for her efforts.

On her way to her third witch, however, she runs into a familiar, if not quite friendly face.

Sayaka is walking in front of Kirika holding out a glowing blue soul gem obviously searching for the same witch Kirika is on the way to kill.

Kirika silently walks behind her and taps her on the shoulder.

Sayaka gives a small scream before turning around seeing her and shifting into her magical girl garb.

It was an outfit with a white cape and an outfit under that in shades of blue and white. Its appearance seemed to be trying to give off the look of some kind of knight.

"So you ended up making a wish then" Kirika states "That's honestly kinda a shame you probably could have had a perfectly good life if you hadn't."

"Is that a threat?" Sayaka asks looking at Kirika in obvious distaste.

"No, just the truth, magical girls are by our nature doomed after all" Kirika says enjoying teasing Sayaka.

From Sayaka's disbelieving expression Kirika is fairly sure Sayaka knows nothing of the truth behind the system.

"You just want there to be fewer magical girls so you can have more grief seeds for yourself" Sayaka says.

"I don't actually care, Homura would probably be disappointed you contracted though which is enough for me to be unimpressed with your decision making," Kirika says.

"What actually is it with you and the transfer student anyway, I swear you just appeared by her side at some point, did she like brainwash you or something," Sayaka says surprised when she feels a blade touching her skin that had not been there a millisecond before.

Kirika holding a claw up to Sayakas neck speaks softly "She means more to me than you could ever know and if you insult my connection to her again then I'll have some fun seeing if you can put yourself back together without arms."

Kirika then still moving at a speed that seems unnatural to Sayaka appears back where she was without a second between speaking and moving.

"Ok, don't mention her around you, got it," Sayaka says intimidated by how unable to react to Kirikas movement she was.

"Happy you understand" Kirka responds with good cheer the anger that had been on her face a second before gone without a trace.

"Psychopath" Sayaka mutters under her breath.

"What was that," Kirika asks having heard her perfectly.

"Oh nothing, I'll just be heading off now I think, got witches to kill you know" Sayaka says wanting to escape this conversation as fast as possible.

"Ah enjoy then, I would say I'll leave you some but I don't feel like lying, still good hunting" Kirika says heading towards the next witch knowing she'll get there before Sayaka can find it with her soul gem.

With that Kirika sets off to kill herself another few witches wanting to ensure she has killed enough to impress Homura.

When she enters the third witch's barrier she finds herself in a building reminiscent of a ballroom. It is covered in off-coloured finery and is lit by chandeliers that give off an off-colour light.

Familiars dance around the room in pairs. Each pair made of a large bipedal elongated wolf it's fur shaped into a suit and a smaller bipedal disproportioned sheep its wool shaped in the vague form of a dress.

A discordant melody echoed throughout the barrier. Every few minutes the melody changed and the wolves ate the sheep before a new lot of sheep walked through doors that appeared in the walls to join the dance.

Whenever Kirika walked too close to a pair they attacked her and were summarily ripped to shreds but if she kept their distance they would just continue their dance.

Though it took a while to manoeuvre to the end of the ballroom and out the grand doors leading to the witch.

Kirika's ears felt like bleeding from the 'music' that filled the barrier by the time she finally made it and caught sight of the witch.

The witch was in the shape of one of the bipedal sheep familiars if notably larger yet rather than wool its dress had the fur of a wolf. Its mouth too had the teeth of a wolf rather than a sheep and its limbs had the claws of the wolves.

The second the witch saw her it let out a sound between a growl and a scream as it launches itself at Kirika.

Even stretching time around herself and twisting time around the witch It moved with a speed that Kirika struggled to match.

Kirika and the witch traded blow for blow. Kirika quickly realised the dress was nearly invulnerable and so trying to get a deciding strike Kirika ripped off the witch's arm in exchange for her stomach being gored.

After that Kirika finally got the upper hand over the witch, ignoring her pain Kirika went for the kill. Shoving her claws through the face of the witch ducking under its last desperate strike.

As the barrier dissolved Kirika further stretched time over her stomach to try to heal it faster as she held her entrails in.

Finally after putting enough time and magic in her stomach finished healing and she quickly used a grief seed to empty her soul gem which had gathered a cloud of grief over the day's encounters.

Once her stomach was healed she dismissed and then resummoned her costume to remove the numerous blood stains.

Kirika looks at the ground considering the large puddle of blood under where she had been standing before and considers the fact that when this is found the police will probably think someone was murdered here.

Oh well, it's not her problem Kirika thinks setting off towards the next witch.

In the end, she managed to kill one more witch before meeting Homura outside of the supermarket they had agreed in the morning.

"How did the hunting go" Homura asks the two walking into the shop.

"I killed 4 witches" Kirka replies showing Homura the grief seeds.

"Good job" Homura replies as she watches Kirika pick out a number of pancakes and syrups that Kririka is sure to use to continue her quest of rotting her teeth off.

"As long as I can keep being of use then I feel nothing but joy" Kirka states fetching a few ingredients so she can attempt cooking something nicer than an instant meal.

"Then I will keep making use of you" Homura responds as the two finish their shopping trip and begin to head home.

Kirika when they arrive makes an attempt at cooking with some of the food she bought with the understanding Homura would never bother.

While it does not come out perfectly Homura seems to be appreciative of having food other than MRE's for dinner.

Kirika is simply pleased to be of help.

After all, Kirika will keep going on for as long as she can be useful.

She will do whatever it takes to ensure Homura gets her happy ending.

Chapter Text

When Kirika wakes up on Saturday she is for once happy for a reason other than Homura.

The source of her joy is the fact that as of yesterday's shopping trip, she can have pancakes for breakfast rather than Homura's bland cereal.

As has become habit she goes to prepare breakfast choosing to make pancakes for both her and Homura.

By the time Homura is up the pancakes are prepared and Kirika has plates out for both of them.

"I had assumed you brought those for yourself" Homura commented as she arrived.

"Nope, you are eating food that actually tastes nice even if I have to make you" Kirika replies.

Homura seeing little reason to argue the point goes to take one of the pancakes before being warded off by Kirika.

"You are not eating a plain pancake" Kirika says adding a small amount of syrup over Homura's pancakes and then drowning her own.

"You seem rather bossy this morning" Homura comments biting into her pancake.

"Well if I wasn't you'd be willing to live on nutrient bars and MREs" Kirika responds.

Homura decides not to comment on Kirika's accurate deduction, choosing instead to focus on her much nicer tasting than usual breakfast.

The pair eventually finish eating their breakfast and come onto the day's plans.

"I will be going to raid those out-of-town yakuza stockpiles alongside a JSDF base. This will take me out of Mitakihra for the day" Homura begins.

"As such I'd like you to try to be around Madoka for the day to make sure the incubator makes no attempt to contact her. If for any reason you need me to stop time so you can kill it without Madoka noticing send me a text." Homura finishes.

"Got it, Madoka will be as safe as can be, I guarantee it" Kirika responds jumping up and ready to go.

"Though could you give me her phone number I just realised I don't have it" Kirika asks suddenly realising meeting Madoka would work better if she actually arranged something with her.

Homura quickly gives Kirika Madokas's number.

Kirika opens her phone to text Madoka and is confronted with a different text.

"Hi Kirika, I know you said you have plans with friends but could you please make some time this weekend so we can talk? I'll be off for another few weeks minimum so it would be nice to see you. Love mum."

Kirika stares at her phone for what feels like a moment.

"Kirika? Did you see something, you've been staring at your phone not doing anything for over 30 seconds" Homura asks slightly concerned at anything that could get constantly hyper Kirika to stand still for so long.

"Oh sorry, it's nothing. Just something unimportant that caught me off guard." Kirika replies closing the text without sending a reply.

She then puts in the number Homura gave her and sends Madoka a text "Hi this is Kirika, Homura gave me your number. Would you like to hang out today, I've realised I don't have any plans and would like to get to know Homura's best friend better!" Kirika sends.

It does not take long before Madoka replies "Oh I was planning to go to the mall with Hitomi and Sayaka but you're more than welcome to come along. Also, I assumed you were Homura's best friend, unless you're something closer than that?"

"Sounds good where do you want to meet up? When it comes to me and Homura putting a label on it would feel too limiting" Kirika decides to reply to Madoka.

"Oh I see. Could you meet us outside the mall in 30 minutes?" is Madoka's response

"Yep no problem. See you soon!" Kirika confirms before turning to Homura.

"I've arranged to meet up with Madoka. I'll ensure that absolutely nothing will be able to so much as touch her."

"In that case, I'll be setting off. Ensure Madoka's safety above anything else" Homura says getting ready to leave.

"Don't worry if Madoka gets so much as a scratch that means I'm dead" Kirika says with a smile.

For a tiny sliver of a second Homura looks slightly uncomfortable though Kirika is fairly sure it was just a trick of the light.

Kirika gives Homura a hug which is slightly reciprocated before the two set off their separate ways.

Kirika arrives at around the same time as Madoka and waves over to her as soon as she sees her.

"Kirika, it's so nice to see you outside of school. You're normally with Homura so it's good to see you" Madoka says

"Well there is no one I'd rather be with than Homura at any time but you're fun to hang out with to" Kirika replies

While Hitomi gives a rather pleasant hello Kirika can see Sayaka pale the second she catches sight of her.

Sayaka turns to Madoka "Why did you invite her?" she says in a tone somewhere between horrified and annoyed.

"Do you know her?" Madoka asks.

"I um saw her around" Sayaka responds the wind taken out of her sails once she remembers she's not meant to talk about magical girl business to her non-magical girl friends.

"Well she's mostly Homura's friend but we've met up in school, she's really nice," Madoka says.

While Madoka is honest about her assessment of Kirika there is also a part of her that wonders back to that day she got lost outside her house. Was that really just a vivid dream?

With introductions done Madoka is determined to ensure everyone gets along despite the weird looks Sayaka keeps giving Kirika.

The four spend some time around the mall going around browsing shops for anything that catches their interest.

Eventually, however, Sayaka reaches boiling point and pulls Kirika away from the group while Madoka and Hitomi are discussing an outfit.

"What do you want with Madoka" Sayaka asks determined to stand up to Kirika.

"Why do you think I want anything other than a trip to the mall with my friends" Kirika replies.

Though she knows she probably shouldn't she finds teasing Sayaka incredibly entertaining. Like baiting a house cat that thinks it's a tiger.

"I don't trust you, there is no way you actually just want to hang out," Sayaka says.

"No, I really am just here to hang out with Madoka" Kirika replies before smiling "Besides what could you possibly do if I wasn't."

"If you have any plans to harm Madoka I'd kill you where you stand" Sayaka says staring directly at Kirika.

"You're hilarious. Luckily for you, I really don't intend for myself or anyone else for that matter to touch a single pink strand of her hair" Kirika responds smiling benignly at Sayaka.

"I'm not afraid of you" Sayaka says, possibly to convince herself.

"Well, that's good, not sure why you would be afraid of me though I'm harmless" Kirika continues getting significantly more enjoyment out of this conversation than any other part of the shopping trip so far.

Before Sayaka can say anything more Madoka spots them and goes to ask their opinion about a dress Hitomi is trying on.

Kirika goes along with Madoka with not a concern on her face, entirely unphased by her chat with Sayaka.

No matter how much Sayaka tries to catch Kirika doing something nefarious due to Kirika actually not doing anything Sayaka doesn't achieve much.

As the day goes on time freezes for Kirika at regular intervals.

She knows this is just caused by Homura looting weapons and so tries to ensure she stays vagally in the same location as when each freeze starts.

While Madoka and Hitomi notice nothing Kirika is fairly sure seeing Kirika occasionally seem to instantaneously change her position is giving Sayaka paranoia.

Kirika would have felt bad for her but after yesterday's encounter, Kirika simply finds Sayaka's distress entertaining.

As the day goes on Kirika does see a shape out of the corner of her eye that she makes out as White Ring. Knowing Homura's instructions she sends a text and time quickly freezes.

Before time resumes chunks of White Ring are buried outside the mall and Kirika is right back where she was standing before telling Homura the situation is dealt with.

Unsurprisingly there are no further visits from White Ring for the rest of the afternoon.

Eventually, the trip ends. Madoka and Hitomi seem to have had fun though they do end up a bit concerned for why Sayaka looks so frazzled by the end of the day.

Madoka before the group breaks up finally asks "Hey Sayaka, are you ok? You seemed really stressed today."

"Oh don't worry about me I'm doing perfectly fine just worrying about exams and stuff you know. I really should be studying just in case there's a pop quiz in class next week" Sayaka replies blatantly and obviously lying.

"Sayaka please tell me the truth, I'm your friend you don't need to hide things from me," Madoka says seeing through Sayaka's blatant falsity.

Sayaka's face has no ability to disguise the guilt of hiding things from her friends but still she continues trying a half-truth "Look something about Kirika just puts me on edge, I don't like her."

Kirika though she is talking with Hitomi a few meters away is perfectly able to hear every word said, not that she makes any sign of this.

"But why? I've known her for over a week now and she's always been perfectly nice and kind. The only negative thing about her I could possibly think of is I had a weird dream about her on Wednesday but I'm fairly sure that's more about me than her" Madoka replies.

"You had a weird dream about her?" Sayaka asks suddenly sounding extremely concerned "What happened in it?"

"It was weirdly vivid. I got lost in this weird large expense filled with random buildings and streetlights despite remembering having been right outside my house before. After walking for a bit, I could hear the sound of fighting and explosions in the distance.

Kirika then walked up to me and I think mentioned it being a nightmare before covering my eyes and telling me to keep them closed. After that a person I'd never heard before mentioned something about killing us maybe, I think she may have talked to Kirika for a second or something before I heard a few swishing sounds and something smashed. After that, I woke up right outside my house again. Kirika mentioned it being a bad dream again and then I woke up on my bed feeling slightly hazy. It was really weird I think she might have been representing my subconscious or something."

Madoka's description of events while incomplete due to her lack of sight and understanding did relay most of the details of what occurred on Wednesday.

Sayaka had a slightly horrified look on her face but after a second managing to keep herself from freaking out just replied "Wow that must have been some crazy dream."

"Yeah, it really was" Madoka responds but even from a distance Kirika can tell she's not fully convinced it was a dream no matter how impossible the events that occurred in it were.

Before this conversation can continue any further Kirika walks up and gives her goodbyes before setting off back to Homura's house.

While she half expects Sayaka to stop her halfway there she never appears.

Kirika gets home, makes a second slightly more successful attempt at cooking and waits for Homura to return home.

When she does Kirika starts by hugging her before going to finish her cooking.

She and Homura eat dinner and discuss their days. Homura mentions that she managed to stock up on quite a few more guns alongside some more heavy weaponry that might be of use against Walpurgisnacht.

Kirika in return informs Homura about managing to ensure that White RIng never got to catch sight of Madoka alongside the fact that Sayaka had some animosity toward her.

"Miki Sayaka is always a lost cause, the fact she is suspicious of you trying to protect Madoka is utterly unsurprising" Homura says obviously having a low opinion of the girl.

"I don't like her. Aside from that, Madoka remembers what happened when she got trapped in a barrier although it seems like she listened to me and is assuming it was a dream" Kirika says finishing relaying the day's events.

"Well as long as she assumes she simply dreamed she is still safe from the world of magical girls" Homura says relieved that she thinks it was simply a dream.

As the two finish discussing the day's events Kirika asks a question.

"So what did you think of the dinner," Kirika asks hoping Homura enjoyed it.

"It was actually rather pleasant, I'm surprised you resisted just sprinkling sugar all over it" Homura admitted.

"Hey just because I enjoy my food sweet doesn't mean I'm incapable of making things without tonnes of sugar. I wouldn't ruin something for you just for my own enjoyment" Kirika says exuberant over the fact Homura had enjoyed her cooking.

"I appreciate it" Homura replied.

Even if Homura truly was just using Kirika Homura had to wonder why she had been so fortunate in this timeline to get someone so perfect to work with her.

With dinner ending Kirika gave Homura one last hug before heading off to bed.

As she did she sat down and stared at her phone.

"Sorry, I really don't think I have any time to head over. I'll definitely make sure to be free next time you come down."

Kirika looked at the send button her hand hovering above it.

She closes her eyes and hits the button before she has the chance to think for even one second further.

Kirika goes to sleep determined to think of nothing at all.

Chapter Text

Kirika gets up later than usual finding Homura already awake.

Determined to make sure Homura doesn't get the chance to default to the most bland and unsatisfying breakfast in the house Kirika quickly dresses herself and heads over to Homura.

Luckily Kirika arrived before Homura had started making herself anything giving Kirika the opportunity to make something actually nice for the two of them.

As the two sat and ate breakfast the topic of what to do with the day came up.

Homura wanted to keep an eye on Madoka to make sure the incubator didn't try anything and Kirika still had a number of witches to slay so that settled most of the day's plans.

Despite that, the two decided it would be best to meet up at lunch to share if anything happened.

Kirika gave Homura a hug before setting off toward the nearest witch to collect some grief seeds.

Following her instructions Kirika finds the entrance to a barrier.

The inside of the labyrinth was shaped like a circus except the walls and props all seemed slightly too biological and each of Kirika's steps across the floor left a quiet squelch.

As she wanders through the disturbing circus Kirika is attacked by familiars in the shapes of balloon animals. They look see-through and floaty yet the balloons are made of a fleshy material and when the creatures get closer they unfold revealing being made of more teeth than skin.

Disturbingly gory or not Kirika had little issue cutting her way through them wanting to spend as little time in this circus that was coming to smell of rotting meat as possible.

Reaching the centre of the barrier Kirika finds the witch. It is a grotesque sight. It looks like dozens of bodies roughly stitched together. Even knowing that the witch is simply the corrupted soul gem of a magical girl seeing what looks like the bodies of people of all ages from the elderly to young children seemingly threaded together into a vagally humanoid form was disturbing. Every visible face was stuck in a silent horrified scream and louse limbs attached to the witch occasionally spasmed.

The horrific thing with its arms, legs and body made up of seemingly living bodies had only one distinct feature its head. Rather than being made of bodies it is just a massive bundle of nerves visibly twisted around each other with a single eye in the center.

Kirika within a second of seeing it decides she never wants to see it again. While she logically knows that the bodies attached to the witch are not actual people and are simply part of the witch's form that does not change the visceral disgust the sight draws from her.

Fortunately, horror seemed like the witch's main weapon as it is a lumbering thing with little elegance that simply tries to bludgeon her with its limbs crushing human bodies on the ground with every missed swing. After cutting through far more human bodies than she ever wanted to Kirikra reaches the head of the witch and cuts straight through the nerve cluster and eye killing it.

After collecting the seed Kirika used her trick of dismissing and resummoning her costume to remove the large amount of blood and gore that had gotten on it.

While not a difficult first witch of the day it is enough to sour the morning and put Kirka in a bad mood.

While normally killing witches was dangerous it could often be exciting or interesting seeing the eldrich nightmares dreamed up by despaired magical girls.

This however was just traumatising and didn't even have the courtesy to be dangerous.

It is in that rather bad mood that Kirika on her way to her second (hopefully less awful) witch finds Mami.

Unlike Sayaka, Mami has exceptional situational awareness most of the time and so notices Kirika at around the same time as Kirika sees her.

Kirika was perfectly willing to just ignore her and keep going, not wanting to have to deal with interacting with anyone other than Homura at that moment.

Mami however was not the type to oblige that wish.

"I have been told that you threatened my student" Mami says at Kirika.

Kirika stops walking "I believe my words were along the lines of removing her arms if she made any more comments on my relationship with Homura" Kirika speaks in a deadpan not having enough energy to play around this morning.

"That is unacceptable. You do not get to just walk around my city threatening to harm my student and get away with that freely" Mami says not appreciating Kirika's honesty.

"Ok, good for you. Now can I leave or are you actually going to do anything about it" Kirika replies truly wanting to get on with her day and not deal with empty threats.

"Let me put it in simple terms, get out of my city or I will make you" Mami states her ultimatum.

Kirika considers trying to fight Mami, she's fairly sure if she tried she could kill her before Mami could stop her. A single swipe at her hairpin would end it.

However Kirika unlike usual is really not in the mood for a fight and Homura would probably be annoyed at her if she killed someone who could be used against Walpurgisnacht.

As such before Mami had even finished creating her first musket to threaten Kirika with Kirika had stretched time around herself and dashed off at a speed far beyond what Mami could react to.

After running far enough that Kirika is certain Mami would not be able or bothered to follow Kirika returns to her witch hunt.

At this point, she really just wants to get past this miserable morning and have lunch with Homura.

However, she also could not fail Homura by not killing enough witches and so, bad mood or not she had no choice but to kill another witch or two first.

Kirika does not take too long to find a barrier.

When she enters the barrier unlike most labyrinths there is not a massive visual change beyond everything gaining a silvery sheen.

As she begins walking a mirror appears in front of her. Inside it, she could see herself. In the mirror, she was walking somewhere before a bullet hit her in the back and she collapsed. The mirror then showed an image of Homura checking the body before walking off.

Kirika recoiled, smashing the mirror she noticed she was breathing heavily and tried to forcefully calm herself so she could find and kill this place's witch.

Kirika began exploring the more shiny than usual city avoiding looking at any other mirror that appeared.

Eventually though after walking for minutes without seeing any clues towards anything or any familiars, only the mirrors she looks into another one.

It shows her before she made her wish, sitting playing an RPG she owned looking at the button to change her character. Kirika knows just how miserable she was back then she has no need of a mirror to remind her.

As she is about to walk around the mirror however the scene changes. It shows Kirika tripping down some stairs before hitting the ground and not moving. It shows Homura walking past her body without a second glance.

Kirika feeling incredibly frustrated smashes this mirror too and keeps looking for anything other than mirrors in this detestable labyrinth.

She still finds nothing.

Finally, she stops in front of a third mirror It shows her first memory of meeting Homura when she attacked her in time stop. Unlike in reality, however, the Homura in the mirror seems less capable and when time resumes rather than managing to block and dodge Kirika's enhanced speed for any amount of time she loses an arm. She can see though not hear the mirrors Kirika say something about disappointment before killing Homura.

Kirika shaking from what the mirror showed her sat down for a second not looking at the mirror.

She taps a grief seed to her soul gem which, despite having spent little magic since her last cleanse, is far too full.

Deciding this cannot continue Kirika tries something new and walks into the mirror without smashing it.

Coming out the other side she sees the city in inverted colours.

The scene she just watched was laid out in front of her but outside of the mirror, it lost its realism. The dead Homura and the alternate Kirika shimmered like they were made of glass.

Kirika walks up to her copy and smashes her. Despite it just being a familiar of a witch messing with her it still felt very satisfying to destroy the image of herself she saw kill Homura.

On the other side of the mirror finding the witch does not take long.

She finds a large glass spider sculpting a scene. It looks like the start of the time Kirika and Homura killed the sweets witch with a glass Homura wrapped up.

Before the spider could try to twist that memory however Kirika was upon it.

Kirika did not believe there was a single witch she had ever hated more than this thing and doubted there would be for a long time.

Kirika shatters the witch's leg in a second and following up by smashing the other seven.

Though it tries to stab her with the sharp pointed ends of its legs while she is doing so it never gets the chance.

Once legless Kirika made sure to swipe her claws over the spider's glass eyes shattering them and blinding it before finally impaling its head.

The barrier does not disappear and no grief seed comes out.

That was just a large familiar.

Kirika keeps searching through the city killing every spider she comes across each time seeing the start of a scene that she would rather not see distorted by the witch.

Finally, Kirika finds what seems to be the centre of the mirrored labyrinth.

She sees a copy of herself though this time it looks exactly like her rather than her shimmering reflection she smashed earlier.

She gets ready to fight but it does not attack her.

Instead, it pulls out its copy of her soul gem smiles at her and shatters it before dropping over dead.

The labyrinth ends and Kirika picks up the grief seed trying to get the mental image of killing herself out of her head.

Kirika checks the time and finds it's almost when she should meet with Homura for lunch.

She sets off still feeling awful to see the only person she cares about.

Even in such a bad mood as now seeing Homura makes Kirika feel better.

She goes up to Homura says a quiet "hi" before hugging her.

While normally she would let go after a second or two (she knows Homura is only comfortable if it doesn't go on too long) this time she holds on tight and has to resist letting out tears.

Homura for a second seems like she wants to pull away but feeling Kirika seem to hold on tighter in response to her seeming to pull away reciprocates the hug.

"Kirika? you doing ok?" Homura asks as gently as she can.

"No" Kirika admits quietly unable to resist crying onto Homua slightly when the hug is reciprocated.

"What happened," Homura asks.

"Witches were bad, showed me dying, showed you dying." Kirika manages to get out.

"Well both of us are still here so no need to worry" Homura responds having absolutely no idea how to comfort someone but trying anyway.

"I only killed two witches, I'm sorry I'm not useful" Kirika says hating that she achieved so little.

"That's useful, some magical girls struggle to kill one witch in a day" Homura says trying to cheer Kirika up.

"But I need to help you, I can't just be some magical girl I need to be good enough yet here I am crying and hanging on you like a little kid," Kiria says suddenly filled with a self-loathing she had thought died with her wish.

"Don't you dare call yourself useless. you're one of the most helpful and dependable magical girls I've ever met. Kirika you promised me I could always depend on you. Did you lie?" Homura asks.

"No! Of course not I'll do whatever you need" Kirika replies still hugging Homura.

"In that case, you are good enough. Now I thought we agreed that we were going to get lunch together" Homura says gently ending the hug.

Homura leads Kirika to a nearby restaurant and the two order lunch.

"Take the rest of the day off hunting witches. I need my partner in top form if we're going to kill Walpurgisnacht. We have an excess of grief seeds but I only have one Kirika. I can't allow you to get yourself killed" Homura says while the two eat.

Kirika perks up at being called Homura's partner "Ok I'll rest the rest of the day but by tomorrow I'll be in top form and I'll kill more witches than anyone" Kirika says filled with the determination to do better.

She has to change into a person who can keep going no matter how horrifying what she sees might be.

She cannot drag Homura down with her own weakness.

Kirika stays with Homura for the rest of the day. Though she doesn't need to she still takes great joy in holding Homura's hand as they walk.

Despite the day's terrible start, Kirika finds herself unable to care in the least when she's able to be with Homura for the day.

When she returns home with Homura she makes dinner and enjoys the sensation of knowing she's helping Homura even in a way Homura may not think matters.

As she's heading to bed she gets another text from her mum yet where before she felt crushing the mix of abandonment, hate and longing now she realises she doesn't care.

She knows what matters in her life and will not be distracted by something so trivial.

Kirika refuses to be held down by her weakness anymore.

For Homura's sake, she will change into someone who cannot be held back by her inner demons.

Chapter Text

Monday started with the same routine that Kirika and Homura had fallen into.

Kirika woke up and made breakfast for Homura the two sat eating together in the morning.

Kirika could tell that this routine was something Homura enjoyed significantly more than her prior lonely breakfasts of bland cereal.

While Homura never explicitly acknowledged this and despite her not being expressive most of the time Kirika could tell that Homua was notably more energised and cheerful in the mornings since they had started.

Though to be fair Kirika doubted anyone who knew Homura less well than Kirika would notice that fact.

The two set off to school Kirika being just as affectionate as she usually is towards Homura.

Homura seems more receptive to said affection this morning, however, which fills Kirika with an immense amount of joy.

Even if yesterday morning had been the worst thing Kirika could remember experiencing, the fact that Homura has been more accepting of her affection afterwards makes the entire thing almost worth it.

Still, the two reached school and with a departing hug, the two set off to their lessons.

Kirika noticed that today Mami was in school and seemed to glare at her when she caught sight of Kirika but unlike her actions yesterday did not make any threats or ultimatums choosing instead to avoid interacting with her.

While Kirika hoped her display of speed yesterday simply scared the experienced magical girl off she doubted that was the reason.

Whatever the case if Mami wasn't bothering Homura and did not have any interest in threatening her then Kirika decided she would simply enjoy the peace while it lasted.

Over lunch, Kirika met up with Homura, Madoka, Hitomi and Sayaka.

Kirika stayed near Homura as they made small talk with Madoka and Hitomi.

Shockingly Sayaka seemed to be making a (somewhat underwhelming) attempt to be civil.

She actually participated in the conversation and only spent half of it glaring at Homura or Kirika.

While Kirika could tell that Madoka was somewhat uncomfortable with the tension between Sayaka and her two new friends she seemed determined to power through it until they became actual friends.

Homura like whenever she was around paid most attention to Madoka over the conversation.

It is honestly quite impressive how despite Kirika hanging off her and Sayaka glaring at her she managed to keep the vast majority of her attention on Madoka seeing everything else as a second priority.

Kirika honestly finds Homura's level of singlemindedness cute having no problem being the second priority in this conversation.

Eventually lunch ends and past that school ends rather uneventfully.

Homura decides to stay with Madoka under the same logic as the weekend leaving Kirika to hunt witches.

Unlike yesterday Kirika is certain no matter how horrific or disturbing the witches she fights today she will be unphased.

She will do nothing but take their grief seed out of the witches after cutting them open.

The first witch she encounters is in a labyrinth that seems underwater though thankfully she can still breathe within it. The place seems murky and the ground is bumpy and uneven with random objects lodged into the sand.

Its familiars are mindless things chunks of plastic with tentacles coming out of them seeming to reach for anything around it without rhyme or reason and nets wound up into a ball moving with a fin attached to the top and sides of the strung together rope.

Kirika has the slightly unpleasant surprise of finding the net familiars are electrified when she tries cutting one but other than a very slightly singed hand she finds little trouble getting around this witch's labyrinth.

Reaching the witch she found it a rather odd one.

It was seemingly a massive block of plastics, nets, wires and pieces of metal held together by thin transparent tendrils that existed throughout the witch's exterior. The witch seemed to have no senses at all and simply drifted around the water occasionally changing direction with the sway of the water.

The witch takes no notice when Kirika approaches only taking action once she starts carving into it. Once that happens the tendrils on the witch reach out to her and electrify but by twisting the time around them they are effortless to avoid. They only reach toward where they last felt sensation and Kirika has no trouble moving between swipes.

Before long the witch is scrapped, the barrier is gone and Kirika has a grief seed.

Following where Homura directed her it takes little time to find a second witch.

This one's labyrinth appears to be a library. It is badly lit and the bookshelves make the labyrinth a maze. As Kirika moves through she is attacked by books that shoot sharp pieces of paper at her and some of the shelves develop teeth and try to devour her as she passes.

After she shreds a rather massive amount of paper and wood she reaches the inner labyrinth with the witch. It is a humanoid shape formed of hundreds of books being stacked together. It attacks Kirika by sending waves of solid words at her that she is forced to dodge out of the way of.

As she leaps around stretching time around herself to easily avoid the book witch and start cutting through its body the words that had been scattered around the room begin to rise and form sentences which snake towards Kirika trying to bind her for the witch to crush.

Kirika is forced to twist time around the sentence snakes while working on cutting through the novels the witch is made out of.

In the end, though she is forced to cut her way out of the sentences a few times and narrowly avoids being crushed under books she manages to shred enough of the witch that it loses consistency and becomes a grief seed.

Kirika's third witch of the day has a labyrinth that looks like the set of a TV show with cameras everywhere pointing at her.

Familiars that seem more like walking green screen than anything physically possible try to halt her progress but their lack of connection to how reality works does not bless them with durability and so they are dispersed into static.

As she leaves the first set of the witch's labyrinth a screen appears in front of Kirika. It moves with her always appearing two meters ahead of her vision no matter how she moves and is unaffected by changing time around it or herself.

It shows her memories of the most painful scenes from her past. Then when she is entirely unaffected starts showing her depictions of Homura dead or Kirika dead. When that fails it tries showing Kirika being responsible for Homura's death and vice versa. No matter which nightmare of Kirika it displays however she is entirely uncaring.

She is the person who will stand by Homura and ensure she reaches wherever she wishes to go and no vision of a terrible future or horrific possibility will phase her in the slightest. After all, anyone who could be brought low with nothing but visions and possibilities could not possibly be what Homura needed and so Kirika would not be that person.

The screen tries everything any possibility that Kirika could find horrifying while the green screen familiars return to attacking her. Yet she is not distracted and continues to progress making quick work of anything that gets in her way.

The labyrinth eventually reaches a dead end and the screen loses its ability to stay exactly two meters in front of Kirika. The room itself changes around her into the fantasies and memories the screen used as the screen witch fired static at Kirika.

Kirika however simply avoids the static, ignores the scene and shatters the screen pulling out a grief seed as the world around her dissolves into static before the real world reappears around her.

Kirika simply cannot allow herself to be childish enough to care about memories or fantasies and so a witch that relies on those things is no threat at all.

As the afternoon passes to evening Kirika manages to kill 3 further witches, none of them posing a particular threat to her.

Kirika meets back up with Homura who had just finished hanging out with Madoka.

While Kirika knows the main reason Homura claims she does so is to keep White Ring from getting up to anything but she is also fairly sure Homura just enjoys being around Madoka even if she will likely not admit that fact.

Still, as long as Homura is happy then Kirika does not mind the true reasons behind her actions and feels no need to quiz Homura.

As the couple get home and at this point, Kirika truly does find it home far more than the house she had lived in for most of her life.

Though being fair it is not truly the apartment that is home. Kirika is certain that as long as she is capable of remaining by Homura's side Kirika will always be home.

As they get home Kirika makes some food and the pair sit down for the evening and discuss the day.

First Kirika displays her 6 new grief seeds "Like I said I'll kill as many witches as you need dead" Kirika says pleased to have returned to top witch hunting form.

"Impressive, looks like yesterday really was just a fluke then" Homura comments happy that Kirika seems to have recovered so quickly.

"Yep It will never happen again" Kirika promises.

"I believe you," Homura says.

The two then move to their interactions with their fellow magical girls.

"Mami and Sayaka both seemed a bit too well-behaved. Despite threatening to remove me from the city yesterday Mami seemed completely uninterested in conflict" Kirika spoke.

"Sayaka did seem significantly less confrontational today at lunch and after school, than she usually is too. I hope they have just decided to accept our presence in the city but we should stay aware in case they are planning anything" Homura decided.

"If you want me to deal with them just say the word but it would be nice if they actually do decide to just help us against Walpurgisnacht rather than cause problems" Kirika replied.

Eventually, the two ran out of magical girl business to talk about and so Kirika asked a significantly more important one.

"So what do you think of the dinner?" Kirika asks hoping that Homura is enjoying her cooking more than her former diet of whatever instant food was most convenient.

"You are definitely getting better at this. Thank you Kirika" Homura says finding the idea of eating for enjoyment rather than simply efficiencies sake novel but rather comforting.

At this Kirika gains a wide smile "Don't worry I'll only get better from here, as long as I'm around you'll never have to eat a JSDF MRE ever again" Kirika promises.

At this, Homura makes the rare decision of choosing to hug Kirika something that she eagerly accepts.

Homura's reason for this is simple, even if she is using Kirika for her own ends any reasonable person takes good care of their tools and it is blatantly clear that Kirika drinks up affection like water.

Giving out her affection in this case is simply rational Homura concludes.

After all, especially after yesterday, she needs to ensure Kirika is functioning perfectly if the pair of them are going to save Madoka.

Still, Homura is confident, more confident than she has been in many timelines, this surely has to be the one.

Eventually, Homura finishes her musing and ends the hug before wishing Kirika a good night and heading off to sleep.

Homura thinking about how things have changed with Kirika has a thought.

She's unsure what to do with the realisation she's looking forward to waking up tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Mami had been getting increasingly concerned over the last couple of weeks.

When Homura transferred into Mitakihra there was a brief moment Mami hoped she would be an ally.

Being a magical girl is lonely work no matter how important it might be.

Sadly Homura turned out to be the selfish type of magical girl who cares only for herself.

This was nothing new to Mami as she had discussed with Kyubey, many magical girls ended up much more interested in their own self satisfaction and self preservation than any sort of justice or duty.

Still, at that point, Homura was relatively inoffensive. While she obviously did not like Kyubey, and wanted to prevent any more contracts so she could get a higher proportion of grief seeds, that made her selfish not evil.

Meeting Kirika for the first time was slightly less pleasant. The witch's barrier that she had found her in had terrible visibility and forced her to use her ribbons to filter the air or it would choke her.

Mami saw the witch bite down on her through the smog and doing what any decent person would killed it before it finished Kirika off.

Sadly rather than being grateful for the assistance and willing to work with, or even just civilly talk with Mami, Kirika started as rude and escalated to threatening.

Not only that but her disappearing act forced Mami to take her seriously. Not many magical girls can disappear so instantly and seamlessly.

The second time she met Kirika was even worse than the first. Mami was going to kill the witch Sayaka had alerted her to and hopefully show Sayaka a bit more of how the life of magical girls goes when Homura showed up and demanded she take the witch.

Not wanting her to steal the witch or sabotage her Mami tied her up so she could get on with the hunt.

Kirika then appeared just as suddenly as she had disappeared last time and when she did Mami's seal around Homura was shredded in an instant. They then forced her to give up the witch by implicitly threatening Sayaka, showing just how morally bankrupt the pair are.

The fact that the two black-haired magical girls are working together means that they are more than just nuisances it's possible they could even push her out of the city.

Sayaka had chosen a wish after that likely wanting to help put Mami on even ground with the two. While Mami is very grateful that she has someone to mentor and who is as good as a friend of Sayaka she cannot help but worry if Sayaka's selfless wish to heal her violinist friend will satisfy her in the long run.

Still, as her mentor, it is Mami's duty to train and protect Sayaka. Which is why hearing that when she encountered Kirika she was threatened forced Mami to conclude that she could not allow the pair of black-haired magical girls free rein any longer.

Her run-in with Kirika this morning only reconfirmed this with her so utterly unphased by Mami and so willing to admit threatening to cut off her student's arm.

She and by extension Homura whom Kirika seemed extremely attached to were a problem and threat to the peace of the city.

There was only one problem. Mami was not sure if she could defeat them.

Normally this is not a problem when it comes to marauding magical girls, as Kyubey has mentioned and as she had found out practically, Mami is in the upper percentile of magical girls.

It is normally little effort for her to keep up with and defeat any other magical girls. Her ribbons even allow her to do so without needing to resort to lethality.

Those two however are not average magical girls. Kirika and Homura's repeated disappearing acts alone are concerning. Not knowing how an opponent is moving is an easy way to get an unpleasant surprise. However alongside that in her last encounter with Kirikia, she displayed speed beyond any magical girl Mami had seen before.

While she would likely be able to constrain that advantage with good use of ribbons and muskets that does not change the fact that Mami could not be sure she would prevail against Kirika alongside the fact she does not fully understand Homura's capabilities.

It was as Mami was considering this problem that she received a call. It was from a number she did not know but in case it was something important she picked it up anyway.

The caller introduced themself as a magical girl named Oriko and offered to support her against Homura and Kirika if she met up with her and a friend of hers.

This was as concerning as it was intriguing. While Mami could entirely believe that Homura and Kirika would be the types to make enemies of other magical girls Mami did not regularly give out her number raising the question of where Oriko had gotten it.

Still, the opportunity to work with other magical girls and resolve a threat to her city was too good to pass up.

Mami questioned if she could take her student with her to the meeting which Oriko agreed with and asked where the meeting would take place. They eventually agreed to meet late this afternoon in a neutral cafe to reduce the chances of a trap and to prevent one side from feeling more confident.

When asked if she wanted to join Mami to meet some other magical girls who were offering to help them Sayaka eagerly agreed and so late in the afternoon two headed to the agreed cafe.

When Mami arrived she quickly spotted the girls she was meeting with. There were two of them one of them had lightish purple hair and was wearing a cardigan. The other one had blond hair and wore a dress. The girl in the dress waved at Mami and Sayaka the instant they arrived.

"Hello, Tomoe, Miki thanks for coming," the girl said as they approached, "My name is Mikuni Oriko and beside me is my friend Akane Mai" Oriko finished introducing herself.

"Well you seem to already know of us but I am Tomoe Mami" Mami spoke as she sat down on the table opposite Oriko.

"And I'm Miki Sayaka even if you already seem to know," Sayaka said facing Mai.

"My wish gives me knowledge of certain things such as your names. It is also because of this that I know of your current problems with Kure Kirika and Akemi Homura." Oriko stated replying to Mami and Sayaka's implied question.

"I see, you mentioned helping us if I may ask what help are you offering and what do you want in return" Mami asks getting to the point of the meeting.

"Homura and her follower Kirika are currently seeking to slowly drive you out from this city. You may have noticed over the last week that while you have been running into the normal amount of familiars you have encountered very few witches" Oriko started.

"What is your point" Mami questions.

"This is due to the fact that Kirika has been systematically hunting down every witch you can reach in the city. I assume they have also tried to drive you out of barriers you were planning to go into" Oriko continued.

"Yes, that does fit how they have behaved" Mami noted.

"This is due to the fact they are trying to starve you of grief seeds, I suspect over the past week of fighting mainly familiars your stockpiles have been stretched. This is a deliberate strategy that is used by invading magical girls to drive off territory owners whom they don't want to face in an even confrontation" Oriko states "Feel free to ask Kyubey to confirm that this is done."

Mami looks to Kyubey who has followed her to the meeting.

Is what she says the truth?

While I cannot confirm if that is what Homura and Kirika intend to do I can confirm that that is a method that has been used by magical girls in the past to some success.

"Ok that explains their actions but it does not explain what you are offering" Mami says questioningly.

"That is simple, girls like Homura after driving you off are unlikely to leave your neighbours unbothered. While my wish makes me very able to assist other magical girls, when it comes to a fight I can do little more than play support." Oriko says before continuing "In reality I am being rather self-interested in my actions by helping you deal with those two now it means that rather than have to fight the two with only my friends by my side I get support from two extra magical girls."

"So you simply wish to remove a threat from your future?" Mami asks.

"Indeed my sole interest in those two is removing a future threat. If we agree to collaborate I would ask that you draw them out on the 23rd the Wednesday after next. That day I should be able to be in Mitakihra along with Mai and my other friend Asako Komaki who could not be down today but agreed beforehand to help if you two accept our assistance. With all of us working together victory should be assured."

"Why the 23rd" Mami questions.

"That is the day that my wish draws me to. Should we try too early or late unexpected variables may damage our chances" Oriko says.

"What if me and Mami decide to go after them without you rather than waiting a week and a half for your help" Sayaka jumps in to say.

"Then they will kill you," Oriko says bluntly with absolute certainty in her answer.

"While I respect your offer I would ask that you don't underestimate me and Sayaka we are capable magical girls. I doubt it would be as one-sided as you insinuate" Mami states.

"You are well known to be a skilled magical girl Mami and I'm sure your student also is but that does not change the fact that you almost certainly would not win that fight. You see I need to explain how Homura's magic functions for you to understand why she is such a threat" Oriko answers.

"I assume this too is known to you due to your wish" Mami says.

"You are correct. Homura can stop time. Anything attached to her remains capable of moving but all other matter is utterly frozen. As such if you fought her unprepared it would end in a one-sided slaughter despite your skill and abilities." Oriko exposes.

"So that is how she has been moving. I assume you have a way to fight that or else this meeting would be pointless" Mami inquires.

"Correct while I would like to discuss exact strategies in a future meeting once we have agreed to work together but in essence as long as we can maintain any type of physical connection to Homura and each other we should be able to fight her at an advantage. This is also why it is important Homura is baited into prepared grounds." Oriko explains.

"Well if you speak the truth we have little option but to accept your assistance. I hope you can back up your confidence with action" Mami says.

"Worry not on the 23rd I will ensure calamity is avoided," Oriko says with such surety it sounds like she is stating a fact rather than a plan.

The meeting continues a bit longer with the 4 magical girls working out logistics though Mai seems to defer to Oriko on most of the organisation.

Eventually, the girls go their separate ways.

"Do you trust her?" Sayaka asks.

"Not entirely though I do believe that she does intend to help us deal with Homura and Kirika. We must simply ensure that they are not in a position to turn on us once the battle is done." Mami explains.

"Well in that case let's beat those evil magical girls trying to force you out of our city and then see how the rest goes" Sayaka answers.

"Still I would rather like it if they do turn out to be trustworthy, It is always positive to have good relations with your neighbours," Mami says.

Eventually, the two go their separate ways.

Mami is not sure about Oriko and her friends but what she is sure about is that Kirika and Homura are a problem that if not dealt with may result in tragedy.

If what Oriko pointed out is true, and her evidence though circumstantial was rather compelling then things will inevitably come to a head and when that time comes Mami wants it on her terms.

So she will wait until the 23rd hunting witches like usual and trying to keep enough for the big day.

Mami finally has a student who will not abandon her. She refuses to return to being alone once more and if that means fighting some selfish magical girls who refuse to allow enough grief seeds for her and Sayaka then so be it.

Only then can she ensure the safety of her city and Sayaka.

Chapter Text

Homura woke up to the sound of Kirika making breakfast like usual (when did that change from strange to usual).

After ensuring she is dressed she sits down with Kirika to eat.

Kirika seems to have put out some cinnamon rolls to have as breakfast. Despite knowing that it would probably be more healthy to not go along with Kirika's breakfast idea Homura finds herself eating with her anyway.

Homura as she eats her breakfast (which is much nicer than she was having before Kirika not that she would ever admit as such) Homura decides to ask Kirika a question.

"You've been with me for the past couple of weeks, have you made any progress towards finding your wish" Homura asks wanting to know if Kirika is getting what she originally wanted out of their cooperation.

"I know exactly what my wish is" Kirika replies slightly surprising Homura.

"Oh?"

"It's to keep working by your side of course" Kirika says with a smile.

Homura choosing to think of that as Kirika being Kirika rather than diving any deeper into it replies "I was referring to the wish which made you a magical girl"

"Not sure, probably something stupid but that doesn't matter because I'm already fulfilling my real wish" Kirika responds with conviction.

Homura looks at Kirika trying to find even the slightest suggestion of insincerity but like always finds none.

Kirika to Homura seems truly impossible. She is significantly more capable than the average new magical girl, seems to be a beacon of optimism that she has seen falter exactly once before quickly recovering and for some inexplicable reason has decided Homura of all people is who she should follow out of anyone in the world.

While there is still a part of Homura that is suspicious of Kirika (how could she possibly not be nothing so good exists in her life) as far as she can tell Kirika truly is the person she acts as not hiding under any masks.

Eventually, the pair set off to school Kirika holding Homura's hand as if it is something precious (Homura truly does not know what she sees).

Still, as they reach school Homura sees the person whom she exists to protect.

Madoka.

Truly this timeline was a marvel that Madoka could be free from the incubator's manipulations even so far in.

Despite her best efforts in other timelines diverting the incubator effectively for weeks was a near impossible trial, especially with everything else she needed to get done over the weeks of the timeline.

While whatever anomaly kept the incubator from finding Madoka near the beginning of the timeline was a blessing, Homura knows that it is only due to Kirika's help that she has managed to have time to protect Madoka from the incubator while also gathering sufficient equipment for Walpurgisnacht and wiping out the local witches that could be a threat to Madoka.

Still, Homura cannot afford to waste the opportunity that this timeline has gifted her. With Kirika by her side, Madoka free from the incubator and the fact she has even managed to keep Mami alive (an increasing rarity as timelines went on) Homura cannot think of a timeline where she has had a better chance of defeating Walpurgisnacht without failing Madoka.

As Homura and Kirika approach school Madoka notices them and walks over.

"Hi Homura, Hi Kirika" Madoka says as she walks.

"Hello Madoka" Homura replies while Kirika gives an enthusiastic "Good morning!"

The fact that Homura has managed to maintain a friendship with Madoka this timeline is yet another rare yet wonderful fluke. Normally Homura is forced to push her away to protect her from the incubator and life as a magical girl yet this once she is able to know Madoka without that hovering over her (as long as Homura does not falter).

The group converse for a while before Madoka spots Hitomi and Sayaka and splits off to talk to them instead.

Eventually, Homura and Kirika reach the school entrance and Kirika gives Homura a hug as has become routine (The fact Homura is able to be comfortable with Kirika's physical affection is something that mystifies her sometimes. It has been so many timelines since Homura experienced this sort of affection that she is certain if anyone but Kirika tried it her impulse would be to push them off rather than accept it.)

Homura aces her school work effortlessly, as usual, it is hard to be challenged by something she has done so many dozens of times after all.

At lunch, she decides to head to the roof with Kirika to discuss plans for school ending.

"Based on your hunting so far there should be around 5 witches left around the city which I know the location of" Homura says.

The fact that Kirika has been so capable of hunting that only killing two witches in the morning is something she sees as a personal failure despite many magical girls seeing that as a massive success is yet another ridiculous thing about her.

While Homura can manage that rate it is only through years of experience and knowledge of her opponents yet Kirika matches that with nothing but speed, enthusiasm and a list of locations.

"If you want I should be able to deal with those after school" Kirika responds to Homura.

"That would be very helpful Kirika" Homura responds

"Then I swear there will be nothing but a pile of grief seeds to suggest they ever existed" Kirika said pleased by the idea of assisting Homura like usual.

Homura no matter how she thought about it could not work out why Kirika bothered to follow her commands. While Homura gave her locations Kirika had been doing most of the witch killing this timeline and by now could have had a great enough stockpile to live off for months without hunting if she did not so eagerly share it with Homura.

While Homura had let Kirika stay in her house Kirika did have an actual home even if Homura had yet to see it. While she did not seem rich Kirika did not seem to be massively hurting for money. Kirika was even the one who decided to do the cooking. Homura honestly could not see what Kirika was getting out of this.

It made some sense when she was simply searching for her wish yet now it seemed like Kirika was doing Homura's work altruistically with no reward at the end whatsoever other than Homura's thanks.

Still, even if she feels like she is taking advantage of her Homura will not stop using Kirika. This has been the timeline where she has had the best shot at saving Madoka in years. If Homura has to keep working Kirika to the bone to ensure her success then she will do it gladly and without regrets.

"Thanks for being here Kirika, you really are a massive help" Homura comments after a short silence where Kirika had been resting her head on Homura's shoulder as the two sat on the roof.

Kirika just gives a pleased mumble being too comfortable where she was to want to move enough to give a response.

The two sit there in comfortable silence until the end of lunch when they have to return to lessons.

The sound Kirika makes slightly like an irritated cat when the two are forced to move is almost enough to get Homura to let out a giggle.

The two return to their lessons and before long school ends.

As agreed Kirika set off to kill Mitakihra's remaining witch population Homura made sure to stick around where Madoka was heading so she would get the chance to kill off any incubators that could put her at risk.

Most of the day passed uneventfully though there was a point where she had to go into time stop to prevent the incubator from going to talk to Sayaka while she was around Madoka.

After Madoka finished her day out and began to set off home, Homura too got ready to return home slightly curious as to what Kirika would make when she got back.

Before she set off home however she noticed Sayaka walking towards her and deciding to humour her stuck around to see what she had to say.

"Why do you keep following us, I didn't notice at first but I keep catching you out of the corner of my eye" Sayaka said launching straight into accusations.

Homura was honestly surprised, while she often made sure to be around Madoka to protect her, Sayaka rarely noticed her presence. She wondered what had made Sayaka more observant this timeline.

"I certainly was not here for you, I simply wish to make sure Madoka is not drawn into magical girl business" Homura stated.

"What is your deal with Madoka anyway the only person you seem to hang around more than her is that psycho Kirika."

"Madoka is simply a friend whom I don't want to be drawn into this life like you were. Also, I would ask you to have enough respect to not insult my friend" Homura replies flipping her hair back.

"Well you don't need to do that, Madoka has no reason to become a magical girl and I am more than enough to protect her from any witches" Sayaka continues.

"If not for me and Kirika there is a good chance Madoka would have been killed last Wednesday due to a witch that appeared outside her house. Forgive me If I doubt your capabilities" Homura continued knowing from experience that trusting Sayaka to protect Madoka for any amount of time would be the height of foolishness considering her habit of getting Madoka killed.

"Ok, I can respect that but still keep yourself and your girlfriend away from Madoka, I'm not sure what you're planning but I don't trust you and if either of you get her hurt I will never forgive you" Sayaka says.

Homura choosing to ignore Sayaka's suggestion of her and Kirika's relationship speaks "Is it so hard to believe that I have nothing nefarious planned and am just trying to keep my friend safe?" While Homura knows it's pointless she still tries to get Sayaka to see reason.

"I was there when you pushed Mami out of that barrier so you could take the grief seed for yourself. You are selfish and I don't believe you would act simply out of the good of your heart. So transfer student what will it be" Sayaka continues determined to protect her friend.

"You lack the capacity to threaten me, I will continue to keep Madoka safe despite you," Homura says before pausing time and leaving not wanting to hear Sayaka's self-righteous retort.

As Homura got home as expected she found Kirika waiting for her and accepted Kirika's running hug as she got in.

"Welcome home," Kirika said as she clung onto Homura for a couple of seconds before letting go.

"How did the day go" Homura asks curious if Kirika managed to finish off the last 5 witches.

In response, Kirika gets out a bag holding 5 grief seeds "Like I said, nothing but a pile of grief seeds"

Kirika then sets off to finish cooking pleased to have met Homura's expectations.

As she makes her way to sit down and eat with Kirika Homura wonders once more how it is possible that someone like Kirika can possibly exist.

If Homura had access to such an incredible asset before she has no doubt she would have been able to save Madoka much sooner. Yet some random cosmic coincidence decided that this was the time that she would blessed with such an opportunity.

Still, Homura decides as she eats Kirika's cooking beside her. Maybe just this once Homura can stop considering the mystery behind why Kirika is as she is and simply enjoy the fact she is.

After all aside from Madoka, Homura cannot think of a single person who throughout the timelines has failed to disappoint or betray her. Why not enjoy this rare opportunity to work with someone who is truly dependable?

No matter how undeserved it may be Homura can allow herself to be happy with Kirika's unending affection as long as she never forgets her purpose.

Just like Homura, Kirika is simply a device being used to prevent Madoka's horrific fate.

Still, there is no reason why Homura can't enjoy having someone who shares her purpose.

It is nice to not have to face her endless mission alone.

Chapter Text

Kirika gets up and begins her morning routine as usual.

She can tell that Homura has been appreciating having someone here and so when Homura gets up and has breakfast with her this morning Kirika is like most days ecstatic to be able to make her day better.

However, while the morning begins normally before the two finish eating they get an unexpected visitor.

Hello, Homura, Kirika, I've noticed your recent extreme animosity towards me and wish to get a better understanding of what I can do to get you to cease destroying my bodies as it is reaching the point of notable inefficiency.

While Kirika simply glared at it, Homura replied "I simply prefer your bodies away from the people I hold any amount of affection for. You have a habit of ruining girls' lives who you interact with."

I simply grant wishes in exchange for assistance fighting witches. My motives are entirely benevolent.

At this, Kirika chooses to speak up "Well I'm happy to say Mitakihra has more than enough magical girls to deal with the witch population so there is no need for you to contact anyone around here."

While you may be taking care of Mitakihra's witches the situation in Kazamino is steadily falling apart with the death of 4 of its major magical girls. As Mitakihra is a bigger city it only makes sense I search here for potential magical girls to help rectify the situation.

"Well in that case feel free to recruit magical girls close to Kazamino there is no reason for you to hang around Mitakihra Middle School and other places around my friends. The city is large and I'm sure has plenty of other potentials." Homura says unhappy with letting the incubator ruin the lives of anyone but caring significantly more about Madoka than the terrible fates of any other girls.

Even if you and Kirika seem to dislike having my assistance with anything other than disposing of grief seeds this city's other magical girls do appreciate my presence and considering Mami and Sayaka go to the same school as you I have perfectly good reason to remain around.

"Feel free to assist them at other times, it's not like either of them are hunting witches at school after all" Homura says disputing its point.

I can see that you will not be persuaded anomaly. Nevertheless, it would be significantly more polite to ask my bodies to stay away from whatever area you are protecting as opposed to destroying them.

"I see little reason to offer you politeness incubator" Homura says visibly annoyed with this entire discussion.

No matter your personal thoughts about us destroying bodies is simply inefficient. I know that destroying my bodies instantaneously without any visible movement must require your magic. Would it not be less wasteful to settle this issue in a civilised manner?

"Fine then I will put this simply stay away from my and Sayaka's friends. They will have nothing to do with the magical girl system as long as I live and I will kill any body of yours which approaches them. As long as you do not threaten those I care for personally, I will leave you to ruin as many lives as you wish" Homura speaks increasingly exhausted by this conversation and determined to avoid speaking about Madoka by name in case it inspires the incubator's interest.

I still dispute your wording. We offer girls an impossible miracle beyond anything they could achieve over their entire life. Surly the cost of becoming a magical girl is almost cheap compared to that.

"And those girls' inevitable fate?" Homura asks back.

It is only natural that the most incredible miracles need to be repaid by an equal amount of despair. We still believe that it is a fair and equitable deal and that there is no reason to be outraged about it.

"Maybe that could be argued if you bothered to inform them of it before your contract" Homura spoke.

It is not our fault that your species never bothers to ask the right questions. We are fully honest about everything we are asked and give girls all the information they choose to have before making a wish.

"This conversation is pointless. Just stay away from my friends and I will stop destroying your bodies" Homua states.

Very well, your friends must be rather impressive people to have you so fervently defending them from me but I will take heed of your deal for now. I have no reason to seek unnecessary conflict.

Saying that it leaves the house.

"Well, White Ring has successfully ruined breakfast. You know I could still catch up with and skewer that body of its if you want" Kirika suddenly decides to offer.

She can tell that Homura is very tempted but in the end "There is no point. If we are lucky the incubator will obey the deal and we may have more time than expected until it threatens Madoka."

"Well if you're sure then I guess I'll let it go, I much prefer spending time with you over chasing white ring anyway" Kirika ends up saying.

After that rude interruption, the pair eventually finish their breakfast and get ready to set off to school.

"Do you really think White Ring will stay away from Madoka?" Kirika asks curious about if Homura thinks it will keep its side of the deal.

"I do not trust that thing in the least but it does not have a habit of verbally lying. As such I would hope it will do as asked if for no other reason than to try to lose fewer bodies. As long as it never gets a chance to see Madoka's potential she should be safe." Homura says.

The two set off to school Kirika holding onto Homura's hand as they walk as has become usual.

On the way the pair discuss what to do once school is over.

"So since I've wiped out the local witch population what do you want me to do for the day" Kirika questions Homura.

"With how well prepared we have been there is not too much we need to get done other than keeping an eye on Madoka and the other magical girls" Homura answers.

"I'm still not sure why we are giving Mami and Sayaka free rein, while they have backed off a bit they obviously don't like us and I'm worried they may try something," Kirika asked noting how hostile towards her and Homura those two tended to be.

"Simply put when Walpurgisnacht arrives they will put any petty grudges against us behind them and focus on dealing with the witch. As such as long as they are around when it arrives they will be our allies no matter how much they may dislike us until then." Homura reassures.

"Well you know best so I'll put my trust in that then" Kirika replies perfectly happy to trust Homura's words.

"Honestly the much bigger problem tends to be preventing them from getting themselves killed before Walpurgisnacht arrives but at this rate, everyone should make it" Homura continues.

Kirika does not reply and simply continues walking with Homura to school humming a song quietly as she goes.

As always the two get to school and after Kirika's usual hug, go to their classes.

As Kirika sets off she considers the fact that this is probably the best attendance at school she has ever had. Even if that is only because she wouldn't possibly miss an opportunity to stick around Homura rather than any newfound love of academia.

The day passes quickly and to Kirika at least unremarkably with the only interesting part of school being the opportunity to spend lunch with Homura.

As school ends Homura and Kirika meet up again and since Madoka is going to the Mall The couple decide to go to a nearby coffee shop for the day so they can easily intervene if anything goes awry.

The two sit down and get themselves coffee. Black for Homura and the most sweetened thing on the menu for Kirika and while they wait just in case anything happens the two talk.

"So I know your main priority right now is preparing for Walpurgisnacht but what are your plans after we win?" Kirika questions.

Homura thinks for a second still amazed by the fact Kirika is capable of having such faith in their victory.

"Honestly I have been far too preoccupied getting ready to face Walpurgisnacht to have made any plans past that point" Homura finally answers.

The idea of beating Walpurgisnacht despite being something she knows she must do is so utterly daunting that Homura has never really given the thought of what she would do once Madoka was safe a second thought.

Or if she ever had it was long ago enough that she could not remember what those thoughts may have been.

"Well that's no good as you've already said we are really well prepared at this point and you need something to look forward to after we kill that superwitch," Kirika says enthusiastically.

Homura nods but does not reply realising she truly has no idea what she would do if they succeeded. What use is a tool that has fulfilled its purpose after all?

"Well for one we should get a really impressive cake to share to celebrate. We can have a whole little party if you want" Kirika noticing Homura's slightly distressed facial expression makes sure to distract Homura with her ideas.

"You just want that to satisfy your gluttony for sugar" Homura comments looking slightly more cheerful now she is no longer thinking about herself.

"Well of course but I'd make sure you also get plenty of cake. I'm sure it would taste better shared" Kirika responds.

"Do you really think we would have an appetite for cake after fighting Walpurgisnacht?" Homura questions.

"Well killing normal weak witches works up an appetite so I'm sure after killing a mega witch I'll be perfectly able to eat as much as I want" Kirika responds sipping the oversugared abomination she bought.

"Fair enough" Homura responds.

As the two sit and slowly go through their drinks Homura tries to actually consider what would come after Walpurgisnacht aside from Kirika's cake.

Assuming they all survived, she and Kirika would likely still be at odds with Mami and Sayaka. If Homura's apartment is still standing by the end (she had never checked) then she presumes she would return to living there presumably with Kirika. Which is a strange thought, she's never had a flatmate before this timeline yet Homura is certain that if she ended up living in her flat without Kirika at this point it would feel far too quiet and empty.

All of this hinged on one essential truth, however.

That Madoka was safe.

Compared to that everything is secondary.

Still though assuming she survives then thinking about it Homura sees no reason not to celebrate.

"Sure when we kill Walpurgisnacht we can have a really impressive cake and celebrate for the entire next day" Homura says deciding that since this is going to be the timeline where they win she may as well have something to look forward to afterwards.

Even if nothing could possibly taste sweeter than seeing Madoka alive and happy after the end of this godforsaken month Homura gets the feeling having that cake with Kirika will be a pretty decent second.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up considering a very important question left unfulfilled yesterday.

What type of cake should she and Homura get once Walpurgisnacht is dead?

The question she quickly realised depends on what Homura's favourite type of cake is.

This is the thought running through Kirika's mind as she makes breakfast in this case tea cakes with a large amount of jam on them (Kirika deciding that breakfast should match the theme of conversation)

As Homura arrives to eat breakfast she is instantaneously accosted by Kirika's query.

"Good morning Homura! I was thinking about our plans once Walpurgisnacht is dead and realised you never told me your favourite cake."

Homura has had plenty of cakes before, mainly when working with Mami on the timelines she manages to remain somewhat stable and cooperative but remains unsure how to answer Kirika.

"I believe it may be best to see what the nearby bakeries that survive Walpurgisnacht have available rather than deciding on it now" Homura responds.

"But what if I want to make you a cake before then?" Kirika questions.

"Do you know how to bake?" is Homura's response.

"Nope. But I didn't really know how to cook last week so I don't see why that's a problem if you would enjoy it." Kirika responds.

"Maybe you can save learning to bake until after Walpurgisnacht" Homura responds.

"If you say so" Kirika says as she finishes up her breakfast.

The two head off to school Kirika enjoying the walk with Homura when they notice a few students walking in a daze away from the school.

Homura quickly recognises the cause, she checks one the the students' necks and finds a witch's kiss.

"A new witch must have hatched this morning, we should kill it before it can cause any disruption" Homura mentions to Kirika who eagerly switches to her magical girl costume looking forward to hunting with Homura.

As the two enter the barrier they find find the witch already being engaged by Mami and Sayaka.

While on the surface it seemed like the two were winning against the flying witch, Homura knows this battle and so could see how it would end.

"Be prepared to bail out Mami and Sayaka once the witch changes form and ambushes them" Homura mentions to Kirika. She would intervene earlier but Homura knows that would only generate animosity.

Kirika gives a nod and prepares to intervene.

Sure enough, while Sayaka hold off familiars Mami binds the flying witch in binds and forms her signature Trio Finale aiming to destroy the witch in its entirety.

However, as she fires the barrier shifts a witch formed of what seems like a swarm of oversized plants such as venus flytraps and flowers with teeth among their petals connected together into a sprawling amalgamation attack Mami and Sayaka.

Distracted by saving Sayaka from the ambush after fighting the decoy witch above Mami is struck by the plantlike abomination and sent flying wounded by the witch.

As this happens Kirika and Homura enter the fray. Homura stops time and detonates the main mass of plants that would have stuck Mami and Sayaka again while Kirika gets to pruning the rest.

Leaving Kirika to clean up the witch Homura walks up to Sayaka who is desperately healing Mami a circle of musical notes around her signifying her magic.

"Take Tomoe Mami out of the barrer and finish healing her, me and Kirika will destroy the witch." Homura commands Sayaka.

Sayaka no matter her thoughts on Homura has little choice but to obey, picking up the somewhat repaired body of Mami and retreating to finish healing her in a safer place.

Homura looking over can see that Kirika has the situation well in hand cutting through the plant witch with impossible speed.

Deciding that she does not need to waste any more magic pausing time Homura simply shoots any weeds that look like they have the potential to inconvenience Kirika while she reaches the witch's roots and rips them to shreds.

Shortly after their intervention begins the witch is destroyed leaving only its grief seed and the barrier crumbles.

Returning to reality the pair see Mami healed, being supported up by an exhausted Sayaka.

Sayaka looks distressed and horrified by how the situation went.

Homura begins to walk off with Kirika towards school.

Before she can get far she hears Sayaka speak "Thanks for saving us".

"Your deaths would sadden Madoka and you may be needed later, there was no reason not to save you" Homura replies coldly.

Sayaka appeared off-put by such an emotionless answer to her thanks "Is that really the only reason you helped" she cannot help but ask.

"Yes" Homura answers before setting off with Kirika towards school relieved that the witch would not threaten Madoka and that they managed to avoid casualties.

As the two set off Kirika makes sure to pick up the witch's grief seed before returning to holding Homura's hand on the way to school.

"Good job killing the witch efficiently" Homura commented as they went.

"To hear your praise I would gladly kill that witch a hundred times over," Kirika says pleased to have followed Homura's orders effectively.

"I am perfectly happy with you killing it a single time" Homura responds as the two reach school.

"Then I'm glad that's what I did" Kirika says hugging Homura before the two set off to lessons.

Lessons go the same way they usually do. Kirika notices that Mami does eventually end up appearing in her class (a couple of glass blocks down) likely having arrived late due to her prior injury.

Eventually, lunch arrives and Kirika meets up with Homura as usual.

Halfway through eating together, however, Mami approaches the couple.

"I would like to offer my thanks for you helping me and Sayaka I don't think I could bear it if my incompetence had gotten her killed" Mami says to them.

"Were you not distracted by Sayaka you would have been able to kill that witch without much difficulty" Homura comments from experience "Furthermore I acted due to the threat the witch posed to the school, saving you was simply a useful extra, I have no need for thanks"

"I would have felt bad had I not thanked you, now that I have, I see no reason to continue this conversation" Mami responds annoyed by Homura's (admittedly accurate) comment insulting Sayaka.

"Farewell" Homura replies while Kirika only waves for a second not even turning her head away from Homura.

Mami seeing no reason to further interact with the two magical girls sets off to find Sayaka.

After that point lunch passes in relative peace Kirika and Homura occasionally talk about what comes to mind whether magical girl related or not.

After lunch lessons occur with little fan fair and soon the day's schooling has ended.

Seeing that Madoka is heading home after school, Homura decides that she may as well use the day to manufacture a few more explosives, and so sets off on a shopping trip before heading home.

Kirika of course follows Homura having no other plans for the day and so sticking to her side.

After gathering the ingredients from a variety of locations that Homura had found over her loops make the best bombs without getting her visited by the police the two head home.

Once they get there Kirika once more enjoys the enthralling sight of Homura assembling an entire arsenal of explosives from the ingredients that they had picked up earlier.

Looking at Homura as she works Kirika finds it almost funny that the most relaxed Kirika has ever seen Homura is in the well-practised motions of bomb manufacturing.

While Kirika does consider offering to help she knows she would only get in the way. Homura displays years of experience in bomb-making in the well-practised almost rehearsed motions she goes through.

Really Homura is fascinating just considering her skills Kirika thinks. Despite barely being able to take care of herself she manages to make homemade explosives with greater efficacy than Kirika imagines anyone else in Japan could manage. Despite barely being able to get through a conversation (with most people Kirika is pleased to have gotten past that barrier mostly) Homura has near-perfect accuracy and footwork in combat.

Kirika can very clearly see that this spells out a person who has been in a world where there is nothing to do but fight without anyone to rely on or any ability to rest for even a second to the point that bomb manufacturing which should be one of the most stressful activities possible becomes a form of relaxation.

Still, none of that changes what Kirika feels for Homura. The fact that she's been fighting alone for so long only makes it more important that Kirika can be a person that Homura can rely on for absolutely anything.

Kirika refuses to accept a world where Homura has to keep fighting on her own.

Eventually, Homura uses up all the items they had bought earlier and finishes loading her shield with enough munitions to wipe the average city block off the map.

"You really are incredible" Kirika comments as Homura gets up and stretches from repeating the same actions for so long.

"Oh?" Homura replies.

"I don't think there is a single person in the country who could do that as well as you. I'm sure plenty of people could make a bomb or two but you made that look almost like a performance" Kirika comments.

Homura actually seems slightly flustered by that to Kirika's great amusement. The fact that it's complimenting her bomb making that Homura is genuinely affected by is both hilarious and yet so very Homura that Kirika can't help but love her for it.

"I am simply well practised in making explosives efficiently" Homura eventually responds.

"I can tell, you made an art of it" Kirika responds before deciding to not tease Homura too much.

"Anyway now you're done cooking up explosives I might do the regular kind of cooking" Kirika continues.

"Thanks" Homura responds still unsure how to react to someone complimenting her on her bomb making of all things.

After Kirika is done with her much more traditional form of cooking the pair sit down to eat.

"Did we really need to save Mami and Sayaka" Kirika questions as she eats.

"As I've mentioned they will likely be of use against Walpurgisnacht and more importantly Madoka would be sad if Sayaka died which could allow the incubator to take advantage of her" Homura replies.

"True you do make perfect sense I guess I just don't like them" Kirika says.

"Honestly I don't have the highest opinion of them either but we can only use the tools available to us" Homura responds.

"Well, I'll always be available to you and am much more useful than either of those two" Kirika replies.

"I know, you are definitely much less irritating to make use of than them but I can not take any chances when it comes to Walpurgisnacht" Homura says.

"As long as you keep making use of me I have nothing to complain about" Kirika responds slightly smugly pleased to be seen as so much more useful than Sayaka and Mami.

"I will" Homura puts simply before returning to her meal.

After finishing eating the two head to sleep, Kirika pleased that she is fulfilling her determination to ensure that Homura is not alone.

How could Kirika be anything but happy to be fulfilling her purpose?

Chapter Text

The morning begins in a way that has become normal to Kirika and Homura no matter how alien it may have been merely weeks ago.

The two sit down, have breakfast and discuss plans for the day.

Of course, for the moment the pair are actually rather on top of things so aside from hunting down the occasional witch that is due to manifest and keeping Madoka safe, they only have a limited amount to do.

For Homura having not much to do is a strange place to be as in most timelines she has far more to do than can possibly be done by her alone at all times.

Really it is only the presence of Kirika alongside the (honestly remarkable) fact that the incubator has not noticed Madoka's potential yet that things are going so smoothly.

While Homura has failed too many times to have true optimism she does at least have a level of hope for this timeline that she can scarcely remember.

As Homura has her breakfast she looks over to her companion.

While Homura may not have the capacity for optimism Kirika has no such limitation to the point that Homura often finds her level of optimism and certainty in their success baffling.

It is one of the ways Kirika is unlike the magical girls that Homura has worked with or fought over her timelines.

Mami has self confidence but it is built on a fragile foundation and she quickly crumbles once the facts she puts her faith into are proven false.

Sayaka is idealistic but to a level she cannot sustain. Her wish to be a person who is pure and good and just in a system that does not reward any of that alongside her own inadequacies crush her without fail should she make a contract.

Kyoko thanks to her world view is much better at keeping herself together when confronted with the truth and has accepted the tragedies inherent in life as a magical girl even if her idealism (which she tries to pretend does not exist) sometimes gets her killed avoidably.

Genuine optimism and faith for the future. The ability to look at the truth of the system they exist in and keep going despite it without faltering. That certainty that as long as they stood together in the end they would win no matter what they faced.

There has only ever been one magical girl Homura knew like that and it's the one who Homura swore would never have to suffer through being a magical girl in the first place.

Madoka.

Of course, it has been years since Homura met that Madoka, the one who inspired such devotion in Homura that even now Homura will not falter to ensure that her final wish will come true. Who provided such a bright light to the dimness that Homura was that she could do nothing but try to save it.

Despite that no matter how many timelines may pass, no matter what Homura does, or faces or loses Homura will never forget the Madoka whose side she fought beside in her first few timelines.

Truthfully Kirika is absolutely nothing like that Madoka.

But when Kirika looks up at her so sincerely and optimistically. When she declares that as long as they are together there is no way that won't be able to beat Walpurgisnacht. Homura cannot help but remember so many years ago (years that never happened) she had someone else look up at her and say much the same.

Of course, those memories don't come alone, with them come much more painful ones too. The reason that she and Madoka were alone facing Walpurgisnacht in that timeline. How it ended.

Truthfully Homura isn't sure whether to love or hate that part of Kirika which brings back so many memories both wonderful and utterly horrific.

Lost in her thoughts Homura only realises she had lost track of time when Kirika walks over to her "I'm sure you're thinking about something really important so I don't want to interrupt you but if we don't set off soon we'll be late for school" Kirika says "Not that I mind being late for school I'd be happy to stick around with you here for the rest of the day if you wanted, just you tend to be on top of that so I thought it would be worth checking" she continues.

Homura realises she had gotten far too distracted and gets up "Thanks Kirika, I was just reminiscing about something, we should set off."

The two set off towards school Kirika holding Homura's hand like usual.

Maybe it was just what she had been thinking about earlier that morning but Homura found herself holding on tighter than usual.

The two arrive at school and Homura spots Madoka walking with Hitomi like usual though it seems like there is greater distance between her and Sayaka than usual.

Homura can't help but feel satisfied looking at Madoka cheerfully talking with Hitiomi, not a thought about magical girls or the fate of the world running through her head.

It's that which Homura fights for. A Madoka who can live happily and safely away from the hell that Homura sold her soul into.

A hell that Homura will gladly go through a million times for that goal.

Looking over at Kirika she does have the thought that this timeline has been less hellish than the average.

As she has this thought Homura reaches the school and after Kirika stops clinging to her, sets off to her class.

Class is normal. She hears yet another story of how her teacher was broken up with (they stop being funny or interesting once you've heard them dozens of times) and goes through classwork without needing any effort.

The day passes quickly and with little incident. Homura spends lunch with Kirika and then leaves school with Kirika at her side.

As they have few pressing matters the two decide to stay close enough to Madoka to intervene in an emergency and look around for witches.

At this point in the timeline, there is enough variation that Homura cannot predict where every witch will be and so a bit of hunting is necessitated.

Still, even without knowing exact locations, Homura does know where witches are likely to appear so it takes little time for her and Kirika to find one.

The pair enter the barrier and quickly work their way through the witch's familiars (fuzzy-looking humanoids that appear both a step in front and behind wherever they are standing)

The barrier seems to be made up of endless black-and-white fractals that somehow end up forming a physical space that could almost pass for something with Euclidean geometry if you ignore the fact that paths loop in on themselves and sizes fail to properly scale with perspective.

Homura almost does not notice it when they find the witch until Kirika points it out to her.

"That area in front of us has an area of really distorted time. It keeps whipping around and looping in on itself. I think that's the witch." Kirika mentions.

Looking at the area Kirika points out Homura can see that space seems even more impressively distorted there than the rest of the barrier the witch is seemingly a small grey orb that has space and time so distorted around it to appear more like a many limbed and cornered shape that notices them soon after they notice it and begins warping the world around it to exist closer to them.

Homura assuming this may be a threat freezes time yet while for most witches that would be checkmate, for this one it distorts time around it to such an extent that it pushes against the endless grey Homura's magic plunges the world into just about keeping a shell of real time around it.

Homura tries shooting it but even immobilised keeping itself in its bubble of reality the shots twist through space in such a way as to avoid every part of the witch despite aiming directly at it.

