Chapter Text
[{Scaena Felix}]
That day has come.
On the calendar reads "March 16th". Finally, Homura gets to leave this hospital—and also change out of those ever-present pajamas she wears while bound to this bed.
She grabs the cherry red glasses from her nightstand, placing them onto her face. She checks her braids: they're still neat, and do not need to be redone.
Homura moves the blanket off her legs, turning them off the bed. She plants her feet upon the cold tile floor, before standing up.
She feels a little lightheaded, bending over to support herself against the bed until her head clears itself up.
She walks to the other end of the room, next to the door. She gets onto her knees and opens the black backpack which sits propped up against the wall. Inside are neatly folded clothes—everything she ordered. There's two black skirts, stretching to a middling length, along two matching pairs of black tights.
It's not a lot, but she was incredibly unsure of how much she actually needed... some girl she is. Though, with school up ahead, she'll likely just end up wearing these clothes at home on weekends. Thank goodness their policy allows her to wear a girl's school uniform...
She grabs a pair of tights and a black skirt from the bag, before digging a little deeper to take out a cute lavender top. She hopes she got those measurements right.
She pulls on the top a little, finding it to be quite stretchy. And soft...
This should look good.
[{End of Scaena Felix}]
Homura walks along a sidewalk, a two-lane road to the right, various buildings to her left. She fidgets with the straps of the black backpack upon her shoulders, too worried to stand completely upright. The midday sun shines above her, alongside a blue sky and white clouds. Though, she has not been looking up at it very much.
It feels simply euphoric to wear this skirt and tights, outside as a girl for the first time. The happiness for expressing herself and hopefully looking like a girl is powerful, yet so is the fear of silent judgement.
She tries to keep her focus on the sidewalk, but can't help but wonder if the occasional passerby thinks anything of her. What if this outfit is tacky? What if it makes people think she's not a real girl?
When she takes momentary glances at the people who pass by, they occasionally look back at her in return. They say nothing, but that doesn't mean they aren't thinking anything of her. Given her age, it would be logical she would be at school right now.
Instead, she's outside, full of anxiety just seeing so many people around her. None of which she knows, unlike the staff of Mitakihara Hospital.
Luckily, her apartment will be only for her, giving her a break from the stress of so many other people to be around. Maybe she'll share about her middle school adventures online!
She reaches a turn in the path, before realizing she's made it: the road has split into a fork, the new corridor of buildings in between the two narrow roads capped off by her destination.
The apartment building is quite elegant, built with European-style architecture. It is surrounded by a wide walkway with irregular-shaped dark tiles and streetlights, which Homura has yet to see turned on at night. They contrast well with the white stone of the apartment complex.
This will be her new home! It's so cool...
Homura opens the door to her apartment, a fancy black lever doorknob. The white door reveals a dark view of her new room. Through the curtains and blinds, a soft blue light makes it through.
Being so dim, she walks inside, holding the door open. She finds the light switch, flipping it up to see her room.
She closes the door behind her and takes a look at her space. It's quiet, spacious, and homey. The carpet is a denim-blue color, the walls just a little off-white. In the left corner across from her is a chair and desk space, perfect for schoolwork and using her laptop. On the right, near the windows, she has a nice white bed. Just like at the hospital...
Homura slides the left strap of her backpack off her shoulder as she walks further in, looking around in awe of this place that she'll be staying in for quite some time. She treads through the abundant unoccupied space, enjoying the pristine room which is all hers.
She sets her bag at the foot of her new bed, before turning around and falling into it back-first, letting her arms sprawl out as she hits the mattress. It's cool and comforting. She crawls backwards with her arms and legs, putting her full body into the bed.
Relaxed, eyes looking up at the ceiling of similar off-white color to the walls, she enjoys and basks in this new sense of freedom.
Though, in all this comfortable solidarity now upon her, there's one thing she desires. She wishes she could have nice friends come over, sharing her very nice apartment with them. Even better would be a girlfriend to cuddle with in this large bed...
But she won't have anything like that. Who would want to make friends with a weird trans girl who thoroughly sucks at talking to people? She would probably be the only one, as it's not an incredibly large school, and she had the luxury of transitioning so early unlike many her age.
Friends will probably never come beyond the domain of the internet...
Madoka Kaname opens her eyes, hearing the alarm on her phone going off. Its ringing is incredibly annoying, by design.