Kirika however seeing what it did suddenly realises something before looking to Homura and saying with a pleased smile "Try that again."

Homura shoots again, her shot close enough that it passes into the space of real-time the witch is maintaining around itself. While the witch tries to repeat its trick of bending space around the bullet to stop it Kirika prevents its attempt with a motion the distortion that led the bullet away from the witch before instead leading the bullet directly into the orb shattering it.

The barrier dissolves and the Kirika grabs the witch's grief seed before presenting it to Homura.

"The nerve of that thing thinking it has the right to try to bend time around itself. That's for us, not something like that" Kirika says looking up at Homura "Still if we're working together there was never a chance anything like that could stop us" Kirika says with such faith that it almost hurts.

Kirika is nothing like Madoka. But when she looks up at Homura with her unblindfolded eye shining pink and her sincere smile Homura just for a single second feels like she's seeing a ghost.

"Yeah totally," Homura says distracted trying to get rid of this perverse nostalgia that is paralysing her.

"Homura?" Kirika asks walking up to her and grabbing onto her slightly shaking hand.

"I'm sorry, you just reminded me of someone for a second" Homura says holding onto Kirika's hand like a lifeline against a tide of memories of past failures that for a second threatens to drown Homura.

"Don't worry I'm right here and no matter what happens I'll stay by your side" Kirika says guessing the fate of the person she reminded Homura of.

"I'll hold you to that" Homura finally responds letting out a shaky breath. She needs to get ahold of herself she cannot afford to be anything but her best if she wants to save the Madoka of the present.

Homura cannot allow herself to be dragged down by the ghosts of memories gone by.

As the day passes and Homura and Kirika begin to walk home Kirika asks a question "This past friend of yours would you mind telling me about them?".

For a second Homura's instinct is to flat out refuse before she stops herself. She has never had the chance to talk about Madoka from those first few timelines before she made Homura promise to prevent Kyubey from fooling her.

And so almost against her own will Homura began "She was the kindest person I've ever met. She was my first friend and closest confident." Homura begins telling an (admittedly somewhat redacted tale of Madoka).

"Back in the early days of me being a Magical girl she stayed by my side throughout everything that happened. She saved me so many times. I owe everything I am to her" Homura continued even without any details and abridged to the point it barely contained a sliver of her time with Madoka Homura's voice still shook with emotion.

"In the end, we fought a terrible witch and were out of grief seeds, she asked me to shoot her so she didn't become a witch" Homura stopped speaking shocked she had managed to say that much and utterly drained.

Kirika hugs Homura "She sounds like she was incredible. I know I can't be her but I'm still here for you I promise, no matter what."

Homura without energy to resist sinks into the hug. A part of her feels like she should be crying yet her face is utterly dry.

Eventually, Homura prods Kirika to end the hug and Kirika sets off to start cooking.

As she sits down later and eats with Kirika Homura considers just how long it has been since those early days. She supposes it doesn't matter.

In the end, Homura's mission is far too important to let herself be held up by her memories or her nightmares.

Homura has but one goal, to fulfil her promise, to complete her wish. To protect Madoka.

And that is exactly what she is going to do.

Chapter Text

Sayaka as she gets up on Friday considers simply going back to sleep and pretending that everything is fine.

She won't of course, her parents would not accept her missing school and Mami might worry if she disappeared for a day unannounced.

Still, rationality does not change the fact that the temptation to ignore reality is stronger than it has any right to be.

Still, Sayaka does get up and go to school, no matter how much she may be dragging Mami down she knows that Mami would take it badly if Sayaka was not there.

On the way to school, she considers going to talk to Madoka and Hitomi. Even if they aren't involved in magical girl business they are still her closest friends.

However, her delay in getting up meant she got to school later than usual and by the time she arrived she could see Madoka and Hitomi chatting to Kirika and Homura.

While a part of her wants to go up anyway and talk to her friends who she has known and cared about for years she knows if she talks to Homura or her psychotic girlfriend it would very quickly devolve into an argument that would leave no one happy or a glairing contest that would ruin whatever conversation they are currently having.

So Sayaka looks around for anything else and spots her mentor Mami.

Sayaka has looked up to Mami for as long as she has known her from the second Mami saved her life from a witch weeks ago and revealed the world of magical girls to her.

Sayaka cannot think of time in her life she felt more useless than outside the hospital when Kirika and Homura used her to force Mami to give up on a witch to protect her.

After that Sayaka decided that she would help Mami even if she had to face witches. She made her wish to heal Kyosuke sure that she could help Mami fight for justice and help her friend.

Yet all she's doing is dragging Mami down. No matter how much training she does or how much she goes over Mami's notes on her experiences as a magical girl she's not good enough.

While she had known this for a while she could bear it as she fought by Mami's side when they managed to find a witch. Yet after Wednesday, she can't keep lying to herself. Mami was distracted saving her from the witch and almost died as a result. If not for Homura and Kirika of all people she honestly could have died and it would have been her fault.

Still, Sayaka knows Mami won't accept that fact. Even after that witch Mami just thanked her for healing the damage rather than acknowledging the only reason she needed healing in the first place was because she couldn't trust Sayaka to take care of herself.

Still shaking herself out of her thoughts she goes up to Mami "Hi Mami how are you doing this morning".

"Hello Sayaka, I'm doing well. Did you manage to get that homework you mentioned done yesterday" Mami asks.

"I was too busy training to help you defend justice and defeat witches and might have maybe forgotten a bit of the homework" Sayaka replies slightly chastised but also distracted from her earlier spiralling.

"Sayaka I've told you before it's important to keep up with your schoolwork, life contains more than just fighting witches you know. If you want you can head to mine and we can do a study session after school" Mami responds.

"Ok fine, I know. Are you sure we should be focusing on schoolwork right now though? I know we are barely finding enough witches to have grief seeds for both of us and the 23rd is coming up pretty soon" Sayaka asks.

"That's exactly why we can't focus just on magical girl business, protecting people is important but we cannot lose sight of the rest of our lives doing so. Besides most of the grief seed shortage is due to the efforts of those two" Mami looks at Kirika and Homura as she speaks "so if the 23rd goes well it should be a temporary issue. If you really want to keep studying to be a magical girl alongside your homework we can always go through some of my notebooks on applying your magic more effectively."

Sayaka realising that she has just managed to create even more study for herself over this conversation decides it may be best to stop complaining "Well in that case see you after school."

Even though she doesn't feel like she's helping Mami anywhere near enough Sayaka cannot find it in herself to regret her choice to become a magical girl.

Hearing Kyosuke able to play the violin once more alone is reward enough that Sayaka wouldn't take it back.

Still, as she finishes walking to school and sees her friends being closer to the people she will soon be fighting than her she cannot help but regret the distance that being one has created.

Sayaka truly does look up to Mami but training with her and hunting with her has meant that she suddenly lost a lot of the time she got to spend with Madoka and Hitomi.

There is nothing she can do about it though. She cannot drag them into the world of magical girls (Mami has been rather serious about the whole not telling uninvolved people bit) so she just has to make her excuses and accept that the distance between them is mostly her fault.

She just wishes that Homura and Kirika weren't exploiting that fact to get close to her friends.

Sayaka cannot trust those two. She knows Kirika has been about as civil to Mami as she is to Sayaka and that Homura tried to intimidate her into abandoning Mami and not becoming a magical girl. Furthermore, while she doesn't fully trust that Oriko person she did make a rather compelling point about how those two were trying to force Mami out of the city and that is something Sayaka cannot accept.

So that is why she simply cannot trust their benevolence around her friends. She's not sure what they want but there is no way they are actually just being friendly (especially considering that Homura keeps following them whenever Sayaka goes out with Madoka, normal friends don't do that).

Sayaka cannot do anything but wait and hope that she can put an end to whatever nefarious plan those two have next Wednesday.

School passes with Sayaka enjoying the chance to stick around her friends, Hitomi asks to talk to Sayaka over lunch. Heading over Sayaka sits down opposite her.

"So what did you want to talk about."

"What is your relationship with Kamijou Kyousuke?" Hitomi asks.

"He's a close friend who I've been visiting in hospital for ages, you know this" Sayaka replies suddenly concerned where this conversation is going.

"Is that all he is to you."

"What do you mean" Sayaka questions.

"I've been attracted to him for some time and have decided I will not lie to myself any longer." Hitomi starts.

"I... see" Sayaka says.

"You are a precious friend to me, I don't want to steal him from you or anything and you have known him for much longer than me so if he is more than just a friend to you. You deserve the opportunity to go after him first" Hitomi declares.

Sayaka is shocked "Hitomi..."

"I will confess to Kamijou tomorrow evening. Please decide on something you will not regret when deciding whether or not you'll tell him how you feel" Hitomi says before standing up and leaving.

Sayaka is left speechless.

The rest of the day passes in a daze and before long she finds herself walking with Mami towards her apartment.

"Sayaka are you doing ok? You look kinda out of it. I can reschedule our study session if you're really not up to it you know" Mami asks Sayaka.

"No, no I'm fine just learned something I didn't expect it's not important" Sayaka says not sharing any of her inner turmoil.

"Well I'll take your word for it" The two get to Mami's apartment and Mami puts out some cakes for the study session.

While Sayaka does try to pay attention to what Mami is saying she's barely able to pay attention.

Her thoughts are consumed with what Hitomi said earlier. She cannot confess to Kyousuke how could she when her life is constantly at risk fighting and (she admits when she is able to stop lying to herself) there is a decent chance that she could get killed next Wednesday.

While she tries to not think about it she's not fully able to forget the feeling of Kirika holding her claw to her neck unable to even react in time to see her talk about stopping her. Sayaka cannot deny the fact that if Kirika had at that moment decided to kill her Sayaka would not have been able to stop her and that is terrifying.

While Sayaka trusts Mami to be more than enough to beat either of those two and Oriko did say she would be helping with two other magical girls who are also presumably very skilled. That does not mean that Kirika and Homura will just decide to leave the city and not fight. If it comes down to a fight Sayaka knows she will end up being the weak link and that could get her killed.

At the same time, she would never forgive herself if she left Mami to face those two alone. No matter what happens how could she possibly call herself an ally of justice if she abandoned Mami when the going got tough?

So how could she possibly confess to Kyousuke knowing that?

There is a part of Sayaka that hates Hitomi for that for the fact that after her wish saved him Hitomi will be the one with him. Yet a bigger part of Sayaka only hates herself for even having that thought.

"Ok since you are obviously not listening to a word I'm saying we are going to go out and hunt until you can clear your head enough to focus on academics" Mami says grabbing Sayaka's arm.

Sayaka jumps not having been paying the slightest bit of attention to Mami until that point.

The two go out and kill a few familiars approaching witchhood and eventually find a witch. Sayaka holds off its familiars while Mami kills the witch.

After the fight, Mami cleans both their soul gems before giving the blackened grief seed to Kyubey.

"You should really keep the grief seeds for yourself you get much better use out of magic than me" Sayaka says after they are back at Mami's.

"Nonsense it's a senior's duty to make sure their junior is well cared for I couldn't call myself your mentor if I took all the grief seeds for myself," Mami replied.

"But you're so much more skilled than me and we barely have any grief seeds what if you need more magic at some point and run out because I keep taking them despite barely helping you?" Sayaka replies.

"You're helping me much more than you could possibily know. Just knowing I have someone to fight beside makes me feel so much more brave. So no Sayaka I can think of few as worthwhile as ensuring that both of us have our magic, not just me" Mami says emotion leaking into her voice as she speaks.

"You shouldn't think so highly of me, I'm not as good a person as you" Sayaka says thinking back to her earlier thoughts about Hitomi.

"I'm not perfect even if I try to present myself that way. So I'm not lying when I say if you just give up here and stop working with me grief seeds or no I won't forgive you" Mami says.

"Guess I'll just have to stick with you then. I don't think I could bear disappointing you" Sayaka replies.

"Good. In that case, I'll prepare some tea and cake and we can look over my notes to see if we can make any more progress on your magic. Your healing is already very impressive so just imagine how much further we can go" Mami says cheered up.

The two stay working on their studies and magic for the rest of the evening and despite her many doubts and fears, Sayaka decides that for as long as she's fighting by Mami's side she will hold her head up straight if not for her own sake then for Mami's.

She won't disappoint her friend.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up feeling satisfied. Over the last two days, she had managed to learn quite a bit about Homura's old friend.

It only makes sense that Homura had managed to be close to such an amazing person being who she is. Kirika could hear the affection and grief Homura held in every word about her.

Still hopefully even if she cannot live up to that person who Homura obviously loved she can at least help Homura get past the idea that she deserves to be alone for failing to save her friend.

As she makes herself and Homura breakfast Kirika considers if there is anything Kirika can do that she currently isn't.

She's been helping Homura however she can and making sure she takes better care of herself than she would otherwise but having heard what happened to Homura's last friend (even if that seems like too light a term) the self-loathing she describes her ultimate fate with is undeniable.

Yet Kirika cannot replace the person she lost or even help Homura get past her grief no matter how much she wants to.

In the end, all Kirika can do is stay by her side faithfully and hopefully manage to show Homura how much more amazing a person she is than what she thinks of herself.

Eventually, Homura wakes up and sits down to have breakfast with Kirika.

Kirika is determined to avoid any heavy topics this morning seeing how drained discussing her past makes Homura.

"So now it's the weekend have we got any plans aside from the usual" Kirika questions knowing that Homura is always best at getting her mind off the past when focusing on her objective.

"For now we simply need to continue as we have been. Assuming nothing goes wrong we should be in a strong position to face Walpurgisnacht at the end of the month" Homura replies.

Before they can continue their conversation however Homura and Kirika both get a text from Madoka.

"Hi I was planning to go out along the shopping street today with Sayaka and Hitomi but both of them cancelled suddenly so I was wondering if you two would like to meet up and go with me. No worries if you had other plans for today I know this is a bit sudden but if you two are free it would be really nice to see you" she had sent the text to both of them.

"Well that rather neatly sorts out what we will be doing today then" Homura says as she and Kirika send affirmative responses back to Madoka.

Kirika cannot help but be glad for the invitation. Homura has always seemed to enjoy being around Madoka and she is sure that Madoka will be able to cheer Homura up regarding her thoughts of her old friend in a way Kirika has yet to be able to.

With that thought in her head Kirika and Homura head out towards the Kaname household to meet up with Madoka.

After arriving it takes little time for Madoka to appear outside ready to head out with the pair.

As Madoka sees the couple she greets them with a "Good morning!" As she heads over.

Kirika and Homura greet Madoka and the three set off to see some shops.

As they go Madoka talks a bit about her week, her worries about Sayaka seeming to be pulling away from her recently and whatever else comes to mind.

Kirika can tell that Homura hangs on her every word even if she tries to put up the facade of being unaffected.

As the morning passes the three have fun looking at shops with nicknacks that Madoka finds interesting or cute that Kirika is sure that Homura would never glance at twice if they weren't with her.

They get food at a nearby fast food restaurant Homura following Madoka's lead and Kirika deciding to follow Homrua's example does the same.

The three finish eating when Madoka seeing a shop that looks interesting sets off towards it Kirika and Homura following a bit in her wake.

They would regret that small amount of distance between them and Madoka rather quickly when a labyrinth appears around Madoka unnoticed by Kirika or Homura as they had both kept their soul gems as rings and had briefly let their guard down enjoying the day and not worrying about magical girl business for a small period of time.

Seeing Madoka dragged into a barrier the two act in an instant transforming into their magical girl outfits and quickly cutting their way into the barrier.

Once they are in the barrier which seems to be modelled after a forest full of trees that reach towards the heavens while the ground is covered in brambles that seem to reach towards life trying to trip them up, Homura pauses time.

The two instantly set off searching for Madoka going past familiars that seemed like knights formed of brambles and winged fairy looking things that glow and hold bows with arrows that shine lightly green.

Eventually, the pair find Madoka who had fallen over backing away from 5 of the bramble knights.

Homura shoots two of the knights and Kirika closes in as Homura resumes time. Kirika makes quick work of the remaining three stretching time around herself to far outpace them as she rippes the brambles holding them together to shreds. While they tried to strike at her with the wooden swords they held and hold off her strikes with their plantlike shields Kirika simply rips through not giving them a second to gather themselves. In a blink of an eye, the knights Kirika were facing are nothing more than a tattered pile of brambles while Homura filled hers with too many bullet holes to remain mobile.

Madoka looks up at this in horrified disbelief. She had enough pattern recognition to understand that this happening twice meant it never could have been a dream. This was real.

Homura looked over at Kirika seeing her standing over the destroyed familiars "Take Madoka out of the barrier I will destroy the witch".

Kirika responded with a "You got it" before going up to Madoka.

"Just follow me I'll get you out of here in no time" Saying this Kirika looks around with her time perception to see where the barrier seems weakest before cutting through back into the real world, taking Madoka with her.

Once back in the real world, Madoka looks at Kirika halfway between terrified and confused.

"Wh- what was that? It was the same thing as that time outside my house right" Madoka asks.

Kirika pauses before answering wanting to think of a way to explain that would keep Madoka from the truth but not coming up with any ideas.

Before she had to answer however the barrier dissolved and Homura walked out grief seed in hand.

"Homura? Kirika? what is going on." Madoka questions the two.

"Madoka, if you value your friends, your family and your life you should forget that this ever happened and continue your life" Homura answers hoping just once Madoka would be willing to accept that she didn't have to be involved.

"No! Last time Kirika told me it was a dream and I believed her because it was too impossible to be real but this happened again. Please you're my friend just tell me what is going on" Madoka pleads.

Kirika looks at Homura and sees that she isn't going to be able to answer. She decides to give her own before the situation can continue to devolve.

"That was part of a world you were not meant to see. It is a miserable creature stuck in its own despair that strikes out at the world by trapping people in its barrier and killing them. It is also something that me and Homura are more than capable of taking care of. So please just forget about this." Kirika answers trying to stick close enough to the truth to satisfy Madoka while keeping her away from any information that may lead to her contracting.

"But I can't just forget about that you and Homura were incredible you saved me again. I can't just know my friends fight demons or something not want to know more!" Madoka answers showing a stubborn determination in seeking answers.

Homura finally recovering from the minor panic that held her up a moment ago gathers herself and answers.

"That was the barrier of a witch, not a demon me, Kirika and a few other people around the city are given the thankless duty of killing them before they can cause too much destruction. We are sworn to secrecy so please don't talk to anyone else about this, not only will you sound mad but you could put yourself in danger. Now you know about this it's better you ask us your questions than get misled by anyone else." Homura says wanting to remove the risk of Madoka mentioning this to Sayaka and getting a much more positively biased take on magical girls.

As long as Homura and Kirika control Madoka's information about magic they can still keep her safe it just has become even more important to keep her away from the incubator.

"Why you two?" Madoka asks more calm now she is getting an actual explanation.

"The being that finds people to fight witches saw potential in us and offered us something we could not refuse in exchange for selling our lives fighting those things. One day it is likely that we will vanish if we fail in our duty as is the fate of all who do this." Homura says.

"Don't worry about us too much though. We are rather good at hunting and it will be a cold day in hell before a witch gets us" Kirika says not wanting Madoka to worry about them too much and do something drastic.

"But that's horrible. You two are so nice you don't deserve to die fighting a witch somewhere forgotten by the world" Madoka says distraught over what she has learned.

"It is the inevitable fate of all who live in this world. It is also the reason you should never set foot inside it. You have a bright future ahead of you Kaname Madoka. So for the sake of everything you hold dear. Please don't let this define you. You have the opportunity to be happy don't waste it" While Homura starts composed, her last sentence is as much a plea as an explanation.

"Ok if you're really sure you don't need the help then I will stay away from this for now but please at least confide in me. I'm your friend even if I can't fight witches with you or use whatever magic you have I still want to help even if all I can do is be there for you" Madoka says deciding that this is the best way to support her friends.

Before anything more can be said Kirika gathers Homura and Madoka into a hug. Neither resists and Kirika can tell Homura feels a little less terrible by the end.

"Ok, now that's done why don't we enjoy the rest of the day? We still have the entire afternoon you know and it's not like this changes any of our plans" Kirika says trying to get the day back on track before Madoka manages to work out any more horrifying revolations.

In the end, the group does somewhat manage to salvage the day, finishing their shopping. Buying street food and hanging out and talking about everything but magical girls.

Despite this however, a dark mood hangs over the rest of the day that is unable to be banished.

Eventually, Madoka has to go home and after getting a promise from Kirika and Homura that they would talk to her about this if they needed to, she sets off.

Kirika and Homura go home, Homura clearly shaken and extremely unhappy about being unable to fully keep Madoka away from the world of magic.

"Don't worry. We can keep White Ring away from her and as long as we stick by her there is no chance she will contract. Today may not have gone as planned but Madoka is safe and we are still on track to kill Walpurgisnacht. We have this" Kirika says holding Homura's hand as they finish walking home.

"You're right. Nothing is lost yet." Homura responds but there is still a part of her that cannot help but weep for the fact that after getting so far near perfectly such an avoidable mistake may have cost them everything.

"Exactly so don't think about what could go wrong think about what is, and will continue to go right. Don't want any of that horrid despair sticking to your soul gem. It's so beautiful when it's pure amethyst without any darkness in it" Kirika says to Homura giving her a quick hug before setting off to make them dinner.

Somehow Kirika's words do manage to make Homura feel a bit better. In the end the incubator still does not know of Madoka and if she takes their advice to heart the risk after today is almost the same as before.

This remains the best a timeline has gone in years Homura cannot stumble at the first hurdle. Kirika remains by her side and Madoka remains safe her mission is far from compromised.

As the two sit down for dinner Kirika looks at Homura and sees the surety that she had briefly lost returned to her eyes.

That's her Homura.

"Homura you told me you would use me as best you could to fulfil your wish. As long as you keep doing that I know that we can protect Madoka and I know we can kill Walpurgisnacht so don't worry about a thing. Just keep using me and we will see the ending you want together." Kirika says filled with affection towards the person she dedicated herself to.

"You're right the end I seek has never been closer than it is today no matter what happened. I long since swore I would do whatever it takes to see the world I desire come true and I will keep using you for as long as you are with me to achieve those ends. Walpurgisnacht will die and Madoka will be safe. We shall make sure of it." Homura says.

Homura has no time to despair or mourn what could have been she will protect Madoka and will destroy anything that gets in the way of that.

She will not fail again.

Chapter Text

As Kirika gets up on Sunday she considers how Madoka learning about magic will change her and Homura's plans.

The main thought that comes to mind is that if Homura wants to ensure she does not contract then she will need to be protected near constantly just to make sure she doesn't stumble into anything she shouldn't.

As she's having these thoughts Homura gets up and the two sit down to have breakfast and discuss plans for the day like usual.

"After yesterday I can not leave the risk of Madoka running into witches up to chance. I will be going through the city and checking every likely location of witches to ensure that we will have no more unpleasant surprises in the coming days. As such I would like if you stuck around Madoka today to make sure the incubator does not get any ideas" Homura states having decided exactly what they should be doing.

"In that case, I'll pile up every body of White Ring I see," Kirika says with a smile always happy to be following Homura's orders.

"I trust you" Homura responds.

"I'd rather die than fail that trust" Kirika responds.

Homura nods accepting Kirika's words without being able to think of a verbal reply to Kirika's level of devotion to her orders.

Kirika decides that it would be best to see if Madoka is free since it's much easier to be close enough to protect her as a friend than just by following her.

"Hi Madoka I know we met up yesterday but Homura is busy today so I wanted to check if you're free" Kirika texted.

It did not take long for Madoka to respond "Yep I should be free for the day. I wanted to talk to you anyway."

Once finished with that Kirika returned to enjoying the last of her breakfast with Homura before setting off.

Once done Kirika hugs Homura and promises to see her later, the two set off to their separate tasks.

Once Kirika gets to Madoka's house she is quickly invited in by Madoka.

"Mum is at a party with work colleagues today and Dad's taken Tatsuya out for the day so the house is free" Madoka notes as she leads Kirika up to her room.

Kirika picks one of the many chairs in Madoka's room to sit down on.

"So you said you wanted to talk to me," Kirika asks Madoka.

"Yes. I was thinking about the first time you saved me from that witch's barrier. While I didn't see anything I could overhear you and you were talking to a person right" Madoka asks wanting to know the truth of what happened that day.

"Yes, I was" Kirika replies.

"I remember her threatening us then a few slashing sounds and something shattering. What happened to that person" Madoka asks needing to know if her assumption is right.

"Well she planned to kill you and Homura did say to kill anything that tried to harm you earlier that day so I killed her pet witch and then her" Kirika says casually as if describing the weather or what she had for lunch yesterday.

Even though she had suspected that a part of Madoka was still shocked to hear her friend talk so brazenly about having killed someone.

"Does that sort of thing happen often in your world?" Madoka asks not sure if she wants to know the answer but unwilling to accept not knowing.

"Well, Homura did mention at one point that most people who fight witches end up remorseless killers. So I guess. That girl back then though is the only person I've killed though" Kirika responds.

Madoka seems disappointed hearing that "Surely there have to be good people there too. I mean you hunt witches to protect innocent people right" Madoka says trying to find something lighter about the world of magic her friends are apparently a part of (and trying not to think about the fact the girl she's sitting next to whose smaller than even her and is so positive most of the time has actually killed someone).

"Well, I'm sure some people do go into it wanting to be heroes of justice or whatever but I'd assume it's hard for people to stay too idealistic when they need to fight eldrich monstrosities constantly to avoid dying." Kirika says before continuing "Of course I just stick by Homura. As long as I'm with her how could I possibly not be filled with joy so I guess I'm a bit of an exception" Kirika says her voice audibly brightening the second she mentions Homura.

"You really care about her don't you," Madoka says. Even though she's seen how Kirika acts around Homura hearing the amount of care she puts into her voice when mentioning her even when talking about such dark topics is almost staggering in its intensity.

"Care is far too light a word for what I feel. She is my everything and for as long as she keeps me by her side I will be able to face anything in existence with a smile for her sake. She's the most wonderful person to exist and she has saved me enough that I owe her the world If she would but ask me to give it to her" Kirika says the affection in her voice filling every word.

Honestly, Madoka finds herself unable to even imagine what such a depth of emotion could even feel like. She of course loves her friends and family incredibly dearly but the sheer devotion in Kirika's voice is on a completely other level compared to anything Madoka has experienced. Its magnitude is almost terrifying in how all encompassing it is.

"I honestly can't imagine feeling that way for someone." Madoka eventually replies.

"That's really a shame it's the most wonderful feeling in the world" Kirika says joyously.

"Well I wouldn't know but I'm glad you've found something for yourself at least," Madoka says suddenly feeling down in a way entirely unrelated to whatever evils may exist in the world of magic.

"Huh, oh no don't take that as meaning anything bad about you that you don't right now. While I don't think anyone could ever be as incredible of Homura you're pretty impressive yourself you know." Kirika says.

"I'm not so sure about that" Madoka replies.

"Well you've got all your friends and from what I've heard a rather happy family too. Also, you might be the only person other than me I've seen manage to make Homura smile and that alone makes you rather incredible" Kirika says trying to cheer Madoka up a bit even if she's not entirely sure what's wrong.

Madoka laughs a bit at Kirika's answer but fails to feel that cheered up "I just feel like everyone is pulling away from me. Sayaka suddenly made friends with someone from a year above us and is now basically never around. Hitomi is apparently getting together with Kyousuke and you and Homura obviously have each other and the whole magic thing. It just feels like everyone I care about is finding what's important to them while I'm just here not special at all." Madoka says before quickly realising that was probably a bit much to put on Kirika and saying "Not that it's a big issue really though. I'm happy for everyone really!"

Kirika thinks for a second before answering "I'm not sure how happy I am that you called a good friend of mine not special at all. From when I've been around her I'd say her ability to constantly find beautiful things in the world that I'm unable to see or her ability to look at people and see the best in them or the fact she's a person who I genuinely see as a friend despite barely being able to care about anyone other than Homura most of the time makes Madoka very special actually" Kirika says.

"Do you actually mean that?" Madoka asks suddenly suddenly feeling vulnerable.

"Of course I do. I'm not the type of person to be insincere about my feelings. If I honestly didn't care about you I'd just say so. I have no need to lie about this." Kirika says.

"Thanks Kirika, you're a good friend. I know I already said this yesterday but if there is anything I can do to help you or Homura please say so. You've saved me twice at this point and are close friends so if I can help I really do want to" Madoka replies feeling a bit better but still rather inadequate.

"The thing you can do to help me and Homura most is just to be safe and happy. Honestly, I'm not sure what Homura would do if something happened to you but I don't think it would be good for anyone and anything that would hurt Homura hurts me too. Also you're my friend. So just try to find something you enjoy and do that don't sacrifice yourself for people who wouldn't want you to. Ok?" Kirika says to Madoka knowing there really isn't anything she can do to solve her issues but also that in this instance if Madoka decided to try to help her and Homura it would make everything significantly worse.

"Ok, I'll try I just wish I could do more" Madoka speaks looking up at the ceiling.

"Don't wish, nothing good will come of it. Just try to find something" Kirika says before hugging Madoka. Kirika normally would not even consider doing that to anyone but Homura but decides that today an exception can be made.

After that point, the two get onto lighter topics and try to forget the rather emotionally charged morning conversations playing computer games and talking about insignificant but enjoyable topics.

Eventually, it gets late and Kirika needs to head by to Homura's so the two say their goodbyes.

"See ya at school tomorrow Madoka, thanks for having me over" Kirika says as she gets ready to set off.

"Goodbye Kirika, thanks for being here" Madoka says as she waves goodbye.

With that Kirika sets off home.

Once she arrives she puts on dinner and waits for Homura to get back.

Just slightly before food is ready Homura arrives (to Kirikas now customary hug on arrival) and settles down.

As she puts out food Kirika asks Homura how the hunting went.

"I managed to remove a few witches that could have become inconvenient later. I believe it was a day well spent. How is Madoka" Homura replies

"No activity with White Ring but I'm slightly worried about Madoka. She seems to be feeling lonely since she feels like her friends are pulling away from her. White Ring could probably exploit that to get her to contract if he manages to reach her" Kirika says.

"That's unfortunate but there is not much we can do about it other than keep the incubator away from her," Homura replies disappointed to hear Madoka isn't fully happy.

Still in Homura's view her safety matters more than her happiness. As long as Madoka is alive she can find happiness in the future.

"You should spend more time with her. She really does appreciate you as a friend you know" Kirika says to Homura.

"I'm glad she sees me as such," Homura replies not confirming she would spend more time with Madoka but Kirika knows that's the best she's going to get and so accepts it.

Kirika and Homura continue to talk and finish their food after Kirika gives Homura one last hug the two head to bed knowing school restarts tomorrow.

As Kirika heads to bed she wonders about Madoka's words. While Kirika currently can't relate to feeling like nothing special, after all she has what she sees as the most important duty possible.

However, before her wish, Kirika knew perfectly well just how Madoka feels. Probably more than Madoka could imagine. Maybe that's why she likes Madoka regardless of Homura's affection for her. Because she can see a bit of her past in her even if she has done much better for herself than Kirika was doing at that point.

Whatever the case Kirika knows she has to protect Madoka for Homura's sake but decides she'll do it for her own sake too.

What use is magic is she cannot defend a friend after all.

Chapter Text

The morning begins as has become usual.

Kirika and Homura sit together eating breakfast and having a conversation before the beginning of school.

"It is essential that we ensure Sayaka is unable to hear us conversing with Madoka about anything magic-related. If she realises she can talk to Madoka about her time as a magical girl it will be little time before she starts trying to drag Madoka into this world with her and in doing so ruin everything" Homura says.

"If you want I can try to stick around Sayaka over the day at school to make sure she doesn't hear anything she shouldn't. I doubt she'll enjoy having me around much but It should work" Kirika says.

"If you're willing to put up with her for the day then that could work" Homura replies.

"You should stick with Madoka though, she would benefit from having you around as a friend today," Kirika says thinking back to yesterday's conversation.

"I will" Homura responds.

Kirika responds with a pleased nod as she finishes off breakfast.

The two set off towards school Kirika holding Homura's hand like usual.

As they get near to the school the two can see both Madoka and Sayaka though it does not seem like they have noticed each other (or are not talking if they have).

Kirika gives Homura a hug before the two separate. Kirika going to bug Sayaka while Homura goes to talk to Madoka.

Sayaka seems a bit in her own world listening to music and not paying too much attention to her surroundings.

This means when Kirika taps her on the shoulder and says "Hi" Sayaka jumps a bit.

"Kirika. Why are you talking to me?" Sayaka says with obvious distaste in her voice.

"What can I say I felt like making a new friend" Kirika says with a smile.

"I find that hard to believe" Sayaka responds having no patience for dealing with Kirika this morning.

"I'm not actually evil you know. I don't exist purely to spite you" Kirika responds pretending to care about Sayaka's comment.

"You literally threatened to remove my arms a few days ago" Sayaka responds shivering very slightly as she thinks back on that moment.

"To be fair you insulted Homura that was a perfectly reasonable response" Kirika says.

"Threatening to maim someone because they insulted your girlfriend is not reasonable in any way, shape or form," Sayaka says annoyance colouring her voice.

"Well you obviously just don't have people you care about that much then" Kirika says feeling kinda happy to be referred to as Homura's girlfriend even if that is not their actual relationship and so choosing not to correct Sayaka.

"No, I just have a thing called morality and self-restraint. you should try it, could be good for you" Sayaka says.

"Sounds boring honestly" Kirika responds purely to annoy Sayaka.

"I despise you," Sayaka says.

"Aww thanks, I have a very low opinion of you too" Kirika responds.

As they reach the school Kirika can visibly see Sayaka's relief that she can escape this conversation.

Kirika just feels happy with herself that she successfully prevented Sayaka from interacting with Madoka while Homura was there.

Sayaka quickly speed walks towards her classes as Kirika heads to her own.

As classes finish for lunch Kirika makes sure to intercept Sayaka once more before she can potentially interrupt Homura's conversation with Madoka or overhear anything.

"Do you really have nothing better to do" is the first thing that leaves Sayaka's mouth as she sees Kirika approaching.

"noooope" Kirika replies as she reaches Sayaka.

"I'm sure you have things you would rather do" Sayaka responds really not wanting to deal with Kirika for lunch as well"

"Well Homura is a much better conversationalist than you but she's busy so I'm perfectly happy with this" Kirika says.

Sayaka sighs as she realises that she probably won't be able to get anything done if Kirika is going to stubbornly refuse to leave her alone.

"Look I did have things I actually wanted to do this lunch" Sayaka says knowing it won't get Kirika to go away but hoping anyway.

"Well then you can still do them, who knows maybe I can help" Kirika responds enjoying this conversation much more than Sayaka.

Sayaka thinks Kirika would not be much help in discussing facing Homura and Kirika with Mami.

"I somehow doubt that" Sayaka chooses to say.

"Well that sounds like a shame for you" Kirika responds.

"I could force you to leave" Sayaka offers hoping maybe threats will actually get somewhere for once.

"From what I've seen you really can't" Kirika says more than confident about her chances against Sayaka.

"Why are you so dedicated to being awful?" Sayaka questions.

"I don't think I've done anything particularly awful, to be honest. Hell I was even generous enough to only threaten you rather than follow through which I think was rather charitable of me" Kirika answers.

"You refuse to cooperate with me or Mami at all and have been starving us of grief seeds" says Sayaka.

"I just do what Homura tells me. Not my fault if you two are incompetent in finding witches" Kirika says with a shrug.

"And what about hunting familiars like a decent person" Sayaka asks.

"I mean Homura didn't tell me to and they're not really my problem as far as I see it," Kirika responds.

"They kill people" Sayaka answers indignantly.

"I would kill any that threatened people I care about, but to be honest I don't give a shit about most people" Kirika responds.

"Do you really not see why that makes you an awful person?" Sayaka says.

"I would say it makes me selfish not awful. I only have so much time to exist and would prefer to spend it helping Homura rather than trying to save everyone who ever lived" Kirika answers.

"Then that makes you my enemy," Sayaka says.

"As long as you don't get in Homura's way I don't care what you think of me" Kirika says.

"It's always about her with you. Do you do anything for yourself?" Sayaka asks.

"Everything I do is for myself. I can say with complete honesty that nothing in the world gives me as much satisfaction as doing as she wishes" Kirika answers.

"I don't get you and honestly I don't think I want to," Sayaka says.

After that Sayaka decides that it would be better to just not talk and let lunch pass by knowing that once it ends lessons will once again free her from the suffering which is this conversation.

Eventually after a thoroughly miserable lunch in Sayaka's case and a somewhat entertaining one in Kirika's lessons resume.

Once school ends Kirika sees Sayaka walk off with Mami and so decides she is no longer her problem.

With that, she instead does her far preferred activity of heading to Homura.

"Hi Homura how did talking with Madoka go?" Kirika says as she hugs Homura once she reaches her.

"I think she appreciated it so I would count the time spent as a success. Hopefully, I was also successful in getting her to understand the importance of her not contracting." Homura answers as she waits for Kirika to let go of the hug.

"Well in that case it sounds like a day well spent" Kirika says as she stops hugging Homura.

"How did talking to Sayaka go?" Homura questions.

"Well I think she despises me as much today as she did yesterday but I did distract her from doing anything so about as well as it could" Kirika answers.

"I see" Homura answers not having expected much else.

The two of them decide to spend the afternoon wandering the city. Madoka being at home means there is little need to keep an eye on her so checking around to see if any witches appear is as productive as any other activity.

As the couple wanders around the city. Kirika occasionally stops at food stalls or shops that seem interesting and drags Homura with her.

As they walk Kirika decides to discuss her her conversation with Sayaka earlier.

"Sayaka seemed very angered by the fact we don't spend all our time hunting down familiars" Kirika comments.

"While it is worth killing any around school trying to hunt every escaped familiar in the city is a waste of time and magic. Sayaka has decided to follow Mami and try to become a magical girl who fights for justice. It's nonsense that will get her killed" Homura says her dislike of Sayaka's philosophy audible in her voice.

"Have you seen many magical girls get killed by their ideals in such a way?" Kirika asks curious.

"Magical girls who try to hold themselves to impossibly high moral standards and ideals get themselves killed without fail. There are some outliers such as Mami but even she will crumble if confronted by the truth of the magical girl system." Homura says.

"Well I guess it's a good thing I don't have anything silly like justice guiding my actions then" Kirika replies.

"A magical girl should fight to preserve their wish and the miracle they gave their soul for. Fighting for anything less than that and their own survival will just them killed" Homura continues.

"Then it's a good thing that I am fighting to preserve my wish," Kirika says with a smile.

"The one you chose I'm assuming?" Homura says.

"Of course. Whatever my original with was doesn't matter" Kirika says looking up at Homura and conforming to herself for the millionth time that yes she made the right choice, there is no one she could possibly prefer to fight for.

Eventually, it starts to get dark out and having not spotted any new witches the couple begin to head home.

"Do you think it's strange that I've chosen this despite being unable to remember my original wish?" Kirika asks Homura on the way back.

"I cannot say I fully understand why you have chosen to put your faith in me but magical girls need something they can believe in strongly enough to resist despair at all times. If this is your rationale and it has enough value to you that you will not despair then I cannot possibly speak against it" Homura decides to say.

"You say that but Sayaka also chose a course separate from just protecting her original wish and I can see how much you look down on that" Kirika says.

"Sayaka has chosen an impossible ideal. She shall break herself trying to fulfil it and end up in despair. Unless I am mistaken you have done no such thing" Homura answers.

"Definitely not. As long as I am following my real wish I can say with 100% certainty that I will never despair." Kirika says

"Then I have no issues with how you choose to go about living" Homura answers.

Kirika ecstatic to be validated hugs Homura one last time as they reach home.

They head in and Kirika starts making dinner for the couple.

Once that's done the two sit down to eat Kirika decides to ask a question she is unsure if she should.

"Is that also the reason for everything you do? To protect the miracle you soul your soul for?"

"Yes, I fight purely to ensure that my miracle may come true and to fulfil a promise I made a long time ago" Homura answers.

Kirika can see clearly that Homura's answer is absolute. That as far as she is concerned there could not be a single thing other than worth fighting for.

"Then let's make sure that your miracle comes true" Kirika answers.

"I am pleased you understand" Homura answers. While she knows from experience most baulk at the idea of such singleminded and complete devotion to completing her goals, she also knows Kirika. Homura understands her enough at this point to say that if Homura asked her to sacrifice herself for the sake of saving Madoka she would do it with a smile.

It is for that reason Homura is able to trust Kirika in a way she has been unable to trust a single other person. Because somehow she has managed to devote herself to Homura's goals in a way no one but her possibly could.

"Is there a single thing you wouldn't do if I said it would help my miracle come true?" Homura asks Kirika suspecting she already knows but still curious about the answer.

"Of course not. Really I must not have been expressing myself clearly at all if you even need to ask that question" Kirika says.

"No, you have been expressing yourself perfectly clearly. I just wanted to hear you say it. Thank you Kirika" Homura replies.

"Oh I see, well in that case I'll repeat it as many times as you like. No matter what I will fulfil your orders without fail" Kirika says joyously her face in a dazzling smile "There is nothing you cannot ask of me."

"In that case, I will ask of you one thing. Ensure that my wish is fulfilled" Homura says.

"I will do everything in my power and anything beyond my power if need to to ensure that your wish becomes reality" Kirika speaks with utter certainty.

"Then there is nothing more I could possibly ask of you" Homura responds.

The two finish eating their conversation ending on a note that could be considered sombre if not for the immense happiness written across Kirika's face and the slight smile that appears on Homura's in response.

Kirika goes to sleep certain she will ensure that Homura's wish shall become reality.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up cheerful to go about her morning.

While she means that she would do anything for Homura with 100% sincerity it is nice to be able to do the little things for her alongside just the bigger ones like killing witches or protecting Madoka.

It is with that thought that Kirika cheerfully puts together some pancakes for her and Homura as she waits for Homura to get up.

"Good morning Kirika," Homura says as Kirika hugs her before leading her to the pancakes.

Kirika cannot help but feel inordinately proud of herself when Homura actually bothers to put some syrup on the pancakes without needing to be prodded.

The fact that she has managed to turn breakfast from something Homura did mechanically and purely something eaten out of practicality into something she's able to enjoy even a little bit is one of Kirika's proudest achievements.

"You look very pleased this morning" Homura comments.

"How could I not be sitting here having breakfast with you" Kirika replies.

"I'm really not sure what other answer I was expecting," Homura says unsurprised by Kirika's response.

Kirika giggles very slightly at that before going back to her breakfast.

The two eventually finish their pancakes and get ready to set off to school.

"So what's the plan for today" Kirika enquires.

"Assuming nothing new comes up the usual of keeping the incubator away from Madoka. We can hunt some witches together in the evening since it's possible a few have manifested since my last hunt" Homura replies.

"Protect Madoka and kill witches with my favourite person, you spoil me" Kirika says as she walks hand in hand with Homura.

"You say that like you would not be happy with whatever I tell you to do" Homura comments.

"Well as long as you keep giving me orders you're always spoiling me" Kirika replies smiling up at Homura.

"You are impossible" Homura remarks. No matter how used to Kirika she may there will always be a part of her shocked by the extent of Kirika's eagerness.

"Only for you" Kirika replies.

At that, Homura only shakes her head amused by Kirika's Kirikaness as the two head towards their destination.

Reaching the path to school they can see Sayaka and Mami talking to each other while Madoka and Hitomi are walking together some distance from them.

Seeing this Kirika and Homura decide to continue to walk together rather than walk up to anyone.

As they reach school, the two set off their separate ways after Kirika gives Homura her usual hug and a "See you soon!"

School passes normally Kirika not paying any more attention to lessons than usual and saying just enough to get by without too much scrutiny while spending most her of time looking forward to them ending.

At lunch after checking that Sayaka was sticking with Mami rather than talking to Madoka about anything the couple head up to the roof to sit down and have lunch keeping watch for any incubators that could be around the school.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk to Madoka again to make sure she's not going to do anything rash about the whole magic thing?" Kirika asks. Not that she wants Homura to, hanging out with her on the roof is something Kirika enjoys very much.

"My talk with her yesterday went well and she seemed receptive to what you had said on Sunday. As long as she's not approached by the incubator she should be safe from anything magic related." Homura responds.

Kirika can tell that Homura is very pleased with the fact that magic being revealed to Madoka didn't lead to any of her worst-case scenarios.

The two sit quietly eating their lunch after that. Kirika simply enjoying being around Homura while Homura contemplates future threats that could be arriving before Walpurgisnacht.

As Homura and Kirika sit next to each other Kirika rests her head on Homura's shoulder and lets time pass.

Eventually, Homura does think of something to bring up to Kirika. When she turns over to mention it however she notices that Kirika managed to fall asleep leaning on her shoulder.

Looking at the adorable sight of Kirika napping on her shoulder Homura decides to leave what she thought of for later and enjoys the rest of lunch in silence.

Eventually, time runs out and Homura wakes up Kirika who responds with a quiet "huh" before realising what happened and getting up.

"Are you so tired you're capable of falling asleep on me?" Homura asks only semi-seriously as the two start to head back towards classes.

"Leaning on you is just really comfortable. Also, the lessons at this school send me halfway to sleep alone I cannot be blamed for taking a nap" Kirika responds.

"You should try paying attention in lessons you might learn something" Homura comments as the two reach the point where they need to split up.

"If it can't help you I see no reason to care" Kirika states heading off before Homura can reply.

With that, the two return to lessons and school eventually ends.

The two meet up and begin heading out together, since Madoka is going to the mall again this afternoon they decide to head to the same coffee shop as last time to keep an eye out for the incubator.

On the way there, however, they are stopped by the sight of Mami and Sayaka heading towards them.

"Tomoe Mami and Miki Sayaka, to what do I owe the pleasure," Homura asks as the approach.

As the two reach the point where they are facing Kirika and Homura Mami replies "Simply put the situation between us in this city has become untenable.

At that Homura and Kirika transform "What exactly do you mean by that" Homura questions.

"That we need to reach an agreement if we wish to avoid a conflict which will surely get one side killed" Mami answers.

"I see, in that case what is it you want in order to avoid conflict" Homura says.

"I would rather not try to reach an agreement in such a populated area. Should we fail to reach an agreement I would rather minimise collateral damage" Mami answers.

"What do you suggest then," Homura asks.

"That we meet up tomorrow morning at 9 am in the car park of the condemned factory in the industrial district where we should be free from any civilians being put at risk" She also added the address of where she planned to meet up.

"Why should me and Kirika miss school and go all the way there just to negotiate with you" Homura asks assuming ill intent.

"To prove that you care enough to go out of your way to meet us to negotiate. I would rather we leave a day for it rather than try to fit our discussion in this evening. Furthermore, as I said while I wish for peace you so far have been rather rude guests in my territory. I don't trust that you will not simply leave negotiations should they become inconvenient unless you have actually made the decision to commit to discussion in good faith" Mami answers.

Homura considers for a second knowing there is some kind of trap but unsure what the aim would be "If this is some kind of trick or trap you won't be the one walking out of it" Homura says.

"Well it's a good thing that it is just a negotiation then" Mami answers confidently. Sayaka looks rather annoyed by Homura's answer but defers to Mami for the discussion.

"In that case, me and Kirika will be there. I hope we can reach a working relationship" Homura answers before freezing time so she and Kirika can talk uninterrupted.

"You realise this is definitely a trap," Kirika says.

"Of course I do, the only question is whether the negotiation is genuine and the trap is a fallback or if the trap is the main plan," Homura replies.

"So why are we going rather than just dealing with them now?" Kirika asks.

"Because if they are actually offering a chance to negotiate then we can solicit their help against Walpurgisnacht which would be invaluable and something they have a vested interest in stopping alongside us" Homura answers.

"What if it is just a trap?" Kirika says.

"Mami should have no knowledge of or answer to my time stop, furthermore neither Mami nor Sayaka know the truth of soul gems meaning even an alpha strike from them is unlikely to be fatal to either of us."

Homura begins "Simply put there is no trap they can put together in a prepared area that would be effective against us with the knowledge they have" She finishes.

"What if they just rig the entire thing to blow, we can totally take them in a fight but that doesn't mean we are invincible" Kirika asks.

"That would be out of character for Mami or Sayaka. They place too much value on justice and morality. Furthermore, we will only enter if we see them there ahead of us." Homura responds.

"Ok, I trust you. Anyway, if they really try to ambush us it will be their funerals" Kirika says.

"Exactly" Homura answers.

With the two agreed on their course of action Homura lets time resume.

Mami offers a handshake with Homura accepts before turning and walking off with Sayaka by her side.

With that sorted Kirika and Homura head to the coffee shop they agreed on earlier so they can keep an eye on Madoka subtly to prevent the incubator from trying anything.

The two make the same orders as last time and find a table for the afternoon.

"If those two do betray us and we have to deal with them do you think me and you will be enough to deal with Walpurgisnacht?" Kirika asks. She very much believes that they will be enough but since Homura is insistent about how useful those two would be she finds it worth asking.

"With the number of grief seeds we have and our magic I believe we would be capable of taking on Walpurgisnacht. However, without fire support from Mami and magically cheap healing from Sayaka, the fight will likely be much longer and more gruelling alongside having a greater amount of collateral damage." Homura answers.

"But we can do it," Kirika says.

"It will be risky but yes" Homrua answers.

"Perfect, in that case, I'll have not a single worry about tearing those two's souls off them and crushing them if they don't behave" Kirika says.

"Do remember it would be better if diplomacy works out" Homura points out.

"I know, I know it's just those two are so rude and arrogant, especially with this obvious trap. While I would be fine working with them I simply have no faith in their goodwill" Kirika answers.

"If you don't have faith in them can you have faith in my ability to find a solution that does not end up with them dead?" Homura asks. If the meeting goes well it would be a highly useful opportunity so it would be better if Kirika is not too eager to fight and causes a diplomatic incident.

"Of course I have faith in you! I have no doubt you'll be able to find a mutually satisfactory solution if they are negotiating in good faith, I just doubt they will be" Kirika comments slightly chastised.

"Good, remember as long as we reach the other side of Walpurgisnacht with Madoka safe then we've made it. We are too close to the completion of our goal to not take every opportunity to succeed" Homura says.

"I know. No matter what happens tomorrow I will follow you to the ends of the earth. Trap or not we will see Walpurgisnacht destroyed and Madoka safe I swear it." Kirika says with confidence.

"There is no other acceptable ending" Homura states.

"Then we will reach the one you wish" Kirika answers.

Homura nods not feeling the need to speak further.

The two finish their coffees and once Madoka heads home without any incubator sightings they set off.

On the way back the two check a couple of spots Homura knows witches are likely to be in and collect two grief seeds (There is no fight worth describing) before arriving back at home.

As has become usual Kirika makes dinner and the two sit down and enjoy the evening.

As the evening passes Homura considers how remarkable this timeline has been. Here she sits just a week away from Walpurgisnacht's arrival eating dinner with a friend with actual faith in the future.

Such a thing would have been unimaginable even one timeline ago.

It's funny to think but she's honestly not sure what she would do without Kirika at this point. Though she has not been around for long she has managed to integrate herself with Homura to the point that not having her available would be a bit like missing a limb.

Still, she has no worries that Kirika will abandon or fail her (despite how foreign thinking that about someone still is to Homura) Kirika is one of the most competent magical girls Homura has ever had the pleasure of meeting and the most reliable person she has ever had by her side.

It is due to this that as Homura goes to bed, even knowing how dangerous Mami and Sayaka can be, she has no worries about what will happen tomorrow if it truly is a trap.

Maybe it's just that Kirika's unending spring of optimism is infectious but Homura has a certainty that is almost alien to her. As long as Kirika is by her side they will kill Walpurgisnacht.

Her mission that she has fought to achieve for so long finally has its ending in sight.

Chapter Text

Kyoko is hunting a witch.

This is something she does rather often when she can find one, though, after the deaths of the magical girls that had the other side of Kazamino under control, she now has more than enough witches to go after.

Despite the unfortunate fate of those girls, this is rather fortunate for Kyoko because she is no longer only hunting grief seeds for herself.

Despite her repeated warnings not to, Yuma contracted to save Kyoko from a witch she had underestimated and so now she has to hunt grief seeds for two magical girls.

Still, she thinks as she impales the witch she is hunting through the eye with her spear killing it and granting her a grief seed. Even if Yuma was stupid to make a contract for the sake of someone else she can't be entirely ungrateful that she avoided an untimely death even if she did say a few rude words to the brat about disobeying her instructions.

Kyoko cannot possibly regret saying Yuma though. While her parents definitely deserved to be butchered by that witch for what they did to their child Yuma deserves better than an early grave.

She deserves better than being a magical girl too but Kyoko utterly flubbed stopping her with that and really considering the fact if Yuma didn't contract she would probably be dead she really has no one to blame but herself.

Still having Yuma around has been kinda fun. Teaching her how to get away with stealing, the best ways of getting into and out of places, how to distract people so Kyoko could take something without anyone noticing.

Adding training her how to be a magical girl was never really part of that plan but events have added that to Kyoko's teaching plan.

It feels kinda weird to be teaching Yuma about being a magical girl. It reminds Kyoko of her old mentor even if she will never teach Yuma such dumb things about justice and protecting people. The only person Yuma should be protecting is herself.

Still today Kyoko decided to let Yuma sleep in for a bit at the hotel room they had acquired and do some hunting on her own. It wouldn't do for her to get too reliant on Yuma after all, even if her healing magic is really useful.

Now she's gotten herself a grief seed for the morning Kyoko, begins to head back towards her hotel room eating some pocky on the way there.

It wouldn't do to leave Yuma alone for too long, she still gets rather clingy if she thinks Kyoko could leave her so it would be better to not leave her alone in the hotel room after her hunt. Kyoko does hope she's built up enough trust that Yuma wouldn't instantly panic if she woke up without Kyoko there though.

When she reaches the hotel room she can rather concerningly hear Yuma talking to someone. Hearing this Kyoko quickly lets herself into the room. Looking around she sees Yuma is holding her phone which she must have forgotten to take with her when she got up in the morning and set off. She overhears a bit of the conversation Yuma is having before Yuma notices her.

"My healing magic is really useful I even managed to save Kyoko with it" "..." "Yeah she teaches me much more useful stuff than my parents did, she's much nicer than them too" "..." "Well I, Oh Kyoko is back" Yuma says to her conversation partner not that Kyoko knows who that is yet.

"So Yuma who are you talking to on my phone" Kyoko asks.

Hearing that Yuma drops the phone from her ear and speaks to Kyoko "That's Oriko. She mentioned that she was calling you but when I mentioned you were out she offered to chat with me until you got back. She seems really nice".

"And did this Oriko person mention why she wanted to talk to me?" Kyoko asks slightly suspicious of the fact anyone but Yuma knows how to call that phone considering she's not shared the number.

"She said she had something to tell you I think" Yuma answers.

"Ok, Yuma would you pass me the phone" Kyoko asks.

After putting the phone to her head and saying "Kyoko's asking for you, it was nice to talk. Bye Oriko" and receiving a reply Yuma passes the phone to Kyoko.

"Who are you" Kyoko asks the second she has the phone in a rather displeased voice.

"My name is Mikuni Oriko" the caller replies the voice seeming non-plussed by Kyoko's aggressive start to the conversation.

"Better question why did you call me Mikuni" Kyoko continues.

"Because I have information that I believe would be of use to you" Oriko replies.

"What and you just decided to give it to me out of the goodness of your heart, what's your real reason?" Kyoko asks.

"I do truly just want to give you a piece of information I believe you would find valuable. If you want a reason why call it repaying a favour you did not realise you did me" Oriko answers.

"What favour would that be" Kyoko asks curious about what she could have done for this girl she's never met or heard of in her life.

"Taking care of Yuma. While I had wanted to get her out of her dreadful situation I unfortunately did not get the opportunity which makes me rather thankful that you managed to save her, both from the witch and the people who had the gall to call themselves her parents" Oriko replies, Kyoko does notice she does genuinely sound affronted by Yuma's former parents.

"Did you know her then?" Kyoko asks.

"Not exactly but my nature as a magical girl gives me insight into certain things and people while I until this morning never had gotten the opportunity to meet Yuma I have known of the unfortunate circumstances you removed her from for a short while at this point" Oriko answers.

"So you're saying you owe me for saving a person you've never met and so want to repay me. Pull the other one" Kyoko replies to the other girl, even if her feelings about Yuma are true this feels way to suspicious.

"Is it impossible for you to consider the fact I may have compassion for tragedies that I am forced to see due to my wish?" Oriko asks.

"Impossible to consider no. Likely to be bullshit yes" Kyoko replies.

"Well, no matter if you trust the reason I wish to give you it I am certain you would benefit from the information I want to tell you no matter my motive," Oriko answers.

"Fine let's hear your 'information' that is so valuable" Kyoko finally says.

"On this Wednesday at 9 am your former mentor will get into a fight with another magical girl who has been staying in her city. At 9:07 she, after being outmatched will surrender. The magical girl she was fighting will then shoot her in the soul gem killing her. This series of events is fixed without outside intervention." Oriko explains. She also gives the address of the location where this will take place.

Kyoko is so shocked by what she hears that she does not reply for a second. How does this girl know her connection to Mami, could she actually be killed by another magical girl?

"How could you possibly know that" Kyoko chooses to say instead.

"My wish gives me a certain level of foresight, while it is nothing close to omniscience it does allow to to know the times and locations of key events" Oriko replies.

"I find that hard to believe" Kyoko answers not really wanting to believe Oriko's words.

"Is it truly so hard to believe seeing the future may be a power that can be granted by a wish?" Oriko questions.

"No, but it would also be very easy to lie about" Kyoko answers.

"I guess I cannot blame you for your distrust, I can see how my claim may appear unreasonable without extraordinary evidence that cannot be given over the phone. Instead, I will say that should you wish to see the truth simply watch the location I specified at the correct time and you will see for yourself." Oriko states.

"Or you just want to steal my territory while I am out of the city" Kyoko answers.

"If I wished to do that I would tell a much less outlandish story. Other than that there are more witches in Kazamino than you and Yuma could possibly kill considering recent events. Simply put if I wanted to set up shop there I would not need to anger you by misleading you beforehand" Oriko replies.

"Fine but that doesn't mean you're not leading me into an ambush or something" Kyoko says.

"You do realise you don't have to respond to this information. While I have given it to you as a favour I know that you and Mami are long since estranged. Should you not want to intervene or witness her death that would be perfectly reasonable," Oriko states.

"Well in that case why even bother telling me" Kyoko asks.

"Like I said because you did something that I wished to happen yet was out of my power. I believed this would be something you would have wished to know of before it occurred. If I was wrong about that then you have my apologies." Oriko explains.

"Even if I believe you honestly mean me no ill will you understand how shady this seems right?" Kyoko says.

"I know however there is no way for me to provide you this information that would not seem as such. I doubt you would have responded better to a letter through the door of whatever hotel room you're staying at for the day." Oriko says.

"You know way too much" Kyoko comments.

"Knowing is my one power, it would not be a lie to say I sold my soul for the sake of knowledge" Oriko states.

"Even if your information is right I still don't like this" Kyoko says.

"Worry not now that I no longer owe you, you need not ever hear from me again after today," Oriko says.

"Good one cryptic conversation over the phone is more than enough for me" Kyoko answers.

"Well, you know what I wished to tell you and have my thanks for your help keeping Yuma safe so this will be my goodbye. Please continue to take care of Yuma she really does appreciate you" Oriko says before hanging up the phone.

Kyoko puts down the phone and sits down wondering just what she was going to do about that phone call.

That Oriko person knows way too much and it's impossible to know if she was lying about anything. Furthermore, even if she wasn't lying should Kyoko even care? As Oriko rightly pointed out it's been a long time since Mami and Kyoko have been friendly in any way, shape or form.

Before she can consider any further however Yuma comes up and sits next to her.

"So what did she want to tell you?" Yuma asks.

"Before I answer that you need to learn not to accept calls on my phone from people you don't know. That easily could have been a scam you know" Kyoko says.

"But it wasn't a scam it was Oriko and she was nice. If someone started asking for bank account details or something I would have hung up" Yuma explains.

Kyoko just sighs deciding that now is probably not the best time to get into this sort of discussion.

"She was informing me about an old friend of mine who I'm no longer in touch with" Kyoko decides to answer.

"Oh that's cool, I don't think I have any old friends but I'm sure anyone who was friends with you must have been cool" Yuma says.

"She is an idiot who is going to get herself killed for her ideals at some point. That's why we are no longer friends" Kyoko answers before remembering that if Oriko was telling the truth at some point may be very close indeed.

"Oh, well even if she's stupid she was still your friend, right? Do you still care about her?" Yuma asks getting right to the heart of the matter.

Does Kyoko still care about her? She shouldn't her former friend and mentor was naive and her stupid obsession with killing familiars and using her magic for others' sake is ridiculous.

Kyoko had decided she wouldn't use magic for another's sake after all.

She looks at Yuma beside her waiting for her answer. Kyoko guesses she kinda failed in her commitment to selfishness there.

Despite everything she lambasted Mami for, here Kyoko sits mentoring her own junior magical girl and using grief seeds to make sure she is well. Even if she's not feeding Yuma that dumb hope and justice nonsense that Mami talked about with her. Kyoko thinking back to what Oriko said about doing what she did because she owed her comes to a decision.

"I guess I do still care about her a little. While we definitely aren't friends I do probably owe her slightly" Kyoko says.

"Oh I see, so what did you learn about your old not friend from Oriko?" Yuma asks.

"Her fate" Kyoko replies.

"Oh" Yuma says not entirely sure what Kyoko means by that.

"Hey Yuma how do you feel about a day trip to Mitakihara City? We won't be staying but I do have a favour to pay back and It's a nice enough place for sightseeing" Kyoko asks Yuma.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up feeling less enthusiastic for the day than usual.

While Kirika could never not be happy to have the chance to spend the morning with Homura she gets the feeling that this morning is going to be unpleasant considering the fact they will be walking into Mami and Sayaka's stupid trap for the sake of being 'diplomatic'.

While Kirika very rarely disagrees with Homura in this case she thinks Homura may be a bit too willing to believe in some sort of imaginary good faith that Mami has never actually bothered to show them.

Still, Homura does tend to know better when it comes to how Mami and Sayaka act like how she can predict exactly when Mami and Sayaka will lose against a witch, so maybe this is just one of those things where Homura already knows how it will go.

Kirika doesn't think so though. While Homura seems to often know about Mami and Sayaka she also seems to not know anything involving her and Kirika is fairly sure that this trap is only happening because of her being with Homura. Which if Kirika is right means Homura probably doesn't know quite what's going to happen.

Still no matter what Mami or Sayaka can do it's not like they have any chance of actually beating Homura and her, trap or not. Even if she's not looking forward to having to deal with those two's ambush she has absolutely no doubt that it will fail to actually stop them.

On the upside considering how rude those two have been ripping them apart would probably be rather satisfying. Though only if Homura wants her to, wouldn't want to go too far against her wishes after all.

As she thinks all this though Kirika puts together breakfast for her and Homura, no reason to let Mami and Sayaka ruin the best part of the morning.

Kirika seeing Homura up hugs her before sitting down beside her to eat.

Even if the rest of the morning will be annoying nothing can ruin getting the chance to sit next to Homura and see her enjoying something Kirika made for her.

Honestly, Kirika hopes that her mornings stay like this for the rest of her life.

At this moment when everything seems so peaceful and perfect Kirika's heart feels big and heavy yet also light and bright she gets the overwhelming urge to express her feelings to Homura.

"Hey Homura" Kirika says.

"Oh?"

"I... I think we should discuss our plan for what happens if it does turn out to be a trap later."

Yet some part of her that she had thought gone makes Kirika unable to get out the words she truly wishes to.

"Well, that depends on the type of trap. If they try to kill us via a preset trap such as explosives then it should not be too hard to avoid it and then threaten them into submission. If they believe they can beat us in a fight and just want an area away from civilians then we demonstrate how effortlessly we can defeat them and use that as leverage." Homura says.

"And if we are underestimating them and the threat manages to be credible?" Kirika asks.

"Then we kill them before they can kill us" Homura replies acknowledging that in the worst case scenario Mami and Sayaka are ultimately disposable.

"Got it," Kirika says.

There is a short silence after that while the two girls keep eating breakfast not sure of what else to say.

"Would you be sad if we had to kill them?" Kirika asks, while she knows that there is no way Homura could actually be friends with those two considering their interactions over the month she's known them. Kirika gets the sense that's not quite all that's there to the relationship between them and Homura.

"It would be wasteful and disappointing if they are so set against us as to require their deaths" Homura replies.

"But would you be sad?" Kirika repeats wanting to know Homura's actual answer.

Homura pauses for a bit deciding how to answer before saying "less so than I would have been earlier in my life".

Kirika just nods accepting that that is the closest Homura can get to saying that their deaths would sadden her. Which is probably why killing them seems a last resort for her despite the issues Mami and Sayaka present Kirika and Homura.

While most of the time doing anything that would make Homura sad is entirely against what Kirika stands for, here Kirika finds that she only hates Mami and Sayaka more hearing Homura say that. The fact that some part of Homura cares about them and has over this month tried so hard to save them yet they still refuse to see that and insist on being a thorn in her side.

It makes Kirika want to see them dead.

Not that she will of course if they don't force her hand. Making sure Homura isn't sad is far more important than any personal feelings Kirika has no matter how deserving those two may be for being so ungrateful.

Breakfast eventually ends and so the two set off towards the abandoned car park that Mami specified.

It's a bit of a long walk being out of the way but Homura and Kirika make sure to arrive at 9 exactly.

As Kirika looks around she can see that the place is rundown. Despite theoretically being a car part there is nothing in the lot and the paint that should be specifying the spaces seems to mostly be gone.

The area is mostly shrouded from view by the surrounding buildings, as she walks past Kirika notices signs stating that they are currently for sale. Meaning that there was likely no one working in any of them.

Overall Mami managed to find one of the most isolated places in the city with only one real entrance and not a civilian in sight.

This fact does not make Kirika feel any better about the chance that this will just be a negotiation.

Despite that Mami and Sayaka are very clearly in the middle of the area waiting for them. Sayaka leaning on a slightly decrepit sign which should probably have the prices of the car park on it if any of the writing had not rusted away.

Homura and Kirika walk into the car park purposefully walking across the side of the car park ather than directly towards Mami and Sayaka just in case anything was placed across the obvious route.

Eventually, though they do stand opposite Mami and Sayaka. Kirika notices that White Ring is sitting on Mami's shoulder.

"Hello, Akemi, Kure. Thanks for coming." Mami says.

"Well we could not miss the opportunity to avoid hostilities with the city's other magical girls could we?" Homura replies.

"I'm happy to hear you say so" Mami replies "Me and Sayaka just want to discuss what exactly your goals are for staying in this city" she continues. Sayaka nods to confirm Mami's words.

"Our main purpose in this city is to destroy Walpurgisnacht which will be arriving in one week." Homura says.

"So do you plan to leave after it is defeated" Mami questions.

"I would rather not, I do still live here" Homura replies.

"I see" Mami says before turning to the being on her shoulder.

"Kyubey is Homura correct about a Walpurgisnacht arriving in the city in a week" Mami questions

While a Walpurgisnacht is due to arrive in Japan over this year out of anywhere it could go the probablitiy of it arriving in Mitakhara city is rather low and the idea it would arrive in this city within the next week is statistically improbable Kyubey answers

Homura is shaken by this answer as Kyubey tends to back her up on this, it knows as well as she does when the Walpurgisnacht will arrive. If it is not supporting her claim here that means it is trying to cause conflict.

"Kyubey you know perfectly well when it will arrive what is the point of this deception" Homura says to Kyubey.

Walpurgisnacht is very unpredictable and acts according to its own whims. I do not know why you may believe that it is coming so soon anomaly but I will not claim your statements are true when absolute certainty about where and when Walpurgisnacht will arrive is impossible.

Mami nods at Kyubey "So if that is not your actual reason to be here what is."

"Kyubey is misdirecting you" Homura says already knowing it is a lost cause.

"Kyubey is my friend unlike you, I trust him" Mami replies.

Homura actively chooses not to react to that knowing that any emotional reaction at this point may damage negotiations

Seeing this Kirika does the same containing her loathing for White Ring and Mami for refusing to believe Homura internally and putting out a confident calm face that very much does not display any of her current murderous impulses.

"Why are you hoarding so many grief seeds," Sayaka asks.

"It is only common sense for a magical girl to hoard grief seeds considering they are our lifeline, beyond that I wish for me and Kirika to be able to make full use of our magic against Walpurgisnacht when it arrives" Homura answers.

"You do understand that with you and Kirika hunting as you do this city cannot sustain 4 magical girls" Mami notes.

"After Walpurgisnacht, we will not need to purge the city's witches as thoroughly" Homura answers.

"Yet you and Kirika barely go after familiars" Mami states.

"While we will destroy them if they are somewhere inconvenient we simply do not have the time or magic to waste trying to hunt down this city's familiars" Homura replies.

"They kill people" Mami answers.

"Witches kill more people proportionally and provide a grief seed when killed going after them primarily is simply more efficient" Homura answers.

"You can't measure human life with efficiency!" Sayaka answers outraged.

"As magical girls we need to fight as is efficient if we do not wish to die pointlessly" Homura answers.

"How can you even call yourself human if that's how you see lives" Sayaka responds.

"I don't of course, as a magical girl neither should you" Homura replies.

"It is obvious that we cannot co-exist, you simply are not the kind of girls I can allow in my city so I will give you this offer. Leave my city within the week or I will be forced to remove you" Mami says having come to a conclusion.

At this Kirika summons her claws and Homura prepares to face Mami "I do not believe that we can accept that outcome."

Before the conversation can continue however two magical girls wander into the car park.

"9:04 just as she said" a magical girl holding a sword says as she and a magical girl holding a massive axe arrive.

"So this was your trap" Kirika says as she turns to face the new magical girls while Homura continues to face Mami"

"Final offer leave now or we will remove you" Mami says.

In response, Homura twists her shield deciding to end this here and now before it can escalate into something that could become a problem. 4 magical girls or 2 is an academic difference when time stop nullifies all of them.

Shockingly however when she stops time the magical girls fail to freeze.

"Did you think that we were ignorant of your trick Akemi?" Mami asks. As she says this Homura looks around and notices that strings so thin and tiny they seem closer to the makeup of a spiderweb than a ribbon are scattered across the entire carpark blending in perfectly with the ground until put into greyscale. Homura can tell that while they would not have enough force to move her it would be impossible to get all of them off her in a reasonable amount of time.

"I am afraid that my mission is too important to give up for your sake" Homura answers ending the time stop.

"Kirika deal with those two I'll take Mami and Sayaka," Homrua says as a cloud of muskets and swords appears before her.

Homura cannot fail in her mission to protect Madoka. If that means she needs to kill Mami and Sayaka that is a sacrifice she has to make. She has made it too far to let anyone stop her.

Chapter Text

Kirika looks towards her opponents. Two magical girls one wielding an axe and one with a sword, both also likely having some kind of unknown magic. Kirika gives it a minute until they are both dead.

After all, no one gets to stop her helping Homura and with a direct order to deal with them those two's fates are already sealed.

Before combat starts Kirika makes sure to stretch time around her and Homura. Just because she has to kill those two before she can directly help Homura kill Mami and Sayaka doesn't mean she can't give her an advantage.

"Any last words before I kill you," Kirika asks preparing to twist time around her opponents.

"You're rather arrogant, you do realise you're outnumbered" The girl with the sword answers.

"I'll take that as a no," Kirika says before twisting time around the two and dashing forward with the aim of impaling one the the magical girls before they have the chance to react.

Kirika can tell that her soon to be dead opponents are shocked by her speed the acceleration on her and slowing on them making her effectively move through time almost 4 times faster than them.

Despite this, they show obvious experience the axe-using girl forming a shield in front of her that forces Kirika to abort her lunge and jump back her claws unable to pierce the shield.

While one magical girl shields the two the sword-wielding one goes on offence moving with her partner towards Kirika.

Deciding to try to find any weak spots Kirika goes for a number more lunges trying to work out how quickly the axe girl can make her shields.

The speed difference makes it obvious that she struggles to turn in direction fast enough to match Kirika's attacks but annoyingly the other girl is much faster despite being slowed and her swipes are enough to buy enough time for the shields.

Seeing that her current tactic would not work, Kirika decides to close properly with her opponents rather than jumping back after a failed lunge.

The two are obviously practised in working together in close combat with the barriers made by the axe girl disappearing just long enough to allow sword swipes through before reappearing to prevent Kirika from counterattacking.

Kirika can tell these two are going to be annoying to kill. If it was just the axe wielder then shields or not Kirika would be able to eventually get close enough to force her to use her axe as a weapon rather than to make barriers. At that point, she would be far to slow to prevent Kirika slaughtering her.

The one with the sword would be a bit more tricky she obviously knows how to use her weapon and has good footwork so even with the speed difference she could probably hold Kirika off for a bit but in the end, it would not be hard to overwhelm her via brute forcing it with the speed difference.

Together however they present a genuine problem. The sword girl is skilled enough to make staying around the pair dangerous while miss axe's shields limit Kirika's manoeuvrability and nullify her attempts to kill either of them. Kirika will need to be smart if she wants to kill them fast enough to help Homura.

Her main advantage of course is that she can run circles around either of them. While accelerating herself and Homura along with slowing both of them at once is magic intensive Kirika has enough grief seeds on her that she can afford to burn magic. This advantage means that in this fight Kirika always has the initiative. With neither of her opponents having effective long range options they are unable to catch her unless she chooses to get into combat with them. As long as she can catch them off guard this fight will be over quickly.

Before Kirika can decide on a strategy to pick the two off however they force her hand. A shield forms behind where she was leaping preventing a retreat while the sword girl attempts to use the opportunity to run Kirika through.

Kirika manages to twist around where the sword would strike but the girl quickly switches the direction of her swing forcing Kirika to move out of the way rather than put her claws through the girl's chest like she would have preferred. Despite this, the girl is not fast enough to prevent Kirika's dodge allowing her to get around the girl before she can react. Kirika uses the opportunity slashing towards her arm with her claws before being stopped by yet another shield that her claws screech against but fail to pierce. Kirika manages to avoid the axe swing that directly follows her aborted attack but this gives the sword girl the opportunity to land a kick sending Kirika flying back.

Kirika can feel that the kick probably broke a rib and sets about enhancing her healing. The sword girl's magic definitely enhances her strength which is probably also linked to the reason she is able to react fast enough to not fall too far behind Kirika despite the time difference.

"You two are pretty good at this, I may even have enjoyed this if you weren't so arrogant as to threaten Homura" Kirika hissed.

She could hear the gunfight happening behind her and knows without her time stop Homura must be at a disadvantage against those two sped up or not.

"You would probably actually be threatening if you had any skill to back up your speed" The axe girl responds.

Despite that Kirika can hear the exhaustion in her voice. It's obviously taking a lot out of her to keep shielding herself and her friend.

Before the girl finishes her sentence Kirika is already approaching again. Despite having been fighting her for a bit they still struggle to keep up with her speed and Kirika manages to clash with the sword girl for a second before any shields can pop up.

In the free second, she bought from catching the shieldy one talking she manages to block a sword slash with one hand while Kirika's other hand snakes under the girl's guard claws leaving jagged lacerations down the girl's stomach before another shield forms blocking her arm while a thrust from sword girl forces Kirika back again.

After getting a distance away from the girls she resumes circling them while the two huddle together seeking to prevent Kirika from approaching. Kirika can tell that managing to get under sword girl's guard and rip half her stomach open undermined the confidence that the two had a second before.

"So any more comments about my lack of skill," Kirika says confidently still circling them.

Sadly it seems that the two have realised that while Kirika risks very little from talking, for them even the slightest distraction could prove fatal so they decide to stay quiet.

It's a shame really their arrogance was entertaining thinking that they of all people could prevent her from fulfilling her purpose. What a laughable prospect, still they're not quite dead yet even if sword girl is looking rather under the weather having to hold her insides in.

Kirika launches herself forward once more, as she is not distracted this time the shield girl makes a barrier in her path like usual. Unlike the other times however rather than trying to find a way around the shield Kirika simply leaps over the shield and slashes at Axe girl. while the claws get held back on the pole of the axe Kirika lands in the right angle to kick off the girl leaving her sprawled on the ground and unable to protect her friend.

In an instant Kirika is on sword girl, with her wound she is no longer capable of reacting in time and Kirika quickly gets inside the guard of her sword and rips through the shoulder of her sword hand as Kirika is about to rip through the girl's neck however she feels a sword going through her chest and is flung off.

The girl had summoned her sword in her left hand after the right was ripped off and used Kirika's distraction as an opportunity to land a return blow.

Kirika is sent flying by the sword being ripped out of and through her. While fortunately it did not touch her soul gem, she is now in the slightly annoying situation of being half bisected.

It's not the worst wound she has healed but it will slow her down slightly. She further accelerates her healing making sure that she is at least externally whole even if the internal wounds will keep her occupied.

While Kirika is capable of visibly healing wounds sword girl seems to lack that capability. While she may have been functional enough for a feint Kirika can see that one-armed and massively bleeding the girl can barely move at this point. Still, Axe girl is back up at this point and seems unharmed by Kirika's jumping kick.

Kirika resumes circling as the girl stands over the barely functional body of her ally.

If Kirika was uninjured she would simply rush in and kill the two, axe girl being far too slow to keep up with her. With her current massive internal bleeding, however, Kirika can tell that she's not able to move at full speed for another minute until it's done healing.

As she circles Kirika taps a grief seed to her soul gem using her opponent's inability to effectively attack to refresh her rather cloudy soul gem. At this point, her victory is guaranteed even if she embarrassingly managed to get fooled by sword girl.

Despite this Kirika cannot afford to just wear down her opponents. What if Homura needs her?

Kirika once more leaps forward towards axe girl, this time rather than try and block her Kirika notices a shield forming behind her blocking her manoeuvrability as the girl swings her oversized axe at Kirika. While Kirika shifts around the blow the girl sweeps the axe forcing Kirika to duck under it before shooting forward to impale the girl.

Yet the girl is saved from death once more, pushed out of the way by the half dead sword girl who takes the blow for her.

Unwilling to play around Kirika uses her claws to rip the girl who had just saved her friend in half before stepping on her soul gem crushing it.

Axe girl stumbles to readiness, outraged by the death of a person who was presumably her friend. Kirika can hear the girl mumble "bastard" as she prepares for Kirika to attack her.

Kirika wanting to keep her off guard decides to talk "You know you could run away right now right, I won't chase you I care much more about helping Homura so why would I bother wasting the time" Kirika lies (There is no chance she would let anyone who would threaten Homura live). Kirika's blood covered form makes a rather intimidating sight as she walks purposefully slowly towards her still-living opponent.

Axe girl unable to accept this leaps towards Kirika making shields around her to prevent her getting out of the way as she swings downward hoping to kill Kirika with the blow.

Kirika much faster than the girl responds by using a trick she hasn't needed to bring out yet for this fight extending her claws through the stomach of the girl who being stuck in the air jumping towards Kirika is unable to get out of the way.

Kirika using her claws which are impaling her opponent flings her to the ground before jumping out the the box of barriers the girl had made around her.

The girl tries to stumble back up despite the hole in her chest but Kirika is upon her before she gets the chance grabbing the axe with one hand and swinging her claws through the girl's chest and soul gem with the other.

The girl dies and Kirika is left alone with nothing but two dead bodies (one severely more mutilated than the other) and a half healed internal injury.

Kirika still covered in blood decides that the time spent to de and resummon her costume is too long a wait to help Homura and so sets off to ensure that anyone who has dared lay a hand on the most brilliant girl in the world is dead.

She hopes Homura won't mind that her costume is stained a bit red.

Chapter Text

Homura acknowledges that this is likely to be one of the most difficult battles she has ever been in.

Mami is an extremely experienced and skilled magical girl with a surplus of firepower. Not only that but she is going into this fight with a clear head unlike most other times Mami has tried to kill her.

Sayaka is less of a problem on her own being much less powerful and experienced but she does have one feature that makes her incredibly annoying. She can and will heal from anything short of death in seconds.

While Homura could handle both of them easily with the benefit of time stop somehow Mami has both worked out how her ability works, how to counter said ability and prepared this battlefield to nullify it.

If Homura survives this then she will need to find what went wrong because this cannot ever happen again.

Despite how main abilities being nullified and the fact she is outnumbered Homura does have two advantages that give her a fighting chance.

First, she knows Mami and Sayaka's fighting styles while neither of them knows hers. This gives her the ability to avoid being surprised by her opponent's abilities. That alone however would still leave her at a massive disadvantage for this fight.

Her second advantage is Kirika or more specifically the fact that Kirika is allowing her to move almost twice as fast as she normally is. It is with this that Homura knows that she can win.

Not that it's going to be easy though.

The battle starts with a cascade of noise as the cracks of dozens of muskets firing at her appear all at once.

Homura with her boosted speed is just about able to get out of the way of the musket fire before taking an MP7 out of her shield and returning fire.

Of course, Mami is more than skilled enough to avoid the return fire and continues to bombard Homura's position with a constant barrage of musket fire.

Annoyingly despite her enhanced speed allowing her to draw and go though the ammunition of guns at a massive speed Mami still outdoes her in pure firepower, alongside the fact that Homura has to keep moving as being caught in the storm of musket fire for even a second will prove fatal.

Still if that was the only problem Homura would be able to quickly solve the Mami issue. Annoyingly however she finds her way cut off by Sayaka tossing swords in her way. While not as fast as the Musket fire Homura knows how sharp those swords are and Sayaka's throw strength still launches then at speed.

While Homura would like to simply shoot Sayaka in the soul gem and be done with it her constant evasion is something that is only possible with her additional speed and makes accuracy extremely difficult especially as Sayaka is a moving target who is trying to close with Homura.

Fortunately, Homura is faster than Sayaka and so is able to keep her at a distance via speed and getting shots off at her.

As Homura keeps running trying to avoid any consistent pattern that would allow Mami to predict where she will run and shoot ahead of her she is forced to jump to avoid a ribbon that Mami had placed to try to trip her. Something that Mami continues trying past this point.

Seeing that she cannot keep up avoiding Mami and Sayaka's attacks while sending insignificant return fire Homura decides to try the strategy that allowed her to beat Kirika and throws a flashbang towards Sayaka.

While it does manage to stun Sayaka for a second it only allows Homura to get a second of gunfire towards her staggering form. Mami while blinded by the flashbang still knows Homura's location from the tiny ribbons scattered across the entire area allowing her to continue firing at Homura with little loss of accuracy.

Still, while she didn't manage to shatter her soul gem Homura can see that Sayaka did still get perforated with bullets. She assumes that she would have heard a scream of pain if her ears weren't ringing from the extreme amount of gunfire being exchanged.

Annoyingly however it takes less than a second for Sayaka to have closed her wounds and return to trying to get close enough to Homura to stab her.

Homura can tell that this is a fight that she won't be able to win at the current rate, despite this she has an advantage over Mami. This much musket fire, while necessary for stopping Homrua from shooting Sayaka to death the second she gets a moment to aim at her soul gem, is extremely magically expensive, especially with Mami also using ribbons at the same time to try to trip up and disable Homura. As long as Homura can last for a while Mami should be forced to either let up her fire for a few moments to use a grief seed or risk running out of magic. All Homura has to do is survive long enough to reach that point.

Not that that's a small ask.

While Homura does try to repeat her minor success with her grenades most of them get shot out of the air before they can go off by Mami or cut in half if they end up too close to Sayaka. While it is useful for distracting a bit of their attention it also means going through most of the explosives she has spent this timeline collecting at an unsustainable rate. Still at this point every second she can buy herself is a second closer to Mami's grief filling her soul gem.

Despite that though Homura can tell that Mami is adjusting to her speed and her volleys are becoming increasingly accurate as time goes on despite Homura's best efforts. While Homura has at this point emptied dozens of submachine guns and rifles firing at Mami her ribbons allow her enough manoeuvrability that she is barely inconvenienced by the return fire.

Homura needs to change the circumstances of this fight soon or even with Kirika's acceleration Homura won't be able to keep avoiding the bullets and swords that are getting closer to hitting her with every second that passes.

Making a sudden turn in direction Homura runs directly toward rather than away from or around Sayaka. The suddenness of this catches Sayaka off guard as she had expected Homura to keep trying to avoid her. Dodging around a few razer thin ribbons that Mami tries to catch Homura in, she closes with Sayaka and using the closer range empties a Beretta towards her stomach. Annoyingly Sayaka manages to twist enough that Homura cannot quite manage to hit the small target of her soul gem though it is enough to stagger Sayaka.

While Sayaka quickly recovers and begins swinging her cutlasses towards Homura it allows Homura to achieve her original aim, keeping Sayaka between her and Mami. This means that alongside having to avoid Sayaka's sword swings at close range Mami will escalate her attempts to trip and cut Homura with her ribbons however it gives Homura an essential advantage.

Mami will not fire her muskets though Sayaka.

As long as Homura can prevent Mami from getting a new angle on her then Mami's most threatening weapon is nullified (not that her ribbons are not still extremely threatening). In exchange, all Homura needs to do is keep up with Sayaka in close range. Which is admittedly easier said than done.

Sayaka has obviously taken her training with Mami seriously because her footwork and sword form is far better than it is on average at this point in the timeline. While normally Homura would assuredly be able
to kill Sayaka in close range accelerated as she is by Kirika it's not quite so easy in this circumstance.

Homura finds herself thankful that Kirika insisted that she take that katana from the Yuzaka since it is her best tool to prevent herself from being wrapped up by the ribbons that Mami is attempting to swamp her with while Sayaka tries to bisect her with her sword swings.

Homura is keeping up with the ribbons and sword swipes from Sayaka thanks to her experience and speed advantage courtesy of Kirika but she has no spare time between dodging and cutting ribbons alongside avoiding Sayaka's attacks to get any accurate fire towards Sayaka's soul gem despite how close she is.

While she manages to get a few shots into Sayakas centre mass when she is able to get items out of her shield as opposed to using it to block Sayaka's attacks, Sayaka simply powers through and heals the damage in an instant.

Deciding to take a risk Homura rather than shifting out of the way accepts taking a cut from Sayaka across her side in exchange for getting close enough to Sayaka to put hand grenade on her and push her away before jumping back. While Sayaka does manage to throw it off and turn away the explosion still sends her flying burning a good portion of her back and shattering multiple bones.

For any other opponent that would be game over but since Sayaka's soul gem survived Homura knows that she's bought herself seconds rather than minutes considering how proficient Sayaka seems at using her magic this timeline.

With Sayaka out of the way the musket fire resumes, Homura can tell Mami is outraged by her harming Sayaka considering that the level of fire suggests that Mami is using even more magic to try to kill Homura than before.

Homura resumes running from the musket fire while avoiding or cutting through any ribbons that try to impede her movements. The cut across her side throbs and Homura is sure that regardless of if this movement was unsustainable before it certainly is now.

As she runs she continues going through her collection of submachine guns and rifles to keep Mami having to focus on dodging rather than putting her full attention into aiming at Homura. Finally, Mami does what Homura was waiting for and prepares a Trio Finale.

Before Mami can finish creating her finishing attack Homura fires an RPG at the attack forcing Mami to jump off and sending Homura's would-be death exploding in a cloud of fire.

While not quite a deciding moment in the battle, forcing Mami to waste that much magic on a Trio Finale without getting to fire it must play havoc on her magic reserves. Despite the fact that after the attack fails Mami's other musket fire does not let up Homura can see the strain in Mami's eyes as she keeps up her unceasing attack.

Still, that took enough time for Homura's other irritant to return forcing Homura to change direction to avoid being skewered by Sayaka who despite suffering injuries that would kill a normal person and even most magical girls, is already back on her feet and annoyingly undamaged.

Despite this Homura is feeling more confident than she has over the rest of the fight. Despite being uninjured Mami has to be nearing the ends of her magic while Sayaka must have spent a lot fully recovering. Homura on the other hand having not stopped time once has a nearly clear soul gem. If she can keep this up victory is in sight.

As Homura empties a pistol at Sayaka to prevent her closing while trying to avoid Mami's musket fire she feels the cut across her side burn distracting her just enough for one of Mami's sharpened thin ribbons to leave a cut across her arm. While Homura cuts through the ribbon it gives enough time for Sayaka to close once more. Homura is able to duck under Sayaka's cutlass swing but dodges into a kick sending Homura flying back and at least bruising a rib.

While Homura is able to manoeuvre her fall to jump back up and avoid Mami's musket fire she has the unpleasant realisation that if her injuries keep accumulating she will end up killed before Mami runs low enough on magic.

As she has this thought her side is skimmed by a musket shot leaving a trail of blood across her arm. While she does still manage to return fire at Mami, Homura can tell even with Kirika's acceleration she is slowing down.

For a second she considers that she could actually fail here not even killed by Walpurgisnacht but by Mami because she underestimated how much she knew. Before she can consider any further however she notices that the severity of the bullet volleys seems to suddenly reduce.

Looking towards Mami she can see that Mami has the same number of muskets it's just she is firing and creating them at a much lower speed. Getting out of the way of the suddenly much reduced storm of bullets she looks to see Kirika appear behind Sayaka without Sayaka's notice.

Mami's fire suddenly stops dead as she looks at Sayaka.

Kirika has stuck her claw through the back of her chest reaching through to her soul gem and in an instant crushes it.

Sayaka falls over limp a claw shaped hole in her chest, her endless recovery finally coming to an end.

Mami falls to her knees her soul gem a shade away from being pure black.

Homura smiles at Kirika who despite being absolutely covered in blood is the most beautiful sight Homura has seen this entire timeline in this moment.

Homura turns to Mami and takes out a desert eagle.

Even if she has stopped being a threat Mami cannot be allowed to turn into a witch.

Homura looks at Mami's crying form still on her knees and takes aim at the soul gem on her hair clip.

She fires.

Chapter Text

Yet though the bullet flies true it never reaches its destination.

A wall of red chains forms in front of the form of Mami which the bullet shatters upon hitting.

Kirika notices a girl in red jump down from one of the surrounding buildings and starts walking towards Mami.

While Kirika has no idea who's intervening Homura's eyes widen in recognition.

"Sakura Kyoko what idiocy is this" Homura calls out at the girl desperately trying to find an angle to shoot at Mami through Kyoko's chains before she finishes turning into a witch.

"Just repaying a debt, also why does everyone seem to know my name without me telling them these days" Kyoko replies still heading over with the intent of getting Mami out of this situation and then leaving once more.

"It's already too late for Tomue Mami it would be kinder to let her die with dignity" Homura responds but she already knows it's too late.

Mami still on the ground crying looks up "Kyoko, you came back. I'm so happy." Before she says another word the world violently lurches and everyone is dragged into a barrier, a small shape jumping out at Kyoko to try to get her out of the way yet arriving too late.

Kirika looks around at the barrier that has manifested around her.

The first thing she notices is that the floor seems slightly bouncy. Looking down she sees it's entirely made up of ribbons. The labyrinth seems to almost be set up like a house aside from that with the current area around her looking a bit like a typical living room if much larger than usual and with all the furniture being slightly off like someone made a description of the furniture without truly knowing what it is.

Of course, while she notices all of this there is only one thing in the barrier that Kirika cares about, Homura. Looking around she spots her off on the other side of the room and begins to head towards her.

Kirika however finds her way blocked by a person-sized doll. It has short blue hair and carries a sword, as it walks a cape made of white ribbons flows down its back. Kirika hates it immediately.

Speeding up time around herself she launches herself at the familiar which quickly finds itself suffering the same fate as the person it was based on. Once she's done removing the Sayaka doll's arms and head Kirika continues heading towards Homura.

Finally, she reaches Homura who seems to have just finished shooting a red-headed doll holding a spear to death.

"Kirika, thanks for the assistance with Sayaka" Homura says as she arrives

Kirika looking at Homura notices the slashing wound across her side "She hurt you! I should have made her death more painful" Kirika states.

Homura seeing that Kirika is outraged by her being harmed decides to try to calm her down "It doesn't matter, you killed her. She will not be able to harm me again"

"True, even if she didn't suffer as much as she should have for hurting you the fact she can never do so again is by far the most important thing" Kirika says nodding to herself.

As Homura looks at Kirika she can see that her outfit is absolutely drenched in blood, considering the angle from which she killed Sayaka, presumably mostly from her earlier fight.

"How did fighting those other two magical girls go" Homura asks as the two walk across the labyrinth looking for any sign that may point towards the witch.

"Well they had a really annoying person who kept making shields but once I managed to rip the sword girl to shreds, axe girl was way to slow to keep up with me. I crushed both their soul gems and I only got impaled once." Kirika says somewhat proud of herself.

"You seem well recovered from being impaled" Homura comments.

"Oh I still have a tone of internal damage I just healed the skin over it to intimidate the people I was fighting, this thing is going to feel like shit for a day or two before it's better. Still, for the sake of helping you, I would suffer much worse than this" Kirika answers her positive tone contrasting the explanation of her suffering.

"I would much prefer you help me and don't suffer but I'm pleased the damage is bearable at least" Homura replies.

Noticing a couple of familiars ahead Homura twists her shield to stop time. However, despite the fact the world goes grey nothing stops.

Kirika looking at the still moving familiars comments "That's odd, time was acting normal in here so it's not like that weird orb witch or anything"

Homura looking at the ground has a theory. She jumps. The second Homura's feet leave the ribboned floor everything other than Kirika freezes as it is supposed to.

Homura unfreezes time once she lands "The entire floor of the labyrinth either is the witch or is connected to the witch" Homura explains.

Kirika lets out a frustrated sigh "Why must Mami continue to be so inconvenient even as a witch? At least I'm going to get the chance to tear her to pieces for daring to try to hurt you."

Saying this Kirika leaps towards the Sayaka doll and just like the last one avoids its sword swings and shreds it while Homura fills the red spear doll with bullets till it stops moving.

The two continue to wander the labyrinth seeing endless variations of the labyrinth's furniture, some of the tables having cakes lying on them.

No matter how well made and appealing the cakes seem however, neither Kirika nor Homura have any interest in touching them.

Finally, the two see something new in the barrier. Kirika seeing a red headed person with a spear gets ready to kill another familiar, before noticing she isn't a doll and has another person with her.

Kirika looks at the two magical girls who she's walking towards, the red-headed one holding a spear must be the one who stopped Homura from shooting Mami which instantly makes Kirika somewhat dislike her.

The other one is a young child, her weapon is a mace though the end looks more like a plush than a weapon. Kirika is still sure it does plenty of damage if it's swung into anything though, even if it looks innocent it is still the weapon of a magical girl. Aside from that she seems to be wearing a skirt and cat-eared headdress. Kirika also makes sure to note that her soul gem is on her neck.

Noticing Homura and Kirika heading towards them Kyoko tenses and puts a hand on the other magical girl's shoulder to get her to stop.

"Sakura Kyoko do you see why you should have let Mami die now" Homura asks.

"What the hell is this?" Kyoko replies.

"The ultimate fate of a magical girl once her soul gem fills up. It becomes a grief seed" Homura answers.

Kyoko seems unable to decide whether to be horrified or angered by this revelation "So this is Mami then?" She settles on asking.

"This is the witch that her soul became when she despaired yes" Homura answers.

"This is so fu-" Kyoko looks at the small magical girl standing next to her "screwed up".

Before any more revelations or fights can break out said magical girl decides to try to break the tension "Hi I'm Yuma, since we don't seem to be fighting and are stuck in this barrier why don't we work together?"

"Hi Yuma I'm Kirika and that sounds like a good idea" Kirika decides to respond. She really does not feel like having to fight even more magical girls without time stop after how this morning has gone.

"You have a lot of blood on you, are you ok?" Yuma asks Kirika.

"it doesn't belong to me" Kirika answers.

Yuma seems confused by her phrasing for a second before she works it out with an "oh" and then seems to try to work out if she should be worried or not.

Homura hearing the conversation between Yuma and Kirika decides to follow suit and try to avoid any more hostilities "Until the witch is defeated we may as well work together" Homura says.

Kyoko seems to consider for a second then looks at Yuma and nods.

"Oh if we're working together are either of you hurt, I have healing magic" Yuma offers.

Kirika hearing that says "I got stabbed earlier could you heal that?".

"I thought you said the blood on you doesn't belong to you?" Yuma asks.

"Most of it doesn't," Kirika says with a shrug.

Yuma uses her magic on Kirika. As she feels her insides repairing themselves rather than staying in the constant state of agony they were in a second ago Kirika lets out a pleased breath.

Seeing it's safe Homura also gets healed by Yuma the cuts, scrapes and bullet damage on her being restored as if the damage had never happened.

The group now of 4 continues to go through the barrier. Each time they encounter one of the red dolls Kyoko is visibly uncomfortable.

As they keep going through Homura asks Kyoko a question "Why were you even in Mitakihara to begin with I had thought you hunted in Kazamino?"

"Why do you know so much about me?" Kyoko asks

Kirika decides to answer by saying "Homura knows everything about everyone" which while she knows is not true is close enough.

Kyoko just shakes her head "Sure why not. Anyway, I came down here because I got a phone call a few days ago that told me that Mami was going to die this morning. I wanted to check if they were telling the truth"

Homura seems caught off guard by that answer "Someone called you about Mami's death days ago?"

"Yep said Mami was going to be shot after surrendering too, which seems close enough to true" Kyoko says.

"How could anyone have known that was going to happen?" Homura questions not able to think of a single magical girl she knows of that could predict today's events.

"I think she mentioned her wish gave her foresight or something. Though apparently not enough to mention what would happen if I stopped you executing Mami, which suddenly seems like it would have been important information" Kyoko says.

"Do you know who called you?" Homura asks wanting to know if that person set this up.

"Her name started with an O like Oriky or something" Kyoko replies.

Yuma hearing the conversation answers "Oh you're talking about Oriko, so that's what you meant when you said she told you your old friend's fate. You could have been less cryptic Kyoko"

"I had no idea if she was telling the truth" Kyoko answers.

As this conversation goes on Kirika remembers something "I've heard the name Oriko before"

Homura turns to Kirika "When did that happen?"

"Do you remember when that group of magical girls got into a fight outside Madoka's house" Kirika says.

"Of course I do" Homura answers.

"Well, that Magical girl I killed at the end who threatened to kill me and Madoka mentioned something about Oriko when talking about killing us. I don't remember her exact words though" Kirika explains.

Homura suddenly feels terror grip her, hearing that name next to an attempt on Madoka's life and realising that today for the first time in the entire month, every single magical girl that goes to Mitakihara Middle School is gone, either here or dead.

"Kirika go to school and check on Madoka," Homura says suddenly.

"But don't you want my help fighting the witch" Kirika questions.

"That was an order. Go now!" Homura answers her fear not fully hidden from her voice.

Kirika gives a quick "got it" and sets off using her sight to find a weak point in the barrier and dashing off to cut her way back into the real world.

As she runs off she can hear Kyoko in the distance asking "What was that" but pays it no mind. Homura has told her what to do and Kirika will see it done.

Once back in the real world Kirika accelerates herself and sets off towards school at a speed faster than the average car leaping across rooftops to get there in the most direct way possible.

Annoyingly even with her speed the industrial district that she was in for the fight earlier is on the opposite side of the city from school making her travel take longer than she would wish.

Luckily it is never too difficult to find Madoka, the potential that Kirika can feel from her is such an identifiable sensation that it means she is easy to find the second she gets anywhere near the school.

As she works out where Madoka must be however she feels that potential which seemed to be a constant presence as long as she had been in school suddenly vanishes like it had never existed.

Knowing approximately where Madoka would have been Kirika ran faster than she had ever run before as a magical girl.

Finally, she reaches the door to the room that Madoka must have been in.

Kirika opens the door.

Chapter Text

Madoka's morning starts like usual. She gets up, gets dressed and heads downstairs.

When she gets down she greets her dad and then helps get her mum up after checking she hadn't woken up before her.

Once her mum is finished getting up she and Madoka go to brush their teeth and talk.

"Hey mum I have a question" Madoka says.

Junko nods "go on."

"So two of my friends are part of a really important project that they have been working on for a while. Recently I happened to learn about what they're doing and I really want to help them but they seem to think that I should focus on school and stuff rather than helping them.

"Do you think that they don't want you to help with their project for your sake or their sake?" Junko says.

"What do you mean" Madoka asks.

"It may be that even though you actually can help them they don't want you to either because this project is something they feel is too personal to them to get outside help or because they might be embarrassed about the fact they need the help. Or they could not want your help because they genuinely cannot use it and think your time would be better spent elsewhere" Junko replies.

"If they don't want my help because it would be embarrassing or too personal but I could really help them and let things go better anyway would it be bad if I chose to help anyway" Madoka asks.

"You haven't said what their project is so I can't be sure but if you really think that they could use the help and that you would thrive helping them then it may be right for you to help them anyway" Junko says.

"But they seem to be really against me helping," Madoka says.

"In that case, you need to talk to them, explain why you think that you can help them with their project and convince them that the help you can provide is great enough that they would be silly to refuse it. Sometimes you need to push people a bit if you want to get where you need to be. I know I had to" Junko answers.

"Thanks mum, when I get to school today I'm going to talk to them and I'll show them just how helpful I can be till they can't give me no as an answer" Madoka says determined to show how she can help Kirika and Homura.

"I'm sure you'll show them just how incredible you are" Junko replies as the two finish in the bathroom and head down to breakfast.

After eating with her mum, dad and brother Madoka sets off to school getting a "Good luck with your friends" from her mum as she sets off.

Madoka makes a decision, she is going to find her friends and she is going to convince them that she can help them. Even if they think that they are ok, no one should have to carry the burden that Homura and Kirika seem to be. They deserve to have another person that they can rely on and Madoka can be that person.

When Madoka reaches school however she finds she can't find Kirika and Homura at all. Normally they are really visible on the way to school, considering how close the two black haired girls stick together they really stand out in the crowd. Yet today they just have not appeared at all on the path to school.

What's also strange is that after not seeing Homura and Kirika, Madoka looks for Sayaka yet doesn't see her or that senior student Mami who she's been hanging out with recently.

Still in the end she just decides to talk to Hitomi and hope that she will get a chance to talk to them when class starts. After all, she shares class with Sayaka and Homura so even if she can't catch Kirika she'll definitely see her friends this morning.

When Madoka gets to her class however Homura and Sayaka are not there. While Sayaka was not perfectly punctual she would normally text her if she was going to miss the morning and from what she remembers Homura has never missed a day at school from the second she transferred in.

As twenty minutes pass in class and they don't appear Madoka decides that she's going to find out what happened to her friends.

Madoka makes an excuse to leave class slightly early and heads out of the school trying to see if anything is happening nearby.

After looking around the area and not finding anything Madoka has an idea so obvious that she can't believe she didn't think of it before.

She gets out her phone and texts Homura, Kirika and Sayaka asking where they are and if they will be in school later today before waiting on a bench for a response.

As a couple of minutes pass however Madoka gets no response. At this point, Madoka is starting to lose hope of finding her friends. She would assume it's a magic thing but in that case why would Sayaka also be missing?

Madoka tries to imagine Sayaka also being part of that strange magical world that Homura and Kirika described but she just can't see her friend being a part of a world where people kill each other and are constantly put in danger even if she would definitely be up for saving people from witches.

Most importantly however Madoka would hope if Sayaka got involved in something like that, she would confide in her best friend about it. Even if she has been pulling away slightly this last month.

Lost in thought it takes a second for Madoka to notice that someone sat down on the bench next to her.

"Hello, you're Kaname Madoka right?" the girl sitting next to her asks.

The girl who asked that is blond, wearing a long and quite pretty dress. She is also a decent amount taller than Madoka to the point she has to look up a bit to reply. The girl seems to have a kind smile.

"Yes that's me, why do you ask," Madoka says.

"Oh good you're looking for your friends right?" The girl says.

"How did you know" Madoka asks

"Let's say I'm in on a shared secret that you've been let in on recently" The girl replies.

"The witches one?" Madoka asks.

"Yep much like your friends Kirika and Homura, I am one of the girls trusted with keeping the peace and preventing calamity" the girl answers.

"Oh, I see" Madoka says looking closely at the girl.

"I've just realised I've been terribly rude asking about your name but not introducing myself. I am Mikuni Oriko, a pleasure to meet you" Oriko says sounding sincerely happy to be talking to Madoka.

"Nice to meet you, Mikuni," Madoka says.

"Feel free to call me Oriko if you would be comfortable doing so," Oriko says.

"Ok nice to meet you Oriko then, you can call me Madoka" Madoka replies.

"So you want to meet up with your friends right?" Oriko asks Madoka.

"Yes you mentioned you know where they are" Madoka says.

"I do, I can't take you to them as they are a bit away but if you come with me I know where they will be in a few minutes" Oriko says.

"Where would that be" Madoka asks, Oriko seems nice but she has had enough talks with her parents to not just walk off with a stranger she has never met before.

"Actually back at your school, we arranged to meet up in a classroom that's not currently being used so that after our chat you and your friends can go back to their lessons" Oriko says getting up from the bench.

Madoka, much more confident now she's going back to school (where she honestly should be right now) rather than some weird other place walks with Oriko.

"You're not wearing the school uniform are you sure they'll let you in" Madoka asks.

"I made sure to get a pass for the day to look at the school. If anyone asks you can say you're giving me a tour" Oriko replies.

"Oh I see" With that Madoka walks with Oriko back to the school.

"So what do you think about this world that me and your friends live in" Oriko asks.

"It seems terrible that you have to fight such terrifying beings but also really brave that you're risking your lives to save people" Madoka replies deciding to not bring up the less savoury side that Homura and Kirika mentioned.

"If given the opportunity do you think you would also want to risk your live to save people" Oriko asks.

"I'm not sure if I could be as brave as you or Homura or Kirika and I did say to them I wouldn't try to join them but at the same time if I really could help save people would it not be selfish to say otherwise?" Madoka says.

"I don't think not being brave enough to sacrifice your life is necessarily selfish just human," Oriko says.

"Maybe" Madoka answers.

"Ok then let me ask you a question. Let's say there is the most terrible witch in the world, that if not stopped would destroy humanity. If you had the power to stop it would you stand up and face it even meaning it will certainly kill you, would you do it to save all those lives at the cost of your own" Oriko asks.

While said calmly this question seems to have a certain intensity to it, it's clear Oriko is honestly curious about her answer.

"Of course I would, If I could help save that many lives then how could I possibly answer anything else even if it would kill me" Madoka answers without a sliver of doubt.
Oriko smiles slightly as they arrive at the unused classroom she mentioned.

"In that case, I cannot see you as anything other than brave even if you don't think so. Anyway, we are here, Oriko looks at the clock in the corner of the room. Kirika will be here in 4 minutes and Homura in 6" Oriko says.

"Oh ok so we just wait here then" Madoka says sitting down on a chair.

"Yes honestly I could have found you and led you here a few minutes later but I wanted to have a chance to talk to you before they arrived" Oriko says.

"Oh that's nice" Madoka states.

"You seem like a really nice person actually," Oriko says.

"Did you not expect me to be?" Madoka asks.

"No, not really, I can see how you managed to have people who care for you so much" Oriko answers.

"I don't think Homura and Kirika care about me that much even if they are good friends" Madoka says.

At that, Oriko actually laughs slightly "Trust me Homura cares for you more than you could possibly know and because of that so does Kirika. Both of them will kill to protect you"

"Maybe, I guess I still don't know them as well as I would like to" Madoka replies.

Oriko looks at the clock "Madoka, did Homura and Kirika mention how everyone contracted to fight witches gets their own magical outfit to wear, would you like to see mine"

"I have seen theirs but I didn't know everyone got one. That sounds quite cool actually" Madoka says looking at Oriko interested.

Oriko transforms her relatively simple dress changing into a pure white almost bridal looking dress alongside a slightly silly looking hat.

"Wow that looks incredible Oriko" Madoka says.

"Thank you Madoka, I'm happy we could have such a nice discussion," Oriko says with a slightly guilty look on her face.

"What do you mean" Madoka asks.

"After having met you I do truly wish it was someone else, were you a murder or a bully or even just unpleasant perhaps this would feel less awful" she says standing up Oriko's voice sounded almost mournful.

"What do you mean" Madoka asks.

"That question I asked about the witch earlier. I'm happy you agree with me that one life cannot possibly be worth the world. The truth is that should you live past this day you will become a magical girl who shines more brightly than anyone who has ever lived and when you inevitably fall but moments later your witch shall end humanity" Oriko says with unshakeable determination.

Madoka makes to get up but Oriko grabs her arm "I am Mikuni Orioko the girl whose purpose it is to save the world, I have stained my hands to get this far but the end is finally upon us" Oriko says.

"This is insane!" Madoka shouts as she realises suddenly that she is about to die.

"Truthfully Madoka I am sorry about this, you seem like a truly wonderful person and in another world, I would have been happy to be your friend. But I have my purpose and I must fulfil it. No person no matter how brilliant is worth the world. Goodbye Madoka" Oriko says raising her hands to Madoka's neck.

Madoka can tell the difference in strength between her and Oriko, this is it. Madoka's last thoughts before everything goes black is that she's sorry she never got the chance to say goodbye to her friends.

Chapter Text

Kirika steps into the room.

Looking around the almost empty classroom Kirika sees one thing before anything else.

Madoka lying on the floor her eyes closed as if asleep. Yet Kirika can tell perfectly well that Madoka is not simply dreaming and that that is not the type of sleep to ever end.

Kirika despite all her promises and everything she has done has failed. It felt like a pit opened up in her stomach, like her every feeling was drained into a great hollow abyss leaving Kirika feeling untethered.

Kirika looks away from Madoka to the only other living person in the room.

With a calm born of emptiness, Kirika says "I presume you are Oriko."

"You are correct" Oriko agrees, she's in her white magical girl dress her soul gem visible grief swirling around within it.

"Why did you kill Madoka" Kirika asks desperate for a reason for why everything she and Homura had been working towards had just been shattered.

"Because despite you and Homura's best efforts if she had lived past today she would have made a contract with Kyubey and her witch would have ended the world" Oriko responds.

"So that's it then?" Kirika says suddenly feeling the exhaustion from fighting all morning catching up with her. It feels like she has lost something keeping herself afloat.

"That's it" Oriko agrees.

"You realise I am going to kill you" Kirika says trying desperately to think of a way to salvage this disaster and finding nothing.

"I know. I would hope we could have a chat first but I fully understand that within the next few minutes, you will kill me" Oriko says without a hint of fear of her own death before getting up and grabbing her soul gem.

Oriko in a move that confuses Kirika hands her soul gem over to her.

"When you wish for this conversation to end feel free to destroy that" Oriko says.

"What? Do you want to die or something?" Kirika says flabbergasted to such an extent that it breaches the hollowness that she had been feeling before now.

"I don't particularly wish to die yet I have found myself with no reason to live. I have fulfilled my purpose. I have no one of my life before magic and I just tricked the only people in the world who might have thought themselves my friends to go to their deaths to buy me some time. As I've recently found even my father found death preferable to my company. One might say I'm just following in the wake of everyone who has walked before me" Oriko states.

Kirika honestly does not know how to react.

"Speaking of that I don't suppose you could clean up your costume, I know I sent them to their deaths but seeing their blood on you is somewhat discomforting" Oriko says.

Kirika deciding she may as well switches out of and back into her magical girl outfit over a second removing the blood that was attached to her outfit. At no point does Oriko's soul gem leave her hand.

"So I guess that confirms that everything that happened today was your fault," Kirika says.

"Of course. Even if I did not kill anyone but Madoka myself every single magical girl who died today is my fault" Oriko says, despite how unflappable she has been in this conversation she seems somewhat sad about that fact.

"Are you feeling guilty now the deed is done?" Kirika asks Oriko slowly starting to feel the feelings that had slipped through her fingers beginning to return.

"I felt guilty before the deed was done and I will continue to feel just how stained my hands are until you decide to destroy my soul gem. I have taken no joy in any of this. Nothing more or less than necessity guided me" Oriko answers.

"You ruined everything," Kirika says embers of anger just managing to reach her voice.

"I know, though your story is not over quite yet even if mine is" Oriko says calmly.

"Yet I have failed to protect Homura's wish," Kirika says despondantly.

"I do find it incredible how someone as cold as her managed to create such a loyal doll as you," Oriko says.

Kirika's hand clenches around Oriko's soul gem though not quite enough to damage it "What did you call Homura."

"Cold, it's not an insult, were I as cold as she has managed to be I imagine I would have found this whole mess less awful. To be honest I'm almost envious of it." Oriko anwers.

"Then you should understand why I follow her" Kirika replies.

"You must admit however to people she does not know Homura barely bothers to give the slightest bit of attention or care. Your current existence is rather unlikely" Oriko explains.

"Why would Homura bother to care about anyone who doesn't matter to her?" Kirika says.

"Exactly like you before you made your wish for her. Yet somehow she managed to get you to sell your soul to become this" Oriko says.

"What do you mean this?" Kirika says not killing Oriko purely out of curiosity at this point.

"A doll who acts purely according to Homura's wants and needs. You have effectively given up yourself just to act as a being perfect for her and only her. Like I said more doll than person" Oriko answers.

"If I can be what Homura needs then there is not a single thing which would bring me more joy," Kirika says.

"Exactly you're not even insulted, how could you be when you chose to be this willingly? I find you fascinating for all you made my task more difficult and are going to kill me very soon" Oriko says.

"I hope you don't mind that I don't care for your fascination" Kirika states.

"Of course you don't I'm not Homura. I don't believe there is a single thing I could do that you would care for" Oriko says.

"I don't believe you have anything more of value to say," Kirika says preparing to put an end to this conversation.

"I do truly wish you the best of luck, for all you and Homura's attempts to stop me I do not bare you any ill will. You simply tried to protect your world." Oriko says before closing her eyes.

Kirika puts a bit more force onto the soul gem and the structure collapses. Oriko falls limp her body falling back slightly into her chair leaving her body sitting eyes closed with a serene smile across her corpse's face.

With that confusing and somewhat disturbing conversation over Kirika stands frozen having no idea what she could possibly do next.

At that second the world goes grey suggesting that Homura finished killing the witch and is on her way.

Kirika simply finds a chair and sits down to wait barely feeling more alive than the room's other occupants.

Eventually, as she had been both hoping and dreading Homura arrives and walks into the room.

Her line of sight starts and stops with Madoka. As Homura sees her body Kirika can see her face morphs from confusion to horror before settling on despair.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I got here too late, I failed I'm so sorry I wasn't good enough" The second Homura takes her eyes off Madoka's body Kirika tries to find a way to apologise for her failure. Before when she talked with Oriko and while she waited Kirika did not have any idea how she was feeling, but now Homura arrived Kirika's feelings become perfectly transparent to herself.

What Kirika feels is a self-loathing so immense it eclipses every other feeling. Her purpose was to protect Homura's wish and give her a happy ending. If she cannot even do that then what is the point of her?

Homura walks up to her Kirika is ready for whatever Homura will say to her. Nothing she says can possibly hurt as much as having so utterly failed her.

"This isn't your fault Kirika, you did everything I wanted you to" Homura says shakily her voice slightly trembling.

Kirika says nothing having no idea how to react to the idea that Homura would not despise her for failing. For making a lie out of every promise she made. For being too slow to save the person Homura actually cared about. How could Homura not loathe her failure?

"Don't blame yourself for my blindness" Homura says before beginning to walk off freezing time as she goes.

Kirika gets up and starts following her confused as to why Homura would bother to care about her after she failed her purpose.

"Don't you hate me for failing you?" Kirika asks confused.

"I don't think I could ever hate you, for the disaster it has become you are the best thing that came of this timeline" Homura replies her voice tinged with grief.

Homura stops and holds out her hand Kirika understanding hands over her soul gem which has had its citrine dulled by the darkness concentrated within it. Homura takes the gem and cleanses it with a grief seed before handing it back.

"That's the second time you've held my soul and taken my grief" Kirika comments feeling only slightly better with the grief gone.

Homura also cleanses her own gem before looking at Kirika "I don't think there is going to be a third time" Her tone is melancholy as though the idea of not holding Kirika's soul again is something that inspires sadness in Homura.

The pair continue their walk towards Homura's home in silence a grim mood hanging over them both.

As they reach Homura's home and Homura begins packing anything hard to replace into her shield Kirika reaches a realisation.

"You're going back aren't you" Kirika says as a million tiny clues and pieces fall into place.

"I see you have finally worked out who I am then" Homura replies.

"Will I be there?" Kirika asks a bit of fear piercing her self loathing.

"Everyone but me forgets this month and a half ever happened. I like always will continue my mission alone" Homura replies.

"I don't think I could ever forget you even if you went back in time. If somehow I do forget you though then please find me again and use me as you did this time. Working by your side has been the best thing in my life and you need someone to help you unconditionally" Kirika says.

Homura just nods seeming to be desperately trying to keep herself together.

"When you go back where do you go?" Kirika asks trying to delay the inevitable.

"I will wake in hospital after my heart surgery has finished" Homura answers as she finishes putting the last of her home's important items away.

"Farewell Kirika you have been incredible this past month. I'm sorry" Homura says.

"Before you go there is something I need to say just in case this really is the end," Kirika says.

As Homura reaches towards her shields hourglass she hears one last sentence from Kirika.

"I couldn't say it this morning but Homura thank you for everything. I love y---------

Before Kirika can finish the hourglass turns once more.

Time rewinds the world that is becoming the world that was.

Everything returns to the start.

Chapter Text

Homura wakes up in a hospital bed like she always does after her failures.

She has enough experience going back that she has managed to have a schedule for new timelines.

With her experience healing her eyes and heart takes about 3 seconds, after that within the first hour she is signed out of the hospital and has most of her apartment set up.

Within the first day, Amy is saved, Homura has checked the internet for any historical divergences in the timeline (wouldn't want to be caught off guard by missing common knowledge again) and Homura is well prepared to keep any incubators away from Madoka over the week and a half until she transfers into school.

Normally that is what Homura does at the start of a timeline.

In this case, however, Homura finds herself unable to persuade herself to move. Even transforming just to make the world less blurry and her heart stop being a risk to her feels like an impossible effort.

Homura is used to self loathing, how could she not be to have failed to save Madoka so many times? After all her failures? After having to kill her best friend all that time ago?

Yet somehow she has finally managed to reach beyond what she had assumed was the limits to which one could despite oneself.

Because the truth is that her failure (and yes it was her failure not Kirika's) got Madoka killed and destroyed the best timeline Homura could ever remember having.

Homura was so sure she knew Mami and Sayaka, so certain they could not be a threat so convinced that Madoka was safe and due to that arrogance she lost everything.

What's worse is Kirika had mentioned how much she didn't trust Mami and Sayaka, she thought going into that trap was a bad idea. Homura in her certainty she knew the right thing to do practically led Madoka to her death.

Yet that, while extraordinarily painful (every time Homura fails to save Madoka it hurts far more than any wound ever could, if not for the fact she is the only one who can save her Homura sometimes thinks dying would hurt less than seeing Madoka die once again) is not even the greatest source of pain for Homura.

The time loop that Homura lives in is in a way her home more than her apartment ever could be. She knows every actor in this month and a half play she lives in. She knows the location of each witch, the timings of major events and how the loop ends (when she fails which she always does). Homura is the only independent variable in a world that repeats eternally.

Yet as much as the loop is Homura's prison of clockwork from which she is the only inmate. A purgatory where she alone moves while everything else constantly returns to null. It is also a paradise in its own way because as long as the month repeats Homura cannot lose anyone.

If Sayaka or Mami dies even if Madoka dies they are not gone, not for Homura. She does not need to grieve them every time (though she will always grieve Madoka) because none of them are really dead. They simply return to the start unknowing of any suffering they might have experienced.

No matter how catastrophic the timeline or torturous their ends with a turn of the clock they return safe and unharmed. Homura is the only one who can truly suffer permanently in this world that loops back on itself.

Because of that Homura no matter how terrible the timeline, has never actually lost anyone. She never had to say goodbye to a dear friend knowing she would never see her again.

Kirika is gone.

Homura knows how the loop works everything returns to the start. Kirika her Kirika was a million small choices and coincidences piled onto each other to make a person who somehow in just one month managed to be everything Homura could ever wish someone to be.

Homura cannot redo what she did last time. Even if she wanted to she doesn't remember the exact time she caught Kirika falling down the stairs that day (was it the first, the second what day did that even happen). Furthermore, even if she does she has no memory of what she said or what time she hunted that witch whose barrier Kirika got caught in the next day.

Even then, it's perfectly possible that the fact either of those events happened was just timeline variation and even if Homura was in the right place at the right time with the right words she still would not get her Kirika back.

The truth of the matter is as far as she knows in choosing to turn the clock (Madoka was dead there was never any other choice she could make) Homura has ensured that her Kirika is gone.

Homura has never really had to mourn in her loops its one safety was that she could not lose anyone as long as she was willing to go back.

Yet while there will certainly be a Kirika currently going to school who she might even walk past as she goes about her day (she tries not to think how much looking at her and seeing an utter lack of recognition in those eyes will hurt) but not her Kirika.

Not the Kirika who comforted her if anything went wrong, who always believed in her even when she really shouldn't have, who learnt to cook just because she wanted Homura to have something nicer than MREs for dinner. That Kirika is gone.

She would never be able to have breakfast with her or get a running hug as she returned home or eat pastries with her or any of the other ways Kirika managed to so seamlessly insert herself into Homura's life like she belonged there.

In that moment a small part of Homura hates Kirika, for showing her that she was able to care about anything other than her mission before being torn away from her (By her own hand because the mission comes first it always has to come first).

In a way, it hurts more because, until the very end, Homura had been determined to see Kirika as a tool.

Nothing more than a method to help save Madoka, to the point that in the end Kirika honestly could not understand Homura not hating her for not being able to save Madoka, even though it was Homura who chose to face Mami and Sayaka that morning.

When had Kirika become more than a tool to her?

Homura doesn't know for all she had chosen to lie to herself about it until the very end.

When did the lie that she didn't care, that she was simply using her become a lie?

Why is it that as she looks back at Kirika the things she mourns are not how useful she was clearing out witches or how she allowed Homura to protect Madoka so much more easily? nor that Kirika let her go through yakuza and JSDF armouries faster or that her ability to accelerate Homura would have been useful against Walpurgisnacht.

When had Homura changed from caring for Kirika the magical girl to Kirika her friend?

Why does Homura fail everyone she loves?

So Homura lies down in her uncomfortable hospital bed screams into her pillow and prays that this horrific feeling of guilt will stop making her heart feel like it wants to stop beating.

When she runs out of breath to scream she simply lies wetting the pillow with her tears, desperately trying to regain the rationality she had always clung to in order to survive her loops.

She knows she needs to get up, heal her heart, fix her eyes and get on with her mission. Homura understands perfectly well that she does not have time to mourn. If as little as two days pass without her intervention Madoka will contract and this will be yet another wasted timeline.

Yet for the first time since those early timelines before she knew what she did now, when every death was a tragedy and when she was sure that her friends would prevail she finds herself controlled by her emotions.

It feels like she's that weak child she was at the start again unable to save even a single one of her friends no matter what she tried. She hates it. She hates this feeling of emptiness, this absence of something that wasn't even there a timeline ago.

She hates the fact that she will never be able to fill that absence even more.

Kirika was perfect, a wish in human form, maybe the fact that the world took as much as it gave is simply how this world works. Maybe the incubator was right when it said the most incredible miracles need to be repaid by an equal amount of despair. Maybe this was inevitable.

Yet even if this was always how that was going to end, it doesn't change the fact that the thought of going back to her apartment alone, eating her cereal in the morning and nutritionally complete MREs in the evening all in silence makes Homura feel sick to her stomach.

Homura feels a sharp pain in her heart. She decides it must be her heart issues acting up. Still not leaving the bed Homura transforms and heals her heart and eyes before letting her transformation go.

Her heart still hurts, how strange. Homura wonders if as emotionally distracted as she is she may not have healed her heart as well as she normally does. When she feels better Homura decides she will go over the healing to make sure there is no damage left over.

Finally, Homura manages to sit up the tears that had been streaming down her face beginning to dry up even if Homura is certain that her eyes must appear bloodshot.

Homura had decided a long time ago that she would not depend on anyone after all her friends had failed her. Yet it took so little time for all those barriers Homura had spent so long putting up to crumble when faced with Kirika.

This cannot happen again Homura decides. She can survive losing Madoka each failed timeline because the possibility of saving her never ceases but as Homura looks at her soul gem filled with more grief than it had had in years. Homura decides once more that she cannot afford to care for anyone but Madoka.

Another Kirika would kill her she thinks as she cleanses her soul gem (considering her stockpile this grief seed was almost certainly from a witch Kirika hunted for her).

Some part of Homura seeing her soul gem had hoped that upon clearing it she would feel better. Yet though she has gotten rid of the grief in her soul gem it feels like the grief Homura feels for Kirika won't go away.

Homura doesn't know what to do. It feels like some essential truth has just been proven a lie or like the earth has shifted axis. Despite this timeline presumably being the same as every other timeline Homura has gone through everything feels off.

Homura understands perfectly well that it's not this timeline that's off nor the world, it's her. The careful clockwork that has made up her loops and herself has suddenly stalled and Homura has no choice but
to piece it back together again and carefully ignore the fact anything feels like it's missing.

Homura has been alone for years unceasing in her mission to save Madoka. No matter how much everything feels wrong and broken now Homura is sure she will be able to freeze her heart once more. Even if Kirika's absence may feel like a hole in the world that will simply be one more thing Homura will bear.

When Madoka is safe Homura can break down and mourn Kirika in peace but until then she has to keep going. Homura survived losing her best friend before she can do it again. She has to be able to do it again.

Homura hears someone knock on her door. She freezes, it's been years since she stayed in her hospital room this long to the point she does not actually remember if anyone normally would have come in at this point.

Her door opens heedless of her thoughts and a person walks into the room. She has black hair and is wearing a slightly dishevelled Mitakihara Middle School uniform. She's notably smaller than Homura and as she speaks Homura hears a voice she never expected to hear again.

"Homura! I finally found you, I managed to get what floor you were on from reception but I couldn't get your room number so I've kinda just been going down each row of rooms until I found you" Kirika says quickly.

Homura feels like she cannot breathe. Like if she blinks the illusion will be gone and she will be alone again.

"Homura were you crying?" Kirika says suddenly sounding concerned for her. Homura feels like the affection in Kirika's eyes is going to kill her.

"Kirika?" Homura says breathlessly hoping with all her heart that this is not some hallucination or mirage playing tricks on her.

"Yep that's me" Kirika says as she walks over to Homura.

"You came back," Homura says disbelieving.

"I promised didn't I that I would stay by your side no matter what happened. Did you really think going back in time would be enough to be rid of me" Kirika says.

"You'll stay then no matter what happens," Homura says desperately hoping this dream of hers will not end.

"I promise no matter what happens I will stay by your side for as long as you will have me I will never leave you" Kirika swears.

"Don't you dare break that promise" Homura says.

Yet both Kirika and Homura know what goes unsaid 'Please don't make me go back to being alone'.

Chapter Text

Kirika looks at Homura just getting out of her hospital bed her face displaying a mix of fear and hope.

"Oh, you have your hair in braids that's cute" Kirika notices having been too focused on Homura's distress when she found her to focus on anything else till now.

Homura seems to realise something as she takes her braids out in a trained gesture "I had forgotten to remove them" Homura comments.

"You look better with your hair straight, it fits you more" Kirika comments.

"Thank you Kirika" Homura says still feeling like this is a dream she's going to wake up from any minute.

"Well, should we leave the hospital?" Kirika asks grabbing Homura's hand.

"Yes let's go home" Homura answers holding tightly onto Kirika's hand.

The two leave the hospital, Homura signing out at the reception without stopping holding Kirika's hand once.

As they walk Kirika considers what it means to be back in time "So everyone is alive?" Kirika asks.

Homura looks at Kirika and smiles slightly "Yes everyone is alive" Kirika can hear relief in Homura's voice.

"And no one will remember anything that happened last month" Kirika checks.

"Everything returns to how it was at the beginning of the month. A total blank slate. Except for me and impossibly you" Homura says.

"Well I couldn't leave you could I, do you really think time travel is enough to get away from me" Kirika says happy to still be by Homura's side.

"You're impossible" Homura says with more fondness that Kirika thinks she's ever heard from Homura before.

"For you always" Kirika replies with a smile.

They continue to walk towards Homura's apartment. When the couple arrives Homura transforms and takes the keys out of her shield. Before letting herself and Kirika in.

"Could you help me set up the apartment?" Homura asks as if there is the possibility of Kirika saying no.

"Of course" is Kirika's reply, there is no other answer she could give.

Together the two take the furnishing Homura took from last timeline out of Homura's shield and get the house back into the approximate shape that it was last time they had been here.

One thing Kirika notices is that Homura does not let her out of sight for a second even when they are putting separate things up.

Once the place is done the two sit down for a second Kirika leaning on Homura and Homura unlike usual shifting to accommodate Kirika's position rather than just ignoring it.

"So can I still stay at yours?" Kirika asks.

Homura seems almost confused by the question "Of course you can" she says.

"In that case I'm going to need to pack up a few things at mine since everything reset.

Homura gets up "Ok let's go and do that then."

"You want to help?" Kirika asks having done it alone last time.

"My shield would make moving things easier" Homura notes as a reason to go with.

"Well I'll never complain about spending more time with you" Kirika says as the two set off to Kirika's hand in hand.

As the two walk to Kirika's house, Kirika notices that Homura seems intent on always having some kind of physical contact with her as they go. While definitely different from how Homura normally acts Kirika happily accepts it.

Once Kirika finishes guiding Homura to her house she lets them in and they pack everything Kirika needs to move to Homura's into Homura's shield.

As they go through Kirika's stuff, Kirika notices that Homura's attention remains intensely fixed on her during the packing and the walk. While she always enjoys any attention Homura gives her, Kirika can tell Homura is focused on the fact she must have assumed Kirika was gone when she came back.

As the two walk back to Homura's Kirika considers how to make Homura feel better and show that she'd never abandon Homura.

Looking at the girl who is holding Kirika's hand tightly Kirika feels a surge of extreme affection seeing how glad Homura is to have her.

As Homura starts unpacking Kirikas things in her guest room Kirika speaks "Thanks for caring so much about me coming back with you. Don't worry too much about me though no matter what I'll help you reach your wish. So please continue using me"

Unlike what Kirika expects Homura reacts like she's been slapped flinching and looking at Kirika with an expression that Kirika can't decipher.

"You know I don't think I just want to keep using you Kirika" Homura says haltingly her words filled with uncertainty.

"What do you mean?" Kirika asks suddenly concerned. Does Homura think that she's useless after she couldn't save Madoka last timeline? Kirika can't imagine anything worse than the idea that Homura doesn't want to keep making use of her. Only the fact that Homura already agreed to allow Kirika to stay in her house and so must not think she's completely useless keeps Kirika from completely panicking.

"You've helped me so much without asking anything in return from me. What do you want Kirika" Homura asks still looking at Kirika with that undecipherable expression.

"To help you and stay by your side of course. I know I wasn't good enough last timeline but please I know I can still help you achieve your wish" Kirika says wanting nothing more than to continue to be Homura's implement towards fulfilling her wish even if she failed last time.

Homura to Kirika's surprise responds by hugging her. Kirika leans into the hug determined to enjoy such a rare occasion as much as she possibly can.

As she holds her Homura speaks "You're good enough Kirika, you did perfectly last timeline please don't speak down about yourself... Are you sure you really don't want anything else?" Homura says the last part in almost a whisper.

"All I want is to be by your side" Kirika says feeling utterly content as she feels Homura's warmth around her.

Homura just keeps holding Kirika for a while before she speaks again "I don't want to just keep exploiting your kindness towards me."

"How could you exploit something I give freely" Kirika asks.

"How about we agree to be equals properly? Last time you always deferred to me. How about this time I listen to you as much as you do me?" Homura says not willing to keep treating Kirika as a tool after what she realised when she thought Kirika was actually gone.

"Is that what you would prefer?" Kirika asks.

"That's not the question. Is that what you want Kirika" Homura answers.

"In that case sure let's be equal partners" Kirika says.

"Partners, I like that" Homura answers.

As much as Kirika would be content to remain in Homura's embrace for the rest of her life she realises something "We need to go shopping if we want to have any food this evening".

Homura after a second agrees and so the two set out one last time to get groceries. While their there Kirika makes sure to also buy some snacks she knows Homura enjoys and things for breakfast. Homura seems content to let Kirika choose most of the shopping only adding a few extra essentials that Kirika forgot about or looked over.

As the two pay and set off home with their purchases, Kirika wonders just why Homura seems to have changed her attitude so much about her.

While Homura never really refused any affection Kirika gave her Kirika knew that it was much more for her sake than Homura's. Homura from the second they started working together saw Kirika as something to help her complete her goals even yesterday (which happened a month and a bit in the future rather confusingly) Kirika knows that Homura was determined to see her as a tool.

Why would she suddenly decide that Kirika matters to such a massive extent?

Kirika no matter how hard she thinks cannot work out what she did for Homura that would make her seem to care so much more (maybe she just really appreciated Kirika killing Sayaka?) Kirika is very happy to enjoy it while it lasts though.

Since Homura decides to keep paying attention to Kirika when she starts cooking, Kirika decides to try to look as fancy as possible while making dinner. While she's not sure if Homura is amused by Kirika's attempts to make watching her cook entertaining Kirika remains of the attitude that any moment Homura is paying attention to her is a good moment.

Eventually, the food is done and Kirika and Homura sit next to each other to eat. Despite the fact Kirika knows that she's not improved as a cook in the last few days Homura seems to appreciate the food more for some reason.

Kirika really needs to get to the bottom of finding out why Homura changed so much. It wouldn't do if some sort of fake Homura replaced the real one or something. Though so far the main difference seems to be Homura appreciating Kirika more, which Kirika enjoys even if she doesn't know why.

Once the two are done eating they sit down Kirika finally decides to ask Homura what changed to figure out the mystery of Homura's attitude towards her.

"Hey Homura" Kirika says

Homura nods to go on.

"Why are you treating me so differently today?" Kirika asks

"Because I thought you were gone, to be honest, I'm still not sure if you're just some stress induced hallucination at this point but even if you are I'm not sure If I can bring myself to care," Homura says.

"I promise you I'm 100% real" Kirika answers.

Homura puts an arm around Kirika as if wanting to check she's still solid "I was so sure I was fine on my own not depending on anyone, yet you managed to insert yourself into my life so thoroughly that the thought you were gone left a hole I could not fill. I thought maybe I could manage to move past you and remain detached, caring for no one but Madoka yet the second you came back, my resolve crumbled" Homura says with a trembling voice.

Kirika blushes intensely in reaction to Homura's comments "You really care about me that much?"

"I find myself unable to stop, somehow despite how little time I've known you the thought of losing you has come to terrify me" Homura says unsure how such feelings snuck up on her and unable to think of a way to make them stop.

"Well in that case I promise you will never lose me, I'll stay by your side no matter what" Kirika says leaning into Homura.

"If you are a dream a part of me hopes that I won't wake up" Homura says.

This entire day has felt a bit like a dream to Homura. That after Homura turned back the clock Kirika just so happened to remain. That they could go shopping and eat dinner again, despite Homura having already chosen her mission over any possibility of happiness. Even the fact she saw Kirika's home for the first time felt like it was all an impossibility.

"While I love the idea you would dream about me I'm afraid there is nothing to wake up from" Kirika says.

"What did you wish for that would allow you to stay with me even now Kirika, can you answer me that so that I can understand even the slightest bit of how you can possibly exist?" Homura asks Kirika.

"My one wish has always been to help you but what I asked White Ring remains a blur" Kirika replies

"Why would anyone stay by my side so faithfully, how could you possibly be here after everything else was erased, why would anyone love me of all people? Can you not see why it makes more sense for you to be some sort of illusion of my fraying sanity after all these loops than anyone that could possibly be real?" Homura says quietly almost talking to herself more than Kirika.

"Of course I love you, you are the most incredible person I've ever met, everyone else is a fool not to. I wish you could see yourself how I see you" Kirika says holding Homura.

"I have no idea what you see in me," Homura says.

"I see you, no more and no less. I'd just have to be blind to not find that more beautiful than anything else in the world" Kirika answers.

Homura seems clueless on how to respond deciding to simply lean into Kirika and enjoy this impossibility while she lasts.

Eventually, it gets late enough that the two need to go to sleep.

Kirika makes to set off to the guest room but is stopped by Homura.

"Please don't go it feels like you'll disappear the second I close my eyes," Homura says an edge of terror in her voice.

"Ok, I'll stay right by your side then. I'd never do a single thing to displease you" Kirika says.

Just this once Kirika sleeps by Homura's side rather than in the guest room.

As she falls asleep feeling Homura's hand clenched around her own. Kirika cannot imagine anywhere she would rather be.

Chapter Text

Homura wakes up to the feeling of one of her arms being hugged by something warmer than her bed. Within a couple seconds of blinking sleep out of her eyes, Homura's memory of last night returned.

Part of Homura feels disgusted by her weakness, that she felt so unstable and unsure if Kirika could truly have come back with her that it felt like she would disappear the second she was out of sight. It was utterly irrational.

On the other hand, waking up to see Kirika still by her side is the greatest possible reassurance that somehow no matter how impossible it seems, Kirika is not Homura's mind playing tricks on her but is truly here.

The fact that she has such a loyal and effective ally to aid her in her mission is a relief beyond measure. The fact said ally is Kirika even more so.

While much of yesterday felt like it passed in a daze for Homura one thing remains crystal clear. Homura will not simply go on treating Kirika like a tool even if she is sure Kirika would be willing to act as one for her.

Homura's mission will always be her top priority but Kirika has rather shattered the idea that it is the only thing Homura cares for. She will protect Madoka but if she doesn't need to give up Kirika to do so that would be much preferable.

Homura feels movement from her side as Kirika shifts around slightly before sitting up.

"Good morning Kirika" Homura comments as she gets out of bed now that Kirika's movement freed her arm.

"Good morning Homura" Kirika says affectionately yet with sleep tinging the edges of her voice.

Kirika gets off the bed and sets off to her room (Homura cannot help but think of it as Kirika's room at this point) where she had deposited her items to get dressed.

Eventually, the two meet up to have breakfast together.

While it is something that had become normal last loop the fact that she can still have breakfast by Kirika's side. Despite the fact she had assumed that this would just be a bittersweet memory when she woke up yesterday. Helps ground Homura in a way that waking with Kirika at her side only somewhat helped with.

The mundanity of eating one of Kirika's breakfasts with her makes Homura feel comfortable in a way she is unused to.

As nice as it is however Homura's thoughts cannot only be concerned with such pleasant things. Yesterday Homura was so utterly caught off guard by her friend's presumed death and shocking reappearance that aside from setting up the house she failed to do her usual Monday tasks.

That means that it is utterly essential that today she prevents Amy the cat from being run over and kills the incubator which will, if left alone, soon sense Madoka's potential.

Aside from that Homura needs to make sure that Oriko, whoever she was, never gets the chance to be a risk to Madoka again by any means necessary.

"Kirika I have a number of tasks that I need to get done today. Would you be willing to help take care of a few things I cannot afford to do myself" Homura asks. Even knowing she will say yes Homura still does not want to take advantage of Kirika by just telling her what to do without giving her a chance to refuse.

After all maybe if she had listened to Kirika more last timeline then its end could have been less cataclysmic. Kirika was in the end right to have so little faith in Mami and Sayaka, it was not her whose arrogance led to Madoka being left unprotected.

"I am always willing to help you with anything you wish" Kirika says smiling as she looks up at Homura.

"I need to go to Madoka's house and ensure she does not contract by preventing the incubator from making contact with her. If you could kill a few witches which are in line to become inconvenient later that would be of great assistance" Homura says to Kirika.

"Just tell me where the witches are and you'll have a fresh new set of grief seeds" Kirika says with a savage grin.

Homura quickly writes down the locations that the witches normally would be today as well as trying to note down their gimmicks so Kirika doesn't get caught off guard.

"Here you go this should be enough to deal with them. Also if you get time see if you can find out where Oriko lives or just any clues about her. I intend to ensure that this timeline does not end the same way as the last one" Homura says a hint of vitriol entering her voice as she mentions Oriko.

"Ok got it. If I find out where she is do you want me to gut her for you" Kirika asks cheerfully.

"No, I would rather just shoot her, no reason to make her death appear anything other than mundane" Homura answers trying to make her method of death seem like an impersonal decision.

"While I am always willing to dirty my hands so you don't have to, in this case I wouldn't dare deny you the satisfaction" Kirika replies fully able to tell that while it may be the logical choice the truth behind it is that Homura wants to kill Oriko herself for ruining the last timeline.

"I'm happy you understand" Homura chooses to comment.

Had it been anyone else seeing through her motives she would have felt more disturbed but Kirika is not the type to distance herself when seeing Homura's ruthlessness or more negative emotions.

As the two finish eating Homura remembers something.

"Wait don't you have school today?" Homura asks.

"I mean technically but I miss school half the time so it's not like anyone will find my absence suspicious. Anyway killing witches is much more important" Kirika replies.

"From what I remember you have never missed a day of school as long as I have known you" Homura points out.

"Well of course I wouldn't dare miss a day of school while you were there. Being around you completely eclipses the monotony of school" Kirika says as if stating the obvious.

Homura decides that this seems entirely in character for Kirika and considering the fact that in this case killing the witches is more important than school lessons Kirika has already done once, decides not to comment.

"Before we go is there anything you think is important to bring up" Homura asks Kirika determined to take her advice into account more this timeline.

"What are we going to do about Mami" Kirika asks.

"Currently I don't have any plans concerning her until later in the timeline" Homura explains.

"Well sure but she is the one who ruined everything last timeline. Oriko or no Oriko without Mami there would have been no ambush, no counter to your time stop and no magical girl Sayaka" Kirika points out.

"So what would you recommend" Homura asks.

"Well, you mentioned we can probably take Walpurgisnacht without her so why bother leaving her alive? If we kill her now she can't convince anyone to contract or betray us" Kirika says.

Homura isn't sure how to reply for a second. While she has out of necessity killed Mami in the past, she never proactively sought her death. Despite how inconvenient Mami often was it felt like crossing a line Homura is not sure she wants to.

"Would killing her not be a risk considering she's a skilled magical girl" Homura asks desperately trying to think of effective arguments against killing Mami.

"As long as time is stopped I can walk into her house and crush her soul gem at your leisure. Her counter only worked last time because she was actively working against you" Kirika points out.

"She is useful for protecting Madoka from witches and cleaning out the city's familiars " Homura responds.

"Well yes but remember I'm here now we can definitely exterminate Mitakihara's witches without her. If you want I can even get rid of the familiars for you. Also, it's just smart to always have one of us guarding Madoka anyway no need to rely on her of all people" Kirika says.

Homura can hear just how much Kirika loathes Mami clearly yet her points are reasonable.

"Should we be so quick to assume we can't make use of her?" Homura asks

"Last time we left her alive and even saved her life multiple times because she could be useful against Walpurgisnacht and she repaid us by trying to murder you and getting Madoka killed!" Kirika says.

Homura looks into Kirika's eyes and sees she truly believes that she should commit to this act.

"Ok just tell me regardless of why it could be beneficial to us, why do you want to kill her" Homura asks wanting to hear Kirika's actual reason under the veneer of rationality she's using to appeal to Homura.

"She hurt you last timeline and I know she must have hurt you in the past too. Most of all I want her dead because if I had been a little slower killing those two magical girls she could have actually killed you and that is something I can never forgive" The last part of the sentence is practically hissed out, the mix of genuine fear for Homura's safety and utter contempt for Mami in that sentence catching Homura off guard in its intensity.

As Homura at Kirika looking up at her a fist clenched and shaking from the idea that Mami could have actually killed Homura she thinks through what Kirika said.

"Ok then I agree" Homura says a part of her horrified by what that sentence means.

Kirika's eyes light up and she hugs Homura tightly "I promise I won't let anyone hurt you again. This time no one will stop us" Kirika says while hugging her.

Homura finds herself slightly disturbed by how comforted that makes her feel considering its rather murderous implications.

After Kirika lets go the two go to set off towards their tasks.

Before leaving Kirika leaves Homura with a "I love you" as she sets off.

Homura freezes for a second unsure how to respond. By the time her thoughts reclaim their coherence Kirika is long gone hunting her first witch of the day.

The act of saving Amy before she is run over is so well practised as to be practically mechanical. Aside from the walk over it takes Homura little time or effort.

Finding the incubators body to kill takes a little longer but before long she is on the tail of the detestable thing.

She quickly freezes time so that it won't know what killed its body before landing a kill shot on it.

She disposes of it on a building miles away from the Kaname household to ensure that when the body is reclaimed and the incubator checks the area for what killed it nothing is found that may lead it to Madoka.

With the essential tasks done Homura hunts down a few witches that she didn't give Kirika due to being best dealt with via timestop.

Throughout the day Kirika's parting words echo through Homuras head.

I love you.

It's not really anything new with Kirika. Do those words really insinuate anything different from when Kirika called her the most important person in the world to her weeks ago?

Yet while that was barely even remembered by Homura, those three words Kirika said today refuse to leave her.

It was said so easily, so obviously. Like Kirika was saying a fundamental truth that no one could possibly miss.

Maybe it's because Homura is no longer able to see Kirika just as a tool for the purpose of helping save Madoka that she cannot dismiss her affection with ease anymore.

It's not like Homura didn't know Kirika loved her before now. She had heard her confess at the end of last timeline no matter how hard Homura had been trying to not hear her. Yet this morning was not an ending or a victory. It was nothing of note really.

Yet Kirika still sincerely told Homura something she cannot remember being told ever.

While everything she does has been out of love for Madoka Homura has never had more than an uninterrupted month of time with any one Madoka. She has never been able to bring herself to admit in those words out loud just what Madoka means to her and while in those first few timelines when she was closer to Madoka than she ever got after, even then they were at most very close friends.

In the end, Homura finds herself unable to work out just how those words make her feel and simply endeavours to bury whatever feeling it may have been till it stops distracting her.

After some witch hunting and rather fruitless contemplation, Homura returns home accepting a hug from Kirika.

They eat dinner, which Kirika cooked, together and talk about how their day went. Kirika shows Homura the bundle of grief seeds she gathered showing that a new timeline did nothing to slow her witch hunting skills.

Homura does not mention how Kirika's words feel like they have lodged themselves into Homura in a way that makes them impossible to pull out.

When the two head to bed saying "goodnight" to each other before heading to their own rooms Homura lies awake unable to get Kirika's words out of her head. Eventually, Homura manages to slip into unconsciousness feeling no more sure about anything at all than she was at the start of the day.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up. For a second she is slightly disappointed. Sleeping next to Homura was infinitely nicer than sleeping by herself.

Despite that Kirika cannot be disappointed for long. After all, she has to make sure to make Homura breakfast, the thought of helping Homura gives Kirika all the enthusiasm she needs to be up and ready for the day.

Back in a good mood, Kirika decides to make some pancakes for the first time in this new timeline. It's funny, thinking about it, she really didn't care much about this kind of thing pre-contract.

Kirika was actually closer to Homura's eating habits (aside from the unlimited supply of MRE's) after all she really just didn't see the point of bothering.

Yet now she truly enjoys this. Obviously eating nice food is nice but the thought of seeing Homura happy is what makes every part of it a joy.

Homura eventually does wake up and sits beside Kirika who makes sure to give her an impassioned "Good morning!".

As Kirika looks at her however she notices that Homura has bags under her eyes and looks at her with a strangely conflicted expression.

"Homura? Did you sleep ok" Kirika asks wanting to make sure the person she loves is ok (Kirika can't believe it took her so long to admit that to Homura or herself. Even thinking it makes Kirika feel warm).

"Ah, I'm fine Kirika I just found myself considering things for a while and got less sleep than expected" Homura explains.

"If you want I can take care of everything today if you want to go back to bed" Kirika offers. She knows that Homura is way too stubborn to ever accept but still wants to offer.

"Really it's not a problem," Homura says before starting to eat her pancakes.

"Well if you say it it must be true" Kirika says.

Homura looks unsure whether to be pleased by that comment or not going back to seeming conflicted.

After a little time passes Kirika decides it's better to ask what Homura is thinking about than just letting whatever it is fester.

"Homura is anything wrong?" Kirika asks.

"No after yesterday everything should be on track, while there are a few dangerous witches we need to get rid of and I need to fill in a little bit of paperwork for my transfer to school on the 25th everything's going well as planned," Homura says purposefully misinterpreting Kirika's sentence.

"Not about the plan I know everything's going well there. I mean with you" Kirika says not allowing herself to be distracted.

"Why would anything be wrong with me?" Homura asks inflected curiosity in her voice.

"Because you look really unsure about something, so much so it's visible on you which means it has to be a lot because you're really good at hiding facial expressions" Kirika points out.

"Oh" Homura says seemingly not realising just how obvious she had been.

"If it's anything that I can possibly assist with I want to help you in any way I can" Kirika says a steady determination in her voice.

"Thank you Kirika but I'm afraid this is just something I need to work out for myself" Homura replies.

"Ok If you say so," Kirika says slightly disappointed. She can't help but feel that pushing won't help though.

Homura seems pleased to not be forced to discuss it which instantly makes Kirika feel better about her decision.

Deciding to move the topic to something important but unrelated Kirika decides to bring up something they discussed yesterday.

"So I didn't find where Oriko lived but I did see an old paper mentioning that Mikuni Hisaomi father of one Mikuni Oriko killed himself a couple days ago." Kirika says.

"Well that gives us quite a good clue. It should be fairly easy to find her address now" Homura comments.

"Yep if you want her dead now it won't even be difficult" Kirika says with good cheer.

Honestly despite everything Kirika doesn't take any joy in killing people but she decided to never feel guilt when following Homura's orders. If killing Oriko helps the plan and makes Homura happy then Kirika will be nothing but pleased to contribute to it.

"Thank you for your good work Kirika" Homura comments filling Kirika with happiness to be praised.

"If it's for your sake it can hardly be counted as work" Kirika replies.

Homura gain a sliver of a smile as she looks at Kirika "I will never understand how you can be so devoted to me" Homura says some fondness sneaking into her voice.

"Well I love you of course, so as long as I am acting in your name I can do anything at all with joy" Kirika replies.

At that the conflicted expression that had disappeared from Homura's face returns as if it never left.

"Um did you not like that answer?" Kirika says suddenly concerned. She doesn't want to say anything that would displease Homura.

"How can you say that so easily?" Homura questions after a moment's silence.

"Say what?" Kirika asks.

"That you love me" Homura replies.

"I mean it took a while. While I knew I cared about you practically since I met you admitting what I felt to myself and you took a long time. But once I said it the first time I realised it's really simple actually. I love you and always will, so saying it is the most easy and brilliant thing in the world because it is the complete and utter truth". Kirika says her voice full of devotion and sounding pleased about the conclusion she reached.

Homura looks slightly dazed taking in that answer.

"I see" she finally replies.

Kirika can tell that Homura doesn't really understand but that fine.

Kirika loves Homura just the way she is and knows perfectly well that for her Madoka will always come first. So Kirika doesn't expect Homura to love her back or even understand her feelings. She just wants to help her and stay by her side.

"Don't worry about it" Kirika replies with a smile before moving on to other important topics. "So aside from you killing Oriko we still need to get rid of Mami" Kirika comments.

While Kirika is truthful in that she takes no joy in killing she is willing to make an exception for Mami. If not for her Homura's dream would almost be within reach yet instead Homura was hurt and Madoka was killed. For such unforgivable crimes killing Mami cannot possibly be anything other than a delight.

"Ah yes that" Homura comments sounding much less enthusiastic about this murder than Orikos.

"So do you want to kill her now or wait until you transfer in just so it's easier to protect the school from witches that could hurt Madoka before getting rid of her" Kirika asks.

"If you went to school then Madoka would still be protected by a Magical girl" Homura points out.

"I would do anything for you, but without you there school would be so boring. Wouldn't it be more productive to have me killing witches instead" Kirika asks.

"From what I remember you managed to kill plenty of witches after school last timeline" Homura rather accurately points out.

"Ok fine you win. I'll bother to keep going to school after we kill Mami to protect Madoka." Kirika says with a bit of disappointment in her voice.

Homura seems a bit put out with herself after realising she just argued for killing Mami sooner but decides it's best to not think about that "You know an education is actually useful to have" Homura comments.

"You say that like I'll be able to think about anything but you during the lessons" Kirika says smiling up at Homura.

Homura actually blushes a little bit in response to that which Kirika counts as a massive success and more than enough to make returning to school a bit early worth it.

"Well enough about school as long as you're protecting Madoka that's what matters" Homura says.

"Don't worry after my failure last time I'll make sure there is not even a second where anything has the opportunity to harm her," Kirika says.

"I trust you to keep her safe," Homura says. Kirika feels her cheeks warm up slightly basking in the trust she has been given. Homura is being generous with compliments this morning.

"I will never do anything to disappoint your trust," Kirka says.

"I know" Homura replies without a second thought.