She reluctantly takes off her warm blanket, letting go of her large pink rabbit plush. She sits up and reaches over to her left to pick her phone off the nightstand, unplugging it and dismissing the alarm.
She stands up beside her bed, still clad in pajamas of mint color, with little soft frills on the cuffs of her sleeves.
Time to get ready for school...
[{Scaena Felix}]
Morning sun passes gracefully through the large, window walls of the Kaname bathroom. Madoka and her mother stand at the faucets and counter at the end.
Madoka makes the last of the rubbing to her face, turning off the faucet.
Her face wet, she aimlessly tries to reach and grab the towel, still pointing her face down as to not let the water drip down her chin and neck. Eventually she gets it, though seemingly from her mother pushing it towards her. She brings the towel to her face, restoring it to a warm dry state.
"So anyways mom, I was thinking..."
Junko pauses her makeup routine. "What is it, Madoka?"
"My hair's gotten kinda long now, don't you think? Should I try a style besides just the usual clips?"
"Oh, that would be a fine idea!" She evaluates. "Anything you have in mind?"
"Uhh, I’m not sure. Maybe something where I kinda tie my hair, or maybe braid it?"
"Hm. Hold on, let me fetch something..."
Her mother hastily walks out of the room, on the quest to find whatever it is she thought of. Madoka patiently stands and waits, wondering what it could be, before her mom speed-walks back into the spacious bathroom.
She stops, before opening her palms for Madoka's view. Upon them rests two long red ribbons in her right, and yellow ones of the same length on her left.
"Here. Choose one of these!"
Madoka gravitates to the red one immediately—it matches with her hair! But, she then hesitates.
"Do you think this one might be too flashy? Like, what if it brings more attention to me?"
"And what would be wrong with that? I’m sure they'll be speechless at your striking new look!"
"I'm just not sure... what if other kids don't like the red ribbons?"
"Why care what they think? I'd say they're lovely, and I have far more experience than anyone at that middle school! Why don't you just be yourself, and pick what you would feel better in?"
Her mom makes a good point. She delicately grasps and lifts the red ribbons out of Junko's right hand. The woman stuffs the yellow ones into her pants pocket.
"Wait... how do I put these on?"
"Don't worry, your mother can do this! Just hold still..."
Madoka keeps her head locked in the same direction as Junko leans over to grab a hairbrush off the counter. She brushes Madoka's hair into two halves, moving them gently apart and making a series of triangular parts in the back of her scalp.
Her mother first grabs the left portion of hair, bringing it together at a central point against her head, before swiftly and elegantly twisting a ribbon around it. She ties it tightly around, making wide and perfect loops.
She quickly does the same to the other side of Madoka's hair. She is done, and lets Madoka turn fully towards the mirror again.
She looks upon herself... the ribbons are so pretty!! It's like she's just meant for this look! Even if she stands out, she'll feel like the cutest girl around.
Sayaka and Mami are going to love this...
[{End of Scaena Felix}]
[{Postmeridie}]
The sun is warm and welcoming, the sky beautiful and blue. The route to school is scenic as it often is, trees flanking the path and filtering the rays of sunshine.
Madoka walks forth without too much haste; she has to wait for Sayaka and Mami, after all!
As if summoned merely by her thoughts, she watches as Mami approaches her location around a curve further along in the path. She looks back, and Sayaka is running to catch up with her from the earlier brick walkway.
"Oh, hi guys!!" Madoka greets them both.
Sayaka continues hurrying over to Madoka, struggling to slow down once she makes it. The girl stops, hands on her knees, to catch her breath.
"Hey—" she makes a big exhale, followed immediately by an inhale. "—Madoka!"
"I would have just waited for you, you know!" Madoka replies, giggling.
"As would I." Adds Mami, who finishes her approach only five seconds after that of Sayaka.
Madoka begins walking again, seeing as she has reunited with her friends. Sayaka takes the last of her dramatic stop as Mami turns and joins up with Madoka.
"I like the ribbons, Madoka! They suit you very well." Mami compliments.
"Thank you!! I think I might wanna start wearing my hair like this all the time. What do you think?"
Sayaka chimes in. "They're so cute!! I think you should go for it!"
"Thanks, Sayaka! I guess this is my new style, then!"
Madoka smiles, thinking about how she's really blossoming into a proper and pretty girl! Maybe she'll get herself a lover if she looks cute enough...