"Anyway, today there are a number of witches around the city that if left alone will let enough familiars out to become an issue later in the timeline. Today is the most effective time to purge them. You can assassinate Mami tomorrow" Homrua says.

"Well if I'm going back to school after tomorrow I'd better enjoy every second of hunting by your side today" Kirika says.

Homura plots out where the witches are. Each of them are in rather isolated spots that make them difficult to discover. Kirika can see how they would be able to let out familiars without intervention for a while if Homrua did not already know their locations.

The couple finishes breakfast and heads out hand in hand.
Due to how scattered around the city (and a few slightly out of city limits) it takes the whole day to wipe out the witches Homura specified.

Yet no matter if they are together fighting a labyrinth which is a festival full of familiars made of money that try to grab Kirika and Homura alongside a witch that manages to somehow feel like it personifies greed despite appearing like nothing more than an empty suit. Or if they are together in a world on fire with familiars that burn up almost as quickly as they appear and a witch that looks like a worm that constantly grows forward as its tail gets burnt to cinders until Kirika cuts it to size while Homura perforates it with bullets. Kirika cannot help but love every second of her time.

After all, she is fighting by Homura's side and no eldrich abomination could possibly put even the slightest dent in Kirikas jubilation at that fact.

As Kirika and Homura keep going they destroy a labyrinth in the image of a farm with familiars that grow like crops and tries to spray acid at the pair alongside a witch that takes the appearance of a tractor with spider legs each of which ends in a scyth.

Cut up a witch whose barrier is that of a casino that tries to crush the two under poker chips while the witch in the image of a magician, if oversized with slots for eyes it tries to cut them with cards and smash them with the briefcase it carries.

Shatter a witch whose barrier appears as a wax museum full of figures that Kirika is sure would have meaning to whatever girl had fallen to become this witch. The familiars attack them, each slowly dripping wax as they lose the form the witch gave them. The witch itself appears as a picture of a group of people with their faces blurred out. It projects itself onto the room Kirika and Homura are in and forces them to destroy every single figure in the painting before the witch shatters along with its labyrinth.

By the end of the day, Kirika and Homura have travelled across a good portion of Mitakihara and destroyed a number of witches that would have become issues if left alone.

As the two go home, Kirika hanging off Homura as they walk, Kirika considers how blessed she must be to be able to work with someone so absolutely wonderful.

Truly Kirika thinks that to be able to fight by her love's side she must be the happiest magical girl in the world.

The two eventually get home Kirika cooking for Homura and herself like usual.

After the two eat and Homura once again thanks Kirika for cooking (one of Kirika's most looked forward to moments of each day) the two end up on Homura's sofa.

Homura lets Kirika lie sprawled across her, tired from all the travel and witch killing but not quite wanting to sleep yet.

Homura looks down at Kirika who is just enjoying how warm Homura is as she lies down half-conscious.

"I don't know why someone like you would ever love me but please don't stop," Kirika thinks she hears Homura mutter quietly. Kirika enjoying lying across her too much to really focus on words.

Eventually, Homura wants to get up to head to sleep so Kirika shifts into giving Homura a hug before the two get up.

"Goodnight Homura," Kirika says trying to put as much love and endearment into her voice as she possibly can.

"Goodnight Kirika," Homura says trying to remain as monotone as she usually is, yet Kirika can hear the affection in Homura's words.

Kirika goes to bed with her heart full of love towards Homura. Even if it is never returned, Kirika will still do anything for her, how could she do anything less for someone so brilliant?

Chapter Text

Mami frantically jumps out of the way of the sword the witch has slashed down at her with. In return her muskets batter the monumental suit of armour that makes up this barrier witch.

Honestly, this entire labyrinth had been exhausting with an unending force of familiars in the form of empty suits of armour chasing her with swords and crossbows that refused to die without taking dozens of musket shots each.

Furthermore, she had been forced to dodge a number of tripwires, pits of spikes and other traps built into this castle like barrier. Still, looking up at the witch, its eyes made of burning fire in its helmet. As it lets out a metallic screech Mami knows she's won.

While having to dodge its sword that it swung with abandon had been challenging with each dodge she had managed to get more ribbons around its legs. This time when it swung down at her rather than jumping out of the way she simply stepped to the side and tightened the ribbons around the witch's legs making it trip and fall to the ground with a metallic clatter.

Jumping into the air Mami shouts the name of her finishing attack "Trio Finale!" and fires, annihilating the collapsed witch.

Mami lets out a breath "You were a tough one" she says as she picks up the grief seed and sets off back to her empty apartment.

While her duty as a magical girl is tough and deadly Mami would never give it up. Even if she is forced to be alone that's little sacrifice to save lives.

Even if it's a sacrifice Mami would much rather not make.

Still without any new magical girls contracting Mami has no choice but to go at it alone. How could she possibly connect with any civilians uninvolved in this life, they would never be able to truly know her.

At least she has the cake she had baked over the morning to look forward to when she gets home. After such an exhausting time killing that knight witch Mami feels like she's earned it.

As she reaches her home however she notices something "Huh that's strange, I swore I remembered to lock my door before setting out today?"

Still, it's possible she just forgot when she set off to school this morning, having to be on top of homework and witch hunting does take a lot of attention after all so it wouldn't be a massive surprise if she'd forgotten something so simple.

She opens her unlocked door and sets foot into her apartment. For some reason, she gets an ominous sensation despite being home.

As she starts to take her shoes off however she hears a voice coming from her kitchen "Oh you're finally here".

Transforming into her magical girl uniform just in case Mami walks into her kitchen and sees a girl who she doesn't believe she's met before sitting at her table eating a slice of her cake.

Mami's first response is bafflement that someone had broken into her house was just eating the cake she made and waiting for her.

"Why exactly are you in my house," Mami asks tense while also confused. Looking around she sees a second girl leaning on a desk in the corner. It's clear from their clothing that these two are magical girls.

"Oh just wanted to look around and meet the famous Tomoe Mami" The girl says in a relaxed tone.

"I would have appreciated it much more if you chose to do that without breaking into my house," Mami says unsure what type of person this magical girl is but still hoping to avoid hostilities.

"But then I wouldn't have been able to taste your baking, you're actually surprisingly good at it too this is nice cake. Didn't know you did baking" The girl comments taking a bite of the cake she had baked.

"Thank you for the compliments but that wasn't for you" Mami says. At this point just caught off guard with this entire encounter.

"But what's the point of a cake if it's not shared? If I ever made one I would have to share it with the person I loved or the entire point would be wasted" The girl replied.

"I... Ok, you obviously know who I am but please introduce yourselves" Mami demands of the two magical girls currently in her house.

"Oh, how rude of me sorry, I'm Kure Kirika and over there is the most wonderful girl in the world. But don't worry about her right now she chose to let me do the talking today" Kirika says mentioning the person in the corner with adoration.

"Fine what exactly do you want with me, this isn't exactly the most diplomatic way to introduce yourselves" Mami comments. While so far this conversation has been conflict free Mami is ready to have her muskets out in an instant if these two magical girls do anything threatening.

"I just came here to eat your baking" Kirika comments.

"You mentioned you didn't expect me to bake literally seconds ago" Mami points out.

"Oh yeah, good point. Well, two things really first I wanted to have a chat with you. This is a very different first impression than last time after all." Kirika says.

"Last time? what are you talking about" Mami asks concerned by the nonsense this girl was speaking.

"Don't worry about it after all it really doesn't matter for you. Don't you want to hear about the second thing?" Kirika asks with a disturbingly wide smile.

"What would that be" asks Mami.

"Oh to kill you for ruining everything of course" Kirika says the conversational tone she had been taking gone replaced with loathing that dripped out of every word.

Before Mami could react beyond starting to summon a musket Homura freezes time.

"Thanks, Homura" Kirika says as she walks towards Mami's frozen body.

"Was the chat really necessary" Homura questions.

"Nope, but it was satisfying" Kirika replies.

"Well, I guess it doesn't matter considering how this ends" Homura states.

"Exactly, I'm so happy to love someone who understands me so well," Kirika says with delight.

In a quick movement, she summons her claws and shatters the gem in Mami's hair band making sure to not damage her otherwise in any way shape or form.

Homura resumes time as Kirika catches Mami's body and lays it on the floor.

"Can we take the cake?" Kirika asks.

"How can that be the first thing that comes to your mind after that" Homura asks.

"What it's a nice cake and it's not like Mami's going to use it. It would just rot if we left it here" Kirika says looking up at Homura innocently with her pink eye.

Despite herself, Homura ends up putting the rest of the cake into her shield.

"So that's one of today's chores done with," Kirika says.

"Indeed, I'll put her body into the shield and dump it in the next barrier we see. No reason to leave evidence," Homura says, putting the cold body of her former mentor into her shield to dispose of later.

Kirika walks up to Homura and hugs her "I know you used to know her but this is for the best. Now she can't ruin things like last time or get anyone to contract," Kirika says seeing that Homura feels uncomfortable with what they just did.

"I know Kirika that's why we did this. I just. It doesn't matter" Homura says.

"Everything about you matters," Kirika says sincerely.

"You really don't change do you" Homura comments as they leave the house. Homura takes Mami's key out of her shield and locks the door as they go.

"Of course, I change. I'm always changing to become someone you can rely on" Kirika says a spring in her step.

"Are you not already?" Homura questions.

"You can always rely on me but just because of that doesn't mean I can't become someone who can help you even more" Kirika answers.

"As long as you are who you wish to be" Homura says looking down at Kirikas form bouncing along.

"If I'm someone who can assist you as much as possible then I'm exactly who I wish to be" Kirika responds.

"What about assisting yourself" Homura questions.

"But nothing brings me anywhere near as much joy as helping you. Really being perfect for you is the most selfish thing I could possibly be" Kirika says happily.

Homura lets out a small laugh at that response "Well how can I possibly argue with that".

With that, the two set off to their next destination.

-

Oriko sits in her home's study alone. Over the past few days, she had lost everything. Every act to assist her father, to make him proud brought to absolutely nothing. Everything she had built both in and out of school was gone just like her dear father.

Still, even though she had no reason to persist she found herself unwilling to do anything about it and so has continued simply going through the motions. In a way, it's been interesting seeing how quickly her social status and respect could crumble into nothing but disdain and derision.

Oriko has no purpose at all. She knows with nothing to occupy herself she will eventually simply cease though she is not sure quite when that will occur.

Still for now her existence continues even if it is empty and so with little else to do Oriko decides to pick up rereading one of her preferred books where she had left off. It will occupy her mind if nothing else.

'Then Raskolnikoff, whose arm had regained all its vigour, struck two fresh blows with the hatchet on the crown of the old woman's head. The blood spurted out in streams and the body rolled heavily over. At that moment the young man drew back; so soon as he beheld his victim stretched on the floor he bent over her face; she was dead'

Oriko was for a second absorbed in her reading before she hears footsteps. She looks up from her reading certain that there should be no one in the house other than her at this moment.

Oriko's thoughts lead to an inevitable truth. There is no one who would wish to visit her and she had been given no warning. It seems self evident that the people who had graffitied the front of her home had decided to escalate their harassment.

Oriko puts her book down. The best thing to do in this situation would be to call the police yet she left her phone in the other room when she had decided to sit in the study to read. Looking around Oriko sees nothing she could use to defend herself effectively so she keeps silent and hopes whatever vandal has broken into her house does not notice her presence.

Of course, she is not so lucky.

A girl walks into the room. She would appear relatively normal except for the clockwork shield on her arm. Oriko wills herself to appear calm hoping that she can navigate out of this situation.

"I would request you leave my home this is invasion of private property and I will call the police should you intend to stay" Oriko just about manages to get out in a calm voice hoping that whoever this is will be scared off.

The girl gives no vocal response instead putting her hand into the shield and pulling out a pistol.

Oriko lets out a horrified gasp before regaining control of herself desperately grasping her panic.

"If you have any feud against my father he's already dead" Oriko manages to get out her voice only trembling slightly. The knowledge that she could actually die here making her feel infinitely colder than the mere temperature could.

"I care not for the actions of your father Mikuni Oriko. I have come here for you and you alone" The girl says in a cold voice.

Oriko's already pale form pales further as she realises there is no way out "Why would you possibly want to kill me, I don't understand," Oriko wishes she could say she was buying time but she knows no help is on the way. She just wants to put off what seems like her inevitable death any second she possibly could.

"You have already destroyed all I worked to protect and brought about the death of the one I care for most. If you remain alive you will likely do so again. I am afraid you must die here" The girl says genuine hate colouring the girl's words.

"What? But I've not done anything, what reason could I possibly have to kill someone? Please I'm not the girl who did that to you" Oriko pleads before saying in a small defeated voice "I don't want to die."

"Farewell" is the last thing that Oriko hears before her life comes to a sudden and abrupt stop.

Homura walks out of the Mikuni household putting her pistol back into her shield.

As she leaves Kirika who was waiting outside walks up to Homura "So did that make you feel any better?" she asks.

"No it simply felt hollow, yet it needed to be done" Homura replies.

"Well that's no good. Just think now there is no one left to stop us. All we have to do now is protect Madoka and kill Walpurgisnacht without a single person getting in the way" Kirika says voice full of optimism.

"You are right, last timeline will not repeat itself this time we will save Madoka, nothing will stop us," Homura says feeling the hollowness that had opened up after killing Oriko receding with Kirika's words.

"So let's go home, I'll make you a delicious dinner and we can have that cake to celebrate the fact that from here no one will stand in our way" Kirika says holding Homura's hand and looking up at her full with a look full of affection.

"That sounds nice" Homura responds looking at Kirika's pleased expression at her reply and feeling the last of that void that had opened up in her stomach close.

Homura goes along with Kirika almost dragged behind her with her eagerness. Despite the unforgivable sin that Homura has committed today she finds herself smiling as she works to keep up with Kirika.

Somehow despite the evil committed before taking it the cake still tastes delicious.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up on her bed and quickly goes to get dressed and make breakfast for her and Homura.

While Homura was slightly down for a bit after she killed Mami yesterday, by the time they had had dinner Homura seemed more or less back to normal.

Kirika wants to make sure everything continues to go perfectly so Homura will have reason to smile.

Admittedly getting Homura to smile is a feat in of itself but Kirika has managed it a few times now and is proud of each and every one of them.

Homura looks truly dazzling when she's smiling with genuine joy, it's an expression Kirika wants to see more.

As she considers how she can brighten Homura's day said girl walks out having finished waking up and getting dressed.

Kirika runs up to give her a morning hug "Good morning Homura!".

"Good morning" Homura replies as she accepts Kirika's running hug for a few seconds before letting go and sitting down to have breakfast.

Kirika can see that Homura is not quite through the internal conflict she's been having these past few days, something she doubts yesterday's murders helped with. Seeing that, she decides to try to get conversation going so Homura doesn't get trapped in her own thoughts.

"So Homura what are the plans for today."

"Well, I have a few witches to get rid of this morning that Mami would otherwise have taken care of over the next few days. Then I need to restock on guns and explosives. You are going to school to ensure Madoka is safe as we agreed" Homura states.

"I guess I did say I would didn't I? Well, I'm sure even school can be fulfilling if I'm there on your behalf" Kirika says doing little to hide her lack of enthusiasm.

"I don't suppose that goes as far as spending your time in school learning?" Homura asks.

"Well if it's not something that can help you, I see no reason to care," Kirika replies.

"Do you not have any concerns about your future? you are the person who told me to try to think past this month last time if you remember?" Homura points out.

"Well, your future is really important if you're not thinking about how to celebrate and live once you've fulfilled your wish, you might end up aimless with nowhere to go afterwards and you're always so amazing when you're following a goal that would be a massive shame," Kirika says.

"If that's true isn't that more reason why you should also care about your own future as well?" Homura asks.

"Well frankly as long as I can keep helping you with whatever goal you choose to follow I don't care in the least," Kirika says.

Homura is sometimes unsure how to react to Kirika. Saying something like that, leaving her entire future to Homura. That's not how people work. Who would give up everything just to assist a person who they have known for a month?

Homura can see the hypocrisy in that thought but to compare herself to Madoka is no comparison at all. Homura is nothing like Madoka she's not someone who inspires loyalty or care. How can Kirika bear to put her entire future in Homura's hands? Yet it's impossible to deny that is just who Kirika is.

"I don't know why I expected any other answer" Homura gets out after a short silence.

"Expecting anything different would have been rather silly. I do try to be upfront about my feelings for you after all" Kirika says sounding self-satisfied.

"I don't think anyone could ever call you restrained" Homura points out.

"Why would I possibly want to be restrained? I would much rather be able to tell you how much I love you as much as I want" Kirika answers.

Homura gains a slight smile "I know."

"Well, that's good because otherwise, I would have to spend the rest of the morning reminding you how much I care about you" Kirika says enjoying any conversation which lets her get away with stating her affections.

"I don't think I'll ever quite understand how you can care for me so much but you've said it more than enough for me to remember clearly" Homura says.

"I don't think I'll ever quite understand why everyone else doesn't love you" Kirika replies.

Homura giggles slightly in response, she still doesn't know what Kirika sees in her but Kirika sure is expressive in showing that she sees it.

"Anyway not that I need to remind you but keep Madoka safe while you're at school" Homura says.

"Yep, no witch, familiar or incubator will get anywhere near her. I'll rip them all up before they get the chance." Kirika says.

"Perfect" Homura responds.

"Oh, and I'll make sure to call you over lunch just to make sure you don't need help with anything," Kirika says.

"Kirika I'm not blind. You can say you want to talk to me without pretending it's strategic" Homura says.

Kirika's eyes light up "In that case I'll call as often as I can, any conversation with you has infinite value to me," Kirika says happily.

While part of Homura wants to point out that she does have important things to do over the day seeing how happy Kirika is she can't bring herself to so instead she says "As long as I'm not doing anything important like fighting a witch I'll be sure to answer."

Kirika's joy at being able to keep in contact with Homura is enough for Homura to feel validated in her choice. She can afford a little bit of distraction if it makes Kirika that happy.

"Well in that case I'm more than happy to head to school" Kirika says any trace of her earlier reluctance gone.

The two having finished breakfast at this point get up to head out "After school we can meet up to finish off the witches anywhere near the school" Homura points out.

"I look forward to nothing more. Good hunting Homura. I love you!" Kirika says giving Homura another hug before setting off.

As Kirika arrives at school she realises just how strange it is to be in the same place at an earlier time.

Kirika sees Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi talking and walks along a bit to the side.

Seeing Madoka is a surprisingly unnerving experience, to walk by someone who only a few days ago was a friend Kirika could have genuine conversations with and see her have absolutely no recognition in her eyes is strange.

Almost as strange is seeing Sayaka's eyes pass over her without a second thought. By the end of last timeline, before Kirika had killed her, Sayaka had looked at her with a mix of anxiety and loathing so deep it could be felt from across the school yet now absolutely nothing.

Kirika considers if it's this weird for her then it must have been unbearable for Homura in those first few timelines seeing people she recognised have not even the slightest hint of recognition in their eyes. How lonely an experience that must have been.

Luckily even if it is a bit unnerving Kirika doesn't really care, after all, she still has Homura and as long as that fact remains true everything else can be measured somewhere between unimportant and irrelevant.

On that thought Kirika does hope that Homura feels a bit better now she has someone to stay by her side when she goes back even if she's probably used to returning to the start at this point.

Then again what good would Kirika be as a partner if she left Homura alone just because she went back in time?

Kirika makes sure to text Homura some extra praise and good luck before going into school because why wouldn't she?

Lessons it turns out are not more interesting the second time. Well, Kirika assumes the second time to be honest she doesn't remember if she skipped or not today last timeline. It was before Homura and so irrelevant after all.

Being honest to her earlier statements, she spends most of the time thinking about what to say to Homura when she phones her later, rather than paying attention to the lessons.

She also wonders at what point people will actually notice Mami is gone but honestly Kirika finds thinking about her boring, especially now she can't inconvenience Homura anymore, so that line of thought doesn't last long.

Before too long Kirika is free from the first half of the day's lessons so she heads up to the roof and as promised calls Homura.

Thankfully she picks up rather than being stuck fighting a witch or anything.

"Hello Kirika," Homura says through the phone.

"Hi Homura how are things going" Kirika replies

"I've gotten through the witches I was targeting so am about to go find a few armouries. Apologies for any time stops" Homura says.

"No need to apologise I'll enjoy the break and things being grey will just remind me of you which makes everything better" Kirika responds.

"I'm assuming everything is ok with Madoka," Homura asks.

"Of course being back here she's still with her friends without any falling outs. Hopefully, we've prevented the possibility of what went wrong last time yesterday" Kirika replies.

"If we have then it was without a doubt worth it" Homura replies.

"Of course, it was worth it, after all, everything that brought us down last time is gone. I have complete faith in our success" Kirika says

"Well, we'll just have to make sure that certainty materialises then. Do remember we still have to deal with Walpurgisnacht in a month and a third"

"I know but I am just as certain as last time that it won't stand a chance against the two of us. Even last time it's not like it was a lack of firepower that brought us down" Kirika replies.

"True you did put in a rather impressive performance at the end even if it was all just a diversion" Homura says thinking back on the fact that Kirika did manage to kill three magical girls two by herself.

"You thought my performance was impressive? I'm so happy. Still, that just makes me more determined, if you thought that was impressive just watch me when we reach Walpurgisnacht I'll make sure to outdo myself" Kirika says always pleased when Homura complements her.

"I'll have to look forward to it" Homura responds a trace of upbeatness detectable in her voice.

"I'll make sure it's something to remember just for you" Kirika answers.

"Well, you have always proved reliable so far so I believe you" Homura says.

"Good, I am absolutely determined to have that really impressive cake we agreed to eat together with you afterwards. So that means I have no choice but to put my all in." Kirika says.

"Well I guess if I can't trust your devotion to me or your skill I can always trust in your gluttony for sugar" Homura responds finding some humor in Kirika's motivations.

"No matter how much I like sweetness my devotion to you is infinitely greater. You are my one and only love. Eating that cake without you by my side would just be bland. Being by your side is far sweeter than any dessert" Kirika says.

Homura doesn't respond for a few seconds before answering with "In that case, I guess I would be smart to trust your devotion more than your gluttony then"

"I am as always devoted to you in my entirety, body, mind and soul. You can ask anything of me" Kirika responds never one to miss a chance to state her reason for being.

"I know" Homura answers.

"Fantastic, saying that I do still appreciate sweets," Kirika says

Kirika can hear a laugh from Homura in response a sound Kirika cannot help but find beautiful even if it doesn't last long.

"In that case maybe I'll get something for you before we meet up after school to finish off a few witches" Homura comments.

"You would? You spoil me, I must be the luckiest girl in the world" Kirika says in an excited tone.

"I doubt I'll find anything particularly special, you tend to be the one treating me when it comes to food anyway" Homura responds.

"Anything from you is immeasurably special, I have no doubt whatever you get me will taste at least 10 times more sweet just because you got it for me. Anyway, I enjoy treating you to food, so really I do that for me while you are getting something for my sake which makes it even better" Kirika says still sounding ecstatic.

"Truly Kirika you cooking me food is the epitome of selfishness" Homura says sarcasm slipping into her tone.

"Exactly I'm happy you understand" Kirika says purposefully ignoring said sarcasm.

The two continue to talk for the rest of lunch the conversation flowing through a few more subjects before the two run out of time.

With lunch over Kirika goes through the motions of her last few lessons the thought of seeing Homura soon being more than enough to keep her energetic until the end of school.

Once Homura arrives Kirika makes sure to give her a running hug enjoying being back in her presence.

Once she escapes the hug Homura hands over a bag of pastries from a bakery that she noticed Kirika eyeing when they had walked past it prior.

Kirika delights over each of the sweetened goods Homura handed over to her enjoying each one immensely.

In the end, while the pastries are of course nice it's the fact that Homura bought them for Kirika without being asked that makes each one a delicacy.

As Kirika reaffirms her love for Homura both internally and out loud Kirika can see a smile she doubts Homura even notices appear on Homura's face. Kirika finds it utterly dazzling to see her with such an expression.

In the end however, the two still have work to do for the day and so they set off Kirika's heart soaring with joy.

Homura holds her hand and they walk together towards the first witch they will be killing together.

While Kirika finds every conversation with Homura infinitely valuable she cannot deny the joy of being able to destroy Homura's enemies, witch or not, brings its own joy.

Anything that opposes someone so absolutely brilliant deserves utter annihilation after all and Kirika is proud to help Homura bring that to them.

By the end of the day, the couple are up a decent amount more grief seeds and Kirika is contently cooking dinner for Homura (and herself technically).

Kirika in the midst of this considers just how impossible this happiness seemed on this same day for her last timeline.

Even not knowing exactly what her wish was Kirika thinks to herself that selling her soul to assist Homura was absolutely the greatest decision that Kirika could have possibly made.

Chapter Text

Homura, as has become normal, wakes up to the smell of Kirika preparing breakfast. After dressing, Homura walks out bracing herself for Kirika's running hug that impacts her as soon as she catches sight of her.

After a few seconds, Kirika lets go and the two sit down to eat.

As she sits down Homura looks at Kirika still with a wide smile from hugging her a second ago and thinks.

Kirika loves her, this is a fact Homura cannot deny. Even without any understanding of why or how anyone could ever love her Homura knows perfectly well Kirika does.

Sometimes Homura thinks Kirika loves her too much. The fact she is so willing to bind her future to Homura's whims without a second thought is terrifying.

Normally Homura would think that's terrifying because she will inevitably fail and disappoint her, but with Kirika that's not true. While it's possible Homura could act in a way to disappoint Kirika Homura has no idea what would possibly do so. Even if she did it would be more likely that Kirika would blame herself for failing Homura rather than acknowledging Homura's failures.

That however is its own type of terrifying, to have that much trust (underserved trust) put on to her. Kirika's unshakable belief in her despite her repeated failures feels like it cannot possibly exist.

Then again Kirika feels like a person who cannot possibly exist most of the time and yet here she is eating breakfast with her.

Homura can just look to her side and see a person who loves her. How could that possibly be real?

It is of course, she has long since accepted reality as it is, her weakness the day she returned to the start of this timeline is not something she will repeat.

There is a part of Homura that wants to keep questioning Kirika until she finally reaches something other than the unending devotion and love that seems to make up her entire being but Homura isn't sure there is anything underneath (And if there is she is slightly terrified what she would find. What makes someone like Kirika).

As she thinks this she hears Kirika give a pleased hum beside her.

"You sound pleased about something" Homura asks.

"Well I'm always pleased to be sitting beside the girl I love but the fact it's the weekend and I don't need to go back to school helps to" Kirika says.

"You went to school for a single day" Homura points out.

"Yes but aside from getting to call you I was way too low on Homuriam without you there" Kirika says.

"You spent half of the time you should have been learning texting me" Homura points out.

"It's not the same" Kirika replies.

If Kirika has one flaw it's just how single-minded she is about wanting to be by Homura's side. It's one of the things which makes her so reliable and trustworthy but it does mean Homura ends up with her pouting at her because Kirika went half a day without seeing her.

On the other hand, Kirika pouting is incredibly cute. Which is a thought Homura decides to disregard lest she give Kirika's facial expressions power over her behaviour.

"Kirika we live together and spent the time after school yesterday hunting witches together. I'm fairly sure you spend more time with me in a week than most people I interact with spend around me in an entire timeline." Homura points out.

"I know, I know. I'm more than happy to do anything needed to help you even if that means not seeing you for a bit. I still enjoy my time around you significantly more than any other time though" Kirika replies.

"I know Kirika" Homura replies.

Honestly, Homura hadn't considered just how much time she spent around Kirika until just now. Typically Homura spent most of her time in the loops in isolation. Gathering materials, killing witches and dealing with spare incubators. Yet somehow she's managed to get used to Kirika overturning that isolation in a month.

For a very long time, Homura actually considered her time alone as some of the better experiences of a timeline. While every second around Madoka is precious interacting with anyone else generally takes an unnecessary amount of effort, especially with all the lies Homura needs to tell to prevent everything from falling apart at a moment's notice.

Yet thinking about it Homura finds that interacting with Kirika for as much as her constant hyperactivity sometimes feels exhausting to be in the presence of never wears on Homura. Maybe it's the fact Homura doesn't have a single secret that she has to keep from Kirika or the fact that she feels as safe around Kirika as she does alone (often more). Maybe it's that she makes Homura feel like something in her that felt empty feel full.

"So considering both of us are free for the day what's the plan" Kirika asks.

"You can accompany me on a raid of the JSDF and yakuza weapon stores. While I got through a few of them yesterday, with your help I should be able to get through most of the remainder" Homura says.

"you take me on the best dates," Kirika says smiling.

Homura as she thinks of a reply to Kirika considers what their relationship even is at this point.

Kirika lives with her, helps her immeasurably with whatever she wishes and unquestionably loves her. Yet Homura gives little in turn, Kirika would do anything for her yet Homura does not even love her back she can't because the alternative is unacceptable. Homura considers Kirika the closest friend she's ever had other than Madoka yet despite everything their relationship feels almost entirely take without any give.

"As long as you enjoy them" Homura replies suddenly feeling guilty. For all she said Kirika would be an equal partner Homura is still the one orchestrating what she is doing. Kirika for all her wonderful qualities does, Homura realises, have another flaw. She will let Homura exploit her without the slightest bit of complaint.

"I always enjoy my time with you no matter what we are doing" Kirika replies.

"Still that won't take the entire day so what do you want to do when we've finished" Homura asks Kirika not wanting to force Kirika along her whims without even asking.

"Well I suppose it would be best If I helped you clear out some witches, since you mentioned we would have to do that more with Mami gone" Kirika says making a very valid point that is the opposite of what Homura actually wanted from her.

"And if I asked you to reply without considering the mission. What do you want to do, regardless of if it helps my goals" Homura ask.

"I, are you sure?" Kirika asks seeming confused to be asked what she wants beyond how it can help Homura.

A part of Homura's chest hurts a bit at that, at the fact Kirika for all she talks about loving Homura and with all she does for her doesn't even think she can ask for anything without utility.

"Yes Kirika you said it's a date right? Well, it's unfair if you leave me to plan all of it after all" Homura replies hoping that will get the message across.

Kirika's eyes light up as she considers what exactly she wants to do with Homura "In that case let's just wander and see the city together, no magical girl stuff just you and me" Kirika answers.

"I'm surprised you didn't go for something more over the top" Homura comments having expected Kirika to choose something that more clearly cried out date. Not that it really is a date, but just considering Kirika's character.

"But I already said how much I treasure my time with you, I could say we should go to some big event or something but that would just distract from what I care about. So how about it" Kirika asks.

"Sounds like a plan" Homura responds realising that for all she decided to offer for Kirika's sake, she's rather looking forward to it.

Kirika smiles again looking delighted with the prospect.

Homura considers for a second just how expressive Kirika is. Her emotions are so constantly written across her face that sometimes Kirika becomes just as unreadable as someone who expresses nothing at all.

Homura is sure that had she simply agreed to hunt witches after restocking on ammunition, Kirika would still have smiled just without the joy quite reaching her eyes in the same way or with a sudden bubbliness that appeared in Kirika's body language, showing her anticipation in a way that she wasn't a few seconds ago.

Trying to work out what actually makes Kirika happy when she is willing to show joy no matter what Homura asks her to do is a surprisingly difficult task. Homura could tell that Kirika was much happier than normal when she bought her sweet pastries after school yesterday for example, yet she's certain Kirika would still have expressed joy just to be in her presence either way.

Looking at Kirika's eagerness now Homura is sure she made the right decision.

The two finish off breakfast and set off towards their morning destinations.

By lunchtime, Homura had managed to restock a large portion of the grenades used in her fight against Mami and Sayaka even if she would also need to remake some pipe bombs later. Kirika helped ensure that emptying each armoury they reached took little time at all.

Homura and Kirika soon ran out of JSDF and yakuza to steal from leaving them done with the first half of their day.

Before their walk, Kirika takes Homura to a fast food place she likes the look of and the two get lunch. By the time the two are done, Kirika gets up and makes sure to be hand in hand with Homura as the two walk out.

As they start wandering the city no particular destination in mind Kirika turns to Homura "Before all this, was there anything you wanted to do?" She questions.

"I was rather interested in ballet as a child, it was always something that seemed incredible to watch when I was in hospital even if it seems a bit childish now" Homura answers.

"That's not childish at all I'm sure if you could have followed that dream you would have been stunning" Kirika responds.

"It was never realistic what with my weak heart, I could barely manage the most basic of physical activity without becoming exhausted after I got out of hospital" Homura replies.

"When we make it through this you could always pursue that it's not like your heart is a problem anymore" Kirika says like always she seems to have unshakable confidence in Homura.

"I think it has lost its appeal for me after all this time. The magic in it is gone for me." Homura says.

"Well in that case you just need to find something that feels just as magical for yourself" Kirika says with infinitely more hope for Homura's future than she could ever muster.

"After how much of a disappointment real magic has been I'm not so sure" Homura replies unable to think of a single thing she really feels invested in other than finishing her mission.

Kirika hugs Homura. "You'll find something eventually, and when you do, you're far too incredible not to excel at whatever you set your mind to," Kirika says with that same unrealistic faith in Homura.

"Kirika, I'm not as brilliant as you think I am. Everything I can do now is due to endless repetition, outside of this purgatory of mine I think I'll just be lost" Homura says vocalising a fear that rises whenever she considers her victory. Without her purpose what is she?

Kirika tightens the hug her warmth helping combat the cold that fills Homura as she considers that thought.

"In that case why see Walpurgisnacht as an end to your mission? If Madoka survives there is no guarantee everything will go perfectly for her. I'm sure she could still use your protection" Kirika says realising that Homura might need a meaning external from herself and so choosing the one person she loves as that meaning.

"Even if I succeed my mission continues" Homura says letting out a laugh bordering on hysteric and she sinks into Kirika's arms.

"You're right though I guess I do need to keep going wouldn't do to let Madoka die or contract after Walpurgisnacht," Homura continues, the thought that she could reach the end just for random chance or her own inattention letting Madoka die making her feel like she's sinking on dry land.

"Homura? I'm here you know, you don't need to face this all alone, I'll be whatever you need ok" Kirika says running her hands over Homura's back soothingly.

"You'll stay right even after Walpurgisnacht?" Homura says knowing the answer yet still needing to hear it.

"Of course, I promise we'll both make it through Walpurgisnacht and then whether it be protecting Madoka or anything else no matter what I'll stick with you through it all," Kirika says.

Kirika's words anchor Homura the momentary panic fades.

Homura lets go of Kirika ending the hug. "Thank you Kirika"

"Always" Kirika replies returning to holding Homura's hand.

With that, the two fade into companionable silence Homura letting Kirika lead her as the two wander around.

Once a little time passes Kirika decides to raise another question "Since you were so interested in ballet did you ever learn how to dance?"

"Like I said it was something I could never pursue I wouldn't know where to start" Homura replies.

"To be honest I don't know how to dance either but if we did I think it would be really nice to dance with you" Kirika says.

"You know that does sound nice," Homura responds finding the idea of dancing with Kirika in hand a pleasant thought.

"Ok how about once we beat Walpurgisnacht we agree to learn together," Kirika says looking at Homura with a grin.

"Didn't you already say you planned to learn to bake after Walpurgisnacht" Homura points out.

"I can learn multiple things at once, especially if it's with you," Kirika says.

"In that case, I agree" Homura responds delighting in seeing Kirika's joy at her response.

"I love you," Kirika says deciding to not make a long sentence when a 3 words would do.

"I know" Homura responds ignoring the lightness she feels hearing that.

"Even if you know I'll keep telling you how much I love you" Kirika answers.

"I know" Homura says feeling a smile form on her face against her will.

Kirika's response is a joyful laugh as she looks up at Homura with so much affection it's almost painful.

Yet Homura concludes the idea of not seeing that look aimed at her seems like it would be much more painful.

The two continue to wander and chat going through a few parks and checking some shops that interest Kirika. The two chat about nothing in particular, conversation flowing according to Kirika's whim.

Eventually, the two in a change from usual, eat out having stayed out a little long to prepare food at home. Homura finds she prefers what Kirika makes something that delights her when Homura mentions it.

Finally, Homura and Kirika return home. Overall the day had not been particularly productive. While she did gather ammunition in the morning she knows that she and Kirika could have cleared out a number of witches which would be useful for later.

Yet somehow Homura cannot find it in herself to hold a single regret for how the day went.

Chapter Text

Kirika and Homura have a few things left to do on the days before Homura transfers into school on the 25th.

When Kirika got up on Sunday she woke in a fantastic mood, after all, she had managed to have a date with Homura. Even knowing that Madoka will always come first for Homura, Kirika treasures every moment of closeness and connection she gets with Homura.

Which is why Kirika is enthusiastic to have breakfast with Homura like usual. The fact it happens every day just makes it more special to Kirika rather than less. After all, it's something she gets to share with her love every day.

As the two sit down to eat Kirika notices that the conflicted expression that had been on Homura's face the past few days seems gone. Kirika cannot help but be glad that whatever inner demon was eating away at Homura seems to not be there any more.

The thought of Homura suffering in a way Kirika is unable to prevent or help with is an idea she hates. While she knows she cannot actually be everything Homura needs the fact there are things that make Homura sad that she cannot support her with still feels like a failure to Kirika.

Still, at least in this case, she is free of that feeling. Whether the things she talked about with Homura yesterday helped or if Homura just found a solution herself, Kirika is pleased.

"You look more at ease this morning than you have the last few days" Kirika comments.

"Do I? I don't think I feel particularly different. Perhaps I simply slept better" Homura responds.

"Must be something like that" Kirika answers letting Homura keep whatever changed to herself.

The two chat a bit more over breakfast before reaching the topic of what to do for the day.

"I have to prevent an encounter between the incubator and Madoka this afternoon, aside from that we should probably catch up on clearing out witches considering that we declined to kill any yesterday" Homura states.

"Sounds perfect" Kirika responds.

While the death of Mami has led to a greater number of witches to kill Kirika finds herself without regret after all no amount of witches will stop her or Homura.

"In less pleasant news I prefer to not keep too many full grief seeds in my shield, so it would be best to deposit them with an incubator separate from the one I plan to remove today. Would you be willing to drop them off while I kill that incubator" Homura asks.

"While I don't enjoy talking to White Ring for you I will do so gladly" Kirika says.

With that, most of the day's plans are established and the two finish eating and set off.

Kirika and Homura destroy a few witches around the city that Mami would have otherwise taken care of over the weekend before splitting off.

Giving Homura a goodbye hug, Kirika gathers the mostly full grief seeds and sets off to find a White Ring body away from where Homura is heading.

It does not take too long to find one, it always seems to have good intuition for when a magical girl is looking to hand over grief seeds.

Heading over to it Kirika comments "Hi White Ring I have some grief seeds to drop off"

I do not recall contracting you, also my name is Kyubey.

"I know but I'm still going to call you White Ring, anyway do you want the grief seeds, I could always dump them somewhere and spawn a bunch of witches if you would prefer?" Kirika says.

That would likely lead to a rather large amount of casualties please hand over the grief seeds, I will dispose of them.

With that Kirika gives the grief seeds over. White Ring does its usual cutesy display of disposing of them.

"Well now that's done goodbye" Kirika says before setting off.

Before you leave I would be interested if you would share your origin. your presence as a magical girl despite me not contracting you is anomalous.

"I would rather not, I'm a rather private person" Kirika comments glibly as she walks on.

If you will not answer that perhaps another question. Do you have anything to do with the disappearance of Tomoe Mami?

"She's the magical girl who's responsible for this city right?" Kirika asks with inflicted curiosity.

She was. Recently however she has utterly disappeared without a trace.

"In that case, I guess a witch got her, that is the fate of magical girls after all, to fight something a bit too big and disappear without a trace" Kirika comments.

Perhaps is the only response before White Ring wanders off likely to bug someone else.

With that rather fraught conversation deal with Kirika reunites with Homura and the couple go through a few more witches around the city before heading back home.

Kirika makes dinner as usual still riding high from the fact Homura commented she preferred Kirika's cooking to the restaurant they got food at yesterday.

"How did the conversation with the incubator go" Homura questions as the two sit down to eat.

"It took the grief seeds, it seems like it could be suspicious about Mami's disappearance but I just mentioned that a witch probably got her. Not sure if it believed me" Kirika comments.

"Hopefully, it would be unfortunate if that became a problem," Homura says.

"Well let's hope it doesn't then. I assume keeping the incubator away from Madoka went as planned" Kirika responds.

"Yes, I am well practised at keeping Madoka from finding the incubator this early. It gets more difficult as the timeline goes on." Homura states.

"Well, we managed it last timeline so it shouldn't be too hard to repeat that" Kirika points out.

"The incubator seemed less enthusiastic about contacting Madoka last timeline. I presume due to Oriko as aside from you she seemed to be the main divergence from normal." Homura responds.

"Well in that case I'll just have to put in extra effort to make sure everything goes perfectly" Kirika responds.

"I'm sure you'll do your best" Homura answers.

"For you, I always give my best" Kirika responds.

The two finish dinner.

"Goodnight Homura, I love you" Kirika says before heading to bed.

"I know. Good night Kirika" Homura responds before also heading to sleep.

The next day comes quickly Homura and Kirika following their usual morning routine.

Over breakfast, the Homura much to Kirika's happiness mentions she'll be walking with her to school since she has to drop off some paperwork for when she transfers in a couple of days.

The two walk to school hand in hand just as they had in the last timeline before hugging and going their separate ways once they reach school.

After Homura drops off her paperwork she sets off to get a bit more hunting done while she is free.

As the day goes on she finds herself enjoying the texts that Kirika sends over the school day and finds herself anticipating getting to talk to her at lunchtime.

As lunch arrives Homura finishes a witch, then takes a break from hunting to chat to Kirika for the next 40 minutes over lunch.

"Hi Homura!" Kirika begins the second Homura accepts the call.

"Hello Kirika, how has school been?" Homura responds.

"Much better now I'm talking to you" Kirika answers.

"How is Madoka?" Homura asks.

"Seems to be doing fine, nothing strange with her, Sayaka or Hitomi so far" Kirika answers.

"Good" Homura answers.

"You know it's weird I must have actually turned up today last timeline because I have a massive amount of deja vu for the lessons" Kirika comments.

"It gets less strange once you've been through a few more days again. Anyway, who knows maybe repeating the lessons will help you retain something from them." Homura says.

"Sorry, I'm too busy thinking about the person I love to focus too much on the lessons" Kirika answers.

"You could actually learn something important you know" Homura points out.

"No, I've thought about it and she's much more important" Kirika answers.

"Well if you say so," Homura says letting out a slight laugh.

The two once again talk until the end of lunch before Kirika returns to lessons and Homura to hunting witches.

Remembering how happy Kirika was last time Homura makes sure to pick up the same pastries she had on Friday to give to Kirika after school.

Once school comes to a close Homura gets her expected running hug and Kirika is just as delighted as Homura hoped she would be with her baked goods.

After hunting a few more witches and a few familiars on the way the two return home as usual.

Kirika cooks as usual and eventually, enough time passes that the two head to bed sharing the same exchange as yesterday before going to sleep.

On the morning of the last day before Homura transfers into school Kirika and Homura head to breakfast and talk about plans for once Homura is at school.

"Once I start school tomorrow I will use first recess to talk to Madoka to try to dissuade her from contracting so don't intervene then. After that, it will mostly be the same as going to school last timeline though I'm unsure if we will end up friends with Madoka in the same way as last time." Homura says.

"Ok, I'll make sure to leave you free then. I'm still looking forward to seeing you over the school day though" Kirika responds.

"I could never have guessed" Homura responds.

"Don't tease me over my love for you" Kirika responds.

"Well what else is there to tease you about, the fact your costume has an eyepatch?" Homura comments.

"Hey the eyepatch is cool, anyway I can see through it" Kirika answers.

"I'm not sure about cool but seeing you with it is cute" Homura answers.

Kirika's face instantly clouds over with a blush from being called cute by Homura. "You think it's cute?"

"Don't fish for compliments Kirika, I said what I said" Homura answers enjoying how adorable Kirika is when flustered.

"I could wear one out of magical girl wear if you think that would look cute" Kirika offers.

"I think that would just look silly actually" Homura answers.

"Guess not then," Kirika says still over the moon about being called cute by Homura.

Eventually their discussion and breakfast ends and the two head their separate ways after a hug.

"See you later Homura, I love you," Kirika says as she sets off.

"I know. See you soon Kirika" Homura answers heading further afield to some slightly less local JSDF bases today while she still is free to do so.

For the last time until Homura transfers into school, she gets the usual number of texts from Kirika over the school day which she endeavours to reply to as she heads to collect supplies from the JSDF.

Homura stops for lunch as she talks to Kirika for 40 minutes. Nothing of particular importance comes up yet Homura still feels lighter afterward.

As the day goes on it reaches the end of school Homura makes sure to meet up with Kirika handing over some sweets she had picked up over the day which Kirika eagerly makes short work of.

The two hunt down a few extra witches and familiars that appeared around Mitakihara before heading home.

As the two sit eating dinner Kirika practically vibrating with joy that Homura will be with her at school tomorrow Homura considers how unimaginable this scenario would have been this time last timeline.

The two chat as Homura enjoys Kirika's cooking. (Homura notes that Kirika does seem to be getting better at it with practice, it really is incomparable to her former diet).

Eventually, the day ends and Homura and Kirika have an exchange that is rapidly becoming another custom of the two.

"I love you," Kirika says expressing the reason behind her purpose for her every action.

"I know," Homura replies unable to give any other answer.

Chapter Text

Madoka is in a classroom, standing directly in front of her is a girl dressed in pure white. Madoka finds she cannot move.

looking up at the girl she hears the end of what she is saying "No person no matter how brilliant is worth the world. Goodbye Madoka."

Madoka feels hands on her neck and desperately gasps for oxygen as she feels the world going dark.

Madoka wakes up with an aborted scream her hands going to her neck and finding nothing. Despite clearly being untouched and on her bed, she still takes rapid breaths desperate to breathe even if the threat was simply a dream.

Once she has calmed down a bit, Madoka lies in her bed looking up at the ceiling. That was by far the most vivid and horrifying nightmare she had ever had in her entire life.

Looking over she sees she's only a minute away from her alarm going off and decides that after that experience she would much rather not stay in bed any longer.

Once she's dressed and has managed to feel like she can breathe properly again Madoka sets out of her room.

She greets her dad and then sets off to help her brother wake up her mum.

Once her mum has been woken against her will she and Madoka go to talk and brush their teeth.

"You look a little pale this morning, did you sleep well" Junko asks Madoka.

"I'm fine I just had a bit of a bad dream" Madoka answers.

"Well what was it about? Sometimes bad dreams can tell us quite a lot about what we are currently finding stressful you know" Junko states.

Madoka thinks back to the feeling of hands on her neck and the inability to draw breath "I felt like I couldn't breathe" Madoka answers shivering slightly.

"Well, maybe that means you're feeling stressed about your schoolwork or friends. It's your dream though so it's really down to your subconscious" Junko says.

At this point, Junko finishes her makeup and looks over at Madoka.

Madoka doesn't really want to talk about her nightmare anymore so picks up the two ribbons she is considering putting on and decides to ask her mum which one would be better to change the subject.

Her mum picks the notably more flashy ribbon which Madoka was unsure about getting.

"Are you sure that's not too flashy?" Madoka asks.

"Well if you're feeling stressed that's just more reason for you to dress your best. That way you can feel confident about that instead of worrying about bad dreams" Junko answers.

After that conversation, Madoka has breakfast with her family before setting off to school meeting up with Sayaka and Hitomi on the way there.

They all exchange good mornings and Sayaka even comments on her ribbons being cute which helps Madoka feel a bit better about the morning.

As the three chat about whatever comes up, Madoka notices a couple of black-haired girls walking over to the school holding hands. While she kind of recognises one of them from walking past her in school before, she can't recognise the taller girl she's walking with.

Sayaka seeing her looking at those two mentions she thinks she saw them on Monday, though she didn't see the taller longer haired girl around school at all after that.

In the end, it's a small curiosity and the three talk about nothing in particular until they reach class.

Once they get there they get regaled with yet another story of how their teacher was unable to have a successful relationship. Madoka would be more surprised if she'd had Saotomoe as a teacher for less long.

After that though she introduces a new transfer student.

"I'm Akemi Homura. It's a pleasure to meet you" Akemi says writing her name's spelling on the board before sitting down not elaborating about herself at all.

While a rather brief introduction Madoka wonders about her a bit having noticed Akemi looking at her over her introduction. Still, after that, the lesson passes without incident.

As Akemi is crowded by the class at recess after a bit of talk Sayaka raises a question.

"Hey, Madoka, do you know her? She seemed to be staring at you earlier."

"I don't think I've seen her before today" Madoka answers before noticing Homura walking up to her out of the crowd of students who were around her a second ago.

"Kaname Madoka, you're the health officer for this class, right?" Akemia asks in a serious tone before continuing with "Could you take me to the nurse's office?" Without waiting for Madoka's answer.

As she is the health officer Madoka starts to lead Homura to the nurse's office Homura confidently walking with her.

After getting that Homura learned she was health officer from their teacher Madoka decides to ask the other question that she thought of.

"Um, Akemi while I'm happy to lead you to the nurse's office why did you ask me rather than your sister? I've seen her around school before so she probably knows the way" Madoka asks thinking back to the other black haired girl Homura seemed to know so well despite just having transferred in during the walk to school.

Akemi who had been entirely unflappable until that point stops and looks very confused "My sister?"

"I saw you walking with her on the way to school I just assumed," Madoka says.

"Oh you mean Kirika, no we are not related" Akemi answers looking slightly baffled.

"Oh," Madoka replies looking at their handholding and closeness in a slightly different light and blushing slightly "Sorry".

Madoka can tell that this line of questioning has gone somewhere Homura didn't expect from her facial expression.

Honestly, while she's really embarrassed about her mistake Madoka actually feels a bit less nervous about Akemi now she's shown some expression other than blank confidence.

"Um, Akemi" Madoka says hoping to think of a way to make the walk a bit less awkward after her mistake.

"You can call me Homura" Homura answers seeming more confident now the subject has changed.

"Homura?" Madoka says trying to think of a subject as Homura walks confidently towards the nurse's office seemingly not needing her direction at all.

"What is it," Homura asks.

Madoka desperately tries to think of something but comes up blank "Your name seems unique" she eventually says before realising that could come off as rude.

Not wanting Homura to think even worse of her after the earlier mistake Madoka tries to save herself "Not that I think it's weird or anything like that actually it seems kind of cool" Madoka starts before Homura stops walking.

Madoka stops talking not wanting to dig a deeper hole. Looking around she notices there is no one around.

Homura suddenly looks at Madoka with massive intensity "Kaname Madoka do you value your own life? Do you consider your friends and family precious" she says in an utterly serious tone.

Madoka feels flustered and scrambles for an answer to the sudden question "I um... I do love my family and friends. They mean the world to me" She finally manages to answer feeling small under Homura's gaze.

"Are you sure" Homura asks.

"Of course I am" Madoka responds starting to feel slightly affronted by the question.

"If that's true then you must remain yourself no matter what. If you change you will lose them all" Homura says cryptically.

Madoka is unsure how to take Homura's words which seem to hold great meaning to Homura yet mean absolutely nothing as far as Madoka can tell.

"You must remain Kaname Madoka as you always have been" Homura says walking off, leaving Madoka behind.

Madoka is left in the corridor they had been walking in unsure how to respond to the conversation she just finished.

Eventually, she walks back to her friends unable to work out the purpose of Homura's actions.

When classes resume it's blatantly obvious that despite Homura having just transferred she seems to know all the answers already excelling in every class without the slightest sign of any sort of effort or interest in her actions.

Madoka notices that Homura seems to, no matter how interested in her people are, pay not the slightest bit of attention to any of them with the exception of Madoka whose every gaze seems to be returned.

Aside from that time in the corridor, the only time Madoka notices Homura emote is when the girl Homura had called Kirika runs up to her at lunch. She pushes through the people crowding around Homura and the two seem to fall into conversation utterly ignoring anyone around them.

While Homura's every action over the day had seemed calculated and done with expressionless confidence seeing Homura smile while talking to Kirika seemed at odds with every other impression she had given off over the day.

Eventually, Madoka looks away from Homura (she realises this is the first time in the day Homura didn't return her gaze) and instead talks to Hitomi and Sayaka for the rest of lunch trying not to think about Homura or the morning's unpleasant dream.

Eventually, the school day ends and Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi stop off to get food at the nearby Mall.

Madoka talks about her strange encounter with Homura to her friends.

Sayaka mentions that she's probably either a nutcase or just really overdramatic. While Madoka considers it neither of those seems right.

"Madoka are you sure you've never met her before?" Hitomi asks.

Madoka tries to think if she has ever encountered Homura before even in passing but cannot come up with a single instance "No, I mean I could be forgetting something, but I don't think I've ever met her in my life" She replies to Hitomi.

"But you said you caught her looking at you consistently over the day?" Sayaka says.

"Yes, she seemed to be paying me more attention than anyone else during lessons" Madoka replies.

"Maybe she's interested in you or something" Sayaka offers.

"I really doubt that" Madoka responds.

"What you don't think your cute ribbon got her attention" Sayaka teases.

"I'm fairly sure she's already in a relationship" Madoka responds.

"Oh, what do you mean" Hitomi asks.

"She mentioned the girl she was walking with earlier today isn't related to her" Madoka comments.

"So you mean those two" Sayaka says.

"Think so" Madoka answers.

Before they can gossip any further however Hitomi checks her watch and realises she needs to set off for tea ceremony practice.

With that Madoka and Sayaka also start to head back Sayaka wanting to stop off at the music store on the way back.

As Sayaka puts on some headphones to listen to music Madoka hears a sound.

Help me

A high-pitched androgynous voice appears, it feels like it's coming from her head somehow yet she can still get a sense of the direction it came from.

Following the voice that calls out she opens a fire door and walks through a corridor.

Save me Ma---

The voice suddenly cuts off feeling like it was broadcasting from around the corner of where she is standing Madoka as silently as she possibly can looks around the corner.

She sees a person in a black and white outfit with a few notes of pink. The girl seems to be wearing an eyepatch, her other eye pink in colour. The most notable thing about her however is the fact that one of her hands is holding a number of claws, currently impaled through a white creature that looks like a mix between a rabbet and a cat.

Paralysed Madoka watches as the girl dispassionately picks up the half shredded animal she just finished putting her claws through and tosses its corpse into a corner.

Madoka realises that that animal had looked nothing like anything she had seen before it, especially with the rings that seemed to have been floating around its ears. That must have been the thing begging for her help.

Madoka's thoughts suddenly return to her dream, the dispassionate murder of that animal reminding her of that girl also in strange dress who killed her so remorselessly.

Terrified of being seen by the girl who as far as Madoka knows just killed that poor thing, Madoka starts slowly taking steps back. Yet with the first step the girl's gaze which had been lazily sweeping around the area turned directly to her location.

Madoka ran hoping to reach a public area. It was too dark to make out who that person was beside her bright pink eye, black hair, and strange costume and Madoka doesn't know why she killed that thing but knows she would feel much safer around other people.

Madoka hears the girl say a swear behind her and start moving after her.

Sayaka comes around the corner with a fire extinguisher, seeing Madoka running she throws the fire extinguisher behind her before also running.

Not taking the time to look behind her Madoka hears claws cutting through metal followed by further swearing as the extinguisher bursts.

Sayaka and Madoka keep running but despite the fact that they should have long since reached their destination there seemed like nothing but more path in front of them.

The two stop and look back not seeing the person chasing them Madoka and Sayaka look at their surroundings.

The place they are in seems like some sort of nightmare come to life impossible plantlife and inordinately vivid colours surrounding the two girls.

Cotton balls with moustaches appear around the place and wander towards them.

"This has to be some kind of bad dream or something right? Right, Madoka?" Sayaka says sounding terrified.

Madoka huddles with Sayaka and prays that she won't die in this terrible place.

Suddenly the person they were running from appears. She moves at a ridiculous speed to the extent that Madoka isn't even sure how she and Sayaka got away in the first place.

In seconds the cotton ball things are shredded and the girl turns to look at Madoka and Sayaka.

"You know all of this would have been much easier if you two didn't run into a labyrinth"

Chapter Text

Kirika gets up in a good mood. After all, Homura is finally going to be joining her at school.

While she will miss their phone calls and Homura bringing her sweets after school getting to spend more of the day in her presence more than makes up for it.

Getting dressed she follows her normal norming routine until Homura also gets up.

Once Homura walks in for breakfast Kirika gives her a quick hug before the two sit down to eat like normal.

"Remember I need to talk to Madoka after our first class so if possible don't interrupt me for that" Homura reminds Kirika.

"I know, don't worry I won't get in the way of you chatting with Madoka," Kirika replies unbothered.

"The incubator tends to accelerate its attempts to target Madoka around now if you see it around don't hesitate to kill its bodies" Homura comments.

"Don't worry I won't let White Ring slip through my claws" Kirika answers.

"I know but at this point, it seems to mobilise more bodies so if we don't keep an eye out it will be very easy to miss one," Homura says.

"It didn't seem to last timeline" Kirika notes.

"Last timeline was anomalous in many ways, it's for the best that we assume we won't be so lucky a second time" Homura answers.

"In that case, I'll just have to make you some luck of my own," Kirika says.

"Your help has been invaluable so far. I have no doubt together we will be more than enough" Homura says expressing confidence in Kirika.

Kirika, like always when complimented by Homura feels a surge of pride and affection "Then I will endeavour to live up to your expectations" She responds.

"Just remember the incubator tends to be rather tricky keeping it from making proper contact with Madoka has to be our first priority" Homura says.

"Yep, I know" Kirika responds.

"Other than that Madoka will be going to the mall after school today I would like you to keep an eye on them and remove any incubators from the area. A witch inconsistently manifests there within a 3-hour window including when Madoka and her friends are there. Hopefully, it will appear at a time and location that lets you kill it but be aware it could be inconvenient if we are unfortunate." Homura says wanting to make sure Kirika is fully informed.

"If I'm going to keep an eye on Madoka after school what are you going to be doing?" Kirika asks curious.

"I will be removing a few witches that appear today, which if left to their own devices may kiss some Mitikaria middle school students and in doing so attract Madoka. Normally I don't get the chance today due to having to keep Madoka safe but with you there we can afford to multitask" Homura answers.

"I would have thought you would prefer if I remove the witches and you keep Madoka safe," Kirika comments considering Homura's affection for Madoka.

"I trust you entirely. Anyway, you are better suited to killing the incubator's bodies. Using guns in any public place even in time stop is very attention grabbing, forcing me to use inefficient or magically expensive means to get rid of them. You on the other hand can simply cut them up nearly silently. Simply put you are better fit for the job in this case." Homura comments explaining her reasoning.

"If I start chopping up its bodies White Ring is going to know we are opposing it," Kirika notes.

"It's unavoidable, anyway Mami was the incubator's best asset for countering us and protecting its bodies. With her gone it should find it hard to oppose us directly" Homura says.

"Eh if you're fine with it then I certainly have no issues ripping a few of that thing's bodies to pieces. Honestly sounds relaxing," Kirika comments.

"In that case, we should be ready for the day," Homura says.

"You know, you seem awfully serious this morning. Are you nervous about meeting Madoka for the first time this loop?" Kirika comments thinking about how business minded Homura is being this morning.

"I simply wish to be well prepared" Homura answers not looking Kirika in the eye.

"Hey, nothing to be embarrassed about meeting the person you love is always serious business. I would know I meet her every day and I'm always serious about her," Kirika comments enjoying Homura's very slight blush.

"It is important today goes well regardless of my feelings for Madoka" Homura comments.

"I know but we have prepared as much as we possibly can. No need to over stress about it," Kirika says seeing Homura looking more tense than normal.

"You're right, we are well prepared, with some good luck we should be able to avoid any issues" Homura states.

"Exactly. Now having said all that I think there is only one more important thing I need to say," Kiria says sounding serious.

"What would that be?" Homura asks.

"I love you," Kirika answers.

Homura laughs having been prepared for a serious comment "I know you do" she replies.

"Well that's good, in that case, we can probably set off to school," Kirika says finishing her breakfast.

With that the two walk to school hand in hand as has become normal for the both of them.

Getting to school they can see Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi talking to each other, at one point Madoka seems to notice them but moves her attention back to her friends after a second.

"I do hope Sayaka ends up hating me slightly less this timeline, while she was kinda funny in an ineffectual sort of a way it was still annoying" Kirika comments as she and Homura walk up.

"Well with Mami out of the equation this early Sayaka could go in quite a few directions, though I find that it's hard to find her any better than tolerable even when we are not enemies" Homrua comments.

"Makes sense" Kirika replies.

With that the two reach school and after Kirika gives Homura a hug which she reciprocates the two go their separate ways to classes.

The first half of the day goes by as it normally does in school. Kirika is slightly sad that she can't see Homura over her break after her first lessons but it's made up for by the fact she knows she'll be able to stick with Homura for lunch.

Once lunch finally arrives Kirika finds Homura surrounded by a group of students obviously impressed by the new girl. Having little patience for them Kirika manoeuvres through the group until she reaches Homura.

"Hello new girl" Kirika says.

"Really Kirika" Homura answers.

"What I'm just saying hello to my new schoolmate who I've totally never seen before," Kirika says.

Homura rolls her eyes at Kirika not bothering to respond.

"Aw don't be like that, how about I give you a tour of the school," Kirika says grabbing Homura's hand.

"Fine show me around" Homura says in deadpan.

Kirika proceeds to pull Homura out of the throng of students trying to talk to her. She and Homura speed walk away fast enough that no one bothers to try to keep up.

"It is much more peaceful without the hangers-on," Kirika says relieved to be with Homura without a crowd around them.

"I can't disagree" Homura says not being a particular fan of crowds herself.

"So how did your talk with Madoka go" Kirika asks.

"Within expectations. Though she assumed we were sisters until I corrected her" Homura comments.

Kirika cackles hearing that "What do you not want me related to you sis" she says giggling between words.

"Kirika while we may be close. No" Homura answers bluntly.

"I can't believe you don't want me as your big sister," Kirika says still finding this entire conversation hysterical.

"I'm fairly sure I'm older than you due to the looping," Homura says.

"True, however according to our birthdays, I think you'll find that as far as the world is concerned I'm still older than you little sis," Kirika says deciding to get the most out of this before it wears out.

"Yes, as can be seen by the fact you're much more mature than me and not juvenile in the least" Homura answers.

"Hey, I can be mature when I need to. I just don't see any reason to right now" Kirika says.

"I can tell" Homura replies.

"Ok fine I'll stop, was it just that we have the same hair colour?" Kirika asks curious.

"I didn't pursue the subject" Homura answers.

"Didn't want it to get in the way of your dramatic speech?" Kirika asks.

"I was more focused on warning Madoka yes," Homura says.

"Hey, the dramatics are cute" Kirika answers delighted by Homura blushing in response.

"I am exactly as dramatic as is required," Homura says.

"I know, I love you exactly as you are after all" Kirika says.

The two continue talking over lunch while Kirika shows Homura around the school on their rather unnecessary tour.

Near the end of lunch, Homura spots the tail of an incubator and quickly stops time.

Kirika shreds it and deposits it outside of school before the two detransform back where they were.

While Kirika and Homura are concerned by the incubator's presence there is little they can do about it other than keeping an eye on Madoka and killing any other ones they see.

The rest of the school day passes uneventfully. Once it ends Kirika and Homura hug before going their separate ways.

Kirika follows Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi at a distance keeping an eye out for any incubators in the vicinity.

For most of the walk, the area is clear but once she gets to the mall she sees one around the area. Transforming she quickly cuts through it and throws its body out of a fire door in the mall moving fast
enough for no one to notice.

Annoyingly however she notices that there is another one on the other side of the fire door without pause she goes down to it and kills that one two. From that point, the day becomes a game of cat and mouse as Kirika hunts down any incubators that try to make it near Madoka.

While it tries multiple angles White Ring seems to dislike having two living versions of itself visible at one time something that allows Kirika to keep the mall clear enough to prevent any getting at Madoka especially.

Near when Madoka is going to leave the mall however it seems to put a bit more effort into trying to get through the fire door entrance from the area under renovations in the mall.

While she is able to kill its bodies quickly it replaces them swiftly and one gets around her for a second. Still, Kirika is fast and it only takes a couple seconds for her to impale it on her claws and then toss the body into the corner. The good thing about White Ring is it cleans its bodies up. Allowing her to just toss them away rather than having to hide them.

Considering Madoka should be heading off soon she considers it a job well done in making White Rings job inconvenient, when she hears a faint footstep around the corner to where she is standing.

Looking at where the sound comes from she catches a hint of pink hair before the sound of running.

Kirika swears under her breath.

She thinks for a second and assumes White Ring could have tried to attract Madoka around somehow. Even if the lack of further incubator bodies means she's probably more or less cleared the area she does now need to catch up with Madoka if only to clear up what she thinks she saw.

Kirika begins following Madoka trying to match her speed, she wants to keep sight of her so that once she gets into public she can have a conversation.

Of course, life can never be convenient and so Kirika notices Sayaka come around the corner and throw something at her. While Kirika could and probably should have just dodged around it she just cuts it in half to save some time.

Unfortunately said something happened to be a fire extinguisher and exploded into foam once she cut it in half delaying her for a second.

This wouldn't be a major problem if that was all but issues have a habit of compounding as Kirika senses the formation of a witch ahead of her, likely the one Homura warned her about.

Stretching time around herself Kirika runs in earnest trying to reach the barrier before Madoka and Sayaka can get themselves stuck in it.

The labyrinth seems to have slight plant theming while being as deranged and abstract as normal. Kirika cuts through any of the fluff familiars that try to stop her hoping to kill the witch before it can do anything.

Luck however remains against Kirika as while cutting through familiars Kirika spots Madoka and Sayaka huddled with a number of familiars approaching them. They must have run right into the barrier.

Kirika rushes to kill the familiars before they can harm anyone before turning to look at the people she has to protect.

"You know all of this would have been much easier if you two didn't run into a labyrinth," Kirika says.

The two don't reply looking just as scared of her as the familiars.

"Ok look not sure what you saw but you're going to have to stick with me if you don't want to die here" Kirika informs Madoka and Sayaka.

"But I saw you killed that animal, it was crying for help" Madoka says sounding scared but also angry she stands straight a determination in her eye in the face of danger.

"Yes I killed one of White Ring's bodies but trust me I did not kill that thing permanently as much as I wish I could it's basically immortal" Kirika says.

"What do you mean," Sayaka asks looking confused between Madoka and Kirika obviously lacking any context for this conversation.

"Look I killed a non-human being that tries to trick girls out of their souls. You over there got the wrong idea ran off and got yourself stuck in a witch's labyrinth. I am going to kill the witch's familiars and the witch so we can get out of here and you two can forget this ever happened" Kirika says annoyed that she wasn't able to fully keep Madoka away from magic today as planned.

Sayaka who had looked scared before suddenly looked intrigued "Wait does that make you a magical girl or something" She says looking at the area around them and Kirika's costume.

"Yep, I'm a magical girl. I wouldn't recommend being one though it's a terrible deal that guarantees you fight against eldrich monstrosities until you die a painful death in a labyrinth like this where no one will even find your body to bury it." Kirika says. Even if she personally loves being a magical girl with Homura it's currently her job to make it as unattractive as physically possible.

"Oh," Sayaka says suddenly looking uncomfortable.

"Ok look just follow me closely and do exactly what I say and you'll get out of this with nothing but some slightly traumatic memories. ok?"

Sayaka and Madoka nod both looking like they are full of questions but not confident asking.

Kirika walks forward slowly letting them easily keep up with them. Whenever she encounters a familiar she dashes forward and kills it instantaneously to reduce risk before going back to make sure her charges are protected.

"Um sorry to interrupt you protecting us but who exactly are you" Madoka asks shyly intimidated by seeing the girl in front of her casually destroy everything in front of them with her claws.

"Oh, I'm Kure Kirika, local magical girl and partner of the most amazing person in the world. Nice to meet you" Kirika says.

"Wait you go to our school!" Madoka says suddenly remembering Homura mentioning her name.

"Yep I've seen you two around actually not that we've talked" Kirika replies keeping an eye out for familiures while moving towards what seems to be the center of the barrier.

Now that Kirika's talked back it seems like the floodgates suddenly opened for their questions.

"What actually is this place" Sayaka asks.

"How rude to not introduce yourselves after I did," Kirika says jokingly before continuing "I don't actually care, this is called a labyrinth it's where witches live, they occasionally attract humans in to eat them."

Sayaka and Madoka look concerned for a second after her first sentence before calming down when she mentions it doesn't matter. Still, both do introduce themselves even though Kirika already knows them.

Before any more questions can be asked Kirika finds the witch. It has a head of moss covered in roses with a deformed off-white body and butterfly wings.

Kirika can see both Madoka and Sayaka seem intimidated by its appearance.

"You two stay here this won't take long" Kirika says before twisting the witch's time and lunging.

The witch tries to catch her in vines but she just cuts through before reaching the witch and cutting one of its wings off, she jumps back before its counterattack can land.

Kirika repeats her attacks manoeuvring around the witch vissecting each of its parts until it lacks wings or most of its body. Once it seems disabled she cuts through the roses on its face killing it.

She makes sure to grab the grief seed as the labyrinth collapses leaving her, Madoka and Sayaka in an empty room in the mall.

Both Sayaka and Madoka look at her amazed and slightly intimidated.

"You two should really forget this ever happened and if that thing you saw me kill earlier asks either of you to become a magical girl say no. It does not lie directly but everything it says is some sort of deception or manipulation." Kirika says wanting to ward the two off contracting.

"Wait so you just are going to keep fighting those things for the rest of your life" Madoka asks sounding appalled.

"Yep until one kills me, or another magical girl does. Don't worry about me though" Kirika says wanting to make sure that Madoka and Sayaka understand how bad of a deal this is.

"Why would another magical girl-" Sayaka begins before Kirika interrupts her.

"Look when I said forget this I meant it, nothing will come of this for you, just go home and if you really need answers ask me tomorrow at school," Kirika says wanting to end this conversation and go home to Homura.

Saying this Kirika sets off.

Suffice to say, the day did not go as she had hoped but Kirika would like to believe she at least installed enough scepticism in Sayaka and Madoka to prevent them from contracting too quickly. She would have to talk to Homura before making any more decisions.

Kirika gets home exhausted from her conversations. She still makes sure to cook for when Homura gets home though. She will never be too tired to want to make Homura happy after all.

Once Homura gets home she makes sure to fill her in about what happened during the day.

"It's unfortunate that the witch appeared at such a bad time but at least you got to talk to them before the incubator" Homura comments.

"I'm really sorry I didn't do better, I should have prevented them from seeing anything and killed every White Ring nearby to make sure that never happened" Kirika says annoyed at herself for not doing well enough to protect Homura's wish.

"You did well, it seems like the incubator was even more persistent than usual this time. The witch was simply bad luck that you cannot be faulted for. You did as well as could be hoped for considering the circumstances" Homura replies.

"As well as could be hoped isn't good enough I need to protect your wish and that means I need to do better" Kirika says.

"Kirika! You did well. You kept Madoka safe, made sure they didn't interact with the incubator and made sure they don't trust the incubator. I don't ask the impossible of you so please don't ask the impossible of yourself it won't help either of us" Homura says in a serious tone.

"Ok then. Thanks for believing in me despite my failures" Kirika says with a smile.

"Kirika you did well don't lambast yourself," Homura says.

"Well if you said I did well I guess I have no choice but to believe you" Kirika replies any sadness or annoyance that was on her face gone without a trace.

"Good," Homura says.

"Hey Homura?" Kirika says.

"Yes?"

"I love you"

"I know"

Kirika finishes dinner and the two eat before heading to bed.

Kirika knows Homura doesn't blame her but she still has to be better. For Homura's sake, she will become whatever it takes to ensure her wish. No matter what.

Chapter Text

"So what do we tell Madoka and Sayaka" Kirika asks Homura as the two have breakfast.

"If possible we should keep them as uninvolved as possible, as long as they don't trust the incubator we can still keep Madoka safe" Homura answers.

"Of course but I'm guessing White Ring will be more than happy to fill them in on anything we don't since I doubt we can effectively keep it away from Madoka at this point. It might be better to give them the necessary details ourselves." Kirika points out.

Kirika can see Homura's frustration in response to having to deal with the incubator talking to Madoka.

"Yes but when I tell them the truth of the magical girl system they never believe me" Homura answers.

"Do they not believe you or do they believe Mami the experienced magical girl who's trying to mentor them? Because she's gone now. Which means we are the only source of information other than White Ring Sayaka and Madoka have, as such why wouldn't they believe us?" Kirika points out.

Homura thinks for a second and realises she can't actually find the flaw in Kirika's logic "You may have a point" she responds.

"Exactly and I'm willing to bet Sayaka and Madoka are generally not particularly enthusiastic about having their souls ripped out of their bodies" Kirika says.

"Sayaka tends to react badly to learning it when she's a magical girl but she believes Mami over me without fail making it very hard to convince her of anything normally" Homura answers.

"In that case, I'm confident we are in a great spot to keep those two from contracting," Kirika says.

"I hope you're right Kirika" Homura says not quite as optimistic considering some of her prior attempts to prevent Madoka from contracting.

"Trust me this will work" Kirika replies.

"You already know I trust you," Homura responds.

"Yep, but I'm still honoured to hear you say it" Kirika replies.

"Was that just you fishing for compliments?" Homura asks.

"I would never try to get insincere praise from you," Kirika responds in a light tone.

"And sincere praise?" Homura asks.

"I can think of few things that make me happier than your sincere praise" Kirika answers.

"Well as my closest confidant, I can say you have probably earned at least a bit of praise" Homura says enjoying the delight that appears on Kirika's face in response to her statement.

"As your closest confidant may I disclose to you the fact I'm in love with you" Kirika responds.

"I would never have guessed" Homura answers.

"Well now you know" Kirika says with a smile.

"I guess I do" Homura answers.

Kirika notices a smile has snuck its way onto Homura's face and feels satisfied to have gotten her past her earlier bad mood.

"If you ever forget I'd be very happy to remind you" Kirika says.

"You make it rather hard to forget" Homura answers.

"Well if you're saying I make you feel loved then I cannot think of anything that would make me happier" Kirika responds.

"Are you going to claim that this is you being selfish?" Homura asks.

"Of course this is me being selfish, I can't think of anything more selfish in the entire world than loving you and making you happy" Kirika answers.

"I think I need to get you to read a dictionary at some point," Homura says.

"Selfish, concerned mainly with one's own self benefit or enjoyment without consideration to others. Yep, I'm pretty sure my love for you is selfish" Kirika answers.

"You seem to give me plenty of consideration" Homura responds.

"Exactly because your happiness is my to my self benefit and brings me enjoyment. I'm selfish because I consider you all that matters, regardless of what anyone else may want" Kirika says looking into Homuras eyes as she talks.

"I still don't know how I earned such devotion," Homura says looking away from Kirika's gaze.

"By being such an incredible person and by saving me" Kirika responds.

"At this point, you have saved me at least as much if not more than I have you" Homura points out.

"I'm not referring to my life, I'm referring to myself. Before all this I had nothing, I simply existed in a world that felt empty and pointless. You gave my existence meaning, I can never pay you back for that" Kirika responds.

"You can pay me back by staying by my side no matter what happens in that case," Homura says.

"But that's something I would have done anyway" Kirika answers.

"I know. What can I say I'm feeling selfish," Homura says.

Kirika just laughs in response.

Soon after that, the two finish breakfast and set off to school hand in hand.

As they walk toward school Kirika sees Madoka and Sayaka head towards them.

"You said to ask for answers tomorrow at school," Sayaka says.

Kirika chooses to answer "I believe I said you should forget this actually, but since you obviously haven't I guess I'll answer some questions" Kirika says.

Madoka looks at Homura "Are you also a magical girl?"

"Yes, I am" Homura answers.

"Was this what you were warning me about yesterday?" Madoka asks.

"Yes, though I had rather hoped it would be unnecessary" Homura answers.

"So could you explain a bit more about how any of this works" Sayaka asks.

Homura leads the 4 of them off the direct route to school so they are a bit more isolated before saying anything.

Kirika looks to Homura who decides to start the explanation "Magical girls are people who made a contract with a creature named Kyubey. It gives them something they believe they want and in return, they must fight witches for the rest of their life. It tends to be a short and painful existence."

"Kirika kinda explained that much yesterday but she mentioned a few things that were confusing," Sayaka responds.

Kirika takes over answering "I mentioned that magical girls are either killed by a witch or a magical girl. that's what confused you right."

Sayaka nods.

Kirika turns her ring into it's gem form "This is a soul gem, it is quite literally my soul, If I move it more than 100 meters away from my body my body will go limp and if it is destroyed I will die" she says before turning it back into a ring.

Sayaka blanches "But that means you're practically zombies," she then closes her mouth directly after saying that realising how insulting that sounds.

Kirika continues "That's just background though. Whenever a magical girl uses magic, which even moving takes a tiny bit since our bodies are controlled by our gems, our gems fill with a substance called grief. If a soul gem ever becomes full of grief the magical girl will die and a witch will spawn from their soul. Killed witches drop grief seeds which are the only means of removing grief."

At this point, both Madoka and Sayaka look utterly horrified.

"Magical girls may end up fighting other magical girls due to the fact the number of witches in a given area is finite. This means that greed or territory disputes can lead to magical girls murdering other magical girls." Kirika finishes.

"But that's horrible" Madoka comments.

"That is life as a magical girl" Homura answers.

Kirika is feeling fairly confident, based on Madoka and Sayaka's reactions it looks like they believe what they were told which should hopefully prevent them contracting.

I believe that you are giving a rather skewed explanation of being a magical girl a high androgynous voice broadcasts to the 4 girls.

Kyubey walks out before sitting on top of a fence next to where the girls have been talking.

"Have we said anything blatantly incorrect?" Homura asks the incubator.

It is accurate enough in terms of content but misses many key details. Like the fact that in exchange for becoming a magical girl, the contractee is given a wish which may be for anything at all. It is by no means a one sided exchange. I would be interested in where you have learned so many details though as I do not recall contracting either of you.

"What do you mean a wish?" Madoka asks looking at Kyubey suspiciously.

Exactly what the word suggests. You in particular have massive potential you could wish for anything from bringing back the dead to godhood and you would have your wish granted. Do not worry we do not offer a monkey's paw, the wish goes exactly as the contractee intends as far as the wording allows.

"It is not worth it," Homura says.

That is a subjective statement. You personally may not have found your wish worth it but even with full detail there are many girls who would be dead for want of a wish. It is rather rare for any of those to regret making a contract. Wishes allow for a miracle that could never be accomplished even if one spent their entire life working for it. As such the dangers of becoming a magical girl are a very fair exchange for what is gained.

"Perhaps you are right that people with truly no other option may not regret their wish but both of these girls have lives that will go on perfectly well without a wish. I would recommend you find other girls to convince to sell their souls" Homura responds.

I can see I am not welcome here right now but please do not dismiss my offer out of hand. Madoka, Sayaka both of you have potential. Should there come a time when you believe that you require a wish I will be available. I would also not recommend you place too much trust in those two magical girls. Consider asking them what happened to the magical girl who guarded this city before they arrived.

With that Kyubey leaves.

"What did he mean about the last magical girl who guarded this city?" Sayaka asks looking over at Homura and Kirika

Homura remains utterly expressionless while Kirika shrugs.

After a second Kirika replies "She disappeared. Presumably, she died hunting a witch like most other magical girls" Kirika's answer is given in a blase tone.

Kirika then goes up to Homura "We should probably get going toward school, would be a shame if you were late for your second day" she says.

With that Kirika and Homura set off toward school while Madoka and Sayaka follow at a slight distance.

School mostly goes as normal. Kirika and Homura stick together over lunch and recess while lessons pass at their normal rate. While both stay available in case Madoka or Sayaka have any other questions they are not approached again over the day.

While both Kirika and Homura keep an eye out Kyubey does not make any other appearances either.

After school, Kirika and Homura do their usual end of day hunting killing off a few witches and free familiars that Mami is no longer around to take care of. Soon enough it's late enough for the two to head home.

Once they reach their apartment Kirika starts cooking some dinner and the two discuss the morning.

"Well on the upside Madoka and Sayaka seemed appropriately horrified regarding how the system works. I doubt they will trust White Ring any time soon." Kirika comments.

"Indeed, let's just hope that is enough to prevent them making any wishes. The incubator is already trying to use Mami's death to make them suspicious of us." Homura answers.

"Well yeah but it has no way to prove she didn't just get eaten by a witch. After all, she was a powerful magical girl. One would assume there would be leftover damage if any other magical girls decided to assassinate her." Kirika points out.

"We shouldn't underestimate the incubator it has millennia of experience manipulating people" Homura responds.

"I know but I really do think we are not in too bad a spot," Kirika says.

"We will save Madoka, this time we won't fail," Homura says.

"Exactly I for one refuse to lose to White Ring of all stuffed animal looking things" Kirika says.

Homura just nods.

Eventually, Kirika finishes cooking and the two eat dinner.

Once the two finish eating Kirika gives Homura a hug which is reciprocated.

"Don't worry Homura I'm far too selfish to let this end in a way that doesn't see you happy" Kirika says as she holds onto Homura.

"And I am too selfish to accept a world where Madoka cannot live free from being a magical girl. I guess we are alike in a way" Homura comments.

"Well if you can't accept that neither can I so I'm sure both our selfishness will be more than enough to change Madoka's fate" Kirika answers.

A few seconds after they finish speaking the two end their embrace and head to bed. Both of them determined to see the future they envision brought to fruition.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up considering what she will need to do to ensure White Ring can't trick Madoka or Sayaka.

While Kirika was extremely confident yesterday in front of Homura about their chances a part of that was performance. After all, Homura needs to be absolutely sure they can succeed, the more confident she is about her goals the better she can follow them.

So while Kirika is not sure if she's enough to convince Madoka and Sayaka not to contract yet she will just have to change to become someone who can. She will not fail Homura, she will see her savour's wish realised no matter what.

With this thought Kirika finishes getting up and gets dressed before heading out to make breakfast.

If Kirika is not enough to help Homura yet then she will just become someone who is. There is absolutely no point worrying about it when she could be focusing on the things that are important.

Like ensuring that Homura has a nice morning.

As usual, by the time Homura is up Kirika has finished setting out breakfast. She makes sure to run up to Homura and hug her the second she appears with a "Good morning!" before sitting down next to her.

"You know, you making breakfast for me every day has rather ruined my ability to persist on whatever took the least time and effort to make," Homura says as she sits down.

"Oh if you think it's ruining your incredible ability to deny yourself even the slightest of pleasures maybe I should stop lest I get you to start enjoying life" Kirika says.

"At this point, I'm not even sure I could stomach an MRE, I've lived on those for years you know" Homura continues.

"Ah, you have found my master plan. Cooking you meals that you actually enjoy so that I can become indispensable to you and win your heart" Kirika says making sure to add an evil cackle at the end.

"How devious of you" Homura replies looking amused.

"But you see it has already worked for even after I have revealed my dastardly plot it's too late for you to go back to eating plain cereal in the mornings" Kirika says.

"How evil of you," Homura replies.

"My heart is truly black with my evil deeds. It's still yours though," Kirika says.

"Well, I hope that your malign nature doesn't get in the way of making sure Madoka and Sayaka don't contract over the day" Homura comments.

"Just for you I'll be good" Kirika answers.

"Perfect, in that case, I assume you will be up for hunting down some witches and familiars after school with me?" Homura asks.

"With you? I would love to" Kirika answers enthusiastically.

"Thank you for being so reliable" Homura answers looking pleased.

"There is little I want more than to be someone you can rely upon" Kirika answers.

"In that case, I'm pleased you're getting what you want" Homura responds.

"Hey Homura?" Kirika asks.

"I know" Homura responds.

"Oy, you didn't even let me say it that time," Kirika says.

"But I did know exactly what you were going to say" Homura answers.

"True, guess I should just be happy you know me so well" Kirika says with a smile.

Homura just smiles as the two finish with breakfast and head off to school.

As Kirika and Homura approach school they can see Sayaka, Hitomi and Madoka talking.

Kirika considers approaching but after a quick discussion with Homura decides it would probably be better to let Madoka and Sayaka take the initiative when it comes to approaching them for questions.

Lessons pass like normal without anything eventful happening until first recess.

Homura and Kirika find a table to sit at that's fairly far from any crowds and talk while keeping an eye out for Kyubey when Sayaka approaches them without Madoka.

"I've been thinking about what we talked about yesterday and I have something I need to ask" Sayaka says after walking up to them.

"And what would that be Miki Sayaka?" Homura responds.

Sayaka says nothing for a few seconds trying to build some confidence "Have either of you two ever killed someone?" Sayaka finally asks.

Kirika can tell that Sayaka had been conflicted on whether to ask that. In the end, her morality and curiosity win over her caution.

"Yes" Kirika answers not adding any detail. Kirika considers that it would probably not be wise to mention that she has actually killed Sayaka before.

Homura looks at Sayaka for a second before nodding as her answer.

Sayaka looks horrified at the response for all she was the one who asked.

"Why" Sayaka asks that being the only word that comes to mind.

"Because that is the world that magical girls live in. If you find yourself unwilling to dirty your hands you will quickly find yourself a corpse" Homura answers with her typical bluntness.

"Is that really the only way" Sayaka responds not quite over the fact the two people she's talking to have killed people.

"Well, it's not like there is any type of magical police or other authority. Aside from that, most magical girls' weapons are much better suited to lethality than taking prisoners with few exceptions. I mean it's not like I enjoy how the system works but I will choose myself and Homura over anyone else every time when it comes down to it" Kirika responds.

"But that's wrong, that has to be wrong," Sayaka says unable to accept that something so terrible can so casually exist.

"Possibly but no one who isn't a magical girl has any right to judge. This is simply how our world functions" Homura answers.

"Someone must have tried to change that I refuse to accept that no one has tried to make things better" Sayaka says hating every part of this conversation.

"There are certainly magical girls who try to pursue goals such as justice and fairness. The problem is that kindness leads to weakness and the people who refuse to bend break. I have known magical girls who thought as you do. They died or became witches without fail." Homura answers.

Sayaka looks at Homura and Kirika seeing them in a new light. "How can either of you possibly live with yourselves thinking like that?" Her voice is tinted with outrage.

"Because some things are more important than petty ideals such as justice" Homura answers.

"Because I know exactly what I care about and don't particularly mind if the rest of the world burns as long as she is happy" Kirika responds looking at Homura.

Sayaka looks at the people she's talking to and then at the floor her hands are shaking "That's inhuman, I, dammit that can't be right."

"Don't become a magical girl Sayaka nothing awaits you in this world other than suffering. This system has existed for longer much longer than you and will exist much longer than us. It simply is" Homura states.

"How can you ask me to learn about that and just accept it?" Sayaka asks.

"Because it's not your problem, I mean everyone ignores just as much injustice as this even without magic, the world's a bit of a shit place. So what? there are some things that you didn't know about that are also terrible? Unless you also plan to fix every other problem in the world then I see no reason to make the magical girl system your pet problem," Kirika says looking Sayaka in the eye.

"How can you ask me to just ignore the fact that you've killed people and are going to keep doing so because of a broken unjust system that perpetuates that sort of atrocity and kills children" Sayaka asks.

"Because you can't change it in any way shape or form" Kirika answers.

"I hate this," Sayaka says before coming to the conclusion that this entire conversation is pointless.

"One last question, that magical girl who was protecting the city before you. Was she also this ruthless?" Sayaka asks.

"She believed in similar ideals to you. You should consider her fate before seeing that as something to look up to however" Homura says dispassionately.

Sayaka walks off in a significantly worse mood than she arrived.

"Well on the upside she probably hates the system at least as much as she hates us" Kirika comments.

"True though it would be nice if Sayaka was not quite so determined to become a problem constantly" Homura replies.

"As long as she doesn't contract it's not our problem and if nothing else we are doing quite a good job of exposing just how bad an idea that is," Kirika says.

"I just hope that knowing it's a bad idea is enough to get Sayaka to not do something stupid. When it comes to her principles she has a habit of being suicidally irrational" Homura answers.

"Well let's just hope that this time manages to be an exception" Kirika says.

"Let us hope" Homura answers.

Soon after that fraught conversation lessons resume keeping Homura and Kirika busy until lunch.

Homura and Kirika head up to the roof as had become habit last timeline.

Kirika leans her head on Homura.

"Kirika do you regret becoming a magical girl?" Homura asks thinking about just how terrible this system really is.

"Not for a second" Kirika responds.

"Despite the fact it means that you have to hunt witches and fight other magical girls for the rest of your life?" Homura questions.

"Well, thanks to being a magical girl I can help you and keep you company. Honestly, that is more than enough to make everything else worth it" Kirika says.

"Even though you've killed people to help me?" Homura continues.

"If you asked me to I'd kill everyone. I was telling the truth when I said the world could burn as long as you're happy you know" Kirika says.

"Protecting Madoka is what matters not my happiness" Homura responds.

"Don't worry I am fully devoted to protecting her but she's not the person I love, you are. So I'll protect her with all my power for your sake. Don't get me wrong though your happiness is what matters to me" Kirika says.

Homura laughs slightly "I know that's what you think, yet somehow I'm never ready for you to say it." She says.

Kirika moves until she's sitting on Homura's lap and then turns to hug Homura.

"Homura I love almost everything about you but I do truly hate the part of you that thinks you don't deserve happiness. You're incredible and I love you so please don't say your happiness doesn't matter because it matters to me a great deal." Kirika says holding onto Homura.

"Thank you Kirika" Homura responds holding Kirika back.

Eventually, they end the hug and discuss some less emotionally charged topics.

Before long lunch is over and Kirika is to her great disappointment forced to move.

Once school ends Homura and Kirika make sure to talk to Madoka and Sayaka one last time before heading off for the weekend.

"We should share phone numbers so you can call us if you encounter a witch or if White Ring starts bugging you" Kirika offers as she and Homura had briefly discussed over lunch.

Madoka accepts without too much fan fair exchanging her number with the two magical girls. Sayaka also does in the end even if her face looks like she's biting into a lemon as she does so.

With that done Homura and Kirika make sure to clear out any familiars that ended up anywhere near the school before setting off to hunt a few witches that had popped up over the day.

While Homura knows where most witches appear there are some that Mami killed before Homura ever had the opportunity to which leads to Homura and Kirika spending a bit more time around areas like hospitals, morgues and Mami's other preferred hunting grounds to kill off the witches she would have handled otherwise.

Still eventually Homura and Kirika clear out enough witches to feel satisfied and head home.

Kirika cooks dinner as normal.

She delights in seeing Homura enjoy her cooking while the two talk about whatever they feel like.

Looking at Homura sitting next to her enjoying her food and refusing to laugh at a bad joke Kirika can understand perfectly well what she's fighting for.

She's not fighting so the magical girl system can get better or for some lofty ideals. She's not even really fighting to make sure Madoka is safe though that is something she will ensure.

Kirika is fighting to make sure the most brilliant girl in the world is happy and looking at her now Kirika can't imagine a better goal.

Chapter Text

As Homura gets up she has a thought that she has found impossible to get out of her head since her conversation with Kirika yesterday.

What would actually make her happy?

On the surface, this seems like a very easy question to answer, Homura would be happy saving Madoka and ending this endless loop of hers. Yet is that all there is to it?

If she succeeded in saving Madoka and then simply disappeared from the world would she be satisfied by that?

Of course, saving Madoka is the most important thing of all, in the face of that her happiness is utterly irrelevant. Despite that Kirika has forced her to actually consider what would make her happy outside of the completion of her mission.

The conclusion Homura reaches is that much like a disturbing number of things recently she simply does not know.

Homura can recognise she's been happier these last two timelines than she has in years but that can be attributed almost solely to Kirika.

Homura can remember she was also happier in those first few timelines when she could actually be close to Madoka before they learned the truth and everything fell apart.

However, while that gives a clue as to who makes her happy it does not answer the question of what makes her happy.

Yet there is another just as important question that must be answered. Does she deserve to be happy?

She has despite all her chances not managed to have saved Madoka even a single time. She has stolen, fought and killed to try to save Madoka yet her every action has ended in failure.

How can Homura consider herself worthy of happiness until Madoka is safe?

It's with these thoughts going through her head that Homura accepts Kirika's hug as she heads out to have breakfast.

After holding Kirika for a few seconds Homura sits down next to her to have the breakfast she prepared.

"What are you thinking about Homura" Kirika questions as she sits down.

"About how we can make sure Sayaka doesn't contract and ruin things" Homura decides to respond not wanting to share her earlier thoughts.

"I get the feeling that's not what you were actually thinking about" Kirika points out.

For as single minded as she often is Kirika has a habit of being annoyingly perceptive sometimes.

"To tell the truth I was thinking about what we talked about yesterday" Homura answers.

"I'm fairly sure we didn't discuss anything particularly groundbreaking yesterday unless I'm forgetting something" Kirika comments unsure what Homura is referring to.

"More specifically what you mentioned about your goals" Homura says.

"Making you happy?" Kirika asks.

"Yes, that one" Homura responds.

"What about it, I don't think it's that complicated really. You are the centre of my world, of course, I want to see you smile and ensure that your life is one you can be satisfied with" Kirika answers.

"But how can I possibly have earned that when all I have are my failures? Until Madoka's fate is changed my happiness would be a betrayal of my efforts. I don't deserve to be happy until I have completed my wish" Homura says.

Kirika looks directly into Homura's eyes "Homura you're generally very intelligent so don't be insulted when I say this but I think that may have been the stupidest thing I've ever heard" Kirika says with some irritation written into her features.

"What do you mean" Homura responds unused to being so directly confronted by Kirika.

"Would any of the Madokas you've tried saving be happier for your misery? Does your sadness give you any additional ability to save her other than making your soul gem last less long? Does hating yourself provide you with even the slightest piece of utility? To be honest, as much as I call my love for you selfish your hate for yourself is just as selfish" Kirika says some genuine anger slipping into her tone.

"It doesn't matter if it improves things or not I cannot simply forget my failures. I can't just look at every time Madoka has died because I wasn't enough. Because I was too weak, too slow, too stupid to save her. I have been living this same month and a half for years and yet I have achieved nothing other than failure again and again and again. I despise myself because I deserve nothing less than scorn for my inability to save anything at all given all the time in the world!" Homura says her voice raising until the last sentence is almost a shout.

Homura feels Kirika's arms close around her so absorbed by her words that she didn't even notice Kirika getting up. A part of Homura wants to push Kirika away, she doesn't deserve her, Kirika deserves better than someone whose only legacy is an endless cycle of failure.

Before she can gather the will to do so she feels something wet from where Kirika's head is nudging into her chest.

Homura looks down at Kirika and sees tears at the edges of her eyes.

"But that's wrong. You have lost nothing and failed nothing. Isn't that the point of what you can do even to erase those mistakes? Homura you've lost no one but memories and failed no one but memories. Don't hate yourself on behalf of futures that never existed and people who are still alive and unharmed right now. You have done more than anyone else ever would or could to protect Madoka your dedication to that is amazing." Kirika says trying to refute Homura.

Homura refuses to give in to Kirika today though. While she knows she could sink into this hug and let Kirika say exactly what she wants to hear she can't. Homura does not deserve to be happy and does not deserve Kirika giving her that happiness.

Homura stands up with Kirika still embracing her and looks down at Kirika's smaller form, her messy black hair and incredibly earnest eyes that look at her like they see someone worth believing in. She's incredible, she deserves better than Homura.

Homura gently takes Kirika's arms and puts them back to her sides Kirika not resisting her.

"Kirika, you're incredible you know, I do really believe that you won't let me be unhappy if I just let you. But the fact remains my legacy is that of failure and destruction, everything I touch gets ruined. I have been through these days dozens and dozens of times yet the only thing that has grown with that time is my body count. I don't know what you think you see in me but it's not there. I will finish my mission to save Madoka because I must but I don't deserve anything more than that. I can't be the person you think I am." Homura says in a hollow voice.

While before Homura felt anger now she just feels empty, a part of her knows this has been building for a while bubbling under the surface with every happy interaction she had with Kirika. Yet for all it is deserved seeing Kirika looking hurt from her words only makes her feel worse.

"Was I a failure? Was you saving me a mistake? Do you think that I'm ruined by your presence?" Kirika asks slowly each word deliberate.

"Of course not. Kirika you're amazing I could never regret saving you from that labyrinth. You have never been the problem. But really, you say you love me but why? What could I possibly bring to you that you can't do yourself? You actually bother to take care of yourself, you have your own home and you are more than skilled enough to live freely as a magical girl without my assistance. All I bring you is trials and enemies. You have killed people for me, have fought endless witches and risked your life for me, given me your time and attention. What for? What do you possibly get out of this? Don't just say it's because you love me because that just doesn't make sense. Why have you chained yourself to my fate when it will bring you nothing but the same pointless torment and suffering that it has brought me." Homura says.

She knows that this won't make anything better. That at best it will drive away the best thing that has happened to her in years. That her words hurt Kirika and herself. Yet Homura finds herself unable to stop finally given the chance to unleash her internal agony onto another undeserving soul.

"I don't care" Kirika responds.

"What" Homura says.

"I don't care if staying with you means I have to kill witches or magical girls or hell even normal people. I don't care if I could live perfectly well as a magical girl without you. I don't care if I risk my life for you and give you my time and attention. I don't care if you're right and by following you I will find only torment and suffering in my future. I don't care that no matter what I do I will always pale in comparison to Madoka for you. To be honest I don't even care if I get nothing at all out of this. I love you, you know that even if you will never quite understand just how much that means to me. I love your determination, I love that you will keep on going no matter what happens. I love that you even after all of this time can still show kindness to a random nobody who just so happened to fall down near you. I love your beautiful hair that never looks bad and your eyes that shine when you're talking about something you're passionate about. I love your smiles that you always try to hide because you find showing emotion embarrassing despite the fact they are utterly dazzling. Most of all though I love you Homura, every part of you. So don't you dare say I would be better off without you because that is the stupidest lie I have ever heard!" Kirika says tears running down her face, yet despite everything she's smiling.

Kirika looks up at Homura smiling one of the brightest smiles Homura has ever seen her eyes filled not with the anger and loathing that Homura deserves but an infinite well of affection.

Homura's anger crumbles "I'm sorry," she says feeling exhausted suddenly despite the fact the day has just begun.

"Don't worry, like I said I don't care. Even if you come to hate me I will still love you and I will still protect Madoka for you. Love isn't something fragile that you can just scare away with a bit of self loathing you know." Kirika says.

"I don't deserve you," Homura says walking over to the sofa and sitting down feeling unable to stay standing.

"Well, it's a good thing deserving has nothing to do with it then" Kirika says walking over to where Homura is sitting and dropping down onto her lap.

"I guess it doesn't" Homura answers holding onto Kirika.

"I promised the most important person in the world that I would be with them and stay by their side no matter what you know," Kirika says.

"I'm still not the most important person in the world though" Homura points out.

"You are to me" Kirika responds looking up at Homura from her current position.

"I guess I can't argue with that," Homura says looking down at Kirika.

The two stay in that position for a while time passing as Homura slowly puts herself back together into something resembling functionality.

"How about we go out and get some ice cream, then we can kill some witches to burn off some frustration and I'll cook you the best meal you've ever had" Kirika offers after some time.

"I never actually finished the breakfast you went through all that effort preparing" Homura points out.

"I don't care. I made that for you. What does it matter if we waste it? I think you could do with some ice cream followed by some extreme violence am I wrong?" Kirika asks.

"No I don't think you are" Homura agrees.

"Perfect in that case how about we set off" Kirika offers wiping away the remains of the tears that had spilled down Homura's face.

The two girls get up ready to leave.

Kirika looks up at Homura the amount of care in her gaze feeling like a balm to a wound Homura had just revealed was festering.

"I love you" Kirika says as they set off, a sound that rings around Homura's ears.

"I know" Homura responds, knowing any other response she could give would mean admitting something she can't fully understand or accept.

Chapter Text

Sayaka doesn't know what to do.

She's always known that the world is not perfect. That it's full of injustice and problems. She's not stupid enough to think everything is just black and white.

But she's never been confronted on it in quite the way she was on Friday. The idea that such a horrific system could be occurring right next to her without her ever knowing if she was not caught in that labyrinth on Wednesday.

Of course, she doesn't even really know if Homura and Kirika are telling the truth. Her only sources on anything magical girls are them and Kyubey who apparently has a vested interest in getting people to contract and so also isn't trustworthy.

Thinking about all of this makes Sayaka consider if Kirika was right when she told her and Madoka to just forget about all of this but she can't. Now she knows what's happening she cannot just close her eyes and pretend even if that's what Kirika and Homura seem to want her to do.

She hasn't mentioned her talk with the two magical girls to Madoka yet. Sayaka just doesn't know how to talk about it.

Homura and Kirika have killed people, even though they denied it Sayaka presumes they probably killed the magical girl who was here before them too.

That makes them evil right? Yet Kirika did save her and Madoka's life on Wednesday and from what they said it's difficult to live as a magical girl without resorting to that. Does that make it right?

Can anything justify that?

Sayaka doesn't know which is why she's sitting in her room her thoughts going in circles.

In the end she only has two sources of information and she's already heard from one. For all she doesn't trust him in the least Kyubey is the only other source of information she has.

"Kyubey I'm ready to talk" Sayaka says unsure if she wants Kyubey to appear or not yet feeling obliged to try.

Miki Sayaka I'm pleased you're ready to talk. Feel free to ask whatever questions you may have. I'll answer to the best of my ability.

"Why does the magical girl system work as it does" Sayaka asks.

Because it is the most efficient system it can be. Magical girls are created through wishes and when they use magic generate grief. By killing witches they can remove their own grief. As far as we have found there is no way for anyone to use magic without generating grief yet magical girls are necessary for fighting witches. As such the system remains as it is.

"But if Magical girls become witches then surely it would be better to just stop making magical girls" Sayaka says.

If we stopped contracting new magical girls it is likely humanity as a species would die within at most the next few decades. Witches are formed from curses, while the despair of a magical girl can create witches that is not the only way witches are created. For example, when a familiar leaves the labyrinth of a witch it can form its own labyrinth. Should it eat a sufficient number of people it too will become a witch like its parent and begin producing its own familiars. This means if witches are not cleared out they become an exponentially expanding problem that would end humanity if not opposed.

"So the world is doomed without magical girls." Sayaka comments.

Correct.

"Is it really so hard for someone to be a magical girl and not be selfish? To protect people because that's the right thing to do and not have to kill others just for your own self benefit?" Sayaka questions.

It is harder for magical girls who care for more than just themselves it is true. That does not mean that there have not been successful magical girls who protect selflessly, however. Tomoe Mami the magical girl of Mitikihara managed to guard the city for years selflessly. She helped mentor magical girls, made sure to kill familiars before they could become witches at no personal benefit and always made sure to protect the innocent. Suffice to say her disappearance is a tragedy, especially considering her years of experience.

"If she guarded this city for years do you not think that a witch got her?" Sayaka asks.

While her complete disappearance does fit with death in a witch's labyrinth, her randomly dying to a witch would while possible, seems rather unlikely considering her years of experience fighting witches. As mentioned I did not contract either Homura or Kirika and so do not know their magic but it is perfectly possible one or both of them are well suited to assasination. If I had to presume they may have ambushed Mami while she was distracted hunting a witch and then left her body to disappear with the labyrinth as that would also explain the lack of any collateral damage during any confrontation between her and the new magical girls.

"But you can't prove that," Sayaka says.

Mami disappeared on the 19th of May. Starting from the 17th of May my bodies were harassed by an unseen assailant. I presume this was the date that Homura and Kirika arrived as magical girls in Mitikihara. While the evidence is circumstantial considering their willingness to kill and the fact Mami likely died only a couple of days after the arrival of Kirika and Homura there is an obvious conclusion.

"So what can I possibly do then if Akemi and Kure already killed an actual experienced magical girl? That's wrong, they shouldn't be able to just get away with that, yet apparently that's just how the world works," Sayaka comments frustrated.

You can always make a wish. If you did you would also be able to be a magical girl and could stop them getting away with things. Even better if you could convince Madoka to make a wish. Her potential is so massive that is she became a magical girl she would be able to do almost anything.

"But if I made a contract you would take my soul out of my body and I would be doomed to become a witch" Sayaka points out.

Does it really matter if your soul is in your body or a much more structurally sound gem? It's not like you can interact with your soul currently and if you die it's still gone. I fail to see the issue. Alongside that, not every magical girl becomes a witch, as mentioned Mami lasted multiple years before her likely murder and other magical girls have lived satisfying lives despite or because of their wishes.

"How can you even ask if my soul being in my body matters? Do you understand humans at all?" Sayaka asks unsure how anyone could not care about the location of their soul.

If you can point out where you are keeping your soul or what you are doing with it I will concede the point. However as far as I know before you learned about magical girls you had no way of even knowing if the soul was something that existed beyond philosophy. You are correct I do not understand humans' obsession with keeping their souls in their fragile bodies rather than somewhere more secure. If magical girls' souls were kept in their bodies their fatality rate would rise to an unsustainable extent.

"I don't want to talk to you any more" Sayaka says seeing just how inhuman Kyubey is.

A shame, just remember if you want to make a wish call me, I'll be around.

Sayaka looks up at the ceiling. What's more inhuman she wonders, Homura and Kirika's utter apathy towards the value of human life or Kyubeys utter inability to understand why people might want to keep their souls in their body rather than being a zombie.

Should she make a wish and try to make sure that people are actually protected by someone who values human life with the understanding that it could kill her? Or does she just trust Homura and Kirika will protect the city with the knowledge that they have absolutely no care for human life?

She really needs to talk about this to Madoka maybe that will help her clear up her thoughts.

Thinking about that she texts Madoka to check if she's free for the day.

Getting a positive response she heads out to meet Madoka at the mall, hopefully this time without quite so terrifying an ending.

"Hi Madoka," Sayaka says as she catches sight of her friend.

"Hey Sayaka" Madoka responds as the two start walking around the mall.

The two go around talking about gossip and inane things like school before Sayaka decides to bring up the subject she wants to ask about.

"What do you think of Akemi and Kure" Sayaka asks.

"I don't know, I mean Kure did save us from that witch even if she was kinda scary. She wasn't lying about Kyubey having multiple bodies. To be honest I was kinda scared she just made that up but I feel better knowing it's the truth. They did also warn us about the consequences of becoming magical girls before Kyubey made his offer which is good since I get the feeling he wouldn't have bothered to inform us otherwise." Madoka says.

"But you're not sure?" Sayaka asks.

"They're kinda intimidating. I just don't know how to approach them, even if they did give us their phone number. Also what Kyubey said about the magical girl who was here before them was kinda ominous" Madoka says.

"I talked to them yesterday" Sayaka mentions.

"Oh was that what you were doing first recess, Hitomi and me were wondering where you went. What did you talk about?" Madoka asks.

"They've killed people," Sayaka says.

"What do you mean they've killed people," Madoka asks looking rather shocked.

"Kure and Akemi are directly responsible for the deaths of other magical girls. If Kyubey is to be believed they are most likely responsible for the murder of Tomoe Mami who was the magical girl in our city before them" Sayaka says.

"I mean they didn't seem like unrepentant murderers when I talked to them. They actually seemed really concerned for our lives and safety while Kyubey seems less benevolent" Madoka points out.

"I don't know maybe they just like you more than me but they are murderers I'm certain" Sayaka says thinking back to the fact they didn't even seem concerned with the idea they would end up killing more people.

"Ok look I'll be cautious of them but I need to talk to them myself. Maybe I'm just naive but I don't think either of them are indiscriminate murders. If they are truly so ruthless why even bother to give up their phone number? If they didn't care about anyone why did Kirika even bother to save us from the witch on Wednesday wouldn't it have been better for them to let us potential contractees die if they really don't care at all?" Madoka says, unwilling to believe that Kirika and Homura are evil without a better understanding of the two.

"I don't know ok. I don't get them they saved us yet at the same time they basically admitted they don't care the least bit about justice or human lives. I don't get them" Sayaka admits.

"Well in that case how about we try to learn more about them? Maybe then we can understand why they are how they are" Madoka says.

"I guess. I don't trust them though" Sayaka says.

"In that case, that just makes it more important that we get to know them. Right now we can't trust them or Kyubey. If we want to understand how to make things better we need to be able to trust one of them and honestly, while Homura and Kirika are scary I get the feeling they care" Madoka says.

"Ok we'll do it your way then" Sayaka says hoping that trusting Madoka's instincts here won't be a mistake.

As Sayaka goes home however she still wonders if she will be able to live with herself if she just lets Kirika and Homura get away with what they've done.

Chapter Text

As Kirika wakes up on the 30th she has a thought. While her memories before her wish are still a bit blurry she's fairly sure today was the day she first met Homura last timeline.

With that thought Kirika goes to start the day as she usually does and waits for Homura.

Once Homura is up and is sitting down next to Kirika she decides to mention it "Hey Homura do you know what day it is?" Kirika asks.

"I'm assuming you don't just mean a Monday?" Homura answers.

"Today I'm fairly sure is the day you saved me the first time" Kirika says.

Homura looks at the date and thinks for a second "So it is. I hope you don't plan to slip down the stairs again today," Homura decides to answer.

"You would catch me if I did though" Kirika points out.

"You say that like you could ever actually fall down naturally at this point. I've seen you fighting witches your balance is more than good enough" Homura replies.

"Homuraaaa, you didn't answer the question" Kirika replies.

"Of course I would catch you," Homura answers.

Kirika responds with a smile "Thinking about it, falling down and getting caught by you today was probably the most important moment in my life."

"I doubt it would have mattered to you that much if I didn't also save you from a witch the next day," Homura points out.

"No that's not right. That act of kindness was what started everything. Had I kept my balance that day I likely would still be just as lifeless and empty as I was back then still." Kirika says.

"I really can imagine you as anything but enthusiastic and energetic honestly" Homura says trying to remember what Kirika was like during their first encounters.

"Then it's a good thing you never met me properly before my wish. Not that there would have been that much to meet if I'm being honest" Kirika says.

Despite everything Kirika does remember what it was like before her wish as much as prefers not to think about it. That hollowness, the attempts to mimic the people around her so she could appear normal, how she couldn't bear to be herself.

Looking back is it any wonder that girl instantly tried to attach herself to the first person to bother to show her kindness? Though Kirika is pleased it was Homura who did so. Kirika's more than happy acting as her companion now.

"I doubt that," Homura says unable to imagine Kirika being anything less than the force of nature she is today.

"Ha, well I'm happy to know I've changed in that case," Kirika says.

"Are you really so different?" Homura asks legitimately curious.

"I've mentioned this but I've never actually explained. Do you remember how I mentioned you gave my life meaning?" Kirika asks.

"You did mention that yes but you also confess your love for me on a daily basis so I assumed that was just another way of saying that" Homura answers.

"Well it is in a way but it's also true. Honestly before I met you I could barely take care of myself, talk about anyone else. I missed school constantly not because I had anything better to do but just because I hated it and it felt pointless. I had no one I could be myself around and no one I cared about. Honestly had I disappeared it would have been weeks to months before anyone even noticed." Kirika says dredging up memories from before her wish.

"You know even with you saying that I struggle to imagine that person compared to the Kirika I know" Homura says.

"Well to be fair I'm not even sure if she would recognise me. Afterall today I'm the type of person to wake up with a smile. I doubt she could even comprehend the idea of that" Kirika comments.

Homura as this is said reflects on herself. Would the Homura from before her wish recognise her now? She doubts it.

"I guess both of us would be unrecognisable to the people we were before in that case" Homura says.

"Really? What were you like before your wish?" Kirika questions.

Homura grimaces slightly.

Seeing this Kirika instantly goes back on her statement "You don't have to tell me obviously. Your past doesn't really matter, it's you now who I love after all" Kirika says.

"She was shy, awkward and had no idea how to make friends" Homura starts deciding it's only fair for her to share a bit of her past considering Kirika did.

"With how confident you are it's hard to imagine you shy" Kirika says.

"It's true though, had Madoka not taken her under her wing I doubt she would have made any friends at all. Like I mentioned getting out of hospital she could barely do any physical activity and was massively behind on all her academics. For a little bit after getting out of hospital it felt like the world was ending" Homura says.

Kirika suddenly laughs.

Eventually, she stops and looks up at Homura "No wonder I fell for you, you were just like me, you just found a purpose before I did" Kirika says her words full of affection.

"I guess we are rather alike in that way. I chose to dedicate myself to saving Madoka, you for some reason I struggle to comprehend chose me" Homura notes.

"Come on didn't we very recently have a chat about how much I love you? You saved me what more reason do I need to have chosen you?" Kirika says.

"I guess I can't argue with that when I did the same thing" Homura replies.

"Two shy lonely girls huh? Guess both of us are the type to love someone else more than ourselves" Kirika says.

"I guess so," Homura says.

While she had noted similarities before it took their backgrounds being laid out side by side for Homura to see just how alike she and Kirika really are.

"Though to be fair for all our backstories may bear some similarities on the personality front I can safely say we are not alike at all. Not that I have a problem with your personality it's one of the things I love most about you," Kirika points out.

"True I don't think I've ever been quite so unrestrained as you are" Homura says.

"I just see no reason to keep my love for you contained when I can enjoy it so much more when I just go with it" Kirika says.

"How do you bear it?" Homura suddenly says.

"What?" Kirika asks.

"Loving me" Homura clarifies.

"You know perfectly well why I love you. If you make me explain it again I'm going to start using diagrams" Kirika replies.

"Not that. I mean how do you bear it knowing what my mission is? Knowing that even if I care about you that can't override my mission to save Madoka?" Homura asks.

"Oh, that. Well, that's simple I want you to be happy more than I care about my own satisfaction. I'll gladly settle for whatever attention you choose to give me even if it's never what I give you. I know you love Madoka, as a person who sold my soul for the person I love how could I possibly judge you for the same? I fully accept my love will remain unrequited but as long as I can see you happy in the end that doesn't matter in the least" Kirika says.

She's mostly telling the truth here. Kirika is selfish in her love for Homura as she's already discussed but she knows perfectly well where she stands. No matter how much she may wish for Homura to love her back it was never a possibility from the start. Kirika has accepted this even if it does hurt a bit. She will be perfectly satisfied as long as Homura is happy. Homura is the one who needs to have her happy ending and Kirika will give up anything to get there, even herself if necessary.

"I see" Homura says not quite knowing how to take the idea that for all Kirika's talked about her selfishness her love is the least selfish thing Homura's ever heard of.

"So I'm perfectly happy being by your side and helping you fulfil your wish," Kirika says.

"And you really do want nothing in return," Homura says.

"Yep that's right," Kirika says.

"I'm sorry," Homura says.

"What for?" Kirika asks.

"For not being who you deserve," Homura answers thinking Kirika deserves someone who is capable of loving her back rather than Homura.

"But I love you not some mysterious person I deserve. Anyway, since when has anyone gotten what they deserve" Kirika says.

"True enough" Homura responds.

"Anyway, I think that's enough of that," Kirika says.

"Indeed, shall we set off to school, while we did plenty of witch hunting over the weekend there are probably a few familiars around the place we should clear out after school as well?" Homura asks with the two of them having finished breakfast.

"Sounds good, want to lead the way?" Kirika asks taking Homura's hand.

"If you wish" Homura answers receiving Kirika's hand and walking to school with her.

Kirika and Homura spot the usual group of Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi walking to school.

While none of them interact Kirika notices she and Homura both got a text from Madoka as they were walking.

"Could you meet up with me during lunch? I want to talk." Is all the text consists of.

With that Homura and Kirika hug before separating to go to their classes.

Nothing particularly eventful occurs until lunch with classes going as usual with the usual weirdness of knowing you've already done a class yet are doing it again the loop has left Kirika with.

Once it gets to lunch Madoka finds Homura and Kirika. The three of them go up to the roof to talk.

"Sayaka mentioned she talked to you on Friday," Madoka says.

"She did" Homura confirms.

"She seemed to insinuate that both of you have killed people," Madoka says.

"That is correct" Homura confirms.

"Why?" Madoka asks unlike Sayaka her tone is not accusatory simply curious though also slightly wary.

Kirika takes up answering "Because they tried to kill us mainly. I have harmed 0 people who have not at least threatened to kill either me or someone I care about" Kirika says honestly. (The only technicality being she killed Mami for what she did last timeline which complicates the morality of that a bit but doesn't actually make it not true.)

"Have multiple people really threatened to kill you?" Madoka asks.

"The world we live in is one of brutality and a lack of civility. Should you have any care for your own moral principles or life, it is not one you want to live in" Homura says.

"That's terrible," Madoka says.

"It is the sacrifice one must make should they require a wish. Principles are for people with options" Homura says.

"You two deserve better than that though," Madoka says.

"Since when does anyone get what they deserve," Kirika says echoing her words from earlier in the day.

"How many people would have died if you two didn't fight witches?" Madoka questions.

"Probably a lot until some other magical girl took over," Kirika says.

"But as long as you two are the magical girls here that means all those people who are alive because of that. Like me and Sayaka. Are alive thanks to you two. I don't believe you two are bad people even if you've been forced to do some terrible things to survive" Madoka says confidently looking at Homura and Kirika.

"You are kind to say that but do remember we need to kill witches to survive. It's not like we are acting out of altruism," Homura says.

"But you didn't need to save us to get a grief seed from that witch" Madoka says looking at Kirika "And neither of you needed to warn me or Sayaka about the dangers of the world you live in. So even if you don't think so I believe you two are good people even if you don't" Madoka says.

"You see the best in people. It is an admirable quality but one which will quickly get a magical girl killed. Please forget about Kyubey and witches and magic. Just live your life, enjoy your time with friends. Be happy. It is the fate of magical girls to fight until they can no longer and then be forgotten, but that's not your world. So please don't worry about us" Homura says.

"Don't worry I've heard your warnings, I won't make a wish, it's not like I have anything I need in my life and you two don't seem like you would appreciate the help. But I'm not going to forget about you either. You two have saved so many people without anyone ever knowing or ever being thanked. So no matter what happens I won't forget you, even if I'm just staying on the sidelines and can't actually help with anything I'll be cheering you two on." Madoka says with determination.

Kirika looks at Madoka and can easily see how Homura could have come to love her. The ability to see the best in people and to care so much even for people who are practically strangers is something Kirika has rarely seen in anyone.

"You are too kind," Homura says in a melancholy tone.

With that the conversation trails off.

Madoka realises she doesn't really have any more words to say and so just looks at Homura and Kirika.

With no more words being exchanged Homura finds a place to sit and Kirika follows in her example leaning against Homura.

"If that's the life you two lead no wonder you're so close" Madoka comments.

"Being a magical girl is often lonely, in that way, I am more fortunate than most to have Kirika" Homura replies.

"And I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have Homura" Kirika says happily.

"I'm glad, I can't imagine how terrible it would be to have to do that alone" Madoka says.

Homura doesn't answer though she does look towards Kirika.

"Ah, I feel like I'm interrupting at this point, I'll leave you two alone. Thanks for answering my questions though and even if I can't help with much I'll be around if you ever want to talk or hang out or anything" Madoka says leaving the roof.

"I can see how you could come to care about her so much" Kirika says as Madoka leaves.

"She saved me in more ways than one, I owe her everything" Homura says.

"I guess we really are the same in that case," Kirika says.

"Maybe we are," Homura replies.

Chapter Text

The next day arrived with little fanfare. Homura wakes up and joins Kirika for breakfast still considering yesterday's revelations.

After talking to Madoka, yesterday past fairly normally, the only additional thing of note to occur was a bit of witch hunting.

Knowing the similarities between her and Kirika's lives before their contracts Homura finds it even harder to assess how she feels about Kirika than before.

Homura as a rule hates thinking about herself before making a contract, the girl she was is long since dead. Good riddance to her at. That girl could never protect Madoka. Homura sees her past self as just as worthless today as she thought of herself at the time.

It is an odd thought however to consider that Kirika thinks the exact same thing of her past self. Though, it does help Homura understand Kirika in a way she could not before.

Homura had at times wondered what type of person it takes to throw one's entire future behind someone you had known for so little time.

In hindsight the answer is obvious, the type of person who feels they had no future to begin with.

Someone like her before she met Madoka.

Someone like Kirika before she met her.

Considering her opinion of herself, Homura surprises herself by finding that fact about Kirika comforting.

Homura now knows with absolute certainty just what drives Kirika and it's the same thing that has driven Homura through years of repetition.

Because of that Homura understand that there is truly nothing Kirika would not do to achieve her ends because Homura is exactly the same.

Honestly, the only thing Homura still can't really understand is how she in any way lives up to Madoka.

Kirika is wonderful, she is without a doubt the best thing that has happened to Homura in years of repetition. It's for that reason Homura feels guilty to have that loyalty.

Because Homura does not cannot allow herself to love Kirika back. Yet Kirika even knowing Madoka will always come first is willing to accept that fact.

Homura understands of course, she knows full well that as she is now Madoka will never see or care for her in the way she did in those first timelines. Will certainly never love her. Despite that fact, she is just as dedicated to seeing her safe and happy now as she was then.

So Homura understands Kirika perfectly. Even if they are by all rights very different people on the surface in their hearts they are exactly the same.

"Good morning Kirika," Homura says accepting her best friend's hug as she leaves her room.

"Good morning Homura!" Kirika responds holding Homura against her.

"As nice as this is you may want to let me go if you want me to try any of the breakfast you prepared" Homura comments noting that neither she nor Kirika seems to be actively ending the hug.

"Oh yeah" Kirika responds shifting out of the hug into a position to walk with Homura to the table before sitting down.

"I don't suppose our discussion yesterday jigged any memories about your wish?" Homura asks considering the fact that's the first time they properly shared their pasts with each other.

"I mean it must have been made for you but I still don't know the wording" Kirika answers sounding slightly disappointed with herself.

"That's a shame, I did say I would help you work out what that wish was" Homura says.

"I haven't cared about that in well over a month at this point" Kirika points out.

"I know but I still think you deserve to know" Homura responds.

"Thanks, Homura" Kirika answers.

"Today was our first meeting after you made your wish," Homura says.

"I can't believe I attacked you" Kirika says cringing slightly at the thought.

"At the time I was just shocked you could move while time was stopped. I guess it's a good thing I encountered you on your first day. I'm fairly sure if I fought you now I would have effectively no way of winning" Homura says considering how deadly Kirika was hours after contracting and how much more experienced she is now.

"You're probably right but to be fair being able to move in stopped time is basically cheating. Anyway, if you could beat me I wouldn't be a particularly good guard would I" Kirika points out.

"It does make you very well qualified to watch my back, yes" Homura agrees.

Homura is very grateful for Kirika's hyper competence in combat not only because without her assistance the trap at the end of last timeline could have actually killed Homura but also because it gives her hope that together they will be able to take care of Walpurgisnacht together.

"Yep, and to kill anything that gets in your way," Kirika says with a sharp grin.

"Well you have always been what I needed you to be" Homura answers.

Homura does find just how well fit to her Kirika is a feat in its own right. Able to fight on her behalf on the level of a magical girl years more experienced than her. Willing and happy to take care of her in terms of the tasks Homura always neglected such as cooking. Able to talk her through her worst moments with an amount of ease Homura finds it hard to believe anyone else would manage. Kirika really does whatever Homura could want of her.

It does make Homura wonder if Kirika was always like that or if her omnicompetence in whatever Homura needs from her comes from her wish.

"That's all I could ever wish to be" Kirika answers sincerely.

"I understand perfectly" Homura responds.

If Homura could be who Madoka needed to make it past this month and a half she to could wish for nothing more after all.

"And that's just another reason why I love you" Kirika responds.

"As long as you're happy" Homura says.

"If I can be who you need I'll always be happy" Kirika answers.

A part of Homura wants to make Kirika happy without a single thought to her utility. That part urges her to refute Kirika's answer. However, Homura knows just who Kirika is now and without the ability to care for her as she does Homura any answer other than acceptance would be nothing more than massaging her guilt.

"Then I'm glad" Homura replies after a second's silence.

With that conversation comes to a stop and the two finish their breakfast before setting off to school.

Like usual the two walk hand in hand. As nothing occurs on the journey and Madoka is with her friends it is little time before Kirika and Homura go to their separate classes.

Classes go at their usual pace, Homura excelling at academics which she has done so many times it is closer to a task of memory than one of understanding.

Before too long it is lunch and without any indication that Sayaka, Madoka or the incubator have any interest in chatting Homura heads up to the roof with Kirika.

Homura sits down while Kirika lounges across her lap.

"You could find seating other than me you know" Homura comments feeling obliged to complain at least a little even if she doesn't really mind.

"But you're so comfortable why would I possibly do that?" Kirika says leaning into Homura.

"If you were anyone else" Homura replies knowing that she would hate this if not for the fact she trusts Kirika unconditionally.

"But I'm me," Kirika says happily enjoying being close to Homura.

"Yes and that means I let you get away with much more than you really should" Homura says without any heat in the words.

"Aww, you care about me. I'm so happy" Kirika says.

"Of course I do," Homura says truthfully. Even if no one can ever be as important as Madoka Kirika holding second place is an accepted fact at this point.

"I cannot think of anything sweeter than my love's care" Kirika replies enjoying the moment.

"So you're saying you don't actually want any sweets as long as I compliment you occasionally" Homura says deciding to not let that sentence go without a bit of teasing.

"I mean I'm sure such a caring person like you would give me both right" Kirika says pouting up at Homura.

Kirika, Homura decides, should not be able to look that cute while looking up at her and sitting on her lap "Only if you earn the compliments," Homura replies.

"Well I guess I'll just have to impress you then" Kirika says, thankfully back to just leaning against her rather than making any other notable expressions.

"I'm sure you'll find a way" Homura responds.

"Ah but that in itself is a compliment. You really are generous" Kirika says before yawning

Homura thinks of a response but notices that Kirika seems to have decided to take a nap on her.

With nothing to do Homura just stays in her current position noticing Kirika's small unconscious breathing against her.

Luckily Kirika is light enough that her body weight isn't uncomfortable letting Homura just wait out the rest of lunch holding her friend's sleeping form against her.

Once lunch comes to an end Homura makes sure to shake Kirika awake.

"I'm afraid you're out of time for napping" Homura comments.

"Oh did I fall asleep against you?" Kirika asks blinking the last of her tiredness out of her eyes.

"Yep think that makes it the second time actually" Homura says.

"You need to stop being so warm and comfortable I'll get into bad habits" Kirika comments.

"Actually I think you just need to get a sufficient amount of sleep so you don't need to nap during lunch" Homura says.

"I take back what I said before you are truly a cruel and uncaring soul" Kirika says pretending to be outraged.

"Just be glad I let you have your nap. We need to go to classes" Homura says getting up and pulling Kirika with her.

"Oh, how harsh a taskmaster my love is" Kirika continues.

Homura just laughs and shakes her head before the two go to their lessons.

The rest of school passes quickly for Homura and before long she and Kirika are reunited outside school to do some witch hunting.

After going through a couple witches Homura finds a very familiar labyrinth.

Its sky is made up of an endless assortment of strings in a variety of warped colours while the surroundings are made up of a massive number of failed works of art of differing dimentions made up of cloth.

Looking around Homura sees familiars made up of thread in a humanoid shape with scissors on the end of its hands lurching about as if pulled along on invisible strigs.

Homura looks to Kirika "I doubt you need saving from this witch this time" she says.

"You know I have absolutely no animosity with those things" Kirika says looking at the familiars "Since without you saving me from those I would never have gotten the opportunity to make my wish," She finishes.

"I feel like you deserve the opportunity to kill them considering," Homura says letting Kirika have free range.

"I'm sure they'll be plenty of fun to play with" Kirika says as she begins taking her time ripping the familiars apart with her claws.

Homura watches Kirika's face light up with a certain glee as she effortlessly goes through the beings that once upon a time came within a hairs breath of ending her life.

The two have a leisurely walk to the door leading to the center of the barrier Homura never needing to life a finger due to Kirika's work.

The two open the door to see the same shifting swarm of needles thread and scissors flowing through different forms sowing half finished works of art before cutting them off in endless repetition.

Homura finds the sight of it with Kirika standing beside her almost nostaligic.

"Do you want to take this one?" Homura asks Kirika. Realistically Homura is better suited to destroying the swarm as explosives are most effective against it but Homura has no doubts Kirika will be fine should she decide to deal with it herself.

"I could but I suddenly remember how awe inspiring it was to see you repeatedly blow it to smithereens. Even if I can see the magic behind the curtain now I'm sure it would still be a good show" Kirika comments.

"Well who am I to deny you a show" Homura comments before freezing time and placing a number of explosives into the core of the witch's swarm.

It explodes sending fragments of needles and scissors flying while threads are set aflame.

Despite that the swarm quickly reforms and dashes towards Homura at a speed no human could escape.

Unfortunately for the witch, there are no humans present right now just Homura and Kirika and so Homura stops time and easily gets out of the way of the witch's strike leaving some explosives behind as a present.

Homura repeats this a couple more times while Kirika watches with a pleased expression taking joy in every explosion.

finally, the witch and labyrinth disintegrates leaving nothing but a grief seed which Kirika picks up and presents to Homura.

"I remember what I said to you after you saved me here I think" Kirika comments.

"Oh?" Homura says while she remembers Kirika said something, she also had assumed last timeline she would never see the girl again and so did not take note, not in the way she cares for Kirika's words in the present.

"I believe I said a person as amazing as you doesn't deserve to be alone," Kirika says before continuing "I would like to think you're much less alone now then you were back then" Kirika finishes.

Homura looks at Kirika who has been and will remain her trusted companion "I think you're right about that one," she says with a smile.

"In hindsight me stumbling into that barrier was something that improved both of our lives" Kirika comments.

Homura just nods as she walks along holding Kirika's hand.

Really Homura dosen't know if she deserves to be alone or not. A part of her thinks she probably does for her failures while another part that sounds suspiciously like Kirika says she deserves better.

Regardless of what she deserves however Homura cannot help but be glad to have Kirika by her side.

'Being a magical girl is a lonely existence without a happy ending'. That, Homura remembers is what she said today last timeline. Yet Kirika has managed to undermine Homura's certainty in that principle.

After all, somehow, Homura managed to find the one person who will never leave her and is just as determined to ensure Homura's wish is fulfilled as she is.

When Homura is with Kirika it's surprisingly hard to feel lonely and surprisingly easy to believe that there could be a happy ending at the conclusion of Homura's struggles.

Homura gives a silent thanks to the witch of threads that inadvertently gave Homura a reason to be optimistic for the future despite everything.

Chapter Text

"Homura I have a question" Kirika says sitting next to the light of her life eating breakfast.

"What would that be?" Homura responds.

"You mentioned there is some variance between timelines right?" Kirika asks.

"Yes mostly it's minor things but if I don't stay aware they can catch me off guard. Oriko's actions last timeline being among the largest deviations." Homura says her mood taking a slight downturn as she thinks about Oriko.

"Aside from things like that what variations have you seen," Kirika asks.

Partially the question is genuine interest and partially it's so she knows what to look out for in this or any future timeline she may end up in. Kirika is sure they are going to succeed this timeline so that last part is probably unnecessary but curiosity alone is a good enough reason.

"Often it's small things. Sayaka's crush using a guitar rather than a violin, Kyoko deciding to come back to Mitakihara without prompting, minor historical events going differently and other mostly small changes," Homura says.

"Huh, have you noticed anything different this timeline from usual?" Kirika asks.

"I only check things that are likely to come up so it's possible some things have changed I haven't noticed but so far nothing notable" Homura comments.

"Well that's probably a good thing, wouldn't want to be blindsided," Kirika says.

"Agreed" Homura replies.

The two sit and eat in companionable silence for a few minutes before Homura decides to speak.

"Kirika?" Homura says inquisitivly.

"Yes Homura?" Kirika replies.

"If something happened to me what would you do?" Homura asks.

The idea of anything happening to Homura terrifies Kirikia, even thinking of the idea of her failure makes Kirika feel cold.

"Become a witch I would assume, once I'm done torturing and killing whatever dared harm you" Kirika says.

Kirika doesn't really see much of a point to torture generally it seems rather pointless and she would much rather just kill Homura's problems. If anyone ever actually kills Homura however Kirika will make their death as long and painful as is humanly possible. Anyone who would kill her beloved deserves the worst death she could possibly give them.

"I would like to ask something of you that I doubt you'll be happy with," Homura says in a rather serious tone.

"What would that be?" Kirika asks suspiciously. Homura knows exactly what Kirika would do happily for Homura and that list includes basically anything making her sentence rather worrying.

"While I highly doubt this will occur in the event I am ever killed I want you to promise me you will continue to protect Madoka in my stead" Homura says.

"There is absolutely no world where I let you die," Kirika says not particularly wanting to imagine the thought.

"I have survived as a magical girl for years, that means I am very adept at surviving but it also means I know how easily a magical girl, no matter how experienced, can get caught off guard and killed" Homura replies.

"Homura you're one of the most deadly magical girls ever, you can stop time and were capable of fighting Mami and Sayaka to a standstill even without access to that. I personally have not seen a single magical girl that I wouldn't be able to kill and have yet to see any witch which would prove indomitable to either of us. You will not die!" Kirika says.

Any outcome where Homura dies is unacceptable.

"Well if there is no chance of me dying then there is no reason to not make that promise" Homura says.

"You understand what you're asking of me" Kirika says knowing she's unable to say no to Homura yet hating the idea.

"I'm asking you to live on without me and continue my mission if need be," Homura says.

"Would you be able to accept a world where Madoka dies and you can't go back?" Kirika asks her words a plea for Homura to not ask this of her.

"It would be a living hell" Homura answers grave-faced.

"Then?" Kirika says.

"But it is a hell I have to ask you to go through for my sake should the worst happen" Homura says.

Kirika can tell Homura is not enjoying any part of this conversation yet she can also tell Homura is determined.

"Fine" Kirika says her acceptance feeling physically painful "Should you die I will live on and protect Madoka with every aspect of my existence for as long as I physically can. I swear." Kirika finishes her promise.

"Thank you Kirika and don't worry I will never allow it to come to that, this is just a precaution" Homura says.

Normally Kirika feels joy whenever Homura thanks her but currently, she just feels cold. She understands of course, Madoka is Homura's world. No matter how much she may say she cares for Kirika Homura will always care for Madoka infinitely more.

Homura understands exactly how cruel of her it is to ask Kirika to keep going even after the meaning of her existence is torn away. She also knows that Kirika cares about Homura's wishes much more than her own.

Which means Homura knows just as well as Kirika that now that promise has been made she will, should the unthinkable happen, follow it no matter how much she may despise that fact.

"I don't like you right now" Kirika lies, she always likes Homura, she is incapable of not liking Homura even. Nothing Homura can do would ever change that even for a second.

"I know, I'm sorry to ask that of you," Homura says her apology genuine

"It's fine. After all you're not going to die. I won't let you. That promise is entirely irrelevant because I am going to keep you alive. I don't care if it's a witch or a magical girl or 100 of both I will kill each and every single thing that threatens you before it can touch a hair on your head" Kirika says pushing away her negative feelings.

There is a reason what Homura said is unimaginable because Kirika would never fail Homura that badly and so promise or not there is no reason to even consider the issue.

"Don't worry I more than trust you to protect me and I have no plans to meet my end any time soon." Homura says seeming glad that Kirika didn't stay down for too long.

"Exactly," Kirika says trying with limited success to sound cheery.

Homura moves over from her seat to hug Kirika who instantly sinks into the embrace.

"You promised to never leave me Kirika, but I don't think I ever said the same. I promise never to leave you too," Homura says holding Kirika.

"No matter what?" Kirika says holding Homura tightly against her.

"No matter what" Homura replies.

The two don't exchange any more words but Homura is perfectly accepting of all of Kirika's clinginess over the rest of the morning.

Eventually, it reaches time for the two to set off to school.

Kirika sticks even closer to Homura's side than usual determined to use her warmth to ward off any of that internal cold that her earlier promise had generated.

As they approach school Kirika sees the usual group of Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi.

Unlike most mornings this timeline when Madoka catches sight of Homura and Kirika she decides to go over to them dragging a curious Hitomi and a reluctant Sayaka in her wake.

"Hi Homura, Hi Kirika" Madoka says as she walks over.

Homura and Kirika exchange greetings and Madoka introduces Hitomi.

"Hitomi you already know Homura from classes but this is Kirika, we've chatted a bit over the last week and I'm making friends with them," Madoka says confidently.

"Hello I'm Hitomi, nice to meet you Kirika" Hitomi says also giving a nod to Homura who she already knows.

"Nice to meet you too" Kirika replies accepting the reintroduction.

While it has been a while Kirika finds it a nice distraction to be able to talk to Madoka and Hitomi about non-magical girl-related matters. Sayaka looking distressed about it is also rather nostalgic.

Eventually, Hitomi decides to ask something while the group walks.

"Kirika and Homura are you two together?" She asks looking at their present closeness.

Kirika decides to let Homura answer this question. She wouldn't want to say anything that could make Homura uncomfortable after all.

There are a few moments of awkward silence where Hitimo looks increasingly embarrassed about her question before Homura answers.

"We do live together yes" Homura answers.

Kirika is not quite sure if Homura is ignoring the implications of the question purposefully or just answering literally. She's also not sure if Homura understands the implications of the answer she just gave.

"Ah," Hitomi says blushing.

Kirika can see her reaching the wrong conclusion at rapid speeds but sees no reason to correct her about Homura's technically true answer.

Kirika finds the fact that Hitomi occasionally looks at them and blushes before looking away over the rest of the walk hysterical though she makes sure to maintain her composure and pretends she does not notice.

It's all a rather nice diversion from the other things Kirika could be thinking about.

Eventually, the group reaches the school and Kirika splits off to her lessons.

Kirika pays more attention to lessons than she has in months more than happy for the distraction from what occurred in the morning still eventually they pass.

At lunch Homura and Kirika meet up at the roof like normal.

Before heading up Madoka asked if they were up to hanging out after school alongside Sayaka tomorrow which Homura agreed to.

As the two walked over to the roof they sit down Kirika sitting next to Homura.

While time made her feel a bit better Kirika still finds herself shivering despite it being more than warm out.

No matter how much she denies the possibility of it ever becoming relevant the promise Kirika made in the morning continues to hover over her like a spectre.

Kirika is not infallible, she failed Homura at the end of the first timeline. The possibility of failing her more permanently is a proposition that terrifies her.

A part of Kirika considers she should be proud that Homura trusts her to continue the duty she's sworn her soul to in Homura's absence. The rest of her is desperate to think of anything else.

Yet now without any noise to pay attention to Kirika finds herself unable to divert the course of her thoughts.

Before she can continue spiralling Kirika feels Homura grab her arm and pull her over.

Kirika does not resist letting Homura pull her over to her. Feeling Homura holding her Kirika feels a bit better.

"I thought you disapproved of me using you for seating yet here you are pulling me over" Kirika comments considering yesterday's conversation.

"Kirika I know you, sitting away from me and shivering seems out of character enough for me to endure a bit of inconvenience for your wellbeing" Homura comments seeing Kirika seem to be calming down in response to the physical contact.

"Your wellbeing is more important than mine anyway, why bother with the inconvenience? I'll be fine either way" Kirika comments.

Despite that she makes no move away from Homura, Kirika cannot bear to make anything less than the most of any chance she has to be close to her.

"I care about your wellbeing Kirika, you know that. I would much rather my partner be her usual optimistic self as opposed to simply being fine." Homura comments.

"Madoka will be kept safe either way" Kirika replies.

"You do matter to me more than as additional protection for Madoka you know," Homura says.

"I know, I also understand everything aside from her is secondary" Kirika says.

"Kirika?" Homura says looking slightly concerned.

"It's ok" Kirika says thinking back to a conversation she had during the worst moment of this new life of hers "I am your loyal doll, use me as you wish there is no need to put too much importance on me." Kirika speaks in an inflicted upbeat voice.

She over the past few days and discussions had begun to feel like she had greater meaning to Homura than she could. Today's conversation reminded Kirika of something, however.

Homura is the same as her. Homura cares about Madoka.

For Kirika everything aside from Homura can be measured somewhere between unimportant and irrelevant. For Homura the same must be true for her and Madoka.

As such, Kirika considers acting as she has been. Expecting and wanting her attention returned is selfish.

Of course Kirika has always known that her love is as selfish as it is doomed.

Yet this morning Homura asked her to make a promise and she almost wanted to refuse. Had expected Homura to value her wishes above something that could increase Madoka's chances of survival by even a minuscule amount.

To expect that, even to want that shows Kirika has come to view her own happiness as something of a value that can be compared to Homura's rather than just being satisfied as she is.

As such Kirika has decided she just needs to reassert to Homura that she is just as happy being a tool now as she was last timeline and no unnecessary effort needs to be spared in expense of her feelings.

"Kirika, you're my friend you matter to me," Homura says.

She sounds almost panicked?

Kirika considers that she must have just not been clear enough.

"Don't worry I will still be whatever you need including a friend when wanted, I just want to make it clear you should not inconvenience yourself for my sake. Your attentions should be focused on ensuring the one you love is safe and happy no time need be spared for my sake I will do as you wish either way." Kirika says ensuring her tone is nothing but glad.

"Kirika what is this" Homura asks sounding confused and concerned.

"You seemed to be labouring under the idea that you need to expend your time on my behalf. Our conversation this morning reminded me that we are the same and so I should ensure you do not waste time under a false pretext. As long as I can ensure your goals are carried out I will be satisfied. As long as you ensure Madoka is safe you will be satisfied. All other considerations are irrelevant aside from self preservation and even that is only in service to that. As such you do not need to waste time on considerations such as my comfort I will do as you wish regardless" Kirika says wanting to ensure that Homura understands.

"Kirika is that what you think I see you as?" Homura sounds almost disturbed.

"I am simply trying to be a less demanding tool to ensure Madoka's survival. Is that not what you want?" Kirika asks.

"Is this about the promise I had you make this morning" Homura asks holding Kirika tighter against her.

"I argued against a measure that would increase Madoka's safety that was wrong of me. I will simply follow your desires faithfully" Kirika says.

"I, Kirika I'm sorry for making you do that I" Homura seems lost for words.

"Why are you sorry? It increases the chances of Madoka's survival so for you it is the right decision," Kirika says.

"Kirika! Please stop this, I don't want Kirika the tool I want Kirika my friend and equal who I care about. I even said at the start of this timeline I would listen to you as much as you listen to me. I guess I've been doing a bad job of that. I keep relying on you and having you do things I need that I've just assumed nothing I say could ever hurt you no matter what I ask. I'm sorry for not treating you as someone as human as anyone else." Homura says her voice strong yet shaking at parts.

"Are you sure? Do you really want a person you can never love to keep forcing their confessions on you? To have me eating into time you could be using to further your goals? Wouldn't things be easier if I did just act as a doll to move as you wish rather than making demands back on you?" Kirika asks.

"Yes even if I can't say it back I value the fact you see something lovable in me that I can't. I enjoy our time together even if maybe we could deal with a couple more witches if I didn't. Your idea's are good often better than mine even. If you did just act as a doll for me to command I'd lose most of what's most valuable about you" Homura says.

"What do you mean what's most valuable about me?" Kirika asks.

"My best friend Kirika who likes sweet food and confesses her love for me constantly and normally acts childish but can be shockingly mature when she wants to be. I don't want Kirika the tool or Kirika the doll or even just Kirika the magical girl. I want my friend." Homura says.

"Even if she's not as effective at protecting Madoka?" Kirika asks.

"Even then, after all she did once confess to me that while she protects Madoka for my sake the thing she really cared about was my happiness. I think both of us would lose something if she forgot that fact" Homura says.

Kirika looks up at Homura who still has her arms around her "Homura?" She says not with inflected happiness but rather genuine affection.

"Yes?" Homura replies hoping she got through to her.

"I love you" Kirika says.

"I know, and I would have it no other way" Homura answers.

"And even if you don't love me back I'm going to keep saying I love you" Kirika says a smile that reaches her eyes on her face for the first time since their morning discussion.

"I expect you will. Even if I can't love you back I won't stop caring about you no matter how irrational that might be" Homura replies.

"Thanks Homura" Kirika says feeling that coldness that had been eating her inside out finally recede for good.

"I'm sorry for pushing you further than you wanted to go. I said I would treat you as an equal and not exploit you I will try to hold myself to that better" Homura says.

"You know what, thank you for that, I will keep my promise this morning but it did hurt for you to do that to me knowing how much it went against my wishes," Kirika says finally telling the unvarnished truth.

"If I ever end up doing that to you again, please just say no, don't suppress yourself so you can be what you think I want you to be" Homura says.

"I'll try" Kirika replies.

"You know what" Homura says.

"What" Kirika replies

"Honestly I don't even find this position uncomfortable you're too light to actually be inconvenient" Homura comments thinking back to the comment that ignited this entire mess.

Kirika just laughs at the absurdity.

"So equal partners for real this time" Homura offers.

"Equal partners for real" Kirika agrees.

Chapter Text

The rest of the day passed without further incident the couple finished school killed a few witches and returned home wherein Kirika made dinner.

Despite that fact however while they had sorted out what came up during their conversation at lunch there was still some level of awkwardness between Kirika and Homura's interactions that had not been present until this point.

As the two separate to go to bed for the day, Homura considers how she let things get to the point they were at today.

Homura's conclusion is painful to consider, she took Kirika for granted.

Because of just how absolute Kirika's loyalty is and how reliable she always is no matter what Homura forgot to consider that Kirika isn't just a doll she is a person and people can only be pushed so far.

In hindsight the promise Homura made Kirika swear for all it seemed like a good precaution at the time was absolutely a mistake.

Homura even knew how much Kirika would hate it before asking but just thought, it's Kirika as long as I ask her to she'll do it for me.

The worst part is she wasn't wrong Kirika even though she did actually try to push back a bit folded the second Homura pushed at all.

Yet why did the idea that Kirika would hate that not even factor into the calculation?

Honestly, it's little wonder Kirika came to the conclusion she should stop trying to care for anything other than Homura's goal when Homura so clearly ignored any boundary she tried to build.

If Homura was still in the first timeline before she was forced to confront the idea of losing Kirika would she have even said that was wrong?

She was determined to think of Kirika as nothing but a tool at that point. Would she have cared if Kirika gave up everything that made her human just so she could serve Homura's goals better?

Homura doesn't think she wants to know the answer to that question lest she come to hate herself more than she already does.

Maybe that is answer enough.

Still, as Homura comes to on the next day, it is with an understanding that she cannot just let things with Kirika continue on as they have been. If she does how long will it be before this situation repeats itself?

Homura knows perfectly well Kirika will never act against her but is perfectly willing to act against herself.

Homura doesn't want to be responsible for Kirika slowly cutting away every part of her personality she thinks Homura doesn't like until she becomes a shell of herself.

It is with that on her mind that Homura accepts Kirika's hug and sits down next to her for the breakfast she prepared.

"I've been thinking about our conversation yesterday" Homura begins.

"Sorry about that, still I'm happy we came to a good resolution at the end. Equal partners is a nice place to be," Kirika says.

"I agree but that doesn't fully address the issues that came up there. We need to work out where we go from here" Homura replies.

"What do you mean, where we go from here?" Kirika asks.

"Let me ask you a hypothetical if I right now say I went back on my decision and ask you to act as the doll you offered to be yesterday how would you respond," Homura says.

"Um, I feel like the correct answer to that would be to say no I wouldn't?" Kirika says.

"But is that the answer you would actually give?" Homura says.

"Probably not if I sincerely believed you were asking that of me" Kirika replies.

Homura closes her eyes and takes a breath. At this moment she wishes Kirika was not quite so obedient and could actually take a stand against her.

"We need to establish what we actually are to each other. Beyond our unspoken agreement about whatever this is" Homura says needing a way to actually set some lines in the sand. For Kirika's sake if nothing else.

"Um I guess we are partners towards defeating Walpurgisnacht and protecting Madoka?" Kirika says.

"While that may have been the initial agreement I think we can both say whatever this is has grown beyond that" Homura points out.

"In that case maybe it's better to define how we see each other so we can actually sort out what we both want?" Kirika offers.

"That may be a better place to start" Homura agrees.

"Ok then Homura you are the person I love and the centre of my world. Even knowing that will not be reciprocated you are still my closest and best friend. The main think I want is to see you happy and remain by your side" Kirika says.

"But that's not quite everything. I know you Kirika and I know that while you put on a show of happiness no matter what I do with you, you do have preferences and wants beyond that, such as regarding how you spend your time with me," Homura points out.

Part of what led to yesterday's near disaster was Kirika not actually pushing for what she wanted of Homura. So funnily enough Homura actually needs Kirika to be more demanding and selfish if she wants this partnership to continue to move smoothly.

"Ok fine I admit for all I enjoy planning with you and hunting for you I do have preferences. I enjoy being able to actually hang out with you properly like during our date that one time or when we went to a coffee shop and discussed the future last timeline. You already know perfectly well I can be a bit clingy and affectionate I can try to do that less if it makes you uncomfortable but I do like the chance to do that. I'm really not too demanding though obviously saving Madoka comes first I know that, you don't need to go out of your way too much." Kirika says.

"Don't say that last part, this is what you want for yourself, don't be so eager to be exploited by me for my goals that you actively undermine what you actually want," Homura says.

Homura is the last person to argue the fact that saving Madoka comes first, that comes first over everything. But in saying that Kirika is already devaluing her own wants and wishes in comparison to Homura's which is how they got into yesterday's mess.

"Ok fair enough but the rest still stands. What do you want from me?" Kirika asks.

"Well of course I want your continued assistance in saving Madoka and killing Walpurgisnacht. Beyond that I want to continue our current arrangement, having you as a housemate and close friend has been rather pleasant. I would also like you to ensure that should I say something incorrect or you believe you have advice for you to be willing to criticise me and offer suggestions even if I seem attached to my current plans. Finally, I want you to not give up on the things you want even if it may inconvenience me. Don't treat yourself as a tool" Homura answers.

"I'm up for all of those. I'll try to work on being a bit less of a yes girl for you though even if you are the most amazing person I've ever known you're not infallible, neither am I but hopefully we can we can do a bit better together. For that last part, I won't repeat what happened yesterday I will remain your friend even if that means demanding your time and confessing to you and being juvinial at times. I will stay myself even if that's not what would help your goals most optimally" Kirika says.

"I believe what you said is also acceptable. I'll try to give us the chance to arrange more time to do things non-magical girl related together, maybe some more 'dates'. In terms of you being affectionate, I actually don't mind in the least, it's comforting when it's you, even if I would probably try to kill anyone else who spent as much time gleefully invading my personal space as you do."

"Yay, I get to spend more time doing things with Homura" Kirika says to herself seeming to be buzzing with happiness at the thought of getting to hang out with her love more.

"I also think we should make one more mutual agreement even if this is something we have already promised each other" Homura says.

"Oh?" Kirika replies.

"That no matter what happens we will stay together" Homura says.

In the end Homura doesn't ever want to lose Kirika and she's absolutely sure the same is true in reverse for Kirika so this seems like a good way to end setting boundaries.

"I Kure Kirika promise that no matter what happens I will remain by your side. That no matter what may try to tear me from you I shall remain your faithful friend and companion come what may" Kirika says the promise audibly filled with sincerity and affection.

"I Akemi Homura promise that I will not abandon you or leave you. We will face the future together no matter what awaits us" Homura says finding she means every word.

Kirika for all she already seemed pleased lights up at Homura's promise.

"Well then partner shall we head off to school, I believe we are meeting Madoka and her friends after school" Kirika comments.

"That sounds like a plan" Homura responds.

The two having finished eating set off towards school.

The day passes fairly quickly lessons being just as easy and repetitive as normal.

Homura hangs out with Kirika over lunch but unlike yesterday is determined to talk about actual light subjects.

She allows Kirika to be as affectionate as usual while leaning into Kirika's humour and whatever random topics she decides to bring up rather than trying to discuss strategy or witches.

Kirika makes jokes, takes Homura along on tangents and confesses her love in a dozen different ways. Homura finds herself with a smile she struggles to dispel by the time lunch is over.

After some time passes the school day ends. She and Kirika meet up with an enthusiastic Madoka and a slightly less enthusiastic but still present Sayaka.

"Hi Homura and Kirika, Hitomi would also be here but she has piano classes directly after school so it will just be us four" Madoka says.

Homura nods in agreement and Kirika makes an affermative sound.

The four set off towards the mall where Kirika first met Sayaka and Madoka. As they walk they talk.

"How did you and Kirika meet?" Madoka asks the pair as they walk.

Homura actually has to give this answer some thought, she and Kirika technically met for the first time twise, once as magical girls and once as school girls.

The problem with explaining their actual first meeting is it happened in a school Homura should have only just started going to.

Not sure how to answer Homura looks to Kirika and relies on her much better social confidence to come up with a good answer.

"Do you want the story of how we met the first time or how we met as magical girls since those despite what you might think are not actually the same?" Kirika offers.

Sayaka decides to respond "How did you meet as magical girls?" The question seems to be genuinely curious.