"So, Sayaka... how has it been with you and Mister Kamijo? You still like him, yes?" Mami asks.
"Of course I still like him! And we've been fine, but I haven't really made any moves... I mean, he likes my gifts, but I don't think that's really a romantic thing!"
"Well, that's still good!" Madoka adds. "Maybe you just kinda have to drop some hints, you know?"
"And how would I go about doing that? I’m way too nervous to do something like that around him!"
Mami chimes in again. "Perhaps you should try not hiding your fondness for him. For example, if you're staring at him, perhaps let him notice you shortly before stopping? That way, he gets a clue to how you feel!"
"I don't know how good Kyosuke is with taking hints... the main thing he's good at is playing the violin! I love just listening to him work his magic, so I don't really care how aware he is with that stuff!"
"I mean, if hints are too hard, maybe you should eventually just tell him how you feel!" Madoka advises her.
"What!? I can't do that! Besides, what if I have to do something first to get myself a chance of him liking me back? I mean, I’m not that good-looking..."
"Don't say that, Sayaka!!" Madoka pleas. "You look very cute, okay? And you're really nice to Kyosuke anyways! Why wouldn't he want to date you?"
"Eh, it's just... I don't really think I’m his type. We're friends, he remembers me from back before I was like this! He'd probably get grossed out..."
Mami interjects. "Sayaka, please do not be so hard on yourself. You're a kind girl, and you care a lot about supporting his musical career. If he doesn't end up liking you, please don't blame yourself. Do you understand?"
She smiles a little bit before going back to that not-so-cheery look. "Yeah. Thanks, Mami. Maybe I'll give confessing a chance when I’m ready!"
"That's the spirit!" Mami cheers her on.
[{End of Postmeridie}]
[{Desiderium}]
School has passed, having been that way for roughly an hour and a half. The three girls convene as usual at Mami's place, talking around the triangular glass coffee table. Midday rays of sun bathe the apartment through the great window.
"Would you both care to go somewhere else soon? If so, we can go there and enjoy our Friday together!"
"Ooh, let me think..." Sayaka responds.
Places to be... that reminds Madoka of something. She has a lot of English homework to do, and studying for the upcoming test as well.
"Umm, I’m really sorry about this, but I have to work on stuff for English class. Would it be alright if I went home? My mom said she would help me with it..."
"Don't worry, Madoka. I understand." Mami tells her.
"Aww, on a Friday? That sucks!" Sayaka adds.
"Well, we can hang out over the weekend, right?" Madoka asks.
"That's true. It also gives Sayaka and I some one-on-one time!"
"Yep! We'll have fun, but we won't forget about ya! Good luck on the English!" Sayaka wishes her.
"Oh, alright!! That sounds good! I'll get going, then." Madoka says, satisfied with the fate of her friends.
She stands up, grabbing her school bag. She starts walking towards the door.
"Goodbye, Madoka!" Mami salutes her.
"Bye!!!" Sayaka says.
Madoka heads out of the apartment to go back home.
[{End of Desiderium}]
Alone, Madoka walks through the streets of Mitakihara. She begins to exit the Business District, heading on her way home.
The buildings shrink to be of shorter size, gaps growing between them as they spread out. Though, the cars whizzing by the walkway don't seem to decrease in frequency, and it remains decently noisy.
She turns around the block, steadily making her way to the destination. Though, she spots a familiar black cat across the road, walking along the curb.
It's Amy! Cute little thing. Though, she looks like she's trying to cross the street... that's really dangerous!
Madoka hurries along the sidewalk to warn the cat, if it's even possible. "Amy!! Don't do that!"
The cat seems to be hesitating, watching the traffic move by as she leans alertly over the road. She can't exactly heed Madoka's words, though.
Madoka worriedly moves to the side of a crosswalk, ready to help Amy cross safely however she can. She tries to wave her arms around and point to the cat on the other edge of the street.
In the right lane, one car comes slowly to a stop. Seeing this, Amy makes a run for it.
There's a car in the left lane! It's not stopping!!
"Amy!!!" Madoka yells out.
The cat does not notice. She scurries on forth.
Impact. Amy is hit, and moves under the wheels of the car.
Madoka's heart shatters to pieces. She runs into the street, kneeling to pick up the broken and battered cat.
Her black fur is soaked with blood, and she clearly has many bones broken. Madoka carefully tries to handle the hurt animal as she moves swiftly off the street and into an alley nearby.