"Well for reasons I can't really explain I couldn't actually remember my wish after making it. Me and Homura's magic has a somewhat noticeable reaction so when I saw her walking around as a magical girl using it I didn't recognise her and assumed she might have a clue about what wish I made. Anyway one thing led to another, I tried to stab her, she blinded me and shot me a few times and we agreed to work together. She has been my trusted partner ever since."

Madoka and Sayaka both look at Kirika in stunned disbelief trying to process the rollercoaster that was her answer.

"Wait so you're saying that your first interaction as magical girls was trying to kill each other?" Sayaka asks.

"Well more trying to seriously maim each other, as you can see no permanent damage was done."

Madoka still looking slightly stunned from that answer decides to ask a follow up question "And how you met the first time?"

"I fell down some stairs before I had made a contract as a magical girl and Homura caught me. She then helped me to get help for my injured leg," Kirika answers.

"That's surprisingly tame considering your first answer" Sayaka says before continuing "Do most introductions between magical girls tend to be attempted maiming?"

"It does happen but normally it's either premeditated murder or a chat as opposed to the confusing mess that was that encounter" Kirika answers.

"Did you two not recognise each other if you'd met before being magical girls? Does being a magical girl come with some sort of magic glamour that hides your identity?" Madoka asks considering they already knew each other.

"Well I had kinda only met Homura a day before contracting and the wish messed up my memory of that entire week so at that time I honestly didn't recognise her" Kirika responds.

"As you may have seen Kirika's outfit is somewhat Identity concealing and considering how fast pace the fight was I didn't get a good look at her until the fight was over. There is no identity protection built into being a magical girl however" Homura also answers giving her side of the story.

"Oh ok, If that's how you two met how did you two get so close to each other?" Madoka asks.

"Well it started with Homura wanting me to hunt some witches for her, then we hung out a bit and then I moved into her house" Kirika says.

"I feel like you may have skipped a few steps" Sayaka comments.

Homura considers the first week of knowing Kirika "While light on detail that is actually surprisingly accurate" She says.

"I mean to be fair at that point we were both kinda using each other. It took a while after that for me to realise I actually love her" Kirika says looking at Homura.

Homura honestly thinks that answer is more than slightly inaccurate to Kirika at that time who was much more up for being used by Homura rather than using her during that first month. But decides not to correct it.

Homura see's Sayaka get ready to ask another question and deciding to give Kirika a break from talking says "Out of interest how did you meet Sayaka, Madoka?" she already knows of course but it makes the conversation feel less one sided.

"When we were younger I was being bullied and Sayaka stepped in to help me we've been friends ever since" Madoka says.

"Yep since then we've been thick as thieves," Sayaka says.

At this point the group finally makes it to the mall and starts looking through the shops available while talking.

Sayaka as they're going looks contemplative for a bit before saying "Is it rude if I ask what you wished for?"

Kirika is the first to reply "Probably very, but as mentioned White Ring scammed me so I can't even remember my wish so the answer is who knows"

"Oh" Sayaka says "Did Kyubey refuse to tell you what you wished for?" she then asks considering what her reaction would be to that.

"Well unfortunately due to reasons White Ring also doesn't actually know what I wished for. There is literally no one alive or dead who knows my wish" Kirika says.

"I see why you warned us about him" Madoka says considering Kirika's statement assuming she was telling the truth.

"Of course, my real wish that I've chosen to follow is to make sure that Homura is happy" Kirika says looking at Homura with her usual amount of affection.

Homura even being more than used to it at this point still finds the amount of affection and care that Kirika looks at her with staggering. At this point though rather than the confusion that consumed Homura when first getting used to Kirika she simply finds that fact comforting.

Sayaka looks at Homura curiously likley wondering if she's going to share her wish.

"I am afraid I find my wish too private to share so I will keep it to myself" Homura says.

The 4 go through a few shops and discuss a few other not particularly relevant subjects before reaching near the end of their outing.

"How do witches' labyrinths work, I don't think you two ever explained" Sayaka asks closely before the group disperses.

"The form a barrier can take is infinitely diverse and reflects the nature of the witch which inhabits it. As a rule all of them are inhospitable to human life due to either the familiars within the barrier or the environment of the barrier." Homura answers.

"Any examples?" Sayaka asks curious.

"Well of the top of my head one looked like a steampunk city full of poisonous smog that causes you to choke blood, One was a literal tar pit, one was made up of fractuals and completely ignored Euclidean geometry even more than normal but really they can be practically anything with the sole exception being they all want to kill you, normally painfully" Kirika comments.

"Huh guess me and Madoka got lucky the one we fell into didn't kill us just by stepping in" Sayaka says realising that had they had worse luck they would have died then and there despite Kirika's best efforts.

"Yep if you don't know exactly what you're doing as a magical girl you're just as likely to get killed by the environment of the witch you enter before you can even fight it for real. There is a reason most magical girls don't last long" Kirika replies.

Homura considers the fact that Kirika within her first week as a magical girl had taken on double digit numbers of witches without any supervision. She really is exceptional.

With that conversation coming to a close Madoka and Sayaka make their goodbyes and then set off home.

Kirika and Homura head off home themselves.

Homura feels that the trip went well. Sayaka seems less hostile while Madoka still seems to be sufficiently cautious about contracting.

"It was a good idea bringing up the fact you cannot remember your wish Kirika that serves as a good argument for the incubator's deceitfulness" Homura comments.

"Yeah thought it worth bringing up when Sayaka asked about wishes" Kirika comments.

Kirika makes dinner as usual which Homura remains eternally grateful for and the two have dinner like usual.

For all the status quo has changed today Homura considers it to be for the better.

While she does need to spend more time doing fun rather than productive things with Kirika to keep up her side of the deal Homura finds the thought rather unobjectible.

Really for how incredible Kirika is it's no cost at all.

She's not quite sure when Kirika's happiness became one of her priorities but Homura finds the thought a fair one. As long as Madoka is safe Homura is happy to give Kirika everything she wants short of loving her back.

Chapter Text

Kyoko is having a rather normal day.

At the current moment, she's eating her way through an apple while walking down the street. She's probably going to have to go on a hunt later for grief seeds but for now she can relax a little bit.

The ability to relax is a good one to have, Kyoko never quite knows when things are going to go wrong which makes it much more important to be able to enjoy the time when things are going ok.

Now ok does just mean ok rather than particularly good, she still needs to find a hotel to scam for a room tonight and while she's not critically low on grief seeds one or two bad fights or honestly good fights if they're magically intensive could change that fact very easly.

Kazamino is not too bad a place to live for a magical girl. It has enough misery to spawn enough witches that as long as she makes sure to fatten up a few familiars then she's at little risk of full on running out of magic.

That doesn't make it great, however. After all she does have to deal with her neighbours which in this case is a group of magical girls who are way to uptight and probably going to disintegrate violently at some point and a witch controlling maniac.

Suffice to say she has certain ideological differences with the first group, not enough to get into a full on fight (she's fairly sure she could take any two of them but fighting them all at once is a losing bet) but enough that she sticks to her side of Kazamino and they stick to theirs if they know what's good for them.

Sasa is as mentioned a maniac, Kyoko could kill her in a fight no question but fighting her and multiple witches is something for people who want to be a hero not for people who want to live a somewhat long life.

Of course, this means that even if new magical girls don't pop up and threaten her territory there is always a chance her territory gets an incursion and Kyoko finds herself down a few grief seeds to keep them out.

Still the system works and it's not like there are any better hunting grounds available. As long as Mami's in Mitakihara Kyoko is very much not welcome there and the surrounding towns are either too small to have a sustainable witch population or already have settled territories.

Suffice to say most cities don't have anyone quite as competent as Mami when it comes to crushing all opposition but do have some very territorial and very desperate girls.

So Kazamino despite its numerous flaws is Kyoko's territory and without something changing, it will remain that way.

Finishing her apple Kyoko makes sure to pinch a wallet from a rather unobservant pedestrian as she walks. Really it's more his fault than hers anyone who has the top of their wallet poking out of their pocket does not deserve to keep their possessions.

Checking it she finds it's not too full but should have enough for a few days food. After taking the money and usable cards she tosses it in the nearest bin happy to have found such an easy meal ticket.

Lucky finds like that don't come too often and while stealing as a magical girl is much easier than as a vanilla human that doesn't change the amount of effort she needs to put in.

Other than that she spends most of the day just walking about occasionally buying or if it looks like an easy mark stealing some of the more decent street food she sees around the place.

As it gets a bit later Kyoko decides to check one of her other kinds of meal ticket.

She knows a familiars that left a witch she killed last week had eaten a few people last she checked and she's fairly sure that by now it would have moved up the food chain from familiars to witch.

Of course if people are at the bottom of the food chain and witches are a step up it's Kyoko's job to introduce that witch to the top of the food chain. Magical girls, in this case her.

Finding the area that it was hunting in before it doesn't take too long to see someone walking towards it with a witch's kiss.

While some familiars manage to work out witch's kisses most of the time they are only able to hunt by opportunity making that quite a good sign that her magical dinner was ready to be served.

Kyoko pulls the kissed woman away making sure to leave her to fall unconscious somewhere safe (no reason to let her die after the witch has matured after all, Kyoko's not soulless) before walking into the labyrinth.

The place is rather similar to the former familiar's parent witch. The barrier was formed like a massive tree with Kyoko having to climb up its roots and then branches to reach the witch on the top.

It's not just a massive tree of course, would it even count as a witch if it wasn't also a psychedelic nightmare? Each branch contains has familiars which look a bit like wooden people except with clawed hands and without any detail on their faces other than blank wood. The familiars each try to climb out of the branches but are pulled down by vines coming out of the tree.

This particular feature is why this is one of the types of witch Kyoko likes to keep around in her territory. While familiars spawned witches tend to have a little divergence from the original this witch's familiars being trapped by itself more than makes up for the exercise the vertical climb forces Kyoko to go through.

After all as long as Kyoko wacks them with her spear the roots manage to drag the familiars back down into the tree making most of the barrier rather friendly compared to some of the familiars she has to deal with.

Of course, the witch at the top isn't quite so polite as to trap itself like its familiars. The witch is a looming figure. Like its familiars this witch is a looming figure of wood without a face. While humanoid its limbs are elongated and its arms end in claws rather than hands. The wood doesn't move for itself however. The real witch is the vines that grow around every little bit of the things body. Each movement it makes is one that the vines surrounding and growing out of the witch drag it along with.

The first time Kyoko fought this witch it was actually rather difficult the vines snaked around her feet trying to wrap up and trip her, while the body even though its movements are lurching things without any elegance it gets pulled around with force making it move shockingly fast swinging wickedly sharp claws in an attempt to visect Kyoko.

Of course that was the first time. This isn't the original just an over fed familiar and the fight is rather well practised at this point.

Kyoko cuts her way around the vines trying to trip her, swings out her spear making sure to segment it into chains to wrap around the arm swinging at her before pulling the vine's wooden doll to the floor. After that she jumps to avoid any further vines before returning her spear to its unsegmented from and piercing through the core of the vines in their wooden doll.

The witch dies with little fan fair and Kyoko claims her grief seed. She notices a familiar escape the barrier as it disintegrates. While it would be effortless for her to kill it she lets it go.

No reason to kill a future grief seed before it's fully grown after all especially such a convenient brand of witch as this one.

Kyoko checks her soul gem and sees a little bit of grief left. While not too bad it could be inconvenient if something unexpected occurs. Kyoko takes out a mostly full grief seed she has been waiting to get the last bit of use out of and drains the grief into it before going to find Kyubey for disposal.

It doesn't take too long to find him, he's always around when it comes time to collect grief seeds.

"Hey Kyubey I've got a grief seed for you to dispose of!" Kyoko shouts getting the things attention.

Hello Kyoko please hand over the seed so I can dispose of it as usual.

Kyoko tosses the full grief seed to Kyubey letting it do it's little song and dance about getting rid of the thing.

She turns to walk away and find a hotel room before Kyubey desides to continue the conversation.

While you're here I believe I have some news you will be interested in.

"What would that be?" Kyoko asks.

Tomoe Mami is most likely dead.

"What?" Kyoko asks shocked.

While she's considered that Mami's idealism could get her in trouble Kyoko still finds herself shocked by the idea her former mentor could have just died. She was after all one of the most competent magical girls Kyoko has ever met.

After calming down for a second Kyoko asks an actual question "Do you know what killed her?"

Mami disappeared without a trace while I was not around to observe, meaning I cannot say with certainty. Based on the fact she was not found dead and there was no crime scene she was most likely killed in a witch's barrier hence the lack of body. It is possible that she was simply killed by a witch, however, I believe it more likely that she was assassinated while she was fighting a witch.

"How did you reach that conclusion" Kyoko asks.

A few days before her death two new magical girls arrived in the city and harrassed me for a few days. While I could not observe the confrontation I find the idea that two magical girls seeking territory managed to catch her off guard more likely than the alternative. That she spontaneously failed against a witch for the first time after years of successful hunting. Furthermore while never directly confirming it said magical girls try to be rather evasive when questioned on her disappearance.

"Well as sad as I'm sure you are about the disappearance of your star magical girl to me that sounds like an opportunity. After all even if they managed to catch Mami off guard I'd like to think I'd have a decent chance of picking up some new territory" Kyoko says.

As long as she manages to get a decent confrontation Kyoko has a rather good chance to avenge her former mentor and pick up some territory that's both more expansive and less competitive than her current lot.

Should you decide to confront them I wish you luck.

"Aww thanks Kyubey, it's been a bit since I've had to beat any new faces into the ground but I'm confident that I'm not too rusty" Kyoko says.

With that Kyubey sets off to do whatever he does when he's not around but Kyoko doesn't really care.

She has a few things to finish up in Kazamino but in a few days she thinks she's going to book a trip to the next city over.

After all with Mami gone Mitakihara is a much better hunting ground than her current territory as long as she can unroot Mami's murders.

Really seems like a win win to her. All Kyoko has to do is win a fight after all and that's a skill she's rather experienced in.

Still no need for the future to get in the way of current concerns and what she needs now is a hotel room.

Chapter Text

Friday passes with little incident.

Despite greater clarity to their partnership on the surface very little was actually different about Homura and Kirika's relationship and their tasks remain basically the same.

As such the day goes by with an uneventful day at school followed by a late afternoon of fighting witches and escaped familiars.

As the day ends Homura considers what she and Kirika had said yesterday and decides Saturday seems like a perfectly good time to make good on what she agreed to.

Waking up on Saturday for Homura went as normal, getting dressed, washing up and then getting a running hug from Kirika before sitting down to have the breakfast Homura's partner had made for her.

"Thanks for making breakfast Kirika" Homura says.

While Kirika has been making breakfast as standard for over a month now with Homura's recent commitment to not take Kirika for granted it seems right to acknowledge the things she does for Homura even if they're small.

"I do make it every day you know, though I'll never be disappointed to be thanked by the light of my life" Kirika says.

"I know and the fact you make it every day has made me enjoy something that I could never even consider the possibility of caring about before. That's deserving of some thanks I believe" Homura says.

Kirika blushes slightly "There is nothing I care for more than your happiness so I can't help but be happy hearing that" she says.

"Well I'm pleased you're happy" Homura comments.

"That just makes me happier" Kirika says with a small laugh.

"I think I should end this here" Homura says deciding not to spend the next few minutes repeating the same sentence.

"Aww we totally could have kept that going" Kirika says still smiling.

"I don't disagree but I would like to think we can manage a slightly higher quality of conversation" Homura says.

"Ah but as long as both of us are enjoying talking then isn't that the highest of conversational quality possible?" Kirika replies.

"I prefer my conversations to include actual content," Homura says.

"Boring we can totally have a fun talk entirely free of actual information," Kirika says.

"I do wonder what goes on in your mind sometimes" Homura says not being particularly serious.

"But you already know that it's basically just you in there," Kirika says about as seriously.

"I have seen you talk maturely and intelligently about topics entirely unrelated to me so I somehow doubt that" Homura says.

"Everything I say is related to you" Kirika replies

"Really?" Homura asks.

"Yep the rationale behind everything I do considers your happiness first and foremost, so even if you're not even in the conversation you're still on the mind," Kirika says.

"Maybe you should find a hobby," Homura says.

"I'll have you know I already plan to learn baking and dancing once Walpurgisnacht is dead" Kirika points out.

"Fair enough" Homura agrees.

"Anyway aside from being a master of the art of bomb manufacturing do you have any hobbies?" Kirika asks.

"You say that like making pipe bombs doesn't count" Homura teases.

"As beautiful as you look absorbed into putting together disparate pieces into high explosive devices capable of bringing down buildings with a level of speed and skill most likely unseen in the rest of the country. You could probably do with a hobby unrelated to killing witches" Kirika says.

"Well I'll have you know I also plan to learn dancing once Walpurgisnacht is dead" Homura points out.

"Touché" Kirika responds.

"On that note if I remember what we agreed on Thursday I agreed to spend some more time with you outside of anything mission focused," Homura says.

"Are you inviting me on a date?" Kirika says her eyes lighting up at the thought.

"I'm not opposed to describing it like that" Homura replies.

Despite this being for Kirika's sake Homura realises the thought does fill her with some anticipation.

"Well I believe I chose the last date so I leave myself in your capable hands" Kirika says looking up at Homura.

"You mentioned you enjoyed talking over coffee last timeline so how about a reprise of that" Homura offers.

"I'm not against it" Kirika says happily.

"If you're not enthusiastic about it I could always offer another idea" Homura says.

"No I am 1000% up for getting coffee with you. Don't you dare go back on this" Kirika says with a little bit of panic.

Homura has to admit Kirika is rather cute when flustered. Not that that's relevant to anything.

"Great in the case I'd be more than happy to take you" Homura says a smile having worked its way onto her face.

"You know perfectly well I'll follow you wherever you go so feel free to lead the way" Kirika says appearing even more bouncy and energetic than usual in her visible excitement.

With breakfast finished at this point Homura sees little reason not to do exactly as Kirika has asked.

Homura offers her hand which Kirika enthusiastically receives before leading the way to the place Homura remembers having the best coffee.

Homura hasn't really visited cafes for fun at any point but by virtue of having to meet up with people at various points or wanting to discreetly keep an eye on Madoka she's ended up experiencing a fair few over the city.

Due to this she actually does have some memory of where the good ones are.

Not that she ever imagined that she would end up using that knowledge and definitely not for her current reasons.

As they walk Homura enjoys the feeling of Kirika's hand in hers. It's another thing Homura has rather taken for granted the amount of affection and security Kirika's presence offers at all times.

It is funny how much of an exception Kirika is to most of the rules Homura has lived by.

She's endlessly reliable something Homura has never found in a person before. Homura actually finds her presence comforting rather than draining something she shares with Madoka and zero other people. Physical contact with her is comfortable and familiar as opposed to feeling stress inducing like it is for most anyone else.

The word exceptional can apply to Kirika not just in terms of her skills and abilities but also in just what she is to Homura. An exception to almost every truth she has come to understand about other people through her loops.

Looking back at Kirika Homura can see her adoring face looking endlessly pleased to be following Homura's lead.

Of course Homura and Kirika are equals and Homura is perfectly happy to follow Kirika's lead whenever that may be needed.

Despite that Homura does feel a level of happiness at just how happily Kirika is able to follow her lead, Kirika trusting Homura to lead her where she wishes to be.

Honestly that applies to much more than the current walk when it comes to Kirika.

The thing Homura finds even more remarkable to consider is the fact that trust is mutual. If Kirika wanted her to do something or wanted to lead her somewhere Homura would follow her without a second of indecision if she seemed serious about it.

As she thinks this Kirika is happily humming a tune behind her they finally reach the coffee place Homura remembers being the best out of the one's she tried.

It was a bit of a walk but if Homura is going to give Kirika a day she may as well find the nicest thing possible rather than a more convenient alternative.

"Here we are, the best coffee place I've found in the city so far" Homura says.

"Well if you enjoy it then I have absolute faith that it will be wonderful" Kirika replies.

With that the two girls walk in and order before finding themselves a table.

One thing Homura didn't consider is this place doesn't offer any of the over sweetened abominations that Kirika tended to buy in the past.

Solving this Kirika just gets a hot chocolate and then after tasting it adds a few extra sachets of sugar.

"I'm not sure those belong in hot chocolate" Homura points out considering how sugared those are by default.

"But I enjoy hot chocolate more with them in it therefore that's exactly where they belong" Kirika points out.

"Well I'm happy to see your gluttony for sugar will never change" Homura says having unsweetened black coffee like normal.

"My diet is as sweet as my personality" Kirika says.

"I feel like some people would assume that you've never touched sugar in your life in that case" Homura points out.

"Now why did you have to bring Sayaka into the conversation" Kirika responds.

"You'll find you brought her, up my statement was broad enough to not have to just be about her" Homura replies.

"But you were thinking about her when you said it" Kirika says looking into Homura's eyes.

"Possibly" Homura admits.

Kirika lets out a small snort at that which Homura finds adorable to watch before replying.

"Only possibly though, wouldn't want to be certain" Kirika says.

"Exactly" Homura says before laughing a tiny bit herself.

"Do you think her and Mami last time just assumed we spent our full time scheming and cackling evilly whenever we were out of earshot?" Kirika says.

"You shouldn't underestimate those two like that... They also probably thought we were murdering poor orphans in our free time." Homura says before thinking for a second.

"True I didn't give them enough credit" Kirika says sipping her hot chocolate.

"I personally only did that once after that timeline, and it was a rich orphan" Homura says considering Oriko.

On one hand she feels slightly bad joking about murder on the other hand seeing Kirika almost choke on her drink in response to her saying that before getting close to crying laughing kills any guilt over the joke.

"Homura that was terrible" Kirika says just about managing to get her reaction over control.

"Hey you did it too, on the same day even" Homura responds considering Mami's parental and monetary status.

Kirika's resumed self control collapses into giggles once again.

"At least we got cake out of it" Kirika eventually points out.

"I'm sure that was your main incentive" Homura says.

"Well it wasn't quite to die for but to kill for is a much lower bar" Kirika replies.

"I feel like some people would take issue with that statement," Homura says.

"There you go bringing up Sayaka again" Kirika says with an artificial sigh

"I know you said I was the one constantly in your thoughts but she seems to also live there" Homura states.

"Ew no I do not spend time thinking about Sayaka of all people. Why would I let her have any space in my brain when the most beautiful and impressive person in all of creation could be there instead" Kirika responds horrified by the insinuation.

"Who would you be referring to with that description" Homura asks.

"She has long black hair, amethyst eyes and unshakable confidence. When she's around it feels like time stops moving. I'm not sure if you know her" Kirika replies.

"Doesn't ring a bell" Homura answers.

"Ah in that case I'll just have to show you her" Kirika says before taking out her phone and showing Homura a picture of herself that Kirika had taken at some point.

"Huh seems like an interesting person, not sure if I see the appeal though" Homura replies.

"Well in that case it's a good thing you have me around to have good taste in your stead" Kirika says.

"Must admit I don't think she's my favourite black haired person I've met" Homura comments.

"Oh and who would that be" Kirika asks.

"She's small, rather cute and likes sugar way more than is healthy." Homura comments.

Kirika instantly fully blushes to an adorable shade of red.

"I ah, don't think I've met her" Kirika says suddenly seeming a lot less confident than she was a second ago when complementing Homura.

"Ah that's a shame she's a really close friend of mine who I have an extremely high opinion of" Homura goes on.

"Oh, could you tell me anything else about her" Kirika asks.

"Well if you've never met her I guess I shouldn't just tell you all her details" Homura says.

"You tease" Kirika says.

"I thought you didn't fish for compliments?" Homura points out.

"Oh are you suggesting you were talking about me in that case" Kirika replies.

"I guess I must be" Homura answers.

"I guess I can live with knowing the love of my life thinks I'm cute" Kirika says.

"Well it's a good thing you can live with it I'm not sure what I'd do if you died" Homura says.

"That's not anything to worry about because I'm never leaving your side remember, do you really think death would be enough to get rid of me" Kirika says.

Homura considers for a second "You seem a bit too stubborn for that" she replies

"Exactly" Kirika says.

The two stay like that talking for long enough that their drinks get cold as do the drinks they order to replace them.

The two do, after a number of hours, leave the coffee shop to get food and, realising they're almost out of supplies doing some shopping before returning home.

Homura as she's walking home a shopping bag held in one hand and a happily skipping Kirika in the other considers that today was one of the most enjoyable days she remembers.

Sure she didn't kill any witches or incubators. She didn't gather a single bit of ammunition or make a single bomb. She didn't even talk to Madoka or Sayaka to try to prevent them being manipulated into making a contract.

Despite that Homura would not change a single thing about today for the world.

She hopes Kirika enjoyed the day since it was for her sake after all.

Yes, Homura thinks, for the sake of ensuring that Kirika is happy and able to be herself all of this was definitely worth it.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up on Sunday still utterly extatic.

How could she be anything else, afterall she had an actual date with Homura yesterday.

Not hanging out a bit after killing witches or keeping an eye on Madoka from a conveniently located cafe but an actual chance to spend the day with the person she loves without a single distraction.

Even knowing she will always be second to Madoka as long as she can have day's like yesterday Kirika cannot possibly be anything but joyous about the relationship she shares with Homura.

Even better she's fairly sure Homura enjoyed it too.

Even if the original reason it occurred at all is Homura humouring Kirika's desires she knows Homura enough to know the smiles, laughs and good mood Homura had over yesterday were not faked.

That of course is what made yesterday as close to a perfect day as Kirika thinks she's ever going to see. That she could genuinely make Homura happy not as a tool or by achieving a goal but just by being herself around Homura.

She would say it only made her love Homura more but Kirika is fairly sure that's impossible. It is still a day she will treasure for the rest of her existence however.

As such Kirika is in a fantastic mood as she prepares breakfast and gets things ready for Homura to wake up.

Once Homura is up Kirika makes sure to give her a hug which is reciprocated much to Kirika's joy before sitting next to her at the table.

"You somehow seem even more energetic than usual today" Homura points out.

"What can I say, I had a truly incredible day yesterday. So now I'm more than up for absolutely anything" Kirika says.

"I'm happy you enjoyed it so much" Homura says sounding pleased.

"Of course I enjoyed it, any time with you is precious but yesterday I got to actually have your full attention for a bit what could I possibly want more" Kirika points out.

"Well I'm sure we can arrange a time for that again. For now however we do have a few things to catch up on considering yesterday's break from work" Homura replies

"I know. Like I said though I am fully refreshed and ready to go. No matter what I need to do today there is absolutely nothing that could ruin my mood" Kirika answers.

"Well that's good because we have plenty of hunting ahead of us this morning and then I'm going to have to put you on Sayaka babysitting duty this afternoon" Homura says.

"I see you really want to test what I said about nothing ruining my mood huh. Well luckly for you today I can even chat to Sayaka with a smile" Kirika says.

"You're not usually this excitable even on a sugar high" Homura points out.

"Well I have already said your affection is sweeter than any amount of sugar and I'm running of an entire day of it today." Kirika says.

"As long as you're not distracted" Homura says.

"I am absolutly focused don't worry. After what you've given me I won't let things go anything less than perfectly today" Kirika says.

No matter how happy or excited Kirika may be today she is perfectly capable of swallowing all of that for as long as it takes to carry out the will of the one she loves.

Anyone who thinks her current state is one of weakness is someone who will end up being extremely short lived.

Because if anything gets in the way of what the one she cares for wishes they won't be there for long.

"Well in that case I have nothing to worry about" Homura says.

"If I'm on Sayaka duty I'm assuming you'll be looking out for Madoka" Kirika says.

"That is the plan. Hopefully it won't be needed but after the end of last timeline I will not take risks" Homura says.

"That's ok, I selfishly kept you all to myself yesterday, you deserve some time with the person you love" Kirika replies.

"That's not. Kirika I'm going to make sure she's safe and no incubators or witches are around where she is going not for a date." Homura points out.

"Oh so I'm the only one who gets to have dates with you. You really do spoil me. Still though enjoy spending time with Madoka" Kirika says.

Homura looks like she's reaching for a retort before giving up "I will. Hopefully your good mood survives Sayaka" she replies.

"Today not even Sayaka has a chance against that. Anyway I still get to spend the morning hunting with you which is something that I will never tire off" Kirika says.

"Well that's fortunate because hunting is a thing we will always need to do for as long as we live" Homura states.

"Well if it's with you that sounds like more of a reward than a punishment" Kirika says.

Homura lets out an amused breath "You're impossible"

"Ah but I'm impossible for you. No one else gets the privilege" Kirika replies.

"Well I guess I just have to thank my good luck to have you in that case" Homura answers.

"Well have me you do since I am yours now and forever" Kirika replies.

"I could not ask for a better partner" Homura says

"Well that's good because I think mine is perfect" Kirika responds.

"Shall we set off lest I leave you to spend the rest of the morning flattering me" Homura asks.

"You know perfectly well I would gladly do so" Kirika answers.

"That would not be particularly productive" Homura replies.

"In that case, lets collect some grief seeds" Kirika answers.

The two girls having finished eating set off towards the places Homura knows witches will be. Later in the morning they'll have to hunt based off intuition rather than knowledge but Homura does have pre-knowledge of where a few of yesterday's witches should be.

As they head out to hunt Homura discusses their plans for later today.

"Sayaka should be out shopping today until late afternoon. Her last stop will be the record shop. Just stay around the area and make sure the incubator is not trying to get her to contract. Feel free to bump into her but you don't need to" Homura says laying out Kirika's afternoon.

"Ok sounds good just stay in the area, look out for White Ring and maybe have a chat with her if I feel like it" Kirika says.

"Exactly" Homura replies looking satisfied.

The conversation pauses as the girls reach the barrier of a witch.

"This is a bit away from where the witch we were heading to should be. It may be a witch Mami killed before I could see it so stay aware." Homura comments looking at their location.

Going inside Kirika can see the barrier seems to be made of a number of floating islands each shaped like broken off sections of rooms in a house.

Between the floating sections that are at minimum multiple meters away from each other is what can only be described as absence. A literal nothing.

Out of curiosity Homura takes a MRE out of her shield and drops one off the bit of room she's standing on.

It falls for a few seconds seeming to fade from existence the further it falls until nothing remains.

Kirika considers that with her ribbons this labyrinth would probably not be too inconvenient for Mami but leaves anyone without good methods between the floating part rooms at a disadvantage.

Despite this as magical girls both Homura and Kirika can easily make the jumps between the islands as long as they aren't interrupted.

Sadly this labyrinth's familiars are irritatingly present. They take the form of people except with each one only a single limb seems Human while the rest if formed of the same absence as the void below the islands.

On the upside their human limb is just as fragile as a normal human limb and they die if it's destroyed. The issue is anything that goes through the absence ceases to exist which Kirika learns as she swipes for the living hand of a familiars and has the claws on one hand disappear into the absence of the familiar's other hand when it rases it to block.

In the end despite the fact that the islands are surrounded by absence and populated by familiars use of timestop alongside Kirika's speed and combat abilities means that until the witch the barrier is closer to inconvenient than deadly.

Even If Kirika being more physically enhanced than Homura does have to carry her over some of the longer jumps between islands something that while Kirika rather enjoys she can tell somewhat embarrasses Homura.

Finally they reach the witch which occupies the first thing that seems like a whole room rather than the shattered shards of a home dreamed up by a mad god.

The witch is a hole in the world that expands and contracts at will. Its form seeming like a tentacled mass of nothing with a still beating heart visible at the centre of the many limbs of non-existance.

Normally this would be a relative non-issue with timestop however one thing that had been noted over the barrier is time stop only stops the real bits of familiars not the absence.

As they were humanoid this still froze the familiars making them easy pickings. For this mass of absence that didn't seem that intent on moving away from its heart it's a much bigger problem.

Homura tries firing a grenade over the limbs towards the heart in the centre but a pseudopod of absence deletes the grenade from existence before it can land.

Kirika sees if she can twist time around the thing to slow it and finds that unlike anything else she's seen so far the witch's absence moves in time as well as space.

While this does make slowing or speeding it up impossible it does mean that Kirika's ability to manipulate the time field around her gives her a way to apply pressure to and move the limbs that dosen't end up with her instantly dead.

Using this she make sure to use her magic to give Homura an open shot at the heart while dodging flailing limbs of non-existance whlie Homura Fires an RPG at the heart.

Mulitple of the witch's non-existent appendages reach out for the rocket only stopped by Kirika's push back something that distracts her enough to have a bit of nothing go through an arm leaving a perfectly circular hole where the limb was punctured.

Luckely the destruction of the heart collapses the barrier leaving Kirika only notably hurt rather than missing a whole arm or more.

Back in the real world Homura looks at Kirika having been focused on the witch noticing the large hole in her arm.

"Kirika are you ok?" Homura questions looking concerned.

Having a large hole in one of your arms turns out to both be very painful and also make all the arm under said hole unusable. On the upside seeing a bone with a chunk taken out of it yet no other visible damage is as interesting as it is macabra.

Kirika instantly gets to healing it with time accelerated magic but notices it will take a bit longer than usual considering the damage and the fact the flesh and bone is just gone rather than being torn or lacerated like from more normal damage.

"Yeah this isn't the worst I've had even if it's not great. Still it's what we signed up for" Kirika says wincing a bit as she sees the flesh and bone on her arm visually start to reconnect through her magic.

"I guess it is" Homura says still sounding rather unhappy about Kirika's injury.

Kirika normally at this time would like to give Homura a hug but considering that for the next few minutes she only has one functioning arm and to avoid getting blood all over Homura she elects not to.

"You know times like this remind me just how inhuman we are" Kirika comments still looking at her arm refilling it's hole.

"As much as I hate the incubator it's better to be inhuman than dead" Homura points out.

"Oh I know never cared that much about humanity to be honest it was just a thought. Anyway as long as you can find an inhuman thing like me cute I see absolutely no problems with that fact" Kirika says still enjoying Homura's comment from yesterday.

Eventually Kirika finishes healing her arm and drains her suddenly much more full of grief soul gem into a grief seed.

"With the amount of blood on the pavement of this ally people are going to think someone was murdered here" Kirika notes.

While dismissing her costume gets rid of all the blood on that it doesn't get rid of the arm full of blood that had dripped down from her wound.

"That will surely be a curiosity for the mundane authorities but is not our problem" Homura replies.

Kirika nods in agreement and the two magical girls set off towards the witch they were originally intending to hunt.

The rest of the morning's witches go by without incident as it is very difficult for anything to threaten Kirika and Homura without some level of completely breaking physics or overwhelming power and most witches are not quite capable enough at either to prove a proper threat.

Kirika and Homura once finished hunting go their separate ways.

It doesn't take too long to spot Sayaka on the shopping street that she is on and Kirika takes care to vaguely tail her without being visible.

While she does consider talking to Sayaka she decides it's best that getting impaled by literally nothing should remain today's only incident.

After a while of Kirika looking in a few random shops and buying herself some sweets Sayaka finally goes into the record shop and leaves letting Kirika go back home to Homura.

Kirika gets home slightly before Homura but it does not take too long before she also gets home.

Kirika makes sure to make dinner and enjoys sitting next to Homura as she eats.

Homura seems to be giving Kirika a bit of extra care after seeing her down an arm.

On one hand Kirika never wants Homura to see her as fragile on the other hand there is never a time she doesn't enjoy extra attention from Homura so Kirika chooses to bask in Homura's care for her rather than worry about not being good enough.

After all it was her that let Homura kill the witch she just wasn't used to have to wrestle something with her time magic which distracted her.

Still while it is a reminder to practise with her magic a bit more Kirika's not worried. As long as she's good enough to keep her love safe that's all that matters and today she didn't fall short.

As she hugs Homura and wishes her love and a good sleep Kirika considers that no matter what she faces she will not fall short no matter what. In a way she's looking forward even to Walpurgisnacht just so she can help kill the thing that tormented Homura so much.

It's a pleasing thought for Kirika that no matter what ways she has failed Homura violence will never be where she falls short.

Chapter Text

Kirika is currently waiting outside Mitakihara general hospital. The reason for this is simple today is the day a certain sweets witch will appear at the hospital.

Admittedly for obvious reasons Kirika and Homura have no need to save Mami from her fate from this witch, but that doesn't change the amount of damage a strong witch can do if left to hang around the hospital.

While last time Homura wanted to be with Kirika this time she's trusted Kirika to take care of the sweets witch alone while she helps clear out some other witches around the city and protects Madoka.

Of course just like last timeline Kirika and Homura only know the witch is going to turn up at the hospital not where exactly it will turn up.

Hence Kirika standing outside of the hospital waiting for something to happen.

The issue with knowing that the witch will be appearing at some point within the next hour or two is it leaves Kirika standing around for an hour or two without Homura or any other distractions waiting.

While she's tempted to just call Homura, considering that she's most likely either hunting witches and so won't have signal or is talking to Madoka in which case Kirika calling would be an unpleasant interuption.

Either way calling would get in Homura's way too much which leaves Kirika doing what she has been for the past 10 minutes. Sitting down on a bench in the Hospital car park and waiting to see if she can see or sense the witch.

Admittedly Kirika does have the thought that it might be possible to prevent what ever person White Ring tricked from falling to despair to prevent the witch. But well hospitals are big places, Kirika isn't sure why whoever this is so consistently becomes a witch and Kirika doesn't really care that much.

After another 10 minutes pass with nothing happening and no witches appearing Kirika decides that she may as well try to look inside the hospital. The witch is just as likley to be inside as outside apparently and at least it could be more interesting.

Kirika makes her excuses to the reception desk that she's here on behalf of Homura to collect some test results from her heart surgery alongside a note from Homura as proof. This is enough to go into the hospital, not that Kirika follows any of the directions she was given regarding where to go.

As she's walking she finally senses a build up of magic that hasn't quite become a witch yet and begins heading towards it. As she walks towards the witch to be however Kirika bumps into a person she didn't really want to see while hunting.

Sayaka.

She looks rather down and obviously is not looking where she's going since as she walks around the corner she walks straight into Kirika's speedwalking form knocking both of them to the floor.

Sayaka has a second of confusion before recognising who she bumped into "Kirika? what the hell are you doing here" She says already in a foul mood even before bumping into Kirika.

Kirika gets up and dusts herself off "Going to either prevent the birth of a witch or kill a witch depending on how things go" she answers before setting off noticing the grief buildup ahead of her.

"What do you mean?" Sayaka says having apparently decided to follow Kirika.

"That I'm either about to find a magical girl having a breakdown or a witch and a corpse either way you shouldn't be here" Kirika says reaching the door she can tell the magical girl appeared in.

Opening the door still followed by Sayaka who apparently has no self preservation Kirika arrives just in time to see a child crying over their basically black soul gem before the thing shatters and the girl's corpse falls over sending Kirika and Sayaka into the labyrinth of the witch.

Kirika looks over at Sayaka who seems somewhere between dumbfounded and horrified.

"Well done you got to see a witch being born. Feel better about yourself?" Kirika asks.

"What the fuck Kirika. A child just died right in front of us do you even care" Sayaka says her fear, horror and confusion manifesting as anger at the only person she can take it out on.

"Well she was doomed the second she contracted with White Ring. Chances are I wouldn't have been able to talk her down and would have just ended up shattering her soul gem before she could have become a witch if I got here earlier." Kirika points out.

"That's horrible" Sayaka responds.

"No what's horrible is the fact that I now need to babysit you through another barrier. This witch is bad enough without having to protect a civilian." Kirika says.

Sayaka suddenly looks around remembering that if Kirika decides to walk off she's probably dead "Sorry about that" Sayaka says trying her best to make her sentence not sound sarcastic.

The two begin to walk through the sweet filled barrier Kirika killing any familiars she comes across.

"What were you even doing in hospital at this time anyway, I didn't think you had medical problems" Kirika asks.

"I don't. I was here to visit a friend. Apparently his examination changed though and he won't be free for the next couple of days so I guess I was actually here for no reason at all" Sayaka says.

"Well I can't blame you for visiting a friend in hospital. Still you shouldn't have followed me when I said I was hunting a witch." Kirika says thinking back to the first day of the timeline when she came to collect Homura from hospital.

"I know, I just. I guess I wasn't thinking" Sayaka says.

"It's fine if I thought I was going to get to see Homura only to find out I couldn't and wasn't informed before hand I would also be annoyed" Kirika says a bit less annoyed now she understands why Sayaka was acting stupid.

"Oh no we're not like you and Homura, we're just friends. Still I had really hoped to share some records I bought for him" Sayaka says deciding to focus on talking about Kyousuke rather than the horrifying environment around her.

"Are you sure you don't care about him that much if you're visiting him in hospital and going shopping for records for him" Kirika asks.

"Yes he's just a close friend. Why are you of all people asking this" Sayaka asks with a faint blush.

Kirika notices a familiar and makes sure to skewer it before returning to her conversation. "What I can be curious" Kirika says.

"Nosey more like" Sayaka says quietly.

"So why is he in hospital?" Kirika asks deciding to ignore Sayaka's comment. As long as she's not insulting Homura it's not like it actually matters.

"He had a car accident. It's left him unable to walk or use his hands properly" Sayaka says.

"Oh well that sucks for him I guess" Kirika says.

"He was a violin prodigy, his music has always been magical. Now he might never get to play again. That's why I bring the records so he can still listen to the music he likes" Sayaka says.

"That's kind of you. I guess you enjoy having him rely on you?" Kirika asks.

"What? No I want him to be happy" Sayaka says.

Kirika laughs slightly "I'm not sure I'd recommend such selfless love. I know I'm being a hypocrite here but I get the feeling you won't be satisfied if he ends up happy and you with nothing" Kirika points out.

"Of course I want him to be happy, how would that end with me having nothing?" Sayaka asks sounding a bit confused by Kirika's words.

"Well since you're just his friend, assuming he recovered and then didn't look back at you now he didn't need to rely on you, could you accept that?" Kirika asks.

"He wouldn't just do that, he's my friend" Sayaka says.

Kirika thinks back to the one 'friend' she had before Homura "That can mean less than you might think."

"Why am I talking about this to you of all people" Sayaka says.

"Because you're stuck in a witch's barrier due to your own stubbornness and don't want to talk about that fact I would assume. Anyway the witch is ahead so stay here and hide. You'd better pray I win too because if I die here so do you" Kirika says.

"Thanks for reminding me" Sayaka says as the witch becomes visible and Sayaka chooses a spot to watch the fight without being too visible.

"That witch doesn't look too threatening at least" Sayaka points out looking at the little doll ahead of them.

Kirika laughs a tiny bit "And that right there is why you would die very quickly as a magical girl."

Kirika sets off sticking her claws through the doll before jumping back in time to avoid the real witch appearing and trying to bite her.

Kirika stretches time around herself and twists it around the witch giving her a speed advantage before heading close enough to the witch to bait it into opening its mouth.

As the witch lunges down Kirika extends her claws through its mouth before leaving them in there and jumping back manifesting some new claws while the witch chokes and bleeds on the first set.

Eventally the witch dies only for an exact copy of the witch to appear out of the dead witch's mouth.

The second version attacks Kirika with the same speed and ferocity as the first forcing her to dogue out of the way.

As Homura had mentioned last time her blades glance of the wormlike witch's skin leaving small scratches rather than the lacerations they should. Forcing Kirika to catch the witch off guard trying to bite her.

If she only had to kill the witch once or twice the fight wouldn't be too hard but even with the speed advantage the fact the witch is only vulnerable when attacking makes it irritating to kill once talk about repeatedly.

Kirika thinks back to the witch she had fought yesterday and considers if she can make this process a little easier on herself.

Next time the witch tries to bite down on her Kirika takes the time around the witch and grips it. When the witch is about to bite down she knots the time through itself rather than twisting or stretching it like normal.

The witch rewinds a second back to when it had just opened its mouth letting Kirika stab it through the mouth once more killing its second form.

The knot breaks once it rewound the witch a second but the witch does not learn and repeating the trick is enough to kill the witch repeatedly until it stays down.

Looking at her soul gem Kirika taps a grief seed to it. Turns out even a tiny time loop is expensive.

As the barrier crumbles Kirika makes sure to grab the witch's grief seed to replace the one she used before checking on Sayaka.

"So much for not threatening" Sayaka says thinking back on how much Kirika struggled to hurt it and its layers of teeth visible even where she was hiding.

"Yep that's a nasty one. Still it did help me figure out a new trick so can't be too mad at it" Kirika says.

"You mean when it seemed to kinda glitch out and repeat what just happened. That was you?" Sayaka asks.

"Yep" Kirika says slightly proud of herself for managing to do what Homura does if only to a single witch rather than the entire world.

"We should probably leave, since the girl's body isn't here I assume the hospital found it and took it away but we really shouldn't stick around" Kirika points out.

Kirika begins heading out Sayaka following since she has to go the same way.

"Does every witch fight go like that?" Sayaka asks thinking back to how terrifying it was when it looked like the witch was about to kill Kirika each time it attacked.

"Not really, honestly despite how annoying that one was to kill it went well. Yesterday one left me with a massive hole in my arm. I'm fairly sure enough blood was left on the floor of that alley I was in that the police probably think someone was murdered there" Kirika says finding how unsettled Sayaka seems kinda funny.

"Doesn't that hurt?" Sayaka says.

"Like a bitch but I got better in good time" Kirika replies.

The two get out of the hospital.

"Well thanks for protecting me" Sayaka says feeling obliged to at least say that much.

"Wasn't too big an issue. Please don't require protecting in the future though not every barrier is as fit for human habitation as that one" Kirika points out.

"Goodbye" Sayaka says before heading home.

"See ya" Kirika responds before heading home so she can return to the side of the person she loves.

Chapter Text

After killing the sweets witch on Monday the next couple of days passed relatively uneventfully for Kirika and Homura.

They continued hunting witches at their usual rate not finding anything partically threatening to the couples rather overwhelming abilities as school went on.

While Homura is sure the the incubator is still trying to manipulate Madoka and Sayaka it's not spent much time around school, presumably preferring to talk to the two while Homura and Kirika are not around.

Despite that things at school have been going well, with Homura and Kirika getting a bit closer to Madoka and her friends without any other incidents aside from Sayaka following Kirika into a witch's barrier on Monday.

As Thursday comes around Homura remains cautiously optimistic that she and Kirika are on top of things.

"Hey Homura, if you could is there anything you would change about me" Kirika asks as the two sit next to each other in the morning.

"Kirika I care about you as you are, you don't need to change anything. Even if I could there is nothing about you I would want to change" Homura answers.

"I mean like physically too not just mentally is there anything you would perfer" Kirika continues.

"Kirika I mean it you don't need to change anything about yourself I care about you exactly as is. What brought this on?" Homura asks.

"I guess I've just been thinking how I can help you more and not coming up with any idea's so I just wanted to know if you'd like to change anything" Kirika says.

"You don't need to help me more Kirika you're already the most help I've ever had bar none. The way you can help me is being more confident that you are perfectly suited to be my partner as is" Homura answers.

"Well there you go you did think of something. I'll try to be a bit more self confident in being your partner" Kirika says with a smile.

"I feel like both of us missed the point of this" Homura points out.

"Eh, as long as I can be who I want to be I'm happy" Kirika says.

"And by that you mean who I want you to be?" Homura questions.

"Mostly" Kirika answers.

"Do remember the whole we are equals thing" Homura points out.

"Oh I know, this is based on what I want not on what you are telling me to do" Kirika responds.

Homura just lets out a breath. When talking about this sort of thing Kirika doesn't feel like she should be real.

"Well your choices are your own I suppose" Homura answers not really having a counter argument for Kirika wanting to be more perfect for her (As if she isn't already).

"Exactly and I just want to be the absolutely perfect partner you deserve" Kirika says.

"In that case you don't need to change at all" Homura points out.

Kirika seems to light up with that comment "In that case I couldn't possibly be happier" Kirika says.

"Well that's good I wouldn't want to disappoint you" Homura comments.

"You could never disappoint me" Kirika replies.

"Exactly so think how badly I would have to do if I did" Homura responds.

"I think you're too capable for that to be possible" Kirika says.

"Well that's good since you also tend to be much too capable to ever fall short of what I want from you," Homura answers.

"In that case I guess we can't possibly fail" Kirika points out.

"Let's hope so" Homura says.

"No need to hope, there is no chance I would fail the person I love" Kirika says.

"That person must be rather lucky" Homura replies.

"Personally I think I'm much luckier to have her but if she feels lucky to have me then that's fantastic" Kirika says her voice as full of affection as usual.

"How could I not feel lucky to have you especially considering how coincidental the beginning of our partnership was" Homura points out.

"I perfer to think of it as fate. I for one cannot picture any other way things could have gone nor do I want to" Kirika says.

"I tend not to be a fan of fate considering my goals but just this once I'll give it a pass" Homura says.

As much as it is Homura's entire life goal to prevent Madoka's fated death if just this once fate gave her exactly the person she needed to break the cycle she has been trapped in then Homura might just forgive it.

Soon after this the two set off to school.

The day went just as uneventfully as the last few. Lessons the same as every other timeline, talking to Kirika at lunch and some discussion with Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi over the day.

Before too long Homura and Kirika are free to finish their day with a bit of hunting.

It doesn't take too long to find the first witch of the day after killing a few familiars that were in the path.

The barrier is plan white all the way across almost an empty void. The familiars look on the surface to be like people except each one is proportionally exactly the same and utterly featureless.

Each looks closer to a statue made of porcelain than a person. Their faces are blank flesh without eyes, ears a mouth or anything else.

While when they sense Kirika and Homura they attack with immense ferocity despite lacking any visible way to see, they are not too much trouble to deal with. While their flesh is certainly more difficult to pierce than that of an actual person and they bleed black rather than red blood they still die after taking enough critical damage.

After walking across the white featureless void with only occasional familiars as landmarks Homura and Kirika finally stumble across the barrier's witch.

Its form is of a mockery of what one might imagine an angel to be. Standing at far above the size of a human surrounded by wings that leak white fire in whatever direction they move yet the rest of its form is just as featureless as its familiars.

Once it notices them It rushes towards them sending a wave of fire from its many wings that branch off seemingly randomly from its plain flesh.

Homura simply stops time leaving the hideous thing suspended in time.

"Why do witches always have to be so damn creepy" Kirika asks as she walks around the witch to find an angle not cut off by its fire.

"I doubt any of them are sapient enough to do it intentionally so probably just bad luck" Homura points out.

"It's so surrounded by that fire that I don't think we can effectively attack it right now" Homura says also looking for an opening.

"I've been working on a new trick actually. If you could set your pipe bombs where it was a second ago to go off I can send it back a little" Kirika says.

"That's new" Homura comments as she puts out the bombs where Kirika advised.

"Yep been working on doing more than just stretching and twisting time. Finally worked out how to do a knot" Kirika says.

"Well I'm unfreezing time now" Homura points out.

Kirika's pink eye seems to brighten and the witch appears just where it was a second before time had stopped as if the time between then and when it got to never passed.

The explosion destroyed the witch leaving its featureless form to crumble away along with its empty barrier leaving nothing but a grief seed behind.

"Impressive trick" Homura comments as she picks up the grief seed.

"Well it's not quite you managing to send the entire world back but I can copy you a tiny bit. Bit magically expensive though" Kirika says.

"Well even if it's not perfect every tool we have is an extra advantage against Walpurgisnacht" Homura says.

"Exactly and it's not too bad if I only use it one or two times in a fight" Kirika says.

With that Kirika cleans her soul gem which had a little bit of grief build up and the two continued hunting.

After a little while Homura got the feeling of being watched and as experienced as she is it didn't take too long to catch Kyoko seeming to be following them.

"Kyoko's following us" Homura informs Kirika.

"You mean red spear girl from last time?" She asks.

"Yes that one" Homura answers.

"Is Yuma also there?" Kirika questions.

"No, actually she was also divergent from the norm. Generally Kyoko works alone rather than taking care of anyone." Homura says.

Which does raise the question of how did that happen last timeline. While Homura would like to blame Oriko like she does for most of the changes it's hard to see how or why she would have led to Kyoko taking care of a preteen magical girl. Maybe that entire timeline was just divergent even outside of Oriko.

Homura leads Kirika to an unpopulated and relatively spacious alley before deciding to stop so they can confront Kyoko.

"You can come out now" Homura says loud enough that Kyoko could definitely hear her.

"Well I guess you two aren't completely incompetent if you managed to spot me" Kyoko says waking around the corner of the alley.

"Why have you come to Mitakihara" Homura questions while Kirika stands by her side letting her do the talking for now.

"Well I heard that Mami bit it, which means I see no reason not to move in" Kyoko comments.

"In that case it may have been more polite to introduce yourself rather than follow us" Homura says.

"Ah well it would be but I heard you two may have been responsible for Mami and well I was thinking how to thank you for opening up such a nice territory for me" Kyoko says.

"And what would that be" Homura asks.

"Well after I break your legs I'll let you take a little bit of the city rather than killing you right here" Kyoko says.

"Sakura Kyoko I would recommend you don't do anything rash or you may find yourself regretting it" Homura says.

"I'm fairly sure I didn't introduce myself. I guess I should be flattered that you worried about me enough to learn my name" Kyoko says still confident.

Homura turns to Kirika and says "She may be useful against Walpurgisnacht but won't back down without a show of force"

"Oh so do you want me to kill her or just mess her up" Kirika asks.

"For now just incapacitate her, If she's in too bad condition she may not be useful later" Homura says.

"What are you two talking about, discussing how to voice your surrender?" Kyoko asks confidently.

"If things go badly I'll end it but I trust you'll be enough to demonstrate her position and anyway, I get the feeling your methods will get through to her faster" Homura says.

"Don't worry I'll have her neatly disabled for you before you know it" Kirika says.

"Ok are you two just going to stand there because if you leave me waiting much longer I'll just skewer the both of you" Kyoko comments.

"Oh don't worry my love was just reminding me not to kill you. You mentioned breaking our legs right? Well that seems good enough for you in that case" Kirika comments to Kyoko.

While Kyoko is a very experienced magical girl Homura is confident in Kirika's chances. Kyoko simply has little to no solution to Kirika's time magic and even if she's not quite as experienced Kirika is still very skilled as a magical girl. So while if it looks like her partner is ever at any risk Homura will of course intervene, she feels confident that won't be necessary.

"Kirika if you can leave her somewhat functional. She won't be much use if she's stuck healing for the next week" Homura comments.

"You're going to eat that confidence" Kyoko says as she summons her spear and prepares to strike at Kirika.

"You are so lucky Homura wants you in one piece" Is Kirika's only responce before the two come to blows.

Chapter Text

The first thing Kyoko realised about Kirika as the fight begins is that she is the fastest magical girl she's ever seen bar none.

Theoretically, the reach advantage afforded to her by her spear should be more than enough for Kyoko to keep anyone with as short ranged a weapon as her opponent off her yet Kirika's speed means that it takes every bit of Kyoko's concentration to keep Kirika off her.

Still the stalemate of Kyoko using her reach to hold Kirika off while she tries to get around the spear via her speed doesn't last for long.

As the two fight Kyoko notices that while she doesn't seem new to fighting her opponent doesn't have great footwork or seemingly that much experience fighting human opponents.

Now this would be more useful if Kyoko could keep up with her opponent in the least but it does allow her to make a feint with her spear before using its ability to segment to attack from a direction Kirika wasn't expecting.

While she doesn't land a clean hit the spear still manages to pierce through a bit of Kirika's stomach and force her back.

As Kirika jumps back Kyoko takes the second to regain her bearing before noticing something. The wound that she just managed to deal heals itself in front of her eyes.

"Now that's just unfair" Kyoko comments as she prepares to attack again.

She considers going for Kirika while she's healing but charging an opponent that can easily manoeuvre around you isn't the best of ideas for anyone who wants a long life.

"Rather naive of you to expect fairness, I thought you were experienced?" Kirika comments not seeming the least bit bothered that she got stabbed.

"What can I say I'm an optimist, when I stab people I expect them to stay stabbed" Kyoko replies.

"Well in that case I'll enjoy converting you into a pessimist" Kirika says before lunging straight back in.

Kyoko makes sure to keep using her spear to hold Kirika off. Annoyingly after catching her off guard with the ability to make her spear into a chain once, her opponent seems to have instantly adapted to it.

While Kyoko tries to keep using her range and experience advantage to keep up with the living blender trying to kill her eventually Kirika manages to dodge over a spear sweep and get close enough to strike at Kyoko.

While Kyoko manages to wrap her chain around Kirika's leg as she gets close and flings her away she's not fast enough to avoid a few cuts around the chest.

Nothing critical but unlike her opponent they're also not getting better any time soon.

Kyoko realises she needs to end this in a single decisive strike or she's screwed.

If this turns into a game of attrition Kirika can just repair any hits Kyoko manages while her speed makes every exchange a dangerous game.

Kirika despite being flung with force manages to land on her feet.

While Kyoko is worrying she can see her opponent has a wide smile and even has the gall to look to that other creepy magical girl she seems to be working for and get a nod of approval before going back on the attack.

With her plan solidified Kyoko knows she needs to use a trick Kirika hasn't seen yet to catch her off guard and land a blow she can't keep fighting though.

As Kirika attacks her Kyoko watches how Kirika reacts to her strikes and feints noticing that even if she's not caught off guard by them she still reacts to every attack as if it's real she just is fast enough to react either way.

Using this Kyoko attacks with both her extended spear chain in a sweep while also attacking with the back end of the spear to force Kirika to step in position for Kyoko to lunge directly towards her heart while summoning a barrier behind Kirika to cut off her retreat.

There is no way Kirika can avoid this, as Kyoko strikes forward towards Kirika's heart she's sure it's checkmate. As she strikes forward Kyoko looks at Kirika's glowing pink eye ready to impale her-------

There is no way Kirika can avoid this, as Kyoko strikes forward towards Kirika's heart she's sure it's checkmate. As she strikes forward Kyoko looks at where Kirika should have been however there is nothing there.

She feels a line of fire run across her back and stumbles.

Before Kyoko can get back on her feet Kyoko feels herself ripped backwards her adversaries claws leaving lasserations on her arm as she's flung towards the wall.

Before she can recover Kirika is upon her, rather than go for a killing blow she dissmisses the claws on one hand before hitting Kyoko hard enough in the chest to leave her breathless.

Kyoko creates another spear in her undamaged hand but finds a single claw going through her wrist before she can so much as move it.

Kyoko can feel her injuries vividly. The punch to the stomach inflamed the two jagged cuts Kirika left in her stomach earlier. Her right arm has blood running down it and her left hand is limp from Kirika's claw going through it.

Kyoko can tell she's lost.

"You know you're pretty good, like that took as much effort as killing axe girl and sword girl at the same time. Not enough though even if I had to use a bit of magic. Now I think I mentioned breaking your legs earlier yes" the maniac standing above her still holding a claw through her arm says with a wild smile.

Before anything else happens the other girl appears next to Kirika in an instant despite the fact she was half a street away a second ago.

"No need to be any more unpleasant than necessary. I think we've proven our point" The girl says putting her hand on Kirika's shoulder.

Kirika's wild grin becomes an expression of utter contentment in a moment leaning into the touch of the other girl.

"Well you did say she could be useful. I think I've shown Kyoko her place anyway" Kirika says pulling her claw out of Kyoko's hand so she can lean even further into the girl's touch.

Kyoko suddenly realises this situation could be much worse for her than she thought. There is no way someone like that suddenly becomes so submissive that she practically forgets about her intentions the second her partner appears naturally.

She's not quite sure if the relationship between Kirika and creepy girl is that of equal partners, master and servant or worse master and pet and that fact is extremely worrying.

Because Kyoko knows girls like Sasa can take control of witches and there are definitely magical girls that can control other magical girls. When she considers that the words 'she can be useful' become very worrying.

Kyoko considers her options, Kirika seems distracted but the question of what the other girl can do is still unanswered. Alongside that Kyoko is too injured to fight. Still if there is even a chance she's right Kyoko cannot risk staying here.

Thinking fast Kyoko summons a barrier in front of her before trying to leap away and start fleeing. While her arms may be screwed her legs are fully functional and live to fight another day is a very good idea to live by.

This makes it very concerning when Kirika appears in front of her and creepy girl behind her in under a second without even interacting with the barrier.

"See Homura I told you we should have broken her legs" Kirika points out.

"If she actually had a chance of getting away I would be more convinced" Homura replies.

At this point Kyoko can see the writing on the wall. Time to see just who she pissed off and just how fucked she is.

"Ok, I surrender. What do you want?" Kyoko says.

"Well now we've proven you can't push us out I see no reason you cannot still hunt in Mitakihara as long as you're willing to do us a favour later" Homura says.

"That sounds way too fair after that show" Kyoko points out.

"That was just to make sure you didn't try anything unwise. It's not like any of the damage is permanent" Homura says.

"Yeah but healing this much takes a ton of magic and a few days at least" Kyoko points out considering her somewhat depleted reserve of grief seeds.

Homura reaches into her shield causing Kyoko to tense before tossing her a grief seed.

"What?" Kyoko asks.

"That should be enough for the self healing. If you're interested in staying in the city we can meet at a cafe this time tomorrow and discuss terms" Homura says.

Kyoko considers. On the upside no instant brainwashing so that's good. On the other hand this makes no sense who gets their subordinate(?) to brutalise someone just to give them a bribe and offer to work with them a second later.

On the other hand if she goes back to Kazamino as she is now, Kyoko is willing to bet Sasa will jump her and kill her in no time at all. In the end she doesn't really have a choice.

"Fine, I'll meet with you tomorrow" Kyoko answers.

Homura gives Kyoko a location before walking to hold Kirika's hand seemly about ready to leave.

"What you're just going to walk off after that?" Kyoko asks.

"Well we did still have a few witches to hunt before you arrived" Kirika points out.

Somehow Kirika sounds perfectly civil almost pleasent in her answer despite the fact she was enthusiastically arguing in favour of breaking Kyoko's legs a second ago.

As the two set off Kyoko has one last question before they leave she needs answered "Why are you willing to work with me if you bumped off Mami"

"Well she was really inconvinient for a number of things so her not being around anymore just makes everything a lot easier" Kirika says in a tone more suited to talking about the weather than murder.

"You also have the proper attitude for a magical girl, it makes cooperation with you much more possible" Homura also comments.

"I see" Kyoko says understanding no more than before she asked before letting the two head off.

As Kyoko heads to the hotel room she had booked for the day very slowly healing her wounds with magic as she goes she considers just how wrong today went.

In the end the root of the problem was Kyoko had assumed that the people who killed Mami would be of mediocre power who managed to catch her off guard hunting a witch. Kyoko knows perfectly well how easy it is for a magical girl to die in a barrier if she's distracted in the right moment after all.

Instead, it turns out Mami's killers are miss overly cryptic and her pet monster. Who are apparently experienced magical girl killers rather than anything close to normal magical girls.

Suffice to say, the idea of avenging Mami and taking over the territory was apparently never going to happen.

Still until Kyoko knows what Homura's 'favour' is she has no choice but to meet them tomorrow and hope for the best.

On the upside, if Sasa or any other upstarts try to use Mami's death to their advantage they'll get a rather unpleasant surprise.

As she sits down on the hotel bed eating her way through a pack of pocky Kyoko wonders if she'll be making a deal with the devil tomorrow.

Still it's not like her father can despise her more from the afterlife. Admittedly Kyoko's last deal with the devil ended up with her losing everything. But this time she's she knows she only cares about herself.

Her deal will be on her behalf no one else.

She just hopes that's enough to make sure that this time ends in her favour for once.

If she thinks that she really must be an optimist Kyoko considers. Still, Kyoko will do whatever it takes to survive.

Chapter Text

Kirika is making breakfast while humming when Homura gets up to join her.

"Good morning Homura" Kirika says brightly.

"Good morning Kirika" Homura replies as she sits down and lets her best friend serve her breakfast.

"So looking forward to the meeting with Kyoko later?" Kirika asks as she sits next to the most amazing person in the world.

"I'm not sure looking forward is the right word but she should be cooperative, she is not the type to keep a grudge over losing a fight so I expect it to go well" Homura replies.

"Well I doubt we need her but from how you've described it I won't say no to help against Walpurgisnacht. Even if she is not quite me or you she was still the best magical girl I've fought so far aside from you" Kirika comments.

"She is talented and rather experienced. In fact I would say she's in the upper percentile of magical girls just due to that. The fact you could deal with her without problems really says more about you" Homura comments.

"Well if I'm a freak of nature when it comes to magical girls then I don't mind as long as I'm your freak of nature" Kirika says.

"Well considering our promise I'd say we belong to each other not that you're any stranger than I am" Homura comments.

"Well obviously neither of us are typical. Then again I wouldn't dedicate myself to anyone who wasn't absolutely exceptional" Kirika says.

"You are definitely the exceptional one among us two" Homura says.

"Nope, no way, you are way more incredible than I am" Kirika says.

"I would argue but this point is a lost cause against you so I'll just accept the compliment and say you are at least as exceptional as I am" Homura answers.

"Ok I can accept that. Equally exceptional" Kirika says getting a smile out of Homura.

One thing Kirika has enjoyed recently is just how much easier it is to get Homura to smile these days. Of course, the fact Kirika's more capable of getting Homura to smile does nothing to diminish the joy she gains from seeing the person she loves happy.

"Still no matter how exceptional you might be good job yesterday, not many people could have beaten Kyoko like that" Homura decides to comment.

"Like I would ever disappoint you by losing a fight to another magical girl after all the promises I've made. Still, why did you get me to beat her down rather than just shooting her from timestop? I mean it was fun but I doubt that was your reason." Kirika asks

"Because Kyoko tends to respect people who beat her in a fight fairly more than someone pulling off a trick. If I shot her repeatedly not only would that have done even more damage to her body than you, which would have made healing more of a problem, but she would be looking for the trick that let us win rather than just acknowledging that she can't challenge us," Homura responds.

"Yeah makes sense, the fact she thought she could have actually taken on both of us at once is hilarious" Kirika comments thinking about the fact Kyoko couldn't even properly keep up with her talk about Homura.

"You must remember that if we were two typical magical girls she would deserve that confidence" Homura notes.

"Well that's what she gets for her hubris," Kirika replies.

"True though honestly it's not like this will work out badly for her as long as she's willing to assist with Walpurgisnacht she'll get rather good terms compared to what most magical girls would offer her" Homura comments.

"Well we have already discussed how generous you are" Kirika says.

"Speaking of would you like to go out again tomorrow? Our deal did say we would make that something regular and it has been a week" Homura asks.

Kirika squees with joy before hugging Homura from her position sitting next to "You know perfectly well I would love to. I would say you shouldn't spoil me but I'm selfish so please do" Kirika says suddenly feeling energised by her excitement.

"Your affection is a marvel to behold sometimes" Homura says yet Kirika can hear the care in her words.

Rather than draw back from the hug Homura pats Kirika on the head which Kirika immediately leans into. After a second Homura looks to her unfinished breakfast and Kirika draws back to give Homura access to free movement once more.

"Well other than you I doubt many people are capable of holding even a millionth of the amount of love I do in their hearts and mine is all for you. So that affection is never going to run out" Kirika says happily.

"I know" Homura replies with a wide smile that Kirika doubts a single other person on the planet has seen from Homura in years.

With that conversation fizzles out into a comfortable silence as the two girls finish eating and set off to school.

The school day passes as it always does. Kirika pays exactly the same amount of attention to classes this time around as last time which is to say very little but does take a moment during a recess to check on Sayaka who since saving her from the sweets witch Kirika hasn't interacted with too much.

While Sayaka seems less frosty towards her now than she was Kirika gets the feeling that any positive feelings Sayaka has towards her are tempered by their incompatible moralities.

"So how are you doing" Kirika mentions as she moves next to Sayaka during recess.

"Fine. How are you" Sayaka replies.

"Well I'm going out with Homura tomorrow so over the moon personally. How are things with your boy who is a friend" Kirika says happily.

"Well his hands will never recover and he apparently hates the fact I've been bringing him records so rather horridly" Sayaka replies.

"That's a shame still considering how long you've been helping him it's probably just the music that's the problem, not you. Or I guess he's just really ungrateful but in that case I'm fairly sure you can do better" Kirika comments.

"Don't talk about Kyousuke like that he's just going through a hard time right now. If I've been making things harder on him that's my fault, not his" Sayaka says.

"Well now you're just moping. If he really hated them and didn't say on the first day that's a him problem and if he's just taking it out on you because he just learned he can't get better then that's ridiculous, it's not like it's your fault or you can do anything about it" Kirika comments.

"I could fix it" Sayaka says not looking Kirika in the eye.

"Well yes you could kill yourself but I don't see him taking his friend dying much better than losing access to the violin unless he's much worse than you make him out to be" Kirika says.

"It wouldn't be killing myself, I've seen you fight witches twice so far and you didn't even get hurt. I know you mentioned those were ones that went well but still, you prove it's possible" Sayaka says.

"First when it comes to magical girls me and Homura are abnormalities that you should not base your chances on. Second if you make a wish you will not just likely die but even if you don't you still have to spend the rest of your life fighting horrific monsters that will hurt you physically and mentally as much as possible likely ruining all your friendships and social connections and traumatising you. Miki Sayaka as she is now will die even if you continue" Kirika says.

"It was a stupid idea" Sayaka says yet Kirika can tell there is a part of Sayaka that thinks it could be worth it still.

"It is a stupid idea yes. Anyway, I think both of us have lessons to get to around now. If you can think of stupid ideas like that you're obviously not using your brain for school" Kirika comments not caring in the least how hypocritical her last sentence is.

Sayaka heads off looking somewhat chastised though Kirika somehow doubts that conversation got through to her as much as she wishes it did.

After that school passes without incident aside from Kirika and Homura hanging out over lunch like usual.

As the school day ends Kirika and Homura head to the cafe they agreed to meet up with Kyoko in.

After they take a table and order drinks. The sweetest thing on the menu for Kirika and black coffee for Homura like normal. Kyoko arrives a few minutes later.

"Hello Sakura Kyoko please sit down." Homura offers.

Kyoko takes the seat Homura offers. While Kyoko is obviously trying to project absolute confidence Kirika can notice an air of anxiety under her facade.

"You know I don't think you two ever actually introduced yourselves" Kyoko points out.

"I am Akemi Homura a pleasure to meet you under more peaceful circumstances" Homura says.

"And I'm Kure Kirika I would introduce myself a bit more but you probably got a feel for me after yesterday," Kirika says with a grin.

Kirika doesn't dislike Kyoko, last timeline while she didn't interact with her long she seemed reasonable enough. Still she did threaten to hurt Kirika and Homura so she's willing to be a tad impolite.

"Yeah I'd say you introduced yourself thoroughly yesterday" Kyoko replies with a glare.

Before any hostilities can form Homura speaks "Would you like anything to drink, since I arranged the meeting I would be happy to pay."

"Well if you're buying" Kyoko says before asking not only for a drink but a few of the snack foods available in the cafe.

"Kirika could you get that" Homura comments trying to prevent any fights until she can actually get to the point of the meeting.

"Of course" Kirika says with a smile still listening in on the conversation as she orders.

"Ok seriously what is she to you." She hears Kyoko ask.

"Kirika is my partner and equal" Homura answers without a second's hesitation.

"Really because she seems very up for doing your dirty work" Kyoko asks.

"Kirika can be rather enthusiastic about helping me but that is simply her nature. Don't think I care any less because I am reserved" Homura says a warning in her voice.

"Well who am I to say how to manage your girlfriend? I guess I should thank you for stopping her from breaking my legs" Kyoko says.

"Don't think I stopped her for any moral objection I just thought it would make meeting you today more inconvenient" Homura answers.

At this point Kirika arrives back handing Kyoko her drink and snacks alongside a pastry for Homura and herself since she had already bothered to get up.

"Did I miss anything?" Kirika asks despite the fact she heard the entire conversation.

"I was simply informing Kyoko of the nature of our partnership" Homura answers.

"Oh well just to make sure it sinks in. Homura is the most brilliant person in the world and if you harm a hair on her head no one will ever find your corpse" Kirika says in a pleasant tone.

"Cute" Kyoko replies.

"I'm happy you think so" Kirika answers.

"Now that's out of the way shall we discuss why we asked you to be here" Homura brings up not wanting to allow any arguing.

"Ah yes, your favour" Kyoko says.

"At the end of this month Walpurgisnacht will be arriving in this city. In exchange for your help in killing it we will allow you to hunt in our city uncontested" Homura states.

"So that's it huh just kill the queen of witches with you for full guest rights" Kyoko asks.

"It is a rather simple agreement yes" Homura says.

"What would you do if I stayed and then ran on the big day" Kyoko asks.

"Well I would say I'd kill you and anyone you care about but I don't think you care about anyone but yourself so I'd just have to make it hurt" Kirika threatens. She wouldn't actually harm anyone's loved ones unless Homura told her to but in this case she is perfectly happy lying to make her threat more threatening.

"Well consider me convinced in that case Walpurgisnacht or not this is greener pastures than where I've been staying before now" Kyoko says.

"In that case I'm happy to have you aboard" Homura says.

"Yeah well what can I say your offer was more convincing than I expected" Kyoko answers.

"Should be fun working with you" Kirika says happy things went well.

Kyoko looks at Kirika "Are we going to have any problems" she asks.

"No. Why would we?" Kirika answers.

"You seemed awfully threat happy" Kyoko points out.

"Well yeah, but you're working with Homura now so why would I have any problem with you?" Kirika answers.

"You know what that checks out" Kyoko replies.

"We'll leave you to settle in for a week but next Sunday we will be discussing planning and preparation for Walpurgisnacht" Homura says.

"Sounds good to me" Kyoko says.

With the agreement sorted the three go their separate ways Kyoko making sure to take any uneaten snacks with her on the way out.

As she heads home with Homura Kirika decides she doesn't mind Kyoko. She seems much less idealistic and foolhardy than the last magical girls she and Homura tried to get to help with Walpurgisnacht.

Hopefully with her help the battle everything is leading to will be just a bit easier than it would be otherwise.

Chapter Text

After the meeting with Kyoko little of major significance occurres over the next week.

On Saturday Kirika and Homura spend the day relaxing together without interruption.

On Sunday they return to their duties of keeping Madoka safe, Sayaka from contracting and witches from being a threat.

One benefit of Kyoko staying in the city is she has similar hunting patterns to Mami as a symptom of being taught by her something that neatly solves the issue of Kirika and Homura needing to do additional hunting to make up for Mami's death.

This leaves more time over the week to focus on ensuring Madoka's safety and preparing for the arrival of Walpurgisnacht in ways other than gathering grief seeds.

After school on Monday Homura finally makes sure to shop for her necessary pipe bomb supplies before spending the afternoon and evening manufacturing them. Something Kirika makes sure to heavily complement Homura over after finding that her bomb making remains an area where compliments are effective.

On Tuesday the two make sure to clear out the yakuza again since at this point in the timeline Homura knows a few new places they have set up stockpiles in response to losing a good portion of their prior ones.

On Wednesday the two make sure to do some additional hunting before stopping off at the closest JSDF base to pick up some weapons and ammunition they had been resupplied with.

It is having done all of this that Homura wakes up on Thursday.

Getting out of bed Homura considers that even before Walpurgisnacht getting Kyoko on side was definitely an advantageous venture.

While her habit of not killing escaped familiars did mean that Homura or Kirika occasionally had to kill any that got close to anywhere Madoka or any friends of hers could end up. Her presence helped kill off the excess number of witches that left Homura and Kirika needing to hunt almost every day.

This had left a good deal more time for Homura to do the preparations that she had been holding off on up till now. Though the grief seeds gathered via her and Kirika's hunting are enough of a boon that her prior hunting does not in any way feel like a waste.

It also meant that when Homura spent Saturday with Kirika something which made Kirika extremely happy and which Homura looks back on fondly. There was less guilt about the fact it could lead to a build up of witches.

With the fond memory of Homura's 'date' with Kirika leaving a slight smile on her face she finishes getting up and goes to meet her best friend in the other room.

"How are you this morning Kirika" Homura says letting Kirika hug her before sitting down like most mornings.

"Better now you're here of course" Kirika answers.

"You can be rather predictable you know" Homura comments.

"But you care about me anyway" Kirika responds.

"You do seem to have grown on me somehow" Homura answers.

"Yep and now I've grown on you you'll never be able to get rid of me" Kirika says.

"You realise describing yourself like that makes you sound more like a terrible case of black mold than anything else" Homura comments.

"Well I don't think you'll be able to muster up the will to remove me from your house so there are worse comparisons" Kirika says.

"Your ability to take anything I say about you as a complement is baffling sometimes" Homura replies.

"Well you see I love you and also believe you care about me as a person so I always see the best in you" Kirika says.

"How odd of you" Homura answers.

"Personally I think anyone who doesn't see you as wonderful is odd" Kirika notes.

"Well considering the people who do is a sample size of one and the people who don't is the rest of the human population that by definition makes you odd" Homura points out.

"Ah but I'm right and so it doesn't matter if I'm seen as odd for being ahead of everyone else. I'm just being a visionary" Kirika says.

"A visionary in the art of seeing me as an impressive person?" Homrua asks.

"Exactly historians will look back at me and say she was ahead of her time for working it out before everyone else" Kirika says.

Homura laughs slightly "I have no idea how these thoughts come to you"

"Well, I spend my time thinking about the most wonderful girl ever and the inspiration just flows" Kirika says.

"Well it's not quite poetry but your thoughts are definitely one of a kind" Homura says.

"If you want I could make you poetry I just get the feeling you appreciate this more" Kirika answers.

"I am horrified by the idea of you writing any poetry about me" Homura says not wanting to imagine the cripplingly embarrassing things Kirika would write about her.

"Ah, so you would be happy if I wrote poetry not about you?" Kirika asks.

"I get the feeling if it doesn't loop back to me in some way you would have no interest" Homura points out.

From Kirika's facial expression, she can tell she hit the mark.

"I can write about things unrelated to you," Kirika says.

"I'm sure you can but I somehow doubt your interest in doing so," Homura says.

"The fact you're right does not mean anything," Kirika says.

Homura really does not miss her mornings before Kirika no matter how much more quiter they may have been. As silly and pointless as these conversations may be they never the less make Homura feel light in a way she knows she hasn't felt in years.

It does not take long for it to become time to set off to school where Homura and Kirika meet up with Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi.

Over the past week while they have not actually spent time outside of school together due to Homura and Kirika's other tasks they had talked to Madoka and her friends enough to talk regularly.

One thing Homura has found unexpected is that Sayaka actually goes out of her way to talk to Kirika. It only happens occasionally and Homura much prefers it to be Kirika's problem than hers considering how insufferable Sayaka can be but she still finds the development curious.

While they walk Madoka offers to hang out with her and Kirika again like last Thursday joined by Sayaka. Hitomi while saying she would like to brings up the same piano lessons as last week as a reason she cannot come.

After that school goes like usual for Homura classes passing with needing the slightest bit of attention to succeed. Lunch with Kirika like always remains pleasant if not noteworthy and before too long school is over.

After school, she and Kirika meet up with Madoka and Sayaka and set off this time going along shopping streets rather than to the mall like last time.

As the four walk Sayaka in conversation with Kirika eventually heads off apparently wanting to ask her about something without the other two overhearing her.
Leaving Homura with Madoka.

There are a few moments of somewhat awkward silence. Both Kirika and Sayaka are more the type to bring up whatever subject they feel like without any greater purpose than Homura or Madoka.

Being alone with Madoka is an experience that is always a strange mix of pleasant and suffocating. Because every second around Madoka focused on her reminds Homura of the weight of her failures and yet the undying hope that this time will be the one in which she can be safe.

As much as she longs for it a part of Homura will forever feel like she doesn't deserve Madoka's friendship.

"You always look at me so intently" Madoka comments after a second.

"I was just thinking, sorry if I was rude," Homura says.

"No it's not a bad thing I think, even if I don't get what's so special about me to get so much of your attention," Madoka responds.

"Because you are special, even if you don't believe yourself to be" Homura comments.

"That's a nice thought, you know you are rather kind yourself Homura" Madoka says.

Homura feels her throat tighten, Madoka truly knows nothing of her. That fact hurts even though it is true in every timeline.

"You suffer under a misinterpretation. I am anything but" Homura replies after a momentary silence.

"In that case why bother to care about my wellbeing or call me special if not in kindness?" Madoka.

Homura considers for a second and thinks back to her conversations with Kirika "I guess you could say I'm selfish, I act as I do because I must, nothing more" Homura says.

"You say that but you are always kind whenever we talk and you work really hard to protect people. The only person you ever seem to be mean to is yourself" Madoka points out.

A part of Homura finds it funny that she can be told that by Madoka. That the person who she's failed to save again and again can look at her and still see something untainted.

"If you had a list of my sins and mistakes you may understand why. I would say you would be too but unlike me, you're too kind a person to judge as harshly as is deserved" Homura says.

"Well if you even know that I wouldn't judge you that harshly then surely that means you're judging yourself too harshly too. From what I hear it doesn't sound like you've done anything irredeemable" Madoka says.

She doesn't understand what Homura has done. What she will do again should this timeline slip through her fingers once more.

"If you know a person is likely to commit an act of great evil in the future do you think it would be right to end their life before they have the opportunity" Homura says thinking about her actions at the start of the timeline.

Oriko had not contracted, it is very possible she never would have considering she's never done so before last timeline. As far as this timeline was concerned she had been nothing more than an innocent child who committed no wrong. Homura still killed her motivated by a combination of wanting to reduce risk and loathing about what she had done last timeline.

"That seems like a non-sequitur" Madoka replies.

"Less so than you might think" Homura says.

"Well if you know someone might do something wrong but hasn't yet then you should help them do better" Madoka says always seeing hope in places it doesn't belong.

"That is just one of many reasons why I do not deserve to be called kind while you do," Homura says.

"Oh, I mean I doubt you really had a choice if it came down to that" Madoka says refusing to see Homura for what she really is.

"I did, I was utterly free to do nothing it was just the decision I thought I had to make at the time" Homura says.

"Do you normally bring this up in conversation?" Madoka asks seeming disturbed but undaunted.

"No I just thought it may help you understand the difference between us" Homura says.

"Is that why you look at me so intently?" Madoka asks.

"I'm not sure I understand" Homura answers.

"Because you see me as someone who is kinder than you think you're capable of being?" Madoka says a question in her tone.

Homura isn't sure how to respond. In a way Madoka is right she is someone infinitely better than Homura in every way that counts. Madoka is kind yet fully able to stand up for herself or others when she feels it's needed. She is the person who showed Homura there is a world worth living in once upon a time and who showed kindness to someone who felt utterly alone.

Homura is silent for a few seconds.

"You are special in a way which is utterly fundamental yet you cannot see." Homura eventually says.

Madoka laughs nervously "I'm sorry that got more serious than I had expected. I don't think I'm that special really but it's nice you think so" Madoka says.

Homura wonders if this is what Kirika feels like when talking to her. Seeing someone you know is a fundamentally wonderful person utterly unable to see their own brightness.

Of course Homura could never live up to Madoka no matter what Kirika may say Homura will always be in the shadow of the person who saved her and made her the person she is today.

Before Homura can think of a reply Sayaka and Kirika appear. For all that Madoka is Homura's world Kirika holding her hand again makes Homura feel able to breathe in a way she didn't feel able to for that entire conversation.

Homura does not deserve Madoka and cannot bear the kindness she gives out so freely. In that way for all that she cannot love her Kirika is comforting.

Madoka is like the Sun such blinding brilliance that her light burns Homura for all that it is also the only thing to give her world light.

Kirika is like the moon, she is not the radiance that Madoka cannot help but be, yet she still provides light when it would otherwise be pitch black and stays by her side no matter how distant Madoka may be.

The sun would not be lonely if the Earth left its orbit because it has so much more than just the Earth. The earth however only has the moon for company as it eternally falls towards the sun yet only goes in circles.

Homura as their time with Madoka and Sayaka ends and goodbyes are exchanged, wonders if this will finally be the month that she is able to stop going in circles and finally reach her destination.

However, that is in the end a silly thought because this will be the timeline that she wins. No matter the cost Madoka will survive Walpurgisnacht unharmed and with her soul still in her body.

Homura can accept no other outcome.

Chapter Text

Kirika finishes making lunch as she waits for Homura to finish collecting Kyoko.

Today is the agreed-upon Sunday meeting. Since Homura informed Kirika of Kyoko's thoughts surrounding food she had the thought of offering to make lunch for the meeting since that would hopefully put Kyoko in a good mood.

Also Homura would enjoy it which is always an important consideration. As such Kirika is finishing that off as she waits for Kyoko's arrival.

Like most Sundays these past weeks Kirika is in a fantastic mood. After all Satarday has become the day that Kirika actually has Homura to herself rather than just working with her towards their aims and that as far as Kirika is concerned never will be anything but brilliant.

So she's in a rather good mood for the upcoming meeting.

As she finishes the thought she hears the door open and goes to greet Homura and Kyoko.

"Hi Homura welcome back" Kirika says greeting the person she cares about more than everything else combined. After a second she remembers she should also say hello to Kyoko since she did arrive with Homura "Hello Kyoko."

"Good afternoon Kirika" Homura responds leading Kyoko into the house.

"So we're here to talk about your plans for Walpurgisnacht right?" Kyoko says.

"That is correct" Homura responds.

As the three girls walk into Homura's apartment Kyoko notices the smell of food. "Did you cook something?"

"Well considering the time I made some lunch for us. Don't worry there's enough for you too" Kirika says.

"Well, I can't fault your hospitality If nothing else" Kyoko comments.

"It was Kirika's idea, I would have no idea where to start," Homura says.

"Are you sure she's not your servant or something considering her magical girl outfit and this" Kyoko says.

"We are equals Kirika acts as she does entirely out of choice" Homura says.

"Kinda rude to talk about someone who's right here" Kirika points out.

"True but you see where I'm coming from right?" Kyoko asks.

"I simply enjoy treating Homura" Kirika replies.

"Who am I to complain, not like I'll ever say no to free food" Kyoko says.

With Kirika providing food it is quickly agreed to move on to the proper strategy meeting after lunch is finished.

"So how did you two happen" Kyoko decides to ask as she eats.

"Oh you know, I tried to stab her, she shot me, I fell in love and we've been together ever since" Kirika replies.

"That answer leaves me feeling like I know less than before I asked," Kyoko says.

"Well a few things did happen between those events but I think that explains the important parts" Kirika says her voice still upbeat from yesterday.

"You could explain a bit more" Kyoko says.

"She caught me when I fell and shortly after I fell for her" Kirika says.

"Are you messing with me?" Kyoko asks.

"Only a bit, I've yet to tell a lie" Kirika replies.

"I'd be more annoyed with you if you hadn't just provided me with food," Kyoko says.

"Yeah well before me someone was living on MREs of all things, it was an act of kindness for me to do the cooking" Kirika says.

"What happened to you describing your cooking as 'selfish' and 'an evil plan to win my heart' as I remember you saying" Homura points out.

"I can have multiple motivations" Kirika says.

"Ok so aside from me what were the motivations" Homura asks.

There is an extended silence as Kirika attempts to find an answer which isn't just lying.

"I hate you" Kirika says which is as much of a lie as any answer she could have given.

"Are you even capable of that?" Homura asks with some curiosity.

"I mean absolutely not but you could pretend to believe me" Kirika replies.

"Why would I do that?" Homura asks.

"Because I do all the cooking and if I remember right you said I've ruined MRE's for you" Kirika says.

"While true what's that got to do with anything?" Homura asks.

"What would you do if I stopped?" Kirika asks with a smile.

"I know as well as you do that you would never do that" Homura says.

"I believe we made an agreement for me to not give up on things I want even if it inconveniences you. What if I want to stop cooking" Kirika says making sure to keep a straight face.

"I would let you, and suffer through my prior diet I guess" Homura says an edge of horror in her voice.

"Luckily for you, I love cooking for you and wouldn't give it up for the world" Kirika says.

Homura lets out a small relieved breath.

Before she can actually reply however Kyoko chooses to speak "You two do remember I'm here right, like flirt all you like but could you at least wait until after I'm gone?"

Homura actually flushes a bit at that though Kirika is entirely unphased.

"That wasn't flirting" Homura says after a short silence.

"Eh call it what you want, doesn't change my point" Kyoko says.

Kirika looking at the entirely novel expression of embarrassment on Homura's face decides to change the subject.

The rest of the meal goes through a few different topics with Kyoko. Homura actively makes sure Kyoko is talking, not wanting to get accused of flirting again.

After the food Kirika made is eaten and the table is cleared the three begin discussion.

"Walpurgisnacht will be arriving on the 30th of this month, before that there are a number of goals that need to be fulfilled in preparation for its arrival" Homura begins any prior embarrassment replaced with utter seriousness.

"I'm listening" Kyoko answers.

"Firstly when it manifests in the city it will appear to civilians as an extreme weather event. Due to the fact the witch acts outside of its barrier the fight will be highly destructive to the city and will likely have civilian casualties. This is expedited by the fact Walpurgisnacht favours using the buildings around it and their rubble as projectiles." Homura says.

"You seem to have a good idea of how Walpurgisnacht works, have you encountered one before?" Kyoko asks.

"Suffice to say I have full knowledge of its capabilities" Homura says.

"Well if you say so" Kyoko says.

"One thing we will need to do is manufacture a weather warning a few days before its arrival in order to allow an evacuation to occur in time. While I will be handling this I thought it prudent to inform you" Homura comments.

"Well I assume you already have that planned out. I assume you have more surrounding the strategy we should be using against it" Kyoko says.

"Correct as mentioned one of its main attacks is telekinetically throwing buildings and rubble, aside from that it is also capable of creating massive amounts of magical fire that will be fatal if not avoided. Aside from the witch itself we also will have to contend with its familiars. They take the form of a variety of magical girls and each one if engaged will fight at the level of an average magical girl. Ideally, you will focus on the witch's body and avoid fighting too many of the familiars but they will remain a risk" Homura explains.

"Well I guess I can't be surprised about how nasty it is" Kyoko says.

"Suffice to say it will be the hardest fight in your life however it is killable no matter its durability" Homura says.

"Well if I thought it was invincible I wouldn't have accepted this deal in the first place" Kyoko points out.

After the basic explanation Homura lays out the position that Walpurgisnacht will arrive alongside getting out a map of the surrounding area once the table is cleared to point out routes and key features.

"What are you basing this on" Kyoko asks looking at the exact area that Homura has listed.

"Statistics" Homura answers.

"Walpurgisnacht has never arrived in Mitakihara before as far as I know. Where are you getting your statistics from?" Kyoko asks.

Homura doesn't respond.

After a second passes, Kirika decides to speak in her stead "We can't reveal our source but suffice to say it is extremely accurate."

"Well I guess I should have expected the secrecy considering how hard it is to get a straight answer here" Kyoko says.

"It is nothing against you personally I assure you" Homura says.

"Well if you're willing to stake your lives on the fact these figures are right then I guess I have no choice but to trust them too" Kyoko replies.

"That is appreciated" Homura answers.

Homura makes sure to go through the area's familiars will be most grouped up, what buildings are likely to be uprooted, the areas in the city where people will be sheltering from what they think is a powerful storm and other supplementary details regarding the fight.

"Well I can't fault your planning it seems like you've more than thought this through" Kyoko points out.

Kirika knows perfectly well how developed Homura's plans are. While she had this meeting last timeline she's made sure to keep what Homura said then and repeated now in mind. After all all of this came from Homura's direct experience opposing Walpurgisnacht and when it comes to keeping Homura safe and killing the thing that has been making her love suffer there is nothing Kirika takes more seriously.

"One last important thing to note about the fight is that it is on a time limit. Should Walpurgisnacht survive long enough for its form to entirely flip over then it will it will launch a cataclysmic attack which will level the city. It is absolutely critical that it is killed before this can occur." Homura says.

"Great not only is it the most powerful witch possible but it puts us on a time limit. Guess I shouldn't expect anything less. Still seems like you've done your due diligence so I'll hold up my part of the deal in making sure we get the mother of all grief seeds rather than a dead city" Kyoko says.

"Good while we will have to do some material set up close to the date that should be all the information you require to understand our strategy against Walpurgisnacht alongside its key information" Homura says.

"This is certainly preferable to going into the fight blind like with most witches" Kyoko points out.

"Walpurgisnacht is not like any regular witch, anyone who tries to fight it without sufficient preparation will die pointlessly" Homura points out.

"It's a good thing we've got your statistics in that case" Kyoko answers.

"Yep Homura's got this all planned out so make sure you do as she says and we'll get through with a minimum of blood and tears" Kirika says with confidence.

The discussion continues for a few more minutes as Kyoko makes sure to get any points she isn't sure about clarified but by the end she seems confident.

As Kyoko leaves taking and eating her way through some of the snack foods Kirika put out after lunch was finished Kirika looks to Homura.

"Well she did seem quite reliable" Kirika says.

"Out of all the magical girls I regularly interact with Kyoko is by far the most pragmatic. This makes her much more reliable than the others" Homura says.

"Magical girls other than me you mean?" Kirika says.

"Of course I don't think I've ever met or ever will meet anyone anywhere near as reliable as you are. Still when it comes to that you are rather an exception to the norm" Homura says.

"Considering the past I rather like to think I'm just the exception you need to get the ending you've been hoping for" Kirika replies.

"Well you're impossible in so many other ways why not this one" Homura says.

"Exactly and with Kyoko as extra backup I'm confident Walpurgisnacht will meet its end on the 30th" Kirika says.

"I have trusted you with everything else so I choose to trust that you're right with this too" Homura says the slightest hint of hope lifting her voice.

"You know how much I hate the idea of breaching your trust so when I say we will win I plan to make sure of it" Kirika says.

Kirika doesn't care how many familiars Walpurgisnacht has or how many buildings are going to be thrown at her. It is the witch that has caused Homura more suffering than any other and the main barrier to seeing her dream complete. It is the antithesis of all Kirika wishes to achieve and for that she will ensure its death is not just likely but inevitable.

Its annihilation is necessary for Homura's happiness and so there is nothing Kirika will not do to ensure its end.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up on Monday with a slightly ominous feeling.

Despite that she can't think of anything that's going particularly wrong.

Kyoko was perfectly cooperative in their meeting yesterday and will likely be useful against Walpurgisnacht. Madoka currently seems uninterested in contracting and Homura has been in a rather good mood recently.

Really everything seems to be going great as far as Kirika's concerned so while she decides to keep an eye out for trouble today she shrugs off the feeling and goes about her morning as usual.

"Good morning Homura" Kirika greets as usual.

"Good morning Kirika" Homura responds.

While Kirika had that ominous feeling Homura actually seems in quite a good mood for the morning something that sets Kirika at ease a bit. If Homura has a good feeling that's probably a good omen.

"Do we have anything special happening today?" Kirika asks just to make sure she didn't miss anything essential.

"No I don't believe so. It should just be a normal school day. While we are going to need to start conducting more in depth preparations around the city for Walpurgisnacht in a few days. Currently it's too early to begin prepping the battlefield so the plan is just going to school and keeping an eye on Madoka and Sayaka. Why do you ask?" Homura questions.

"Oh no reason just wanted to make sure" Kirika says.

"If you say so" Homura says not entirely convinced but also knowing if it was anything serious then Kirika would have informed her.

"So are you happy with yesterday's reunion with Kyoko" Kirika asks.

"I believe it went as well as I could have hoped. She does not tend to back out of agreements and should be of some use against Walpurgisnacht" Homura says.

"And the part where she asked you to stop flirting with me?" Kirika says unable to resist.

"I have no idea what you're talking about" Homura responds with a slight blush.

"Ah well if you don't remember it then as your faithful partner it would be my honour to recount the encounter to make sure you are up to date" Kirika says.

"That will not be necessary" Homura answers.

"But if you don't remember that conversation what if you've forgotten important tactical information against Walpurgisnacht" Kirika points out.

"Fine I know exactly what you're talking about and will make no comment on it" Homura replies.

"Shame, well at least if you ever do end up with Madoka after we kill Walpurgisnacht I'll get to embarrass you with that" Kirika says.

Homura stills.

"Did I say something wrong?" Kirika asks noting that Homura seemed to react strongly to that.

"I severely doubt that will ever come up. There is no chance of a relationship between Madoka and me" Homura says.

"Really why? I mean you love her don't you and while she doesn't know you that well yet she still does seem fond of you" Kirika points out.

"I do not deserve such a thing after my failures. Furthermore, I do not believe I can in any way make her happy." Homura says.

"That's dumb, you've been more dedicated to her protection and happiness than anyone in the whole wide world. Anyway, what does deserving have to do with anything follow what you want to do not what you think you deserve" Kirika replies.

"Kirika I understand myself more than well enough to know that the thing I've twisted myself into for the sake of Madoka's protection is something that does not allow that much closeness with her. It would only harm us both," Homura says.

"Well then just twist yourself into something else once Walpurgisnacht is dead. Seriously you shouldn't sacrifice your happiness just because you don't think you can manage it" Kirika says.

"You do say the most ridiculous things sometimes. Most people can't just change themselves so easily to fit another you know" Homura points out.

"I mean I do it for you" Kirika responds.

"For all we are alike, we are not the same. There is no way I can possibly go back from the path I have walked. Madoka's care and affection are the least of the sacrifices I have made for her protection" Homura says.

"Well of course you can't change if you don't think you can. I mean I spent years unable to change no matter what I wanted but look at me now" Kirika says.

"Look Kirika some things just are not to be. I understand how much you care about my happiness but this is an area where I can't bend nor would it be good for anyone if I did" Homura says.

"I mean if you don't want to and don't think it will make you happy then of course I'll stop. But you love her right, are you sure you'll be satisfied remaining where you are once your mission is complete?" Kirika asks.

"I could ask the same thing to you. You do love me right?" Homura says.

"Of course I do!" Kirika says shocked that Homura could ever ask that even semi seriously at this point.

"But you're still willing to remain where you are even to the point of trying to help me get with Madoka?" Homura says.

"If that would make you happest how could I possibly do anything else?" Kirika says.

"And if I remain by her side and to the point of creating a distance between us you cannot cross would you be satisfied even if I was happy?" Homura asks curiously.

"I..." Kirika says thinking "I mean I would have to be right. If you are content and moving forward with life how could I be anything but satisfied?" Kirika says suddenly feeling uncertain.

She would be. Right? Even if she loses what she currently has as long as she gives Homura her happy ever after then that's what she wants. How could she not be satisfied by that outcome?

"Still you don't need to worry about that I did say we were going to stay together remember? Anyway I have no interest in Madoka returning even the least of my feelings as long as she is safe and happy" Homura says.

"What a pair we make" Kirika says thinking about just how willing both she and Homura are to sacrifice themselves and their happiness for the happiness of the one they love.

Not that Kirika is going to allow Homura to sacrifice anything. She will bear any cost to make sure that Homura doesn't have to.

"I wonder if anyone other than you could quite understand just what I feel?" Homura asks.

"I don't know love is weird like that, I would say no one could possibly feel a hint of the extent of my love but you're right there and feel the same as I do. If both of us can feel this then I see no reason why someone else couldn't feel the same and understand. Though who knows maybe we're just unique." Kirika says.

To feel such an infinite amount of love and devotion to a single soul. Kirika feels it towards Homura and her toward Madoka. Is such selfish yet unrequited love something possible without the single minded focus given by a wish for another?

"It was just a thought, I doubt that's a question that we'll ever find the answer to, nor one we need an answer to" Homura replies.

"True all I know is I love you and that is more than enough for me" Kirika says.

"I know, I expect nothing else from you," Homura says.

"Then you know me very well," Kirika says.

"Well you are my closest friend so I would hope so" Homura replies.

Kirika just nods happily. Though this may be the closest to Homura she can and possibly will ever be she cannot help but enjoy the moments she has rather than worry for whatever may be in the future.

Shortly after this conversation the two set off to school.

Kirika spots the usual friend group of Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi walking together like usual slightly behind them.

While the three look to be talking and joking around like usual Kirika notes Sayaka seems to be almost too animated. Like she's putting on a show with exaggerated gestures.

Kirika does notice Madoka and Hitomi occasionally giving her slightly concerned looks by Sayaka just laughs them off.

Kirika's ominous feeling from this morning comes back not that there is anything she can do about it right now.

Kirika has noticed that since the incident in the hospital and Kirika talking to her at recess Sayaka has been seeking her out somewhat frequently to talk about her thoughts about magical girlhood though generally through the medium of some other problem or topic.

While Kirika does try to remind Sayaka just how bad an idea doing anything is, it feels like she's not getting though to her as much as she would like. Sayaka even admitted to her that she is also talking to White Ring. While she said it was just out of curiosity Kirika cannot help but feel wary.

Still as the three are locked in conversation Kirika decides to leave them to it and find a time to corner Sayaka later in the day.

As she goes through her lessons Kirika remains concerned thinking about what will happen if she screws up dealing with Sayaka.

While it would not in of itself be a failure of the mission it would be a domino falling towards Madoka also contracting.

The main reason that right now Homura and Kirika are confident that Madoka is not interested in becoming a magical girl is because currently, nothing she cares about is at much risk.

She still has all her friends and has yet to lose anything. Furthermore, she knows just how costly the transformation would be. This is enough for now to keep Madoka safe as long as nothing disrupts that.

Sayaka unfortunately while not necessarily being more idealistic than Madoka is less realistic about said ideals. She sincerely wants to be the person helping people and fixing things.

Simply having the option to make a wish is enough to make her suddenly feel like in not acting she is in some way at fault for all the things that she could fix if she made a wish while she doesn't.

Kirika thinks that is absolutely stupid of course but despite that, it means that keeping Sayaka from selling her soul and dooming herself is much more effort than it has any right to be.

Over the day Kirika does try to approach Sayaka yet unlike the days before rather than being interested in conversing with Kirika, Sayaka sticks to Madoka and Hitomi like glue.

This forms a bit of a problem. Since Sayaka apparently is utterly interested in talking to her, and Homura for all her incredible qualities is not well suited to convincing Sayaka to do or not do anything.

Kirika's only comfort is that White Ring does not seem to be hanging around school today meaning that nothing can go wrong until at least after the school day.

It's not quite as comforting a fact as Kirika would hope. Still no matter how looming Sayaka contracting seems for all Kirika knows whatever has Sayaka acting somewhat off today is entirely unrelated.

Still without any real access to Sayaka Kirika sticks with Homura like usual and waits for an opportunity that does not seem to arrive.

Eventually the school day ends. The original plan Kirika and Homura had for today was doing some witch hunting and keeping an eye on Madoka.

As much as it pains her to leave Homura to hunt alone however Kirika knows if she does not follow Sayaka all of them will come to regret it.

"Hey Homura?" Kirika says.

"What is it Kirika?"

"I think I need to follow Sayaka today if we don't want her to contract," Kirika says.

"If you think that's necessary then I trust your intuition. Should I go with you?" Homura replies.

"In this case, I don't think you can help. You up for doing the hunting without me today?" Kirika asks.

"That will be no issue I plan to hunt known witches today so I do not require you if you think this is needed" Homura replies.

"Perfect. In that case see you later Homura" Kirika says.

"Good luck Kirika" Homura says as they part ways.

With that Kirika sets off to the hospital where Sayaka is heading alone to try to prevent an inevitable tragedy.

Chapter Text

Sayaka for the past few weeks has been considering an impossible choice.

If she just says the words she could make a wish for anything. Not just the possible but things that could never be achieved even if she spent her entire life working for it.

All it would cost is her. Of course, Kyubey argues when ever she talks to him that she'd be fine as a magical girl and would not necessarily lose anything but Sayaka isn't stupid.

Kirika and Homura are distinctly biased sources of information about magical girls. They have admitted that they are self interested and care little for moral principles if they would be too great an inconvenience.

Kyubey is also a biased source of information because he wants her to contract despite the consequences. Still, Kyubey does not lie even if he manipulates and hides information. So Sayaka has tried to use Kirika to verify what Kyubey says and Kyubey to verify what Kirika says.

Sayaka has a devil in white on one shoulder and a devil in black on the other, leaving her piecing together the information she can.

This has allowed Sayaka to get what she hopes is a somewhat accurate picture of what being a magical girl means.

That being that the wish is real and will do exactly what she wants and that within a month or two she will most likely be dead.

Now most likely does not mean absolutely, Kirika and Homura have been doing this for a while and are as alive as people with their souls stored outside their bodies can be.

But even if she survives it will mean estrangement from her parents, frequent painful and bloody conflicts and always being only a few days from becoming a monster should she falter at any point.

So it's a terrible deal, right? That has to be what she concluded from this right?

That's definitely what Kirika wants her to think and is probably true even. But that ignores the potential good a wish can do.

There have been points where Sayaka has wanted to make a wish over the last few weeks. Especially when Kyousuke found his hand would never heal she so wanted to give him the miracle he deserves.

But when she talked about it to Kirika she brought up a very valid point, would Kyousuke really be happy if he got his hand back only for her to die shortly afterwards? Sayaka has to acknowledge that would not help anyone.

But that doesn't mean that a wish cannot do good. If she could only think of a wish that would allow her to help enough, to do enough good. Then surely that would be worth it even if it put her life on the line.

Not that Sayaka wants to die or anything. She's fairly happy with her life really. She has good friends, a loving family and there is no reason she won't have a perfectly good future.

Even if she makes a wish she fully plans to survive. But she knows plans don't always end successfully and so if she makes a wish it needs to be something that would allow her in however long she has to do enough good to outweigh the harm becoming a magical girl would do to her.

Not that it's all downsides. While Sayaka has only seen Kirika active as a magical girl and even then only twice that doesn't change how incredible she was those two times she saved Sayaka's life.

She moved faster than the eye could see, fought monsters so casually as to seem like she was not doing anything more strenuous than having a walk through a park and even was able to turn back time a little bit to beat that second witch.

Even knowing the cost Sayaka can't help but look at that and think if I could do that surely I could help make things better no matter how evil the system may be.

Even knowing that she will turn into a witch if she fails doesn't actually change the maths that much when she's thought it through. Knowing how that happens means Sayaka can avoid it, and since witches arrive due to more reasons than just magical girls despairing, as long as she's able to beat multiple witches she will still have saved more lives than by not contracting.

Considering all of this it would almost be selfish not to contract and make a wish.

But Sayaka for all she's thought this though still finds herself scared. How could she not be? If she makes a wish, her soul will be ripped out of her body and she'll have to fight for the rest of her life, probably dying in some weird hell dimension where no one will ever find her body. Only an idiot wouldn't be scared knowing all that.

Yet Sayaka is not a person who can turn a blind eye to the wrongs of the world even if that's what Kirika wants her to do. She's not a person who can just turn away and go 'That's not my fault' when she can help. She cannot say 'That's a shame but there is nothing I can do to help' when Kyubey's offer undermines any tale of powerlessness that she can tell herself.

And so that leaves Sayaka with two options one which will allow her to live with herself and the other which will allow her to live.

So Sayaka has remained paralyzed unable to commit to becoming a magical girl yet unable to commit to staying as she is.

Yet any balance as unsteady as that had to eventually tip and inevitably Sayaka has found herself unable to stop thinking about the good she could and should do if she was simply less cowardly and able to risk herself for her principles.

Especially when she considers how things are, Kyousuke after his diagnosis has been pulling away or perhaps pushing her away. Bringing him records only annoys him as does any attempt to discuss music. Yet when she tries to bring up any other topic no matter if it's serious or small talk he doesn't seem to care and eventually just tells her to go away.

Now of course she knows she can't just heal Kyousuke with her wish that wouldn't be worth it even if it did let her get her old friend back. But she knows she can do much more than heal Kyousuke enough to make the costs worth it (she hopes).

So as Sayaka goes to school it's with certainty that the life of Miki Sayaka as it has been will be changed forever.

With the tipping of the scales comes a strange mix of exhilaration and terror. She's going to become something that doesn't even have a soul in her body, that's utterly horrifying. Yet while she wouldn't describe Kirika or Homura as anything close to normal they do seem perfectly alive rather than being soulless zombies. And with that sacrifice, she will be able to help people, really help people in a way that she just can't as she is now.

She will never have to look at Kyousuke as he seems to fade further and further away from his former vibrancy again.

And she will no longer have to look at the news talking about someone who mysteriously disappeared or who committed suicide for no apparent reason and wonder 'Did a witch do this?' 'Could I have stopped this if I was less of a coward?' Because she will finally be able to contribute.

So while Madoka and Hitomi seem a bit concerned about her acting a bit off she just laughs them off and makes sure to be even more animated and bombastic than usual. Because she should be the one protecting them just like she has in the past.

Sayaka won't allow Madoka to be trapped in a barrier with her and have to pray for Kirika to save them or watch as a child gives in to despair and becomes a monster in front of her because Kirika cannot bring herself to care enough to help in any way but as an executioner.

As school ends she has a spring in her step as she walks towards the hospital. If she's going to make such a massive change then it feels wrong to do it anywhere else.

As she walks Kyubey jumps walks onto the street and jumps onto her shoulder.

Have you come to a decision?

"I believe I have" Sayaka replies.

Well in that case what is your wish?

"Don't rush me I want to be in the right head space for this" Sayaka says.

Is that why you are heading to the hospital?

"Yes the roof is rather nice and feels like the right place for a new beginning" Sayaka says considering just how much she will be changing with her decision that is what it is after all.

Well if you are certain then take all the time you need. This is a rather momentous occasion after all.

"Yep gonna turn myself into a zombie so I can do as much good as I can," Sayaka says laughing at the bit of black humour.

I really do not get the zombie comparison you will still be piloting your body in almost exactly the same way as you are now after all.

"Don't worry I don't expect you to get it. You don't really understand people, even if you try your best" Sayaka says.

Some of your species' beliefs and emotions are just so irrational that I cannot understand them no matter how I try.

"Well lucky for you I've managed to talk myself into this" Sayaka says.

It is fortunate for everyone that this city will gain another magical girl to combat the curses that appear here

"Do you think I'll last long?" Sayaka says.

It is hard to say. You are making a contract with full knowledge of the system which tends to be a trait that belongs to both the longest and shortest lasting magical girls with little inbetween. I of course hope you will be the long lasting type.

"Well, that's good to know I guess" Sayaka says as she enters the hospital.

The staff know Sayaka at this point and let her in without a second thought. She heads up to the roof deciding to take the stairs rather than the lift since that feels like it has a bit more gravitas for what she is going to do once she reaches the top.

Finally, she reaches the roof and turns to Kyubey who has dropped down from her shoulder to stand in front of her.

"So this is it huh, no matter what I wish for you will bring it true" Sayaka says.

Yes, your potential is great enough that any wish you make should come true.

"Then I believe I am ready" Sayaka says suddenly feeling extremely nervous.

Will it hurt when Kyubey rips her soul out and puts it in a gem she wonders. She supposes it doesn't matter pain is one of the things she will just have to get used to if she wants to be able to fight witches after all.

Then speak the wish that will decide your destiny

"I wish that---------------

Before she can finish her words a blur of black and pink flashes ahead of her and stabs through Kyubey killing its body before Sayaka's wish can be heard.

"Kirika?" Sayaka says as she steps backwards, watching as Kirika shreds the body of the being she was talking to before tossing it to the side.

"Hi Sayaka. Look I respect self determination and all that jazz but I really can't let you do something this stupid" Kirika says utterly unaffected by ripping Kyubey to shreds.

"You killed Kyubey right in front of me what the hell!" Sayaka says stuck somewhere between shock, horror and rage.

"You do remember it has multiple bodies right, really White Ring is barely even inconvenienced by that" Kirika points out.

"But I was going to make a wish," Sayaka says still a bit shocked.

"Exactly hence why it's dead" Kirika says.

"Why did you stop me?" Sayaka asks trying to find her footing in this unexpected conversation.

"Because you cannot become a magical girl. If you do everything will fall apart including you" Kirika says.

"I have thought this through you know, I'm not going to crumble at the first obstacle, I'm not going into this blind" Sayaka says.

"Ok so let me ask you this then, Is your wish worth dying for" Kirika asks.

"I believe I can do enough good to make the risk worth it" Sayaka replies.

"Ok in that case I'll make this easier for you. Feel free to become a magical girl, I'll be standing right here. The second you finish making your wish I'll kill you" Kirika says in a perfectly pleasant tone.

"You would actually kill me?" Sayaka says feeling something between fear and disbelief.

"Yep without a second's hesitation. Don't worry I'll tell Madoka and Hitomi that you made a wish and then just died to the first witch you found. You see tragically I arrived just too late to save you. I'll even take your body to disappear in a barrier and make it seem convincing if anyone checks." Kirika continues.

"That's horrible" Sayaka says taking a step back.

"I mean sure but if you become a magical girl you'll be dead in a week tops so really I'd call it a mercy killing. Getting your gem shattered is much less painful than being ripped apart by a witch after all. Anyway, if you're willing to die for your wish then this shouldn't be a problem, right? Afterall you wouldn't be dumb enough to make a wish you're not willing to die for right?" Kirika says.

Sayaka seeing Kirika's one pink eye staring directly into her finds she's lost her words.

While she had honestly felt her wish might be worth dying for, she always had the thought that of course she would not actually die, because she would fight witches and win. She would be someone who could match the amazing things Kirika achieved when she saved her.

But if Kirika's threat suddenly makes that real, if she makes a wish it's not likely she will die or possibly she will die or probable she will die. She will just die.

"You're bluffing" Sayaka tries hoping that there is any truth to that claim.

"Nope, I've killed people before. Crushing your soul gem won't even be novel. Trust me I won't feel a second of guilt about it either because if you really do go ahead with this it would hurt Homura and that is more than enough for me to feel nothing about your end" Kirika says.

Sayaka can tell that her words are not empty no matter what she might wish.

"You're a terrible person," Sayaka says.

"Eh maybe but do remember without this terrible person you would be dead twice over. Really it would just be collecting on a debt if you think about it" Kirika replies.

"I could just wish to kill you" Sayaka points out.

"Would you really sell your life to kill me? Because I might be wrong but I don't think you hate me enough to ruin your life and spend the only wish you will ever get out of spite" Kirika says.

Sayaka knows she's right, that would not only be a waste but honestly worse than doing nothing.

"No you're right I can't," Sayaka says resigned.

"Look I know you think that this will make things better. Maybe you think that as a magical girl you can fix things and that your wish will do a tonne of good but really think about what this means for everyone else" Kirika says.

"It means I could protect them," Sayaka says.

"No, it means that you'll have Madoka, Hitomi, Kyousuke, and your parents crying over your gravestone at lighting speed. Look let's say you're a good magical girl like a really skilled and impressive one. You could last 3 maybe 4 years till bad luck or another magical girl gets you. That still means you'll be dying as a teen outlived by all your friends and family" Kirika points out.

"I could live longer than that" Sayaka points out.

"You won't, look do you get a lottery ticket and say, ok now I'm going to quit my job because I know I'm going to win" Kirika says.

"Neither of us are old enough to even buy lottery tickets and neither of us have jobs" Sayaka points out.

"Look just engage with the hypothetical. Anyway being a magical girl sure feels like a full time job" Kirika says.

"Ok well obviously not that would be ridiculous" Sayaka says.

"Because that's basically what you're saying there. That you will be so special that you will be the one in a million magical girl who will do what no one else has. Are you delusional enough to think you're that special or are you just lying to yourself?" Kirika asks.

"I see your point" Sayaka admits.

"Look I understand where you're coming from but if you make a wish you'll lose everything. I don't think you're anywhere near a position where that's a good option" Kirika says.

"Well, you made a wish and don't seem too down about it, same with Homura. Why are you two so special" Sayaka asks.

"You know why me and her were qualified to make a wish when you are not? When we made our wishes we had nothing to lose. You have a family, friends, people who care about you. If you died it would be a tragedy. Me, before I made my wish, if I died no one would have even noticed. I had nothing and no one. I made the choice to throw my life away and won the lottery by finding Homura. So I guess ask yourself this. If you don't make that wish are you planning on jumping off that roof, because if the answer is no I'd recommend you think very carefully about what you do next" Kirika says. Her tone which had been light this entire conversation has suddenly become dead serious.

Sayaka doesn't know how to even react to that information. The Kirika she's known has always seemed utterly carefree aside from anything to do with Homura. Seeing this part of her seems almost wrong, too personal.

But the plea at the end seems genuine too genuine to be made up.

It makes Sayaka think just for a second about what would actually happen if she died. The people that would miss her. Not everyone has that.

Sayaka does honestly want to live, and no matter how difficult it may be she can probably learn to live with herself she thinks. In the end, her wish which had seemed so thought out and solid to her suddenly feels fragile. Even if it does more good than she ever could she can't bring herself to hurt the people she cares about by getting herself killed over it.

A bit of time passes and another Kyubey approaches. This time Kirika steps to the side and lets it.

Well despite the interruption I can still grant you your wish. However, I would understand if you want to change location to avoid the risk of Kirika interfering again.

Sayaka thinks and truly considers the weight of her choice.

"No, I don't think that will be necessary. I will not be making a wish today" Sayaka says.

Why the change?

"I guess it's just a change in perspective. I don't know if it will always be this way but for now, I want to live. I guess thinking about it I just have a bit too much to lose to make a wish right now" Sayaka says hoping she's making the right decision.

Maybe this is wrong. Maybe she listened to the wrong devil on her shoulder. But Sayaka is not absolutely sure that making her wish would do enough good to make up for the harm her death would cause. And she wants to live past her teens. Maybe that's wrong of her, she definitely feels selfish making this choice. But Sayaka doesn't want to do something she would regret and she gets the feeling if she makes a wish then she'll come to regret it. So she can't make a wish right now.

If nothing else she needs to be there to protect Madoka and Hitomi. So that means she can't give up her soul no matter how much good it could do.

Chapter Text

"We're finally back at the point things ended last time" Kirika notes as she sits next to Homura in the morning.

"Yes though unlike last time I believe we should have prevented anything blindsiding us in quite the same way" Homura comments.

"Yep short of something entirely novel Madoka should be perfectly safe today. No Mami, no magical girl Sayaka, no Oriko." Kirika says.

"History will not repeat itself" Homura replies.

"Not in the same way at least" Kirika responds.

"That may be a more accurate phrasing" Homura admits considering how her time loop works.

"Today last month was the worst day of my current life" Kirika notes.

"I don't think that was a pleasant day for anyone" Homura says.

"Still something good did come of it" Kirika replies.

"What would that be?" Homura says sounding sceptical.

"It's the day I admitted I love you" Kirika replies.

"So it was" Homura says.

"Anyway while it may have taken more time and even if last time was really painful we're actually in a better position now than we were then" Kirika points out.

"True there are less points of failure now than there were last time" Homura agrees.

Kirika thinking about it knows that no matter how bright it looked last time they actually have a much better chance today.

After all even ignoring how last time ended, this time Homura and Kirika have Kyoko as a willing ally, Sayaka has been prevented from contracting and Madoka seems stable enough that she probably won't contract.

"Just one more week till the end" Kirika muses.

"7 days during which we will have rather a lot of preparation to do. Firstly I would like to get Madoka out of the city on the day. It should reduce the chance of her contracting" Homura says.

"Ok so I guess convincing her should be the plan for today. Luckily they know enough that we can just say that there will be a magically caused natural disaster happening next Thursday and that will probably be enough to get Madoka and her family out." Kirika comments

"Hopefully she will not be stubborn and insist on staying. This timeline has diverged enough from how things usually go that I find it hard to judge how people will react at this point" Homura admits.

"Well just remember you have me to back you up. Between the two of us I'm sure we can convince her" Kirika says.

"You're right, we have made it this far we will not falter so close to the end" Homura says as determined to save Madoka as always.

"Yep we'll save Madoka and kill Walpurgisnacht and nothing will stop us" Kirika confirms.

"No other outcome is acceptable" Homura states.

"Exactly and if my love finds an outcome unacceptable I will never let it come to pass!" Kirika says passionately.

"If only I had met you sooner this journey of mine may have been both shorter and less painful" Homura considers.

"I do truly wish I could have been by your side earlier but now I'm here you're getting your wish fulfilled I guarantee it" Kirika says.

"I believe you" Homura states with complete faith in Kirika.

For all it's not new Kirika will never tire of knowing that Homura trusts her so absolutly. Homura's faith that Kirika will get her the ending she deserves only adds to the infinity of motivation that drives Kirika forward.

"You won't regret it" Kirika says.

"I know" Homura replies.

With that the two set off to school having finished both talking and eating for the morning.

As the two walk to school they purposefully make sure to join up with Madoka, Sayaka and Hitomi and make sure to offer to hang out after school.

Hitomi like most Thursdays has to back out due to her practice after school but it does mean that Madoka and Sayaka are available after school to be informed about Walpurgisnacht's effects on the city.

After the school day goes as it normally does for Kirika dull until the bright spot of lunch where she can head up to the roof and hang out with Homura.

As they head up to the roof Kirika considers.

"I'm officially older than I was last timeline now" Kirika points out as Homura sits down and Kirika makes sure to sit on her lap.

"We have reached further in the day than last time so you are correct, still that is a strange thought" Homura says.

"Time loops do make things rather odd like that, though on the upside it means I got to spend an extra month with the person I care about most without any extra age" Kirika replies.

"You know if we succeed then I'll actually turn 15 after so long being a 14 year old" Homura says sounding strangely conflicted about the idea.

"Wait that means you haven't had a birthday party in years" Kirika points out.

"That's not really new, from what I remember I did not have any major event to mark the years passing even before this" Homura says.

"Well I find that unacceptable, after we win I'm going to make sure you have the best birthday party in your entire life and I'll buy you 15 presents so you can have one for every year you missed" Kirika says.

"What would you even buy me? I have most of what I need either on me or at my apartment" Homrua says.

"I don't know yet I just had the idea, but rest assured I'll find you things you'll enjoy. Even if I have to make them myself" Kirika says utterly determined.

While she doesn't know what to get Homura yet or even how she'd plan a party yet. By the time Homura turns 15 though she'll have made sure it's perfect. Kirika has to give Homura enough happiness in one day to replace years of lost birthdays and she refuses to fall short.

"In that case this may be the first time I've ever looked forward to a birthday" Homura says with an odd expression on her face.

"In that case I'll have to live up to your expectations. This will be the best 15th birthday anyone has had ever!" Kirika says smiling up at Homura.

"You know I've never really thought I would get to 15" Homura comments.

"I guess the whole time loop makes it hard to look forward" Kirika notes.

"Not just that. With my weak heart I always saw birthdays as a step closer to the end. I never really believed I would make it. If the heart surgery just before the loop didn't happen then this is as far as I could have gotten, even after its success I didn't really feel like I had a future. Though considering how long I've spent living in the past I guess I wasn't really wrong" Homura says.

"And yet despite all of that you persevered no matter how inevitable your end seemed. That endless determination of yours is just another reason I love you" Kirika replies hugging Homura.

"I will never understand how you can hear something so pitiful and find something good in me through it" Homura answers.

Kirika tightens her hug "There is absolutely nothing about you that is pitiful. No matter what's stood in your path no matter how impossible reaching the future seemed you've never stopped walking forward for a second. That's not pitiful that's incredible," Kirika says earnestly.

"You really do have a way of seeing me that is unlike anyone else" Homura says.

"Really I just say the truth, I know it's hard for you to look at yourself and see someone worth loving but that's what you've got me for. Because you have so many amazing traits that the fact you have gone so long without anyone to highlight that is a crime that I am determined to solve" Kirika says.

"I don't think I'll ever see what you can in but I cannot deny that it is nice to have someone see me as someone of worth" Homura admits.

"Hey don't get it twisted you are someone of incredible worth, that's not me seeing that in you it's just true" Kirika states.

"I would argue but I get the feeling you would win if I tried" Homura says.

"Exactly resistance is futile, I will make you come to value yourself as much as you deserve and you cannot stop me" Kirika says.

"I think I do value myself as much as I deserve" Homura point out.

"Well yes, but while you might be better at algebra than me this is one calculation that you have gotten massively wrong. Which is why I'm here to teach you the right answer" Kirika says.

"You keep saying things like that so earnestly it makes me want you to be right" Homura admits.

"That's the first step to accepting that I am right. I am I admit biased about you in many ways but in this case it is the objective truth and I'll keep repeating it until you believe it" Kirika states.

"Thanks Kirika, for believing in me so much" Homura says.

"Of course I believe in you. I do love you I hope you realise" Kirika replies.

"I don't think it's possible for me to forget that at this point" Homura says.

"Then I'm obviously doing something right" Kirika says with a smile as she lies against Homura.

Lunch ends soon after their conversation with the rest of the school day flowing past until Kirika and Homura are able to meet up with Sayaka and Madoka.

The four set off to the arcade as that's what Sayaka decided to go for, talking as they go.

"There is something that we need to inform you of" Homura says as the 4 begin on their way.

"Please go on" Madoka responds.

"On the 30th of this month a magical natural disaster will be hitting the city. To anyone who isn't a magical girl it will appear as a massive storm. While me and Kirika will be working to reduce its effects it will still be rather dangerous for anyone in the city. As such I would request that you two find a reason to be outside of Mitakihara that day and if possible take your families with you" Homura says.

"What kind of magical disaster" Sayaka asks.

"It is known as Walpurgisnacht it moves around the world and when it arrives in a city does immense damage. Despite that fact the city will have enough prewarning to allow people to evacuate into shelters and get out so it will not be as disastrous as it could be. The advice to get out of the city is just practical" Homura says.

"What about Hitomi" Madoka says not wanting any of her friends to be harmed.

"You could always do a holiday with all three of you booked for then if to get all of you out" Kirika offers.

"Without prewarning though I doubt our parents would be ok with that" Sayaka points out.

"I can always forge some documents saying that school will be closed for the latter half of next week and give them out to your parents. I can also email them from the school headmaster's account to make it seem legitimate" Homura offers.

"Why can you do that" Sayaka asks.

"I've picked up a number of skills over my days as a magical girl" Homura says.

"I guess that would work, still are you sure that you will be ok dealing with something like that" Madoka asks.

"Don't worry me and Homura have got this. We even recruited another magical girl from a neighbouring city for extra help just to make sure" Kirika says.

"Well you guys are really experienced so if you're sure then I'll trust you have it handled" Madoka says.

"Kyubey will probably use this as an opportunity to get you to wish. It will tell you that we are likely to die or that it doesn't think we are doing well and could really use assistance. Don't trust a word it says because it will say whatever it thinks will make you wish. Both of you have a good life ahead of you don't let it trick you out of that" Homura says.

"Thanks for telling us ahead of time" Madoka says.

"I would never put your safety at risk by doing anything else" Homura says.

With that, the four reach the arcade and for a few brief moments forget about the tragedy that will inevitably strike next week and focus instead on winning games and enjoying themselves.

Kirika makes sure to get Homura as invested as possible so she actually has fun. She gets the feeling that times like this will be rare over the next week and her love deserves time to enjoy herself.

Though Kirika considers after next week Homura will finally have a real future to look forward to and Kirika won't allow that future to be anything but bright.

Chapter Text

On Friday Homura does what she promised yesterday.

She makes sure to forge a note from the school saying it would be closed from the 29th to the 1st alongside sending an email from the school headmaster's email (she had made sure to get their password many timelines ago when she first considered the idea of doing this sort of thing) to Madoka and Sayaka's parents before deleting the email from the headmaster's list of sent email to make it less obvious.

When Saturday comes around however Homura faces a dilemma.

On one hand, this has become the day of the week which is sectioned off for Kirika's sake and Homura would like to have one last day like that before Walpurgisnacht arrives.

On the other hand, there are still so many preparations to do.

She has to plant the correct clues at the Meteorological Agency so that they spot the build up of Walpurgisnacht's weather effects 3 days before it hits Mitakihara rather than on the day so some level of evacuation can be arranged.

She has to arrange at least one day of shared training with Kyoko so she can demonstrate how her and Kirika's powers function to allow for more effective cooperation on the day.

She needs to make sure that any witches with even the faintest bit of proximity to where they will be fighting Walpurgisnacht are dealt with before the day lest they cause issues during the fight.

She at some point needs to make sure the Madoka's evacuation from the city is going as planned and intervene should it encounter any issues.

She needs to check the direction of Walpurgisnacht's magic once it comes a bit closer to make sure it arrives where it normally does. (One timeline it arrived from a different direction than normal ruining a massive amount of preparation and making what could have been a good opportunity an abysmal failure.)

She needs to do said preparation regarding the strategic planting of explosives around areas Walpurgisnacht is likely to occupy to maximise damage. (and inform Kirika and Kyoko of said areas so they can remain out of the blast radius when they are used.)

Simply put she has a rather massive amount to do even assuming no other issues come up over the next few days.

With so much to do even, knowing how nice it is and how happy it makes Kirika. Despite the promise Homura made. There is the question of does she have the time to do anything that does not assist the immediate tactical situation regarding the approach of Walpurgisnacht.

Homura does consider for a second how ironic it is that despite the fact that both she and Kirika have magic that controls time they still have so little of it.

Yet the fact remains that a large part of her does want that break in the chaos of the coming days. There is something enticing about the idea of having a day where she can be the sort of friend Kirika deserves and just spend time with her, rather than spending every waking moment eking out any possible minor advantage for the confrontation.

As she walks out to sit down with Kirika in the morning she is no closer to knowing the right decision than when she started (She knows the right decision is to focus on the mission. Any sort of care or ephemeral joy that might occur is utterly irrelevant compared to even the tiniest of advantages against Walpurgisnacht. She just doesn't really want to accept that.)

"Hi Homura good morning!" comes from the energetic form of her best friend as she launches a running hug at Homura which is of course accepted.

"Good morning Kirika" Homura says feeling a bit better for her presence, which does not actually help her decision making in this case.

As the hug eventually ends and Kirika drags Homura over to where she set out breakfast, Kirika ever observant asks a question "You seem conflicted about something?"

"I'm just thinking how much we have to do over the next few days," Homura says.

"I mean there is quite a lot to prepare if we want to give Walpurgisnacht the reception it deserves but I'm pretty sure we've got it well in hand" Kirika replies.

"I'm pleased by your confidence but that doesn't change how limited our time is until the confrontation" Homura says.

"You're not wrong but you're forgetting a very important factor. You are more than experienced in all these preparations and I have no doubt they'll all go smoothly" Kirika points out.

"You are right but I cannot afford to put any less than my best into any of them because of the consequences of even the slightest of failures" Homura replies.

"Obviously, but don't forget I'm right here with you and more than willing to help in every task you have ahead" Kirika reminds Homura.

"Yes, I am of course grateful for all the help" Homura says.

"I get the feeling that you're not actually just concerned about the preparations though" Kirika says seeing through Homura.

"It feels both silly and like a waste for us to just spend the day together rather than do any of those time critical preparations. Yet I find myself wanting to anyway despite the fact we cannot afford even the slightest inefficiency this near the end" Homura says.

"Homura, what is it that kills magical girls?" Kirika asks catching Homura off guard with the nonsequture.

"Generally either witches or other magical girls but I'm assuming that's not the answer you're going for" Homura answers.

"Those are the common causes of death but in this case, I want the reason behind that" Kirika says.

"In that case despair" Homura answers.

"While every bit of physical preparation is sure to be important what is just as important is that both of us have as much to hope for past Walpurgisnacht as possible. In that way something as simple as a happy memory may decrease your grief gain enough on the day to matter enough to have a tiny effect on combat performance" Kirika says.

"Are you trying to suggest that us hanging out today should be done as a tactical decision?" Homura asks in disbelief.

"Yep I am suggesting that us going on a date is tactically sound and may do as much or more good than the limited amount of preparation we can do today. Especially since a lot of our tasks are impossible until a couple more days pass," Kirika notes.

Homura finds herself laughing for a second "You certainly have a unique view of tactics" Homura says.

"Ah but can you honestly say I'm wrong?" Kirika asks.

"The fact I cannot definitively say you are incorrect is honestly perplexing" Homura replies.

"In that case would you like to go on a tactically sound date with me?" Kirika asks.

"Well if it serves my strategic objectives who am I to decline your proposal" Homura answers.

"In that case may I suggest our objective may be best served by by getting some ice cream and sitting down in the park" Kirika says keeping her voice as serious as physically possible.

"Your proposal to advance our interests has merit" Homura answers.

"In that case shall we depart so that we can fill out the parameters of today's battle preparations" Kirika continues.

Homura finds herself unable to prevent a slight giggle at that at which point the serious expression on Kirika's face melts away leaving the two girls laughing at the absurdity of their entire conversation.

Homura has the errant thought that Kirka has a nice laugh.

After she's regained her breath Kirika offers her hand to Homura "How about I lead the way this time."

Homura accepts her hand "In that case I will put myself in your able hands to lead me," she answers.

"In that case I will guide you exactly where we should be" Kirika says.

Homura notices that her last sentence left a slight blush on Kirika which she finds rather cute as Kirika pulls her up and begins leading the way.

As the two walk Homura doesn't give a single thought to where they are going just following Kirika's lead as she confidently walks to their destination occasionally looking at Homura with an incredibly bright smile.

One thing that Homura has come to enjoy about going out with Kirika is just how happy Kirika really is to be with her. While Kirika is rarely sad around Homura and tends to enjoy her presence no matter what they are doing, it is noticeable just how ecstatic she is to be able to have Homura focused on her as her main priority.

One thing that Homura also finds amazing is just how much she and Kirika actually get to talk. This is true on both dates and just in general. Homura has never really been one for long conversations or small talk. Yet somehow Kirika always manages to get her to not only talk and open up about things but actually enjoy the conversations.

Then again Kirika has long since demonstrated that no matter how much Homura's ability to experience positive emotion has atrophied it is far from dead even if it felt that way for a long time.

The two eventually get to the park having picked up some ice cream on the way.

"Hey Homura are you afraid of anything?" Kirika asks as they walk through the park.

"Failure" Homura answers simply.

"Well obviously we share that one but I mean, anything else?" Kirika says.

"Back before I made my wish I was terrified of being alone and isolated, though after all I've gone through alone, I am long since past that" Homura comments.

"I guess that's one fear I can say with confidence I will always protect you from" Kirika says.

"I do wonder how I would have reacted to someone like you before all of this. Though I doubt you would have found my original self something to look up to" Homura comments.

"I doubt that, I'm willing to bet if she had found me falling down those stairs she would have tried to help just like you did. Sure she may not have been as smooth or as confident but I'm willing to bet if we had ended up meeting I'd have fallen for her anyway" Kirika says.

"I'm not sure I would have been able to put up with you at that point. You tend to be a bit much you know" Homura comments.

"Hey I know how to moderate myself I just know that you're happy to put up with as much of me as I'm willing to put forward so I don't hold anything back" Kirika says.

"Personally I think that's a rather impressive achievement of mine" Homura replies.

"Well you can put your 'is able to cope with Kirika' award right next to your awards for academic excellence and the one you got for having beautifully maintained hair" Kirika says.

"I don't think I actually have any awards right now" Homura notes.

"You definitely deserve the one for your hair if nothing else. Probably another one for being the most badass person in the city and another for just generally being perfect" Kirika says.

"I contest all of those but the hair one. After all how can I claim that title if I'm city right next to one of the only people in the world who can definitely take me on in a straight up fight?" Homura says.

"Even if I can theoretically beat you, when we did fight you did rather definitely win. Anyway all you'd need to do is sincerely ask me to stop and I'd throw any fight against you without a second thought" Kirika answers.

"I guess we can share the award for most badass person in the city that way we don't need to worry about it" Homura answers.

"I guess we do live together so we can just put that theoretical award somewhere in the apartment so we can both appreciate it" Kirika says.

"I feel like this conversation about hypothetical awards has reached a point of practicality that hypotheticals really don't need" Homura points out.

"You're just saying that because you want it in your room. I can't believe you hate sharing" Kirika says.

"No I'm saying it belongs in your room actually. After all it's much better to have the most badass person in the city protecting you than it is to be her" Homura comments.

At this point the two have finished their ice cream and Kirika leads Homura over to a bench to sit down on.

"But I'm yours so surely that means that the award is also yours by proxy" Kirika comments as she leans over across Homura on the bench.

As Homura looks down at Kirika who's looking up at her from her spot lying across her she wonders as she has from the second she met Kirika how any one person's eyes can look at someone with so much devotion.

Homura finds herself stroking Kirika's head something she eagerly leans into as they stay in their position.

"Well in that case you admit that I'm right?" Homura asks.

Kirika just nods her head much more focused on her enjoyment of feeling Homura's hands going through her hair than any prior discussion.

"Sometimes it feels like you are too easy to please" Homura comments as Kirika looks up at her in bliss.

"Nah you're just extremely naturally talented at pleasing me" Kirika says happily still enjoying her current position.

"While it's rather specific I am rather happy with that talent of mine" Homura says noticing that Kirika stretching to try to keep Homura patting her head when she moves her arm away is rather adorable.

"Nooo don't stop that felt so nice," Kirika says as Homura decides to give her arm a rest and hopefully let Kirika focus on forming some coherent thoughts.

"I'll do it some more later. Wouldn't want to spoil you" Homura says.

"Well honestly I feel spoiled just having you this close but fine" Kirika says transferring her position from lying across Homura to sitting on her lap.

"I do wonder what it would be like to be as single minded as you are" Homura muses.

"As long as I get to spend time with the person who's always on my mind it's absolutely wonderful" Kirika says.

"Kirika?"

"Yes Homura"

"Thank you for being here, I feel like I don't say that enough for how much I rely on you" Homura says.

"There is absolutely nowhere I would rather be. I mean that both physically and metaphorically" Kirika replies.

"Admittedly I meant more your presence in my life than on my lap but sure" Homura says with a smile.

Though soon all of this will be thrown into chaos and most of the places Homura have been with Kirika will be nothing more than rubble Homura cannot help but be grateful she gave in to Kirika for today.

While Homura always has and always will fight for Madoka it's nice to have some happy memories to cling to as the end approaches. After so many years without a single memory that passes bittersweet at best. Spots of light like today are enough to give Homura hope that she's not just fighting to ensure Madoka's future, but that it may just be worthwhile fighting to ensure her own future once Madoka is finally safe as well.

Chapter Text

As much as Kirika enjoyed Saturday she knows perfectly well it would be the last respite she or Homura would get before Walpurgisnacht arrives considering how much preparation the two have to get done.

Not that Kirika is at all put off by having to do plenty of work in the next few days. After all, as long as she's doing it for Homura's sake, no task can possibly be too difficult or tedious for Kirika not to take joy in.

Saying that, today's job is one that Kirika feels won't be too much of a problem. At the end of Saturday Homura texted Kyoko to arrange to meet up today so they could share how their magic works and do a bit more strategising.

Which is why Kirika and Homura are waiting around in an empty alleyway for Kyoko to show up.

"You know it's going to be weird working with someone other than you" Kirika points out.

"I'll still be here, anyway from what I remember you were marginally impressed by Kyoko when you fought her" Homura says.

"I mean as far as magical girls go she's given me the hardest fight so far. Though considering that Oriko and Mami, never got the chance to fight back, I've not had that many fights against magical girls. I mean Sasa was a total letdown who died in seconds, sword and axe girl were both a tad disappointing considering I could take them on two on one and Sayaka doesn't count since she was already fighting you" Kirika explains.

"I mean I think killing 6 total other magical girls at this point practically makes you an authority on fighting other magical girls" Homura points out.

"Yeah but other than Kyoko they were all individually pathetic and even she wasn't that hard to beat. The only person I've ever lost to is you" Kirika answers.

"Well considering how experienced I am and the fact I fought you on the day you contracted the fact that even was a fight is impressive" Homura replies.

"I think I was always destined to lose to you. I lost my heart to you if nothing else" Kirika says.

"That must have been a bit of a shock considering my main ability literally makes your world grey. That normally has negative associations" Homura says.

"But when my world is grey I feel nothing but affection towards you. After all, whether the rest of the world is grey or not you're the only thing that has colour in my eyes. Really all you're doing is making the difference more vivid" Kirika replies.

"I didn't know you had such acute achromatopsia," Homura says.

"You looked up that word just because of how the world looks when you stop time didn't you" Kirika says.

"I was curious if anyone actually saw in greyscale outside of time stop one time I admit it" Homura says.

"I can't say I have acute achromatopsia but I do have an acute case of being extremely in love with you" Kirika replies.

"I could have diagnosed you with that one without you telling me. Sadly I don't think there's any treatment available for that" Homura says.

"Ah I guess my love for you is terminal in that case" Kirika says.

"As long as you can live with it" Homura replies.

"I think as long as accommodations are made for my condition I can live with it" Kirika says.

"What would those be?" Homura asks.

"Sufficient access to Homura and weekly dates" Kirika replies.

"Well those seem rather doable to reduce your suffering" Homura replies.

"In that case being in love with you is barely an inconvenience" Kirika replies.

Homura opens her mouth to reply but at that point, Kyoko walks into the alley.

"I overheard the last 20 seconds of that and personally I think I deserve a medal for not walking in the other direction" Kyoko says as she arrives.

"If you had arrived on time rather than being a few minutes late you wouldn't have had to overhear anything" Homura points out.

While she soundes perfectly level Kirika does notice a blush which was absent a second ago has crept up Homura's face.

"If hearing you two flirting is the punishment for arriving late I'll make sure to be punctual" Kyoko says.

"I do believe we have an actual reason why we've met up here" Homura comments obviously wanting to get the conversation moving on as fast as possible.

"You mentioned something about a training exercise in your text? Which by the way, how did you get my number I swear I didn't give you it?" Kyoko asks.

"I tend to be very well informed and yes today I hope to go over how each of our magic works and do some cooperative witch hunting so Walpurgisnacht is not our first time fighting together cooperatively. It would be problematic if we got in each other's way in the fight after all" Homura says.

"Ok not sure why I expected you to be anything but cryptic my bad. Still, you do make a good point" Kyoko admits.

"If we're sharing how our magic works I may as well start. I can see and alter how time flows. Make someone move faster or slower or even get them to repeat the last second. When it comes to offence my claws are more than enough" Kirika says

"Wait is your rewind thing how you seemed to teleport at the end of our fight?" Kyoko asks.

"Yep it seemed the easiest way to deal with that attack without killing you outright. I mean I could have just extended my claws through your soul gem while you were attacking but I was told not to kill you" Kirika replies.

Kyoko shivers slightly "Well that's a disturbing thought. Still does that mean you can speed other people up in combat as well as yourself?" Kyoko asks.

"Correct, I've sped myself and Homura up at the same time and I can definitely do you as well" Kirika answers.

"I guess I'll go next when it comes to magic explainers. I can make and manipulate those walls of red diamonds I used in the fight and can also make bigger spears if push comes to shove. Aside from that obviously I have my spear which I can also make chains out of" Kyoko says.

"Pretty simple but sounds useful" Kirika says.

"So Homura you going to show me what you can do. I already knew Kirika's a bit from the fight but you're a bit of a mystery" Kyoko says.

"I can stop time" Homura answers.

"What do you mean you can stop time?" Kyoko says seeming a bit disbelieving.

In response, Homura twists her shield leaving the world grey and Kyoko frozen before she takes a rope out of her shield and ties it around Kyoko's arm who suddenly regains movement.

"So wait time is actually frozen for everything but you and I would assume what you're touching but then why is Kirika still moving despite not being attached to you" Kyoko says looking around the world in greyscale.

Homura pulls a coin out of her shield and drops it to demonstrate how once it leaves her grip it is perfectly frozen before unfreezing time.

"Yes everything other than what I am touching is utterly frozen. Kirika is an exception" Homura says taking the rope off of Kyoko and putting it back in her shield now it has served its demonstrative purpose.

"Well I guess I'm just close to you metaphorically" Kirika says.

"I don't think that's how that works" Homura points out.

"Can you prove that?" Kirika asks.

"No but you did try to stab me while time was stopped when we first met which somewhat undermines the premise of that" Homura replies.

"I mean that's just a different sort of closeness if you think about it." Kirika replies.

"Ok I'm interrupting this before you two forget I'm here again" Kyoko says.

"I was just proposing a reason why I'm a time stop exemption it was entirely related to the conversation" Kirika replies.

"Sure you were. Anyway, I really made a mistake thinking I could push you two out when you two have ridiculous abilities like those." Kyoko says.

"Yeah not your best move. Though it did work out in the end" Kirika replies.

"Guess I can't argue with that," Kyoko says.

"Now we have gone over how our magic works how about we go on a witch hunt? Preferably Kyoko will do one hunt with me and one hunt with Kirika before we all work at once so we have a decent baseline" Homura says.

"Do you really think you can find 3 witches this afternoon seems like a bit of a tall order considering how long it can take" Kyoko comments.

"Did I not mention earlier I am very well informed?" Homura says as an answer.

"You know what both of you have time magic so I'm just going to assume it's related to that and not worry about it" Kyoko replies.

"Wise of you," Kirika says.

With that, the three of them set off.

Homura and Kyoko kill off the first witch they find while Kirika waits outside. She's not at all worried for either of their safety considering how competent Homura is but it does take a few minutes before the labyrinth shatters and Kyoko picks up a grief seed.

"You didn't mention your secondary power was explosives" Kyoko comments as she walks out of where the barrier was.

"When you can stop time it makes sense to pick up armaments that make the best use of that ability" Homura replies.

"Where do you even get those" Kyoko asks.

"I can vouch that Homura is a world class professional at making pipe bombs" Kirika says.

"Yes that, alongside borrowing some from the yakuza and JSDF" Homura comments.

"I guess stopping time makes stealing rather easy" Kyoko muses.

"Extremely" Homura agrees.

Getting to the second barrier Kyoko and Kirika step in.

The place takes the form of a massive graveyard each headstone having illegible writing that hurts to look at written upon them. The witch's familiars take the form of spectators that are somewhat transparent, each one has a horrific wound on them. They are chained to the graves and their spectral nature means that destroying the gravestones is the only way to kill the familiars.

This makes the barrier rather time consuming to go through. After marvelling about how fast she is in comparison to the familiars when Kirika stretches time around her Kyoko and Kirika eventually fall into discussion.

"I guess it must be nice to have someone like Homura to help watch your back when you're hunting" Kyoko muses.

"She's really nice to have around. Both in general and when killing things" Kirika says.

"You really love her huh" Kyoko says.

"She is my everything. There is nothing I would not do to see her happy" Kirika replies.

"Well you two sure do seem to love each other. Can't say I quite get how anyone can be that devoted but I won't judge" Kyoko says with a shrug.

"She doesn't love me" Kirika corrects.

"What?" Kyoko says caught entirely off guard by that sentence. So much so that Kirika has to pull her out of the way of a familiar swinging at her before destroying the gravestone.

"I mean she cares about me and I love her in my entirety but she doesn't love me in the least" Kirika elaborates.

"I heard you two flirting there is no way that is one sided" Kyoko says.

"She is a rather fantastic partner and is more than happy to give me what I want for my happiness but she loves someone else infinitely more than she cares about me. My love is unrequited and will remain so" Kirika says.

"So what she's just leading you on or something?" Kyoko asks trying to readjust her entire vision of Homura and Kirika's relationship in her head.

"Nope, she does actually care about me. If she wanted me to be nothing but a tool to her she entirely had that option and actively prevented me from following through. She even said I deserve to love someone who can love me back at one point. It was a rather silly idea since I love Homura and could never even consider anyone else but it shows she cares" Kirika says.

"I understand you two less than when I started this conversation. So what does that make you two then?" Kyoko asks.

"I'm her closest friend and partner. She's everything to me. Really it's rather simple. While I am not the person she loves I am still the second most important person to her which I am more than happy with" Kirika says.

"Are you sure she doesn't love you at all though? She does seem very receptive to your flirting and when you're talking to her she seems to practically forget anything else. Like I'm not quite sure what love looks like but she definitely feels something for you" Kyoko points out.

"Ah what a lovely dream that would be. Still I know my place and it is by her side as her loyal partner. I know exactly who she loves and why, I can never live up to that. Despite that she humours my confessions and ensures I'm as happy as possible in our current relationship, despite not needing to do anything of the sort. While she does not love me, the affection she holds for me as her partner is enough for me to be satisfied" Kirika says.

She would truly love nothing more than Homura actually loving her back but Madoka will always hold Homura's heart. Kirika is not jealous of that fact, Madoka more than earned it by saving Homura so thoroughly in much the same way as Homura saved her. No matter how dear a companion Kirika may be to Homura she will never compare to the years of sacrifice Homura has made for the sake of her love. Even if Homura has no intention of pursuing Madoka that does not change the fact that the person Kirika loves has a heart which is full. There is no room for Kirika there.

"I guess you know her better than me" Kyoko admits.

Kirika can tell she's not convinced but it's not her job to convince Kyoko of Homura's feelings.

Eventually, the two find a crypt door behind which the witch lies.

It is chained to a massive angel statue rather than the mundane headstones held by its familiars. The witch takes the form of the statue except its eyes are gorged out, its heart is punctured and its neck is slit. It is the form of an angel which has suffered every wound imaginable yet it strikes at Kirika and Kyoko as though it is entirely untethered by a single pain.

Unlike the familiars which were spectural, the witch is entirely solid and opaque. Its wings which are cut and leak blood strike with force and speed leaving a wake of sharp feathers that shoot out at the closet magical girl while it strikes with its fists at whoever is closest despite its slit wrists.

The witch regenerates from every wound in an instant until Kyoko summons a large spear which she uses to strike through the grave the witch is attached to. With the angel statue destroyed the witch does not die but suddenly seems to suffer from its many wounds and barely fights back as Kirika and Kyoko finish killing it.

With that Kirika collects the grief seed and the two girls step out of the shattering barrier.

The third witch the trio encounters barely merits description with how fast the time between its beginning and end occurs. The combination of Kyoko, Kirika and Homura being far too much for it to even try to fight back against.

By the end of the day Kirika is confident she knows how Kyoko tics as far as fighting is concerned and is assured she'll work well with Homura and her when it comes time to face Walpurgisnacht.

"Well that's me done for the day see ya lovebirds" Kyoko says as she sets off.

"I'm more impressed by your fighting ability than your memory I must admit" Kirika says as Kyoko sets off.

"Oh no, I remember exactly what you said. I just trust my intuition more than your words." Kyoko says before she's turned the corner out of sight.

"What does she mean by that?" Homura says as she watches Kyoko walk off.

"That she's much more of an optimist than I could ever be" Kirika answers.

"I struggle to imagine that" Homura admits.

"Don't worry about it, it wasn't anything important" Kirika answers as she and her beloved partner walk home.

For all Kyoko may think she has a good intuition Kirika knows Homura. There is no world in which Homura loves Kirika back even the slightest bit.

It is a dream that cannot possibly ever come true even if Kirika does truly wish she is wrong. She is not one to live in denial however so Kirika will simply continue to help and love Homura even knowing her feelings cannot possibly be reciprocated.

Chapter Text

The next 3 days pass in a blitz of preparations.

With Walpurgisnacht arriving on Thursday Homura and Kirika do not bother to go to school during any of the intervening time. With arrangments for Madoka and Sayaka to be out of the city during the 30th going apace there lacked any practical benefit to being there.

Monday had a number of odd jobs that needed to be completed to avoid the worst case scenario.

Homura tasked Kirika with wiping out every witch and familiar within the half of the city which Walpurgisnacht is likely to appear in with assistance from Kyoko.

Homura on the other hand heads to the closest Meteorological Agency office which due to the closest one still being quite far away from Mitakihara requires a train ride followed by an inconveniently long walk to get there.

Still once she is there she is able to insert a USB she picked up a number of timelines ago to flag the odd weather effects that signal Walpurgisnacht approaching in the agency's systems.

From experience she knows a failure to do this will mean there is almost no effective evacuation from Mitakihara while if she does it even a day sooner the notable effects of Walpurgisnacht are small enough that her editing is seen as a bug and ignored rather than being heeded.

While this task is both time consuming and tedious it would not do to save Madoka only to leave half the city dead because she didn't bother. At worst that could even give the incubator enough leverage to get Madoka to make a wish to resurrect the casualties which would make all of Homura's previous efforts come to nothing.

Still the travel alongside finding the right opportunity to plant her edits in the system takes up most of the day leaving Homura unable to make many additional preparations during Monday.

As she arrives back home Kirika informs Homura over dinner that she and Kyoko managed to get the area clear of witches. While they will need to do a bit of extra upkeep on that in the next two days the fact the job is done gives Homura more flexibility to focus on other preparations.

Come Tuesday an alert has gone out to the city regarding the approaching weather event leading to a level of localised chaos. Fortunately, Madoka and Sayaka (also Hitomi since Madoka asked if Homura could repeat the email trick so they could preemptively get her out) had already made arrangements to be out of the city allowing them to avoid the sudden rush of transport being booked up. Despite this, the city will only be empty enough to begin planting explosives and other traps for Walpurgisnacht on Wednesday.

Still that leaves Homura and Kirika with plenty to do on Tuesday.

For one Homura has to check Walpurgisnacht's magic to ensure that she can position her explosives in the most opportunistic areas. Fortunately due to how massive Walpurgisnacht is it is very easy to detect what direction its magic is approaching from once it is this close letting Homura ensure it is coming from the expected direction which fortunately it is.

Along with this Homura takes Kirika and Kyoko to the area where she will be staging her traps tomorrow in order to show them exactly where she will be placing traps and explosives alongside their blast radiuses in order to prevent friendly fire during the battle.