She lays down the cat gently, her eyes and face flooding with tears. She's never dealt with anything so horrible in her life.
Amy doesn't seem to move, yet continues to breathe. Her injury looks lethal. She can't leave the cat here to die, but can't bear to watch it slowly lose its life.
"Why?" Madoka asks, before continuing to sob loudly.
She puts her hand on the Amy's back, feeling her perhaps for the last time before she dies. Her tears fall to the pavement below, dark in the shadows of this alley.
[{Sis Puella Magica!}]
"Hello, Madoka Kaname." a foreign voice greets.
Her grief is interrupted, and she twists around behind her. Before Madoka sits a white mammal of sorts, with red beady eyes, a fluffy tail, and ears with strange attachments.
"What?"
"I'm Kyubey! I came because I wanted to offer you a wish!"
"Wait, a wish!? Like, I could save Amy?"
"That would be possible. If you make a contract with me, you can get such a wish, and you will become a Magical Girl!"
None of this makes sense in the slightest. It's like she's dreaming. Not a dream, though—this is a nightmare.
She turns back to Amy. The cat is bleeding out onto the gray pavement, hurting Madoka's very soul to watch. She has to make a decision.
"Will you make a contract with me, Madoka?" Kyubey asks her.
Madoka orients herself towards the weird, magical creature.
"I wish to save Amy's life and make her healthy again!!" Madoka pleas to the visitor.
Still on her knees, Madoka feels a deep pain across her entire body, all at once. Her muscles seem to tense as if hanging on for dear life, before a bright pink light emerges from her chest. As it does so, Madoka feels her entire body relax once again, feeling like it were separated from her soul.
"Your wish has been granted, Madoka Kaname! Embrace your soul gem, and accept your fate as a Magical Girl!"
She weakly reaches forward with both hands to clasp the pink light. She collapses forward, keeping that light held safely against her chest.
[{End of Sis Puella Magica!}]
Madoka feels that her clothes have somehow changed. She doesn't know if she passed out on the pavement—it would be really embarrassing if she did...
She pushes herself up, and it appears no time has passed. She looks down, realizing she's wearing a beautiful pink and white dress, a gem resting in the center of the top. It's exactly the kind of thing she's always wanted to wear!
Madoka finds her footing in the new ruby red heels and stands up, remembering that she's still out in public. As pretty as the new outfit is, it would be weird to get seen like this...
She turns back to the alley, wanting to hide herself and check on Amy.
The cat gets up, before stretching out its back as if emerging from a nap.
"Amy!!!" Madoka cries happily.
She takes a few steps towards the cat with excitement, before getting on her knees to pick up the cat between its front legs and nuzzle against its face. It's all okay again!!
To her right, she notices Kyubey watching her first moments as a "Magical Girl". He sits idly, no expression on his face.
"Thank you, Kyubey!!"
"It's merely my duty, Madoka. Regardless, you are welcome."
Mami runs to a door at the end of a long corridor, featuring a rounded top, outlined with icing and sweets. The witch's emblem lies in the center, bearing resemblance to a small stuffed animal—though of no particular type she's ever seen.
She pushes up against the door, moving it out of the way with relative ease. It swings out towards whatever wall lies on the other side, though doesn't audibly collide.
Mami takes a few hurried steps past the door, before stopping to gaze upon her foe.
The room is like an endless, cavernous expanse, seemingly made of cake. Huge donuts, chocolate bars, and marshmallows are scattered throughout the arena. Tables of ludicrous height, along with similarly ridiculous chairs, stretch towards the seemingly absent ceiling.
[{Wo ist die Käse?}]
Though, in the center of the labyrinth sits a little plush, like that of the witch's emblem. It lies motionless propped up against the backseat of a chair, seated high in the air.
[CHARLOTTE]
Without a doubt, it must be the witch. No other creature lies in this room.
She patiently waits to watch what it will do. Information is a key resource to defeating even the craftiest and most dangerous witches.
Yet, the plush continues to sit idly, not moving. Mami suspects it to be a decoy.
Though, she has to start the fight eventually. She cautiously summons a musket into her right hand, carefully aims, and fires upon the little doll.
Her marksmanship hits the plush, knocking it backwards. Its chair falls away, witch tumbling to the floor.
The chair meets the end of its long arc on the way down, and the plush lands somewhere—likely softly—onto the floor of this expansive arena. Mami looks around, prepared for an ambush.