Alongside this, she makes sure to show the two what buildings are more likely to be uprooted and thrown (Walpurgisnacht tends to use buildings with less solid foundations first and has preferences in terms of what skyscrapers and office blocks it likes to try to swat magical girls with).

While she goes through this the trio of magical girls also make sure to expunge any familiars or witches that had made it back into the area though with their combined forces this does not take much effort.

When she eats dinner with Kirika that day it is filled with a combination of anticipation and terror at being so close to what will hopefully be the end of the ordeal she has suffered through for so long.

It is with that that she wakes up on Wednesday a single day before this act of this cycle Homura has spent the last few years suffering from will either end or begin again.

Despite the combination of nerves and anticipation that makes Homura feel almost nauseous as the day begins she still makes sure to walk out and have breakfast with Kirika like normal. A single port of order in the chaos she is about to step into.

"So tomorrow we fight the big bad witch" Kirika comments as Homura sits down next to her after the normal morning hug.

"Tomorrow we bring this to a close" Homura agrees.

"You look a bit pale, getting nervous?" Kirika asks.

"No matter how good things look I always feel this way the day before it arrives. By tomorrow it will have cleared up. No matter what I never face Walpurgisnacht at anything but my best, I cannot afford not to" Homura says.

"Think of it this way. Once we kill Walpurgisnacht tomorrow then it will be the first day of the rest of your life" Kirika replies.

"Even after all this time I still have barely any idea of what I'm going to do after this" Homura admits.

"You still have a few more years of being a student to figure it out. Anyway I'll be with you every step of the way" Kirika says.

"As long as we kill Walpurgisnacht" Homura replies.

"Well that goes without saying. Still with me, you and Kyoko I get the feeling we'll have the last laugh. I for one have worked far too hard to let this end any way but the happy ending you have been working towards for so long" Kirika says.

"I see you haven't lost the slightest bit of confidence" Homura comments.

"Well of course not, you and me. We're going to get your wish granted. No matter what happens tomorrow I guarantee that by the end Walpurgisnacht will be dead and Madoka will be safe." Kirika says.

"If you believe in my wish so strongly then I have no choice but to match you. Tomorrow I will finally save Madoka and not even Walpurgisnacht will stop me" Homura swears to herself.

She's going at this with both Kirika and Kyoko, Madoka is out of the city, Sayaka has not become a magical girl and Mami cannot interfere. It is not a lie to say this may be the best circumstances she has ever gone into battle with Walpurgisnacht with. She will not fail at the final step.

"Who knows once both of you are safe and happy maybe you'll even reconsider your stance on trying for a relationship with Madoka" Kirika teases.

"Why would you even bring that up? I believe we have had this discussion and I have given you my answer" Homura says unamused

"Eh just think about it. Once tomorrow no longer hangs over you and her like a sword of Damocles you might find yourself more flexible about things. I mean you don't love anyone else so I for one support you being with the only person you can love back" Kirika points out.

Homura considers this for a moment. She disagrees with Kirika utterly of course, not only is she utterly unlike the type of person who ever could have a happy relationship with Madoka but she is sure that such a thing would only harm the person she loves.

Another thing she considers is the idea of relationships in general. Truthfully after how much she has warped herself for the sake of her wish Homura truly doubts there is a single person alive who would actually be able to put up with her and her with them. She simply does not function as a human should anymore not even accounting for the fact that she will remain a magical girl who must hunt witches even after her one absolute goal has concluded. Other than Kirika she doubts any relation with others closer than distant friends will ever be possible for her.

"You are wrong about any sort of relationship with Madoka, after so long trying to be anything more than friends with her would crush me and possibly her as well. Anyway, why would I when I've got a perfectly good partner with me right now who's sworn to stay by my side forever? Sure I may never be able to be with the person I love but how things are now are better than I could possibly have hoped for. I see no reason for that to change.

"Really you'll stay with me even if you cannot love me back?" Kirika asks looking somewhere between hopeful and disbelieving.

"Even if I don't love you I do still care for you dearly. You are after all the reason I have even considered a future past tomorrow. Anyway sticking together is just more convenient. We still need to learn dance, I have yet to try your baking and I believe you were going to try to introduce me to the idea of birthday parties. So of course I'll stay with you and you with me for as long as you are willing." Homura answers.

Homura loves Madoka. But she cannot fail to acknowledge how over these past two timelines Kirika has looked after her needs and supported her. Nor can she ignore that she has had more moments of joy in these past weeks than she has since those very first timelines with Madoka. While Homura can say she cares for Kirika more than anyone other than Madoka without contest she cannot admit that she does love her back. Yet she sees no reason not to remain by her side for both of their sakes.

"Don't be silly as long as I'm willing is as long as I live. Still I promise you that even if I can't be the person you love I will endeavour to make you as happy as I possibly can for as long as you allow me. After all once your wish is fulfilled I can dedicate myself to that goal fully" Kirika says seeming almost tearfully happy about being able to stay by the side of the person she loves.

"I do truly believe that you won't leave me any chance to be unhappy. I know I've said it before but thank you Kirika for staying by my side no matter what" Homura says with a smile.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay by your side. I really did make the right choice loving you" Kirika says.

"It was a choice?" Homura asks.

"No, actually I fell for you literally and figuratively and past that there was no turning back" Kirika admits.

"Well enough of that I do believe we have some explosives to prepare for tomorrow's reception," Homura says.

"Yep just tell me where to put them and together we can put enough explosives down to blast Walpurgisnacht out of the sky" Kirika says.

"That is all we need to focus on for now. I think we've discussed everything else of substance anyway" Homura replies.

"Don't forget that after we kill Walpurgisnacht we need to find the best cake in the country to have together to celebrate" Kirika points out.

"Ah we did agree to that, didn't we? Well, once Walpurgisnacht is dead that can be our first priority. Though we had better save Kyoko a slice for her help" Homura says.

"She can get a slice as long as we get the rest," Kirika says.

"Sounds like a plan. Now shall we set off. We have rather a lot of explosives to place today not to mention some vehicles full of highly flammable liquids to position" Homura points out.

"In that case let's get going" Kirika answers.

With that Homura and Kirika set off to plant the armaments that Homura has spent the last timelines collecting in preparation for this moment. Since she did not face Walpurgisnacht last timeline she has even more than usual available to her and she plans to use up every single one.

At the end of the day, Homura returns home for what is most likely the last time.

"At the end of every timeline I pack up everything of importance from here just in case I need to go back. Even if we win there is a good chance this place will be wrecked so want to help with packing?" Homura offers to which Kirika eagerly assists.

"And should something go wrong somehow next timeline meet me outside this house 30 minutes after the start of the timeline. Not that I think that will be necessary" Homura points out.

"Well I definitely don't need to know that since we are going to win tomorrow but I'll remember it just in case" Kirika says.

For the first time in longer than Homura remembers it the idea of facing Walpurgisnacht does not feel insurmountable or impossible. She is not going out to fight out of duty or necessity but out of a sincere belief that they will win. For the first time in years Homura is not just fighting for Madoka's future but her own as well.

So she does not dread the nightmare that comes at the end of this cycle of hers because tomorrow she is going to get her wish granted and Walpurgisnacht won't be able to stop her.

Chapter Text

Kyoko meets up with Homura and Kirika on an overpass looking at where Walpurgisnacht will appear.

"So today we're actually going to fight the queen of witches huh" Kyoko comments.

Up until this point for all she has been planning and preparing with Kirika and Homura to face Walpurgisnacht, it never quite sunk in just what type of feat she would have to achieve until now.

"Yes remember what we went over regarding its tactics. Also watch out for its familiars, while you should be able to take them on if one catches you off guard it could easily lead to a fatal injury" Homura reminds Kyoko.

"Yep I'm pretty sure you burned that information into my brain the amount we've gone over it recently" Kyoko says.

"Well that's good, be a shame if you died to something stupid after all" Kirika comments.

"Don't worry I fully plan to survive this" Kyoko answers.

"Well as long as you pull your weight I've got a good feeling" Kirika says.

"You're not going to find me slacking today of all days I don't have a death wish" Kyoko replies.

As the two chat Homura finishes laying out the line of RPGs she had been putting out getting ready so she can launch an alpha strike at Walpurgisnacht the second it manifests and hopefully draw it into more of their prepared positions.

"Homura, you're the expert, how do you rate our chances?" Kyoko asks.

"We are about as prepared as it is possible to be and all of us should have enough firepower available to us to harm it. While I cannot be certain we will win I would like to think we have good odds" Homura comments.

"Well guess that's as good as I can hope for" Kyoko says.

As the time draws close to Walpurgisnacht's appearance in tense silence Kyoko has a thought and in an attempt to lighten the moon which currently feels like a building fell on it shares it.

"You know I think today's the first time I've met up with you two where you aren't flirting with each other constantly" Kyoko points out.

"While I would love to share my feelings with Homura as much as usual I get the feeling they'll be more appreciated after the fight" Kirika says.

Homura just entirely ignores the comment. While normally Kyoko bringing up their flirting tends to somewhat fluster her today she does not give it even the slightest scrap of attention.

And so the trio wait in silence until suddenly the silence is shattered by a supernatural parade walking past the three magical girls.

Homura had informed Kyoko beforehand that these are barely even familiars of the witch just its introduction. As such she just ignores it and keeps an eye out for the main event.

When Walpurgisnacht appears the first thing that sticks out to Kyoko is just how massive it really is.

Witches tend to be rather large on average yet Walpurgisnacht makes even the greatest of them look minuscule. Its body is formed of an upside down vaguely feminine shape attached to a massive gear. Both parts are individually both taller and wider than most skyscrapers.

Before Kyoko can think any more about how they are going to fight something they are effectively ants to Homura's barrage fires.

As every single projective fires simultaneously Kyoko knows that Homura stopped time and fired them herself without bringing her in.

The explosions across Walpurgisnacht are a sight to behold it is more than enough ordinance to turn the most hardy witch into its component parts yet Walpurgisnacht appears unscathed.

As Homura moves to firing her second round of explosives by way of mortars she set up. Kirika and Kyoko begin moving towards Walpurgisnacht.

Until they get closer all they do is appreciate the light show Homura is putting on as she fires enough artillery to put an average army into the ground at the witch to no visible effect.

As they reach the point where Homura's preset explosives are collapsing buildings onto Walpurgisnacht and the fields of C4 that were laid out earlier get triggered creating an explosion large enough that even after it's gone spots remain on Kyoko's retanus. Kyoko and Kirika are fighting through the familiars which just pop into existence to get in the way of their approach.

Each one looks like an individual magical girl and is pure black aside from purple sparks of light that spot each of their outfits.

As Kyoko and Kirika approach, they need to avoid magic beams, tentacles made of shadow, fireballs and a massive variety of increasingly esoteric effects that the simulacra of magical girls send at them.

Kirika's acceleration is a godsend during this as many attacks that would have managed to nick Kyoko can instead be gracefully avoided allowing her to go through the familiars dispersing each one with her spear.

Kirika on the other hand seems to be having little trouble keeping up with the spawning magical girl like things that attack her, methodically ripping each one to pieces before moving on to the next in a direct line towards Walpurgisnacht.

By the time Walpurgisnacht is close enough that Kirika and Kyoko can reach it by jumping up the nearby buildings the endless tide of nose provided by Homura's variety of explosive barrages has finally silenced. Leaving the day filled only with the endless sound of Walpurgisnacht's laughter.

Though Kyoko does see Homura still jumping around firing the highest calibre gun Kyoko has ever seen at Walpurgisnacht.

The fact that the bombs and explosives that they had spent an entire day positioning and placing yesterday failed to leave a single speck of visible damage to Walpurgisnacht is a terrifying sight. Kyoko prays that they did actually harm Walpurgisnacht just not in a way that's visably easy to tell because if all of that did nothing Kyoko is concerned whether her and Kirika's contributions can make even the slightest bit of difference.

Still, she signed up for this and she is not one to go back on a promise so Kyoko as she heads towards the colossal witch summons a number of the largest and most impressive spears she can before sending them off at Walpurgisnacht at massive speed.

Each one punches a hole in the upside down doll part of Walpurgisnacht though despite the spears each being much bigger than a person the hole each one leaves is barely visible compared to how utterly immense the witch is.

Kyoko makes sure to refresh her grief with one of the multitude of grief seeds Homura handed to Kyoko and Kirika before the fight started.

While there are fights where it's smart to conserve magic, here and now Kyoko knows perfectly well if she goes anything less than all out she won't see tomorrow.

Of course she gets little time for thought after that as a building gets tossed into the path she was planning to take towards her enemy. This forces Kyoko to leap off the building she was jumping up into open air to avoid being crushed.

In order to allow her approach to continue Kyoko creates one of her walls of red diamonds to create a pathway towards Walpurgisnacht before running along it.

She is forced multiple times to jump and create a new path as torrents of fire large enough to encompass a building and hot enough to melt concrete are sent her way alongside an assortment of buildings, homes and rubble.

Of course, Kyoko continues to create and send spears against Walpurgisnacht to not let the exchange while she approaches be entirely one sided.

Each second of the approach is life or death with Kyoko making a number of split second dodges to avoid being toasted or pancaked by a building but she does eventually reach the witch and jumps down onto its gear.

As she reaches the witch she spots Kirika and Homura flicking from place to place normally followed by a host of grenades and pipe bombs going off either on Walpurgisnacht or a cluster of familiars.

If Kyoko thought getting onto the gear of the witch would allow for any sort of respite she was to be bitterly disappointed. Familiars pop into existence in dense numbers around her and massive pieces of metal and concrete controlled by Walpurgisnacht bombard anywhere Kyoko spends more than a second.

Still, her time atop Walpurgisnacht allows her to dig her spears into the gears atop Walpurgisnacht hoping that it will damage the structural integrity enough to harm the colossal witch.

As she uses her spear's chain form to disperse a number of familiars that tried to strike Kyoko she is buffeted by the storm winds around Walpurgisnacht.

No matter how much damage she does or how many walls she tries to gum up the clockwork the top of Walpurgisnacht is made of with, the witch's unceasing laughter never stops grating on Kyoko's ears.

Finally, as she sees a building about to strike her position Kyoko sticks one final spear made as large as she can make between the witch's gears seeing it warp the metal that ticks along. Kyoko jumps off the top of Walpurgisnacht to avoid being crushed.

As she falls before catching herself with her walls Kyoko can see that Walpurgisnacht no longer looks quite as pristine as before.

The many explosives fired at the witch along the fight have left a massive number of small dents along the witch's gears and tears across the doll section of the witch that are only really visible as she falls past them.

More impressively Kyoko can see massive rends taken out of the underside of the witch that she can actively see Kirika making her claws extending out an absurd distance to tear visible chunks out of the doll part of the witch.

Still this second of distraction proves a mistake as a familiar pops up behind Kyoko and sends a lash of shadow out at her. While she does turn around in time so it only strikes her arm rather than her head Kyoko can feel the bones in her arm shatter as she is launched off the platform she had created. Though not before Kyoko gets her chained spear to snake through the familiar and kill it in retaliation.

Despite no one being anywhere near in range to catch her Homura appears out of nowhere at the point Kyoko would hit the ground (obviously having made use of time stop) and catches her before tossing her a grief seed and disappearing back into the fight.

As Kyoko stands up and goes back into the breach she wonders if this is even possible. Despite poring more magic and explosives into Walpurgisnacht than Kyoko has ever seen in her life the witch seems unbothered its infernal laugh unending and its attacks not slowing.

As the fight draws on it begins to feel increasingly hopeless and Kyoko continues to gather wounds (though thankfully none as bad as the broken arm) and notices that the explosives from Homura seem to slow. Her seemingly inexhaustible supply of pipe bombs and grenades finally beginning to exhaust.

As she fights another field of familiars that continue to appear around Kyoko notices Kirika with both claws extended strike at the centre of the witch above the doll yet below the gear that connects the two.

For multiple seconds Kirika remains in the air the durability of Walpurgisnacht clashing with Kirika's claws before the centre of Walpurgisnacht begins to give.

As the doll side of the witch begins to make creaking noises as the connecting area of the witch begins to break a building shoots towards Kirika at many times the speed of any of Walpurgisnacht's other attacks. Kirika shatters the centre of Walpurgisnacht leaving the doll to fall to the floor lifeless and the gears to begin to fall before she is struck at full force by the building.

While Kyoko can see her try to dodge she can hear the thud of the building glancing her and notices a crater in the ground where she hit. Kyoko also feels the speed she had access to during the fight drop off massively.

Nevertheless, Kyoko cannot afford to worry as with half of Walpurgisnacht destroyed the underside of the gear is suddenly vulnerable.

Kyoko rushes towards it sending spear after spear into the gaps created by Kirika in the clockwork. Even as Homura assists by emptying an innumerable number of bullets into the crumbling witch.

While obviously bloodied Kirika does eventually reappear to assist with the slog of breaking down the gear as it lethargically throws the remaining buildings and rubble at them. While Kirika does appear to be going much slower and her claws are much less impressively extended they still manage to rip apart whatever gear parts Kirika can close with.

After what feels like days though it was no doubt hours or maybe even minutes (the adrenaline and need to keep moving constantly to not die made time hard to measure). The witch finally falls apart crashing fully into the ground and dissolving down into nothingness.

Kyoko falls to the ground and just lies down looking at the apocalyptic scene of destruction around her. She has created more and bigger spears today than any time in her life. Went through more grief seeds than she uses in the average month and had so many near death experiences that the fact she's still breathing feels like a fluke but it is done.

Walpurgisnacht is dead.

Chapter Text

Homura feels utterly drained. She's been fighting Walpurgisnacht for what was probably hours working through its near infinite durability through repeated applications of enough firepower to bring down most cities.

Yet despite that bone deep tiredness she also somehow feels energetic. Like there is a live current running through her.

Because this it is.

She has won.

After years of suffering of trial and error, of failure after failure after failure, she has done it.

Walpurgisnacht is dead.

Madoka is alive.

So even if her body aches from the constant movement and dodging Homura feels like dancing about or possibly breaking down and crying or both at once.

Part of it doesn't feel real. After all, she has been working towards this for so long that no matter what she told herself a part of her had begun to believe that it was impossible for her to win.

Yet here she is.

Looking around the entire area around her is utterly devastated, the damage to property (and probably a fair amount of people) is monumental yet Homura cannot find herself to care in the least.

Because her wish has finally come true.

Homura pinches herself (not that she needs to do that to feel pain considering most of her body feels bruised at this point). Yet she does not wake up.

Homura had at times wondered if after finishing her mission she would just feel empty after having fought for so long. Yet she really just feels joyous in a way she had up to this point felt was entirely beyond her.

It's like a giant weight has been lifted from her chest. A pressure that had been bearing down on her for years suddenly disappeared without a trace.

She starts walking a bit aimlessly feeling like the occasion is too much to just stand still.

While nothing has changed physically Homura's every step feels light.

As she's walking Homura spots the person she has to thank for the fact she can feel so joyous at this moment.

Her Kirika, the person who has stood faithfully by her side for this last loop. Who not only offered Homura hope but delivered.

As Homura begins walking towards Kirika her thoughts turn to the future. She actually has a future now, what an odd idea. One where she will probably continue to hang out with Kirika. Where she will have birthday parties and experience school lessons she's never had before. Where she's going to learn to dance because she still does want to have that dance with Kirika. Where, before any of that she's going to find the most impressive cake she can so she and Kirika can celebrate their victory.

Madoka also has a future now one where Homura will probably just be a side character, a distant acquaintance or friend. Homura finds the thought of Madoka safe and happy to live her life an incredibly pleasant one. Even If Homura has little to do with her that does not matter in the least. Because her promise is fulfilled and the person who gave her so much has finally had her future returned to her.

Homura finally reaches Kirika.

Looking at her she is soaked in blood but does not seem to have any too obvious present injuries aside from some cuts and scrapes. She also, Homura notes, has a wide smile that Homura returns.

"So here it is, your happy ending. I did say I would make sure your wish is fulfilled didn't I?" Kirika says as Homura finishes approaching.

"You did and here we are. We did it. Madoka's safe, Walpurgisnacht is dead, even Sayaka hasn't made a wish. Truly this is the best ending I could possibly have hoped for" Homura says still full of that incredible lightness and happiness.

"So did I live up to expectations?" Kirika asks sounding both joking but also a bit curious.

"Of course you did, you are incredible. Not only did you support me all this time but Walpurgisnacht is gone with your help being critical to that. You have more than surpassed any expectation I could hold for anyone. Thank you Kirika" Homura says sincerely.

"I'm so glad," Kirika says. She does honestly sound glad but there is a hint of something that Homura can't place in her tone.

"It feels indescribable to finally be here. After all this time it's done. While I'm still a magical girl all we need to do is just live our lives. Obviously, we need to keep an eye on the incubator but I have a good feeling. The next thing we need to worry about is just finding the appropriate cake to celebrate," Homura replies.

A part of her wants to laugh at the absurdity of that thought. That she can just worry about such mundane things rather than her life being a countdown to an apocalypse that she has never been able to stop.

"Homura?" Kirika says, something questioning in her tone.

"Yes Kirika?"

"Can I do something selfish just this once?" Kirika asks with a strange mixture of uncertainty and something longing.

"I thought everything you did for me was selfish?" Homura answers.

"I mean selfish properly. Something that only I want only for myself without caring for its consequences" Kirika explains.

"After everything you've done how could I possibly say anything but yes?" Homura says.

Kirika pulls Homura down to face her directly and kisses her.

Homura short circuits for a second as this goes on, her head empty of any response or reaction she could possibly have.

After a second passes, Kirika lets Homura go.

As Homura's brain restarts the first thought that occurs is that Kirika tasted sweet, followed by the thought what just happened.

"Sorry about that I know I said I didn't care if there was no reward at the end but I thought I may as well since I won't have another chance. That was truly just as perfect as I had hoped" Kirika says.

Homura finally shakes her head and resumes thinking normally while putting how unexpectedly pleasant that was to be analysed at a later date.

"What do you mean won't have another chance?" Homura asks Kirika's words catching up with her.

Kirika in response puts her hand behind her back and takes out her soul gem.

Like usual it is its beautiful shade of citrine and utterly empty of grief yet Homura notices something. There is a spider's web of cracks going through the gem. Even as she watches it the cracks spread slightly more.

"We needed to beat Walpurgisnacht, me cutting it in two allowed that but turns out you can't get hit by a building and then launched into the ground at terminal velocity scott-free. I'm currently slowing time on my gem but I'll shatter quite soon. Still, I have no regrets, after all, I've fulfilled your dream. The person you love is safe. You have your happy ending." Kirika says her tone while slightly melancholy manages to remain upbeat.

All of a sudden all the lightness Homura was feeling disappears. It feels like a black hole just opened in her chest and scooped out every feeling she had in the past few minutes.

Kirika hands Homura her soul gem which she takes, looking down at it in quiet horror.

"But you promised to stay by my side" Homura says unable to think of a single other word.

"On the upside, you've fulfilled your promise to me. I finally remember my wish. I wished to keep changing until I can be a person who can stay and fight by your side again no matter what so you never need to be lonely ever again. I'm afraid I can't stay by your side anymore but you won't be lonely either. You have Madoka now and even Sayaka. If you need a magical girl partner Kyoko can fill in, I'm pretty sure she's fond of you and you get along with her. So in that way, my wish came true. You never need to be alone again." Kirika says her words filled with a mix of fondness and sadness.

"But what about all those plans? What about the cake or learning to dance or that birthday you planned for me? You can't just become essential to me and then die. Kirika I order you to live!" Homura shouts.

"Ah, it looks like I'll have to fail you right at the end. That's a shame, I did have some pride in never failing to do what you wanted me to. Please forgive me for not being able to stay" Kirika says an edge of pain reaching her voice as her gem continues to crack.

"I don't forgive you. You keep doing the impossible, well do it one more time. Please Kirika, don't make me lose you" Homura says her voice softening to a whisper by the end.

"If I have to die then it's only right you're holding my soul at the end. Still, I've given you the ending you wished for. I really do wish this wasn't the end, there is still so much I wanted to do with you but I'm satisfied to have helped you so much" Kirika says holding onto Homura tightly.

"Please" is all Homura can say, a plea that things won't end like this.

"Hey Homura" Kirika gets out in a pained whisper as her soul reaches the breaking point.

"Yes Kirika" Homura just about gets out.

"I love you" Kirika says just as sincerely as the first time she said so.

Looking back at everything Kirika has done, every happy moment, every date, every time Kirika helped hold Homura together Homura realises something. Kirika has become critical to her world.

She loves her.

"I love you too" Homura responds back finding that any other words would be a lie.

Kirika's eyes light up "I am so happy, to have been a part of your world" she gets out.

Homura feels something in her hand crack and begin to fall apart.

Kirika suddenly gets heavier in Homura's grasp like she's no longer holding herself upright.

She only holds on tighter even as she feels the warmth start to leach out of Kirika. Eventually, though Homura is forced to face reality no matter how much she wishes to deny it.

Kirika is dead.

Homura has everything she ever wished for, the ending she has been fighting for endlessly for years upon years and Kirika is dead.

She lays the body down. Noting that Kirika died with closed eyes and a serene smile.

Really despite this Homura should still be happy. After all, she's only known Kirika for 2 and a half months. What could that possibly mean to her in comparison to the completion of her years long journey to save Madoka?

It's not like the people she cared for dying really matters to Homura other than Madoka. Mami is dead due to Homura yet she felt not the slightest inkling of care at that after Walpurgisnacht's death. Why should Kirika matter any more?

Yet Homura finds that this victory that had felt so full and incredible now just feels hollow.

A pyrrhic victory.

"Ah I guess I never did have a future then" Homura says to herself as she sits down next to the body of her friend.

All those wonderful ideas of what Homura could do with her just as much shattered as the soul of the second person Homura ever loved.

Yet what can Homura do, this is everything she's ever fought for come to fruition. She is absolutely certain that even 2 timelines ago she would look upon what happened today and see it as a near perfect outcome. Yet for all Homura should feel satisfied at the end of her quest no matter the cost she finds she cannot even muster the slightest bit of joy.

Madoka is finally safe yet Homura's victory tastes like ashes.

For a while, Homura just sits there next to the body.

Eventually, Kyoko walks over.

"Oh, I thought she had made it?" Kyoko says.

"Apparently being hit by the building damaged her soul gem. She died after the battle" Homura says her voice hollow.

"I'm sorry," Kyoko says.

"It was foolish of me to think I could have both my victory and my future," Homura says the words empty of feeling.

"Is that what you saw her as? Your future?" Kyoko asks.

"I always assumed once Walpurgisnacht died I would just fade away somewhere. Kirika made me think that there could be something for me after my wish. It was nothing but childish daydreaming" Homura says.

"You loved her" Kyoko states.

"I did for all I refused to admit it until the very end. Maybe that's my curse to finally save the person I loved only to lose someone else" Homura replies.

"She wouldn't want you to disappear, she would want you to be happy even without her" Kyoko accurately points out.

"Yet she made herself into someone who I could rely on completely. She wished for nothing more than my happiness, it's what she lived and died for yet I am forced to once more disappoint. Because she was in many ways too essential to me to lose" Homura says.

"Walpurgisnacht dropped a rather impressive grief seed. I'm pretty sure we won't need to hunt for a bit" Kyoko notes.

"I do hope you make the most of it. This city is your's after all now" Homura says getting up.

"What do you mean? you're just leaving it to me? Are you really going to just give up?" Kyoko asks.

Homura puts her hand to her shield and attempts to freeze time yet the world goes on. The last of the sand has reached the bottom of the hourglass, there is no more time.

"My timestop is gone and I'm out of all my explosives, along with most of my guns. Even if I wanted one I have no future. My purpose is fulfilled. It was juvenile of me to have dreams beyond that" Homura says.

"So you've just given up now she's dead," Kyoko says.

"Like I said my duty has been fulfilled. What more is there to do?" Homura says.

"At least try to think of a future you can live with. With Kirika gone you're kinda my only contact here, would be a shame to lose you too. Still, I'm going to head off but please try for her sake if nothing else," Kyoko says.

Homura can't even bring herself to say a farewell.

To be fair she does try to think of a future she could live with but they all come back to Kirika, without her all Homura has had for her eternity has been her duty and now even that is fulfilled. Without her mission or anyone else to define her what is left of Homura?

She doesn't know.

As she looks down at her shield a thought does occur to her. She could always turn the hourglass once more.

Doing so would breach every value Homura has lived by, it would be sacrificing everything she has built for a love she did not even allow herself to accept until today.

Truthfully Homura does not even know if looping would bring Kirika back. After all last time she went back with her Kirika was not dead.

Yet a part of her feels like Kirika is far too stubborn to stay dead if given a chance to live. With but the slightest of opportunity Kirika would return to the world of the living just to return to her.

But of course, doing that would put Madoka at risk once again. Homura cannot possibly just erase all her progress.

Thinking back she should have gotten Kirika to make her swear that should Kirika die she would continue to live as long as possible to protect Madoka. In the end though Homura was the only one to ever make selfish requests like that.

Kirika never got Homura to do anything she did not wish to.

Homura looks back to her shield and wonders just how selfish she is.

Kirika, for all she said she was selfish, was selfless to the end. She could die with a smile on her face if she thought it would make Homura happy without a thought for herself.

Homura though finds that when it comes to the people she loves she is greedy, she does not want to accept an ending where only one gets to live leaving her with nothing.

Homura was right to try to stay unattached to Kirika for fear of it compromising her mission she muses. Maybe she should have accepted Kirika's offer to just be her doll, nothing more than a tool. Maybe then Homura would have been able to just discard her like an empty gun in the end.

Try to think of a future you can live with.

Homura can think of one.

To get it though she would have to go through all of this again to somehow recreate this miraculous ending but even better with fewer resources than she had this time.

To do so would be madness that puts everything she has fought for at risk.

It would go against her years of effort and suffering.

Her past self would kill her for even considering the idea.

Truly to do that would make Homura the most selfish and awful person in all of creation.

To finally have an ending that she has killed so many for only to wipe it away like a bygone dream would be the height of insanity.

Homura puts her hand on the hourglass.

She always has been utterly selfish when it comes to the ones she loves.

The hourglass reverses.

Once more everything is returned to the start.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up. Which is rather surprising, after all, she had rather assumed that after granting Homura her wish and dying that would be the end.

The only reason Kirika can think of why she would be alive is if Homura went back. Checking the date on her phone Kirika finds what she expected. She's back at the start of the timeline.

Kirika wonders what went wrong after she died. Maybe Madoka did end up contracting despite not having a reason to? Or perhaps there is some other great danger after Walpurgisnacht that Homura could not defeat?

Either way, even if she expected her end to be permanent she still remembers what she agreed to do should they end up going back in time.

Kirika does hope that it hasn't been too long for Homura since Walpurgisnacht, even if that is a rather selfish hope. It would be slightly painful if Homura came back after a few years had passed and had utterly moved on from any thought of Kirika.

Still, even if that is true she will still do her best to help her. No matter how long it has been for the person she loves for Kirika it has been seconds since she held onto the person she most cares about as she shattered. Not that time could dull her feelings in the least.

So she packs a bag (she really hopes she's still able to stay at Homura's this timeline, after so long staying somewhere else would just feel wrong) and sets off to meet up with the person she loves to learn why time has turned back.

She also hopes Homura forgives her for the kiss at the end. Kirika had thought there was no way she would be coming back and so no consequences for fulfilling such a selfish wish of hers.

Kirika does remember hearing Homura say she loves her back right at the end but Kirika's not sure if that really happened. Her soul gem breaking was unbearably agonising and Kirika wouldn't be surprised if she just hallucinated what she wanted most in her final moments. Even if that did really happen it was probably just Homura trying to allow her to die happily.

Which to be fair in that moment, despite the horrific pain and the knowledge of her impending death, Kirika was truly happy and satisfied. So if that was Homura's logic then it more than checks out.

In the end, until she meets up with Homura and finds out what calamity occurred in the future bad enough that she would go back despite finally fulfilling her wish and saving the person she loves, all Kirika can do is reminisce and theorise.

As she walks Kirika wonders if she should be happy or sad to be alive again.

Obviously being alive is great and means she'll probably get to spend more time with Homura which is more than great.

On the other hand though, Kirika being alive means something bad happened to Homura in the future that destroyed the happiness that she should have had.

Kirika has always valued Homura's happiness more highly than her own so in that way her being back is probably a bad thing. Still, no matter what tragedy may have caused this Kirika will make sure that she will make it right so Homura can have the happy ever after she deserves.

With these thoughts, Kirika finally arrives outside Homura's apartment. Checking the time she finds that it will probably be 5 more minutes till the time she and Homura had agreed to meet up and so sits down on a nearby bench and waits.

Finally, Homura turns up looking directly towards the outside of her apartment with such focus that she doesn't notice Kirika on the bench. When Homura sees no one standing outside her expression changes to one of devastation.

Seeing this Kirika gets up and heads over to reunite with the person she cares about most.

"Hi Homura, I must admit I didn't expect to see you again," Kirika says.

"Kirika! your alive" Homura says her expression changing in a second from one of despair to one of wonder.

"Of course I'm alive, you know perfectly well dying isn't enough to stop me if you need help again," Kirika says.

Before she can get another word out Homura hugs Kirika tears in the edge of her eyes.

"You're back. As long as I can return you'll stay by my side just like you wished. Just as we promised each other" Homura says holding Kirika tightly.

"Well as much as I'm enjoying the hug and reception. Why am I back? Walpurgisnacht was dead and Madoka was safe as far as I know so what went wrong in the future?" Kirika asks wanting to understand what she needs to prepare for.

"You weren't there" Homura admits.

"What do you mean?" Kirika asks confused.

She knows perfectly well that when it comes to protecting Madoka 'no matter the cost' is a literal rather than figurative statement. There is no way Kirika's absence could in any way live up to Homura's happiness at Madoka being safe.

"That you died and I found that I am truly selfish when it comes to those I love. I can't accept an incomplete victory" Homura admits.

A part of Kirika's heart soars while the rest of her is stuck dumb in disbelief "You really do love me?" she says her voice a whisper feeling like saying the sentence any louder would be a sin.

"I truly did try to deny it but in the end, you've always found a way around the defences I put up around myself. After you've done so much for me and have seen me at my worst without a single complaint how could I not come to love you?" Homura asks more to herself than Kirika.

Even though she only just came back Kirika feels like she's dying all over again. Like her heart will burst from the shock and excitement of hearing that Homura actually loves her back.

It's a possibility Kirika had dreamed of yet refused to even contemplate for though it is all she ever wanted in life it was also impossible. Yet somehow this fantasy of hers that could never be real has been realised.

Kirika still in Homura's arms laughs a joyous laugh "You love me." It's nothing more than a repetition yet Kirika does not think she's ever let out more ecstatic words in her entire life.

"I do" Homura says simply.

"Well In that case I'd best let you know that I love you back" Kirika says a bright smile on her face.

"I never doubted it for a second" Homura says also smiling.

"Well shall we go inside?" Kirika asks taking Homura's hand.

"We do need to reset out the house" Homura notes.

"Ah but I'll be doing that side by side with someone who loves me and so every second of that will be a joy" Kirika exclaims.

"Well in that case I see no reason not to get started. You brought your things right?" Homura asks as she unlocks the door bringing Kirika back home.

"Yep I can unpack all of my stuff and all of your stuff" Kirika says.

"I'm not going to let you do all the work alone" Homura replies.

"Of course not we're partners, we work together" Kirika says.

"Yes we are and that will never change. At this point, I'll bring you back even if you die so you better be happy being stuck with me" Homura notes.

"I can't think of a better possible fate than that. I am yours for as long as you will have me" Kirika answers.

"You know you were right, it is nice to be able to just say what you feel" Homura admits.

"It really is" Kirika says before deciding that if she can say what she feels she may as well do what she feels at least a little bit. With that she makes sure to pull Homura down slightly and kiss her on the cheek.

Seeing Homura's bright blush in response is something Kirika decides is rather adorable on the normally cool and serious Homura.

"Huh this means we're actually girlfriends now doesn't it" Homura muses still blushing from the kiss.

"Yep, I mean we've definitely gone on enough dates at this point and I would be more than happy to be able to call you that" Kirika says still over the moon with everything that has happened today.

"What does that actually change?" Homura asks for once utterly inexperienced in a topic.

Kirika for all she has read romance stories also has no actual experience in this and so replies "I guess not that much except we kiss now?" Suddenly realising that seems rather anticlimactic of a reply, even getting to kiss Homura is still more than she ever hoped for.

"That sounds nice and we can figure the rest out as we go along" Homura says.

As they talk Homura takes out the things that they had made sure to pack into her shield from the last timeline and Kirika helps her return them to their designated positions.

"It does feel more like home now" Kirika says looking at everything being back in place.

"At this point this place is yours as much as mine" Homura replies.

"Anywhere can be home for me as long as you're there" Kirika admits.

"Maybe but I am somewhat attached to here by now" Homura answers.

"Well I'm somewhat attached to you and so here as well be proxy" Kirka answers.

"Even if I love you I don't think I could ever be as single minded as you are" Homura admits.

"Well of course not. Even if you love me you still also love Madoka right?" Kirika asks.

"I don't think I could ever not. As much as I love you for giving me the hope of a future my love for her made me who I am now. I don't think it's possible for me to feel anything else for her" Homura admits.

"That's ok while I'm selfish enough to want you to myself if you didn't love her you wouldn't be the Homura I fell in love with. We saved her once we can do it again" Kirika says.

"We will. I will ensure that the people I love are safe at any cost" Homura says.

"I guess that means no self sacrifice for me" Kirika says.

"If you do that I'll rewind, then kill you then rewind again" Homura responds.

"As fun as getting killed by you sounds I guess I'll just have to live for you rather than die for you" Kirika says.

"I think we can live for each other for now" Homura answers.

"Sounds like a plan"

With the unpacking done Kirika and Homura go out shopping to get what they need before returning home so Kirika can cook dinner.

As she finishes making food a thought occurs to Kirika.

"I guess my evil plan to win your heart succeeded after all" Kirika says.

"It wasn't just the food you know, as good a cook as you are. You've just done and supported me so much that I can't imagine going on without you even with all the time I've spent alone" Homura replies.

"What does it say about you that it takes someone so utterly singlemindedly devoted to you as me for you to get a girlfriend" Kirika muses.

"What are you implying with that?" Homura asks.

"If you were anyone else I'd say that suggested they were vain and self absorbed but you're none of those things. What it really means is that it requires a truly monumental amount of effort to reach your heart." Kirika answers.

"Well, you did manage it in the end" Homura comments.

"Yep and just for that I'm the luckiest girl in the world" Kirika says.

"I'd argue you put in enough effort that it doesn't really count as luck at this point" Homura points out.

"True I put a lot of effort in but I'd say a relationship with you is to die for so I have no regrets" Kirika responds.

"Are you really joking about having died already, it's not even been a day" Homura says.

"If I'd known it would have taken dying to get you to acknowledge your feelings for me I'd have considered doing it sooner" Kirika responds.

"I must admit I'm rather happy you didn't, you dying isn't quite the happiest thought to have over dinner" Homura points out.

"Oh yeah sorry if that was too much. I guess that probably wasn't much more pleasant for you than it was for me in hindsight" Kirika says.

"Having someone you love die in front of you never gets easier" Homura answers.

"In that case this time I'll make sure that no one you love dies, not me, not Madoka and definitely not you" Kirika says.

"I'm not sure if I count myself among the people I love" Homura replies.

"Well not yet but you will, I plan to make sure of it" Kirika answers.

"I don't really believe you but I know you too well to bet against you at this point" Homura answers.

"Give it time and we'll get there" Kirika answers.

With that the two finish dinner and start to head to bed.

"Should we sleep together or in still in separate rooms?" Homura asks not sure if their change in relationship is meant to affect that or not.

"I'm not sure, I mean I would love to sleep next to you if you want but I'm happy with whatever makes you comfortable," Kirika says.

"In that case, I think I'd prefer to keep you close for now" Homura responds.

"I always like to do whatever you prefer" Kirika replies.

With that Homura leans down and kisses Kirika lightly on the cheek.

Kirika suddenly finds that Homura isn't the only one to get completely flushed from that as she feels all the blood rush to her face. Despite that she couldn't be happier, after all this is more than she could ever have hoped for and all the more amazing for it.

"I love you" Kirika says as Homura heads off to get ready to sleep.

"I love you too" Homura responds the words still making Kirika feel almost lightheaded with happiness.

As the two settle into sleep Kirika holding Homura's arm against her she considers that every single thing she has done was worth it for this moment.

While in the future she will have to fight endless witches and possibly magical girls. She'll even have to face Walpurgisnacht again.

But for now, Kirika is the happiest she has ever been as she goes to sleep with a warmth in her heart and a smile on her face.

Chapter Text

Kirika wakes up rather bleary. The first thing she notices is that she is being held by something warm.

Being so warm comfortable and still a bit tired Kirika is tempted to go back to sleep. Before she can do so however, her memories of yesterday come back to her.

With her brain finally actually starting for the day Kirika notes that the warm person holding her is obviously Homura.

Considering when they went to bed Kirika was just holding Homura's arm she guesses their position must have shifted while they were sleeping.

Not that Kirika has any complaints about Homura holding her so closely. There is something wonderous about hearing Homura's light breathing and slowed heartbeat against her.

Still in this position Kirika knows she can't move an inch, lest she wake her love which she wouldn't dare do. So Kirika settles into this rather comfortable position and relaxes deciding to enjoy the closeness until Homura wakes up.

Of course such a thing cannot last and Homura does eventually wake up with a rather cute yawn and an attempt to stretch her arms, which is rather inconvenienced by one of them currently being trapped under Kirika.

Looking at Homura the first thing Kirika notices is a moment of panic as she desperately tries to work out what happened. Once Homura remembers last night and recognises Kirika however said panic is replaced with a calming breath and a slight upturn of her lips.

"Good morning Homura" Kirika whispers to her still waking up girlfriend. (She feels like jumping for joy that she can have that thought which would have seemed impossible even days ago).

"Good morning Kirika" Homura responds a bit of sleepiness still in her voice.

"So, sweet dreams?" Kirika asks.

"Well it was absent of nightmares which makes it one of my more comfortable nights" Homura admits.

While a part of Kirika is saddened to hear that Homura was having nightmares she did know it was likely considering her past and does feel rather flattered that her presence seems to have warded them off.

"You know if any nightmares tried to get you they'd have to contend with me so they all ran away" Kirika responds.

"I'm not sure that's how dreams work Kirika" Homura mentions.

"We're both magical girls so how do you know I didn't work some magic" Kirika says.

"Because I am extremely familiar with time magic, both yours and mine meaning I know perfectly well that it has nothing to do with dreams" Homura answers.

"Ah I guess it must have just been my comforting presence" Kirika replies.

"You can be rather soothing sometimes" Homura notes.

"Your happiness is my priority you know" Kirika replies pleased with the compliment.

"I know, anyway we should probably get up we do have things we need to do today," Homura says.

"But you're so warm and comfortable" Kirika complains only semi seriously.

"I didn't realise I signed up to be a pillow when I agreed to be your girlfriend" Homura replies.

"You did say we can figure out the rest of what that means together" Kirika recalls.

"This wasn't really what I had in mind when I said that. Anyway, I'm getting up" Homura says taking her arm out from under Kirika and climbing out of bed.

Kirika also gets out of bed having lost the thing holding her there before realising something. Since she's no longer consistently going to be awake five to 10 minutes before Homura she can't have breakfast ready for when she wakes up.

"It is a sacrifice for the greater good" Kirika says to herself solemnly.

"What was that?" Homura asks.

"Oh just realising I can't have breakfast ready for you when you wake up if we get up at the same time. I mean I'll still make it but you'll have to wait a little bit for me to prepare things" Kirika explains.

"I think the trade is probably worth it" Homura decides.

"Oh I completely agree" Kirika concures.

After that the two go their separate ways to get dressed and ready for the morning following which Kirika prepares breakfast.

By the time the two are sitting next to each other eating what Kirika prepared both of them are much more awake.

"So you need to kill the White Ring that goes to Madoka today and save that cat right?" Kirika says remembering last timeline.

"Those are the essentials yes" Homura replies.

"So I've been thinking a bit" Kirika says.

"Oh?"

"You used up basically all your explosives and high calibre guns in the fight with Walpurgisnacht, right?" Kirika asks.

"Yes, my plan after saving Amy and killing the incubator is to hit enough yakuza locations to restock a bit" Homura answers.

"Yeah that makes sense. But to kill Walpurgisnacht it took everything from multiple timelines and even then we barely won" Kirika explains.

"I remember perfectly well, I assume if you're bringing this up you have an idea to get us past that problem this timeline?" Homura says.

"As inconvenient as it is I think we need to use Mami if we want to make up the firepower gap. Simply put without another magical girl or a significant amount more explosives we will be stuck fighting Walpurgisnacht for a very long time. Even if we don't run out of grief seeds a single mistake will kill us and the longer things go the more likely one of us slips up" Kirika says.

"What happened to your complete confidence in victory?" Homura questions.

"I did die and also I have even more to protect now than I did then" Kirika says.

After all, now she knows how essential she is to Homura (which still makes Kirika's heart beat a bit faster every time she thinks about it) Kirika can't accept any mistakes.

"So what's your thoughts with Mami then? You were the main proponent of killing her last time." Homura notes.

"If we still had as many explosives as last time then I would say it would be best to kill her again. It really did simplify things a lot. But since we don't the best thing to do is to use her" Kirika says.

"And how do you propose we do that?" Homura says obviously thinking back to their prior complete failure to work with Mami.

"That's simple, I'll go and introduce myself today and explain we're hunting a Walpurgisnacht that will be arriving next month before she gets the chance to distrust us. Hopefully we can use that to get her to cooperate with us and make sure she doesn't want any new magical girls running around" Kirika says.

"The problem with that is Mami never reacts well to the truth" Homura replies.

"Who said anything about the truth? I'll just say the things she needs to hear. Don't worry for your sake I'll spin a yarn so convincing I might half believe it by the end" Kirika says.

"Ok, so you'll meet her today while I complete my tasks and get some hunting done" Homura notes.

"Yep, I'll make sure to catch you up with what I tell her at the end of the day. By chance do you know where she normally is today?" Kirika asks.

"It is a school day if you remember, So where do you think?" Homura points out.

"Oh yeah, that was silly of me in hindsight. Well I guess I'll wait for her once she's outside of school and just hunt some witches and familiars in the meantime" Kirika says.

"Or you could just go to school and meet her there" Homura reminds Kirika.

"But if I do that she'll assume I'm a new magical girl since she hasn't seen me around before which would undermine what I want her to think" Kirika replies.

"It is your plan so I trust you know what you're doing" Homura says.

With that the two finish breakfast and begin to set off.

Before they leave however Kirika makes sure to give Homura a kiss on the cheek and an "I love you" for the road.

Homura's "And I love you" that she responds with still makes Kirika's heart skip a beat. Still Kirika is a person who is fueled utterly by love so that only makes her more ready and determined to make her love proud today.

So Kirika spends her morning fighting the same witches she had fought today last timeline until it comes near the end of school at which point she switches to killing some familiars near the school until Mami comes out.

Finally, Kirika finishes killing a familiar and once she leaves its half formed barrier she sees Mami walking towards where it was visibly slightly surprised to see another magical girl around.

Kirika quickly turns to her and makes an introduction "Hello, you're this city's magical girl, right? A pleasure to meet you"

"You are correct, as you are clearly also a magical girl may I ask what your intentions are?" Mami asks.

"Straight to the point then. In a month and a half, a Walpurgisnacht will be arriving in this city. Me and my partner have arrived to try to prepare for its arrival and with luck kill it. I fully understand you may have terms for allowing us to stay in the city during this time, but I would be indebted if you were to let us stay." Kirika explains.

"If you're telling the truth then any support against such a monster would be appreciated but it does seem odd that you would know of its arrival so far in advance," Mami says still showing some wariness.

"While I won't reveal any more because it's personal I will say that the information comes from my partner's wish. I know it is accurate" Kirika explains.

"If you have a partner why have you decided to meet me alone" Mami asks.

"I thought it would make for a more civil first meeting if it was one on one. Also as much as I love her my partner can be slightly antisocial at times. If you would be happy with us staying then I would hope to introduce you to her when next we meet" Kirika explains.

"I see. Apologies for the questioning, most of the time when magical girls arrive in this city they tend to not have the best of intentions. Still, I have been awfully rude not introducing myself until now. I am Tomoe Mami, it is nice to make your acquaintance" Mami says finally introducing herself.

"No, I fully understand as much as I wish it was otherwise I know just how uncivilised many magical girls can be. Being wary of my intentions is sensible. Still, you seem quite reasonable so far so while I may be wrong I do rather hope to get the chance to work with you Tomoe. I'm Kure Kirika" Kirika replies in a pleasant tone. Not a hint of that fact she killed the girl opposite her last timeline and still slightly wants to this time on her face.

"Well Kure assuming you are speaking the truth then I have no issue with your stay in this city though I would like to meet your partner before I make any actual judgements. Thinking about it that was a familiar rather than a witch you killed before I arrived here correct?" Mami says.

"Yes I assume you don't mind me pruning them. I know some magical girls don't mind feeding a few people to them for an extra grief seed but I rather hope you are not one of those" Kirika says choosing her words for her audience.

"No I do not allow such a horrid practice and would remove anyone who did encourage that from my city. It does speak well of your character that you value human lives over your own self intrest" Mami says.

"Let's just say we didn't come here to kill Walpurgisnacht just to let familiars eat the residents anyway," Kirika replies.

While it is not shown in the least, a part of Kirika has the urge to laugh at the idea she would value the lives of innocents over her self intrest. Kirika knows perfectly well after all that if it would make Homura even slightly happier she would kill as many people as necessary.

"In that case I have high hopes we may work well together" Mami says.

"Wonderful, if you would like we could meet up somewhere and I could introduce you to my partner. I am free on Wednesday if you would like to meet up then at some point. As a show of trust, I am happy to let you choose the venture" Kirika says

"I should be free after school that day so that would work well enough for me" Mami agrees.

In response, Kirika untransforms and offers her phone number to Mami so she can text where she wants to meet.

"Oh you have a different eye colour when transformed, that is rather unique" Mami comments as she accepts Kirika's number.

"That's related to my wish. Though I will say I do appreciate both my eye colours" Kirika says.

"Oh I do hope that didn't offend you by being overly personal then" Mami says.

"Nah don't worry I'm rather happy with what my wish did and it would be a bit silly of me to take offence to you paying attention to me" Kirika answers.

"Ah that's good, I do hope that we can have a friendly relationship, it is rather rare for me to find like minded magical girls" Mami comments.

"Well it's a bit early for that but I also hope that we get on. I would much rather be your friend than your enemy" Kirika replies.

"That makes two of us then. Anyway, I must be off now but it was nice meeting you. I look forward to seeing you and that partner of yours on Wednesday, I will make sure to text you a location" Mami says.

"Goodbye Tomoe it was lovely to meet you. See you Wednesday" Kirika says with a pleased smile and a wave.

With her meeting done Kirika returns to her hunting happy with how her introduction went.

Even if it takes some effort to make sure Mami in her ignorance does not draw Madoka or Sayaka to their doom. Kirika is sure that she will be a fantastic tool to use against Walpurgisnacht.

And if she does end up being a thorn in Homura's side. Well, Mami is in the end ultimately disposable.

Chapter Text

Homura wakes up with her arms around Kirika once again despite only having planned to sleep next to her. Homura is not quite sure what to make of her subconscious decision to hold Kirika when she is asleep. She's sure it says something about her but she chooses to not consider that fact.

Homura had woken up in a minor panic the first time Kirika slept in her bed this timeline, due to waking up to the sensation of another person's presence being so unfamiliar, yet though it has not been long yet, Homura is rapidly finding herself becoming used to waking up holding a warmth not her own.

Like usual Kirika is up a bit before Homura meaning that when Homura looks over to her girlfriend she looks her directly in the eye, their faces centimetres away from each other.

"Hi" Kirika says looking exceptionally pleased just like she has every day she's gotten to sleep in Homura's bed so far.

"Good morning, are you going to wake up or are you just going to keep my arm trapped there?" Homura asks knowing that Kirika needs to be pushed a bit to actually get her moving.

"Well this position is really nice for me. I would be willing to get up but only if I get a reward for it" Kirika says.

"And what would that be?" Homura questions.

"A wake up kiss of course" Kirika replies her smiling face still directly opposite Homura's.

"I think I can do that" Homura says leaning over slightly and giving Kirika a quick kiss on her lips before back.

In response Kirika rolls over freeing Homura's arm "I should trap your arm more often" Kirika mentions.

"Are you suggesting you did that on purpose?" Homura asks.

"Nope, you're the clingy sleeper here. Still for a morning kiss trapping your arm seems like a low price" Kirika says.

"You realise you don't need to bargain for one of those. I didn't find that unpleasant" Homura replies.

"All this freely given love of yours is going to go to my head you know" Kirika comments still smiling widely as she gets out of bed.

"It's not like you can get any more obsessed with me so I don't see the risk" Homura answers.

"Well you are the centre of my world so you may have a point there" Kirika admits.

Since the start of this timeline and acknowledging her feelings Homura has found herself happy being closer to Kirika. Yet Homura remembers perfectly well the sin she committed to have such happiness.

Because Kirika is not the centre of Homura's world, though she is critical to it at this point, Madoka is. Yet to have this happiness and warmth, Homura shattered the safety that she had finally managed to give Madoka.

And the worst part is she doesn't regret it. After all, she does love Kirika and at this point cannot bear to accept her death any more than she could accept Madoka's.

Yet though she would do the same thing in a heartbeat if it came down to it that does not change the fact that she put the possibility of saving Kirika over the guarantee of Madoka being safe.

A part of Homura wonders if she should despise Kirika for ending the one guarantee she had in life, that Madoka always comes first. All of it, every second was for her sake, yet now that fact is no longer quite true. Even if she will still accept no ending that will see Madoka anything less than safe.

Because Homura's heart does not beat solely for Madoka any more and that is a betrayal of what Homura is, what she is supposed to be, the thing she made herself to ensure she would not fail in her purpose.

Yet looking over at Kirika who looks at Homura with such devotion in her eyes and whose presence wards off the painful cold that lives inside her. Homura finds that she is unable to resist the warmth Kirika offers, for all Homura tried to make herself something static and unbreaking for Madoka's sake she's found herself changing for Kirika.

So while Homura is for one of truly few times in her life happy, she is also terrified, because having accepted that happiness means accepting she is not the person she thought she was.

And if that is true then who could she become? She has already done things that she from only a few timelines ago would utterly despise. Will there come a time when just as she now would be unrecognisable to who she was before contracting her future self will be unrecognisable to her now?

Homura wonders if this was inevitable the second she met Kirika or whether this would never have happened if she had not so readily accepted her. What a----

"Homura I've finished breakfast, come sit down," Kirika says walking up to hold Homura's hand and leading her to sit down next to her.

"Thanks Kirika," Homura says accepting the distraction from the direction her thoughts were spiralling.

"It is my pleasure" Kirika replies.

"I know I know I haven't forgotten that you making breakfast is selfish of you" Homura says with a slight laugh.

"Exactly I'm doing it for me. It's just the thing I enjoy most is making you happy" Kirika replies.

"I can't believe you're just using me for your own self-satisfaction and enjoyment" Homura comments.

"Yep you've finally worked it out aren't I despicable making use of such an innocent soul purely for my own benefit" Kirika says.

"Truly you making me happy is an act of malignancy, sadly it seems it is too late for me to stop you" Homura comments.

"Exactly I'm going to make sure you have a high quality of life and are loved for as long as you live and you can't stop me" Kirika says with a cackle.

"Makes me miss more innocent and benign activities like murder and theft" Homura replies.

"Sadly for you, I have graduated from such righteous actions like assassination for the greater evil of being your girlfriend" Kirika states.

"On the thought of people you've assassinated, we have our meeting with Mami today right?" Homura asks.

"Yep, she texted me the location yesterday while we were hunting witches. It's a cafe near school" Kirika says.

"Well I will make sure to stick to the story you've made. Did you need to call me antisocial though?" Homura asks.

"Homura if I wasn't here you would go multiple days at a time speaking 0 words to 0 people. While mission-driven is another word to describe it I think you warrant the description" Kirika says.

"Did you become more mean now I've accepted loving you?" Homura questions.

"Well, my beloved you can't only be complemented by me or one day or you could become self-absorbed at some point" Kirika says with a small laugh (The thought occurs to Homura once more that Kirika has a really nice laugh).

"Ah so you're acting in my best interest then" Homura replies.

"Always" Kirika answers entirely sincere.

Because when it comes down to it Homura knows Kirika is always acting with the priority of Homura's happiness and wellbeing. It is the basis of her being.

The two girls after finishing their conversation and breakfast go to restock Homura's shield using the time until meeting Mami.

After emptying the closest JSDF armory and yakuza stockpiles Homura reaches the point of the day where she gets to meet her old mentor.

The cafe she chose seems like a rather cosy place with a large selection of cakes and a warm atmosphere. It does not take long after entering to spot the table Mami has taken. After Kirika purchases a slice of cake the two head over.

"Hello Tomoe, it's nice to meet up again" Kirika says waving towards Mami with a smile that Homura would think is genuine if she knew Kirika even slightly less well.

"It's good to see you again Kure, I see you've not come alone" Mami comments with a smile small smile and good humour that is much more real than what Kirika presents.

"Yep as I said I've come with my partner and love of my life" Kirika says looking up at Homura adoringly with a much more real smile.

"Hello Tomoe Mami My name is Akemi Homura it is a pleasure to meet you after hearing a bit about you from Kirika" Homura says unlike Kirika she can't just put on a perfect mask for meeting people and she is sure her voice comes out as overly serious and cold despite trying to sound friendly.

Luckily Mami doesn't seem to mind her tone replying "I hope you've only heard good things about my conversation with Kure?"

"She seemed rather happy to have met a like minded magical girl so I assure you it was complementary" Homura answers in the same tone.

"Ah, that's a relief I wouldn't want to scare off a reasonable seeming magical girl during our introduction after all" Mami says.

"Don't worry you seem a bit too nice to scare me off. I mean I'm sure if you wanted to you could still chase us out of the city but you don't seem like to type to do that sort of thing" Kirika says her sincere sounding words unaffected by Kirika's first real encounter with Mami where she acted exactly opposite to Kirika's words.

"I'm happy I gave such a good first impression. So shall we get down to why we're here?" Mami asks.

"Yep that sounds like a plan, so I guess first thing. Any conditions for us staying in the city? If you want some portion of our grief seeds or something for staying in your territory I would understand" Kirika says.

"Oh, nothing like that. As long as you make sure to fight familiars as well as witches, which you already seem to, then I will gladly accept the assistance in keeping my city safe no need for any payment" Mami says.

"Well who am I to say no to such generosity? Still since you're being so nice about this I'll have to be extra thorough in rooting out any familiars I see" Kirika says jovially.

"Great, now I believe you mentioned Akemi could elaborate a bit more on the Walpurgisnacht that she claims will be arriving?" Mami says.

"Yes it will be arriving on the 30th of June. Thanks to the unique information I have about it I can describe its behaviour and methods of attack alongside some strategies I would hope to be effective. Of course, all of this will benefit from cooperation between us when it arrives" Homura says.

"I see, well it does sound like you know what we are up against which is reassuring. Well as reassuring as one can be discussing a Walpurgisnacht at least" Mami replies.

"Just to let you know since we'll be staying at least until Walpurgisnacht is dead I've gotten myself a spot in Mitakihara Middle School and Homura will also be transferring in on the 25th. Just to make sure you are ok with that" Kirika says.

"Oh that's not a problem, in fact, it should make arranging things easier if you're around often" Mami replies

"That's good to hear, if you're up to it we could hunt a few witches together at some point so we can get a better idea of how we can work together against Walpurgisnacht when it arrives. Though I understand you might want to get to know us a bit better before trusting either of us enough to rely on in a fight" Kirika says.

"I wouldn't be opposed to working together more closely in the future," Mami says.

"In that case, I look forward to working with you. Out of interest how long have you been working as a magical girl?" Kirika asks.

"A few years at this point, I would like to think I'm rather experienced. Who knows I might be able to show you some tricks you don't know" Mami says.

"I wouldn't call myself inexperienced but I'm always up for getting better so I'd be very happy to learn from you if you're up for sharing tricks" Kirika says with a smile and a slight hint of excitement which Homura assumes is fabricated.

"In that case, I hope I can live up to your hopes. Akemi?" Mami asks looking at her.

"I am very up for cooperation" Homura says not commenting on the idea of sharing tricks. Mami has nothing left to show her after all.

"Ok well, that works for me. I look forward to our future cooperation in that case" Mami says.

Homura despite how well all of this is going cannot help but feel tense, it has been a long time since she has been able to rely on Mami and she cannot help but feel worried that Mami's presence will ruin things, like it has so many times before.

Seeing Homura feeling tense Kirika quickly kisses her on the cheek which while not solving any of her worries distracts her enough that her attention turns to Kirika rather than her thoughts. Assisting this Kirika holds Homura's hand under the table.

"I think this has gone well. We definitely need to arrange a time to meet up again so we can go over some things in depth but we've achieved what we wanted out of this meet up I believe" Kirika comments.

"Yes, I believe that future cooperation and meet-ups would be wise. It was nice meeting you Akemi and you again Kure" Mami says.

"It was nice meeting you as well. I look forward to working with you" Homura says feeling more relaxed now than a few seconds ago.

With the cake eaten and the discussion closed Kirika, Homura and Mami get up to head off.

"Oh by the way Tomoe feel free to call me Kirika, no reason to stand on ceremony among friends" Kirika says as they start to set off.

"Well in that case Kirika feel free to call me Mami" Mami says in a bright tone before heading off properly.

"You seem very up for friendliness today" Homura comments.

"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. When it comes to seeing your dreams fulfilled I'm dedicated to doing what's best regardless of personal opinion" Kirika replies.

"I know just interesting to see a different side to you" Homura comments.

Seeing Kirika so smoothly put on the mask of someone who Mami could become close friends with before readily discarding it when she's no longer talking to her is almost disturbing to witness Homura considers.

Of course, Homura is confident that Kirika does not wear a mask around her, after all both of them know exactly what she wants and Homura is more than willing to give it to her. Even then though it does bring to mind her earlier thoughts on how she has changed for Kirika even as Kirika changed for her. Was Kirika claiming a part of her heart inevitable considering how she is able to be exactly what Homura needs or wants at any given moment?

Playing nice with the other magical girls has always been an area that Homura has not been capable enough in so she shouldn't be surprised that Kirika has endeavoured to solve that hole in Homura's capabilities.

In the end Homura find herself unable to really care if her current feelings of love towards Kirika are something she could have avoided after meeting her. The warmth, comfort and security Kirika offers is something that Homura does not wish to resist.
Little wonder she ended up loving her.

Chapter Text

As she sets off to meet up with Kirika on Sunday Mami is in a rather good mood. After all, she's going to meet a magical girl who meets the rare qualifications of being polite, sane and seemingly moral.

While Mami has over the years met rather a lot of magical girls who have come in from other cities most of said meetings end with the girls trying to push her out of the city and learning why she has been able to survive as a magical girl for so long.

So suffice to say meeting a magical girl who actually hunts familiars and is working towards a just cause seems almost too good to be true.

Of course, Mami is an experienced magical girl she does know that this could be some long con to get her to lower her guard but so far when she's talked to her Kirika has seemed painfully sincere.

So while she will be on guard against betrayal for today at least considering they will be hunting together Mami gets the feeling that for once her paranoia may not be needed.

She really does hope so, the chance to have actual trustworthy people she can talk with about magical girl things and rely on to help her is something she has wanted to have for a long time. She only hopes that this relationship ends less bitterly than the last time she had a close relationship with another magical girl.

Mami does hope Kyoko is doing well, even if there is little to no chance they will ever reconcile. While she does not approve of what her old student is doing these days, she still does not wish any ill upon her. After all perhaps if she had been someone who Kyoko could have trusted more then things would not have ended as they did.

Still today is not a day to dwell on her past failures but rather to hopefully make a friend and trusted ally.

Thinking about the two new magical girls she met a few days ago Mami considers the pair.

She definitely has a better sense of Kirika than Homura. Kirika seems rather optimistic, quite self-confident and seems to value fairness and doing the right thing based on the conversations they have had so far. She is very expressive and seems to wear her feelings on her sleeve which is rather nice to see.

She could hear Kirika's disapproval of the type of magical girl who lets familiars run free and her barely suppressed excitement at the chance to learn some new magical girl tricks.

In that respect, Kirika's partner seems like her polar opposite. Her tone was cold and clinical over the entire conversation and she seemed to have little excitement for working together past the practicalities.

Still, it is clear that the two care deeply for each other and from what she can tell Mami doubts Kirika would be close to anyone who goes against her moral values which is enough for Mami to give Homura a pass.

Mami finally spots Kirika sitting on a bench in the park they agreed to meet up in.

"Hello Kirika, are you still up for hunting witches with me today?" Mami asks as she approaches.

"Hi Mami, I've been looking forward to working with you for days. So I'm more than up for killing some witches with you" Kirika says with a smile.

"Fantastic, so before we start shall we share what we can do?" Mami asks.

"Sounds like an idea would be pretty stupid to get killed because one of us catches the other off guard. I have my claws and can speed up my own time while slowing other people" Kirika says.

"Wow time magic, that's rather impressive I don't think I've met anyone with that before. Personally, I can control ribbons. While that may not sound too impressive just wait until you see me in action. I tend to make them into muskets so I can do plenty of damage to any trouble some witches" Mami says.

"Oh, you use guns too. That's really cool, Homura also tends to make use of them a lot so I'm quite experienced fighting with someone else shooting. Now I'm even more confident that we'll work well together" Kirika says.

"That's good, I won't need to go over making sure you make sure to stay safely out of my firing lines in that case I hope?" Mami replies.

"Yep I know how to make sure that your bullets go into the enemy rather than me. I have been doing this for a bit you know" Kirika says seeming confident in her capabilities.

"Well in that case I have high expectations" Mami says as she starts walking towards the areas that most commonly have witches with Kirika walking beside her.

"Well it wouldn't do to disappoint a new friend so I'll make sure to do my best" Kirika says.

Mami can't help but feel a bit pleased to be called a friend of this expressive and friendly girl she met only a few days ago. Mami really does hope that Kirika is what she seems because it would be really nice to have a proper friend again.

"So since you're leading the way where are we going, I assume you know the witch hotspots around town?" Kirika asks as they continue walking.

"I do currently we're heading to one of the local graveyards, if there is nothing there then we can sweep around the hospital before doing a wider patrol for any witches or familiars" Mami explains.

"Sounds like you really have this worked out then" Kirika comments.

"Well, I'd like to think that my experience counts for something" Mami answers.

"I look forward to seeing what you can do once we're in a labyrinth," Kirika says.

"I hope to impress" Mami answers.

Eventually, the two reach a witch's labyrinth. Entering it Mami notices the floor of the barrier seems to be made up of rusted metal. Looking around the entire place gives off a sense of being worn and decaying. Structures that may have once been buildings lay around the area often seeming either half-collapsed or as burned-out husks with visibly degrading rebar. Looking up at the sky it looks almost sickly seeming stuck between the brownish orange of rust and a bleached white. There is rain coming from the sky despite the absence of clouds, the water coming down is a rancid yellowish-orange colour and smells faintly of blood.

Before she has much more time to take in the scenery however Mami notices the barrier's familiars wandering towards them. The familiars seem made of barbed wire forming into shapes that seem bipedal at a distance. When the familars sense Mami and Kirika however they seem to almost unravel using each point of wire on their body to fling themselves towards the magical girls.

Mami is far from caught off guard and rains musket fire on the familiars that try to approach. Mami can see Kirika moving faster than any magical girl she has seen before rushing into a mass of barbed wire familiars that Mami is not currently shooting at and shredding them. Before too long the immediate area is clear of hostilities.

Looking at the demolished barbed wire things Mami can see that the wire holds bits of flesh stuck on each one. Despite the fact that the familiars are made of inorganic matter the area manages to smell more of blood after the fight than before it.

"What a lovely place" Kirika comments with sarcasm.

"I must admit this is not the most pleasant barrier I've been in" Mami replies finding the stench of blood and decay slightly nauseating.

"Still your musket volley definitely lived up to my hopes. How can you make so many so quickly if they're made of ribbons?" Kirika asks as they walk through the barrier.

"A lot of hard work and practise. At this point, I am very proficient. You weren't kidding about speeding yourself up I don't think I've seen a magical girl move that fast before" Mami says seeing no reason to not repay an honest compliment with one of her own.

"Thanks I really rely on my speed advantage to beat witches so I've put a fair amount of effort into perfecting it," Kirika says sounding proud of her efforts.

As they go through more familiars in this labyrinth Mami tries to pay attention to Kirika while as much as she can while making sure nothing can get close to her. She has to admit while she seems quite savage when up close Kirika appears to be a skilled fighter even if Mami spots a couple of mistakes in her footwork that she can offer to help correct later.

As the two walk through the barrier when not fighting they make sure to keep conversing to help focus less on the unpleasant smells and sights of the barrier. Finally, they make it to the witch at the centre of the decay.

The witch is a no more pleasant sight than its domain. It takes the form of something almost dragon like. Except the dragon is just rotting meat with barbed wire snaking through it like parasites dragging chunks of flesh and blood around as they move. The entire thing is a writhing mass of blood, rusted metal, rotting meat and barbed wire with hollow eyes and shredded wings.

Sadly the horrific state the witch seems to be in does nothing to undermine its danger. The writhing mass of meat and metal moves with deceptive speed towards the two girls spraying a corrosive liquid through the mess of a throat the witch has that smells of rust and burns into the metal floor of the barrier after the two magical girls dodge it.

The witch attacks unrelentingly swinging ruined its ruined limbs and tail with immense force. Every time it swings chunks of barbed wire infested meat jumps off it to try to attack further complicating the fight.

Kirika faces it directly using her immense speed and slowing its swings against her to take up its attention while cutting anything that gets too close to her. With Kirika dancing around the witch Mami is able to bombard it with musket fire.

The witch remains disturbingly resilient spraying more of that horrid liquid around and even tossing bits of itself at Mami to try to distract her with the living rust and barbed wire in its flesh. Of course, every time it tries this Kirika reaps a bloody toll on its body forcing its attention back on her letting Mami shoot such attempts out of the air.

Eventually, they get it to a point where Mami feels she can finish it off and with a call to Kirika to disengage Mami creates her ultimate attack with a cry of "Trio Finale" the blast finally putting down that horrid witch for good.

The barrier shatters and a grief seed drops into Kirika's hand.

"Well I think you deserve this considering you did most of the damage and got the finishing blow" Kirika offers.

"True but that was only allowed by you doing such a good job distracting the thing. How about we share it, we both used quite a bit of magic this fight so It would be for the best" Mami replies.

With a smile and a nod of the head, Kirika taps the grief seed to her soul gem before tossing it to Mami who does the same.

The two go through the rest of Mami's patrol route killing a few familiars and another witch. As Mami walks she gives Kirika that footwork advice she noticed earlier which Kirika immediately takes into consideration. Finally, they reach the end of the route which is just outside Mami's house.

"That's my house over there, since we've done quite a good job purging witches today would you like to come in for tea" Mami offers.

"I wouldn't want to impose," Kirika says.

"It wouldn't be an imposition at all" Mami assures.

"In that case, tea sounds lovely" Kirika replies.

The two head to Mami's house and Mami gets out some cake she had made earlier just in case.

"How do you take your tea" Mami asks.

"Three lumps of sugar and three spoonfuls of jam" Kirika replies.

"At that point, it feels more like a desert than tea" Mami comments though she does give Kirika what she wants. It wouldn't do to be a bad host after all.

"What can I say I have a sweet tooth" Kirika replies.

"Feel free to help yourself to some of the cake" Mami offers which Kirika happily does.

"This is good cake" Kirika offers.

"Thanks, I made it myself" Mami replies as she sets out tea for herself and Kirika.

"Wait you bake?" Kirika asks sounding surprised.

"It is a hobby of mine" Mami replies.

"Huh, I've actually been planning to learn to bake for a while. I don't suppose you could teach me some of the basics at some point" Kirika asks.

Mami delighted with the opportunity to get to spend more time with her new friend and share her enjoyment of her hobby is more than happy to agree.

After some pleasant conversation and eating a surprisingly large amount of cake considering how small she is Kirika eventually looks at the time.

"Oh I need to set off, I want to be home to cook for Homura and if I stay any longer it will be a bit late. Still, thanks for having me around and I'm looking forward to you helping me learn to bake" Kirika says as she gets ready to set off.

"No need to thank me it's been a pleasure to have you around. Thanks for the help with hunting today. See again you soon I hope" Mami replies.

"I should actually be in school next week so I'm sure you'll see me around. Goodbye Mami" Kirika says before heading out in seemingly high spirits.

"Goodbye Kirika" Mami replies before closing her door.

As she sits down in her home now absent of guests Mami finds herself in a good mood. How could she not be? Finally having a friend who she can work with.

As committed as she always has been to her duty the hardest part has always been the loneliness and the isolation that comes with it. That makes today a pleasant reprieve from such unpleasant feelings.

Mami ends the day with the hope that this will be the beginning of an end to the solitude she has been forced to accept for her duty. Kirika, Mami gets the sense, is the kind of person she can confidently be a friend to without sacrificing her duty. It's a nice thought.

Chapter Text

"So you're up for handling Mami today?" Homura asks Kirika knowing the joint hunting between the two is today.

"Yep we need her to trust us if we want to be able to get her to not act in a way that risks Madoka. That means that I'll just be someone she wants to trust" Kirika says sounding confident in her ability to influence Mami.

"If we're going through with this you'll have to keep up that mask around her at least until Walpurgisnacht you know" Homura comments.

"Well yeah but even if I don't like her I'm perfectly happy acting like someone who does. Using her is the easiest way to get enough firepower to destroy Walpurgisnacht now that you don't have multiple timelines of explosives lined up. Anyway, it's for you. We both know I would do significantly worse things to both myself and others if it was the best way to help help" Kirika replies.

"I would much rather you don't do worse things to yourself Kirika. Even before I admitted how I feel about you we had the discussion about you valuing yourself, that's even more true now" Homura answers.

It pains Homura to know that Kirika is still willing to sacrifice herself for Homura's sake even knowing what she means to her. Perhaps if the people Homura loved were less self-sacrificing and had more self-preservation she would not have had to go back so many times.

"I know trust me self-preservation is high on my priorities list, after all I want to be by your side for as long as possible. I just also know what I would do should it become necessary" Kirika says.

"Well let's make sure that never becomes necessary in that case. I rather hope that acting as Mami's friend is the worst you'll have to do" Homura replies.

"That would be nice. Anyway it's not all downsides I'm pretty certain I can convince her to teach me to bake so I can make that post-Walpurgisnacht cake myself" Kirika says.

"I thought you were planning to do that after Walpurgisnacht?" Homura questions.

"Technically we did kill Walpurgisnacht even if it didn't stick therefore I see that as close enough to fulfil that condition" Kirika answers.

"Well I doubt that will make her think any less of you" Homura says.

"Exactly her sharing a hobby with me will make the connection more convincing. Also I just want to know how to make cake" Kirika says.

"Well I'm sure I will see the fruit of your labours there at some point" Homura answers.

"Definitely what's the point of learning to bake if not to use it to treat you?" Kirika says.

"To make yourself sweet things?" Homura replies.

"I mean yeah but it's infinitely more satisfying doing it for your sake" Kirika says.

"You do so much for my sake, sometimes it feels like I barely do anything for you in comparison" Homura admits.

The fact that for all they are equals the relationship between her and Kirika has always been skewed is something Homura can't deny. Kirika does a massive amount of work to help Homura both as a magical girl and when at home yet aside from giving her affection it feels like Homura does little for her in return. Does that make her a bad girlfriend or even just a bad friend if the relationship has Kirika putting in so much more for her than she does for Kirika?

"You make me happy. I've already told you that everything I do for your sake I also do for my own, helping you is something I enjoy. Your affection is more than enough for my happiness that alone is doing a massive amount for me" Kirika replies obviously meaning every word.

Homura knows perfectly well how Kirika feels about the topic but it doesn't change the fact it still feels a bit like she's using Kirika. Everything Kirika does is for Homura's sake yet for the majority of the coming month most of what Homura will be doing is for Madoka's sake. Yet for now there is so much to do that Homura cannot give Kirika much more than her affection and hope that thats enough. There is simply too much to do otherwise.

"Well in that case I will just have to be satisfied by giving you affection" Homura says leaning over and kissing Kirika something that visably delights the smaller girl.