She finds no great witch falling from above. Nothing seems to really be happening—
A giant black pillar extends upwards rapidly, like a colossal snake breaking out from
The earth below. It must have came from where the plush decoy fell.
At horrifying pace, it twists around in the air on a course straight towards Mami. The long worm-like form fills the gap, and she finds herself staring at a large, white face, reminiscent of a clown.
It moves so quickly. Is she... is she going to die? Mami freezes, staring in horror.
The witch slowly opens its jaws, ready to bite down upon her. Its teeth are white and triangular, sharp like jagged sheets of metal. Down its mouth is an abyss, one Mami is about to end up in.
Madoka... Sayaka... they're never going to see her again.
[{End of Wo ist die Käse?}]
A sound echoes through the air. A weak pink flash reaches Mami's eyes as she watches the witch recoil, backing off and closing its mouth, revealing a weirdly expressive face marked with frustrated confusion.
Mami unfreezes, summoning a whole volley within a second to hit the witch, five floating muskets firing shots at it. It recoils again, hit with another surprise, before Mami runs hurriedly the other way.
She turns her head around to look at the Dessert Witch, terrified of it coming back to attempt killing her once more. Though, it seems to dart its eyes around, trying to properly pick a target.
Mami looks back in front of her, realizing who had just saved her. A Magical Girl adorned in a pink and white dress, with pink bows in her—
"Madoka!?!?"
"Don't worry Mami, I'll help you!!!"
The golden veteran reunites with her friend, staring in awe at this new form of hers.
"Madoka, when did you—"
"There's no time, Mami!! We have to fight this witch together!"
She remembers the dire situation. "Right!"
She turns around to face the Dessert Witch. Madoka raises her bow, drawing back a magical pink arrow. Mami conjures a musket in each hand, prepared for battle—this time, not fighting alone.
The labyrinth is gone, and the two girls now stand in Mitakihara park. In the distance is the fountain, flowing quaintly. The water shimmers beautifully in the light of sunset.
[{Amicae Carae Meae}]
The metallic ping of a grief seed hitting pavement is heard just a few meters away. Mami goes to pick up, before turning back to Madoka.
She holds the seed up. "Did Kyubey ever tell you about these?"
"Um... not really. He kind of just told me that I need to fight witches, so I did... sorry if I didn't do very well!"
"For your first time, it was pretty impressive! You had help, of course, but I’m sure you'll be improving quickly now that I can teach you!"
"Teach me? How long have you been a Magical Girl for, Mami?"
"About two years. What about you?"
"I... contracted yesterday." she meekly admits.
"Oh! Well, it's a good thing we found each other so soon! I'll be happy to show you how to become a strong Magical Girl—I have a feeling that you'll be a natural at it!"
"Thank you, Mami!!"
The veteran sheds her Magical Girl form, walking towards Madoka with a grief seed in one hand and her soul gem in the other.
Madoka does the same, her pink bows turning to red ribbons and her hair becoming ever so slightly shorter in length.
"Alright, now to explain how to use grief seeds..."
[{End of Amicae Carae Meae}]
The floor, a warm brown, reflects the lights above. Homura simply stares at it, fiddling with the bag held between her hands, put together as to make herself smaller. She finally wears her school uniform, complete with a blouse, skirt, and black knee-high socks. Her twin braids are tied off with little purple ribbons.
To her left is a glass wall, just in front of her the entrance to her new classroom. She hears Miss Saotome ranting about something, seemingly relating to how someone fries their eggs. She's not paying attention.
She appreciates the relief of having time to gather herself, yet it only raises the suspense. The two feelings seem to cancel one another out.
How is she going to make her entrance? What if her voice gives away that she's trans, and everyone makes fun of her? What if she stumbles over her words and says something stupid?
Homura quietly and nervously hums to herself, taking a hand off her bag to try and raise the "larynx" that's supposed to make her voice sound higher and more feminine. She gets it somewhere that shakily passes, good enough for her. She puts her grip back on her school bag, trying to freeze her voice like this so she'll sound good.
Suddenly, she realizes it's her time. "....welcoming a new transfer student today!" she hears from around the open door.
"Miss Akemi, will you please come in?"
Alright, that's good, she was addressed as a girl... now she just needs to walk in.
She puts her feet forward, one step at a time, gazing carefully upon her brown loafers. It feels silly, but she tries to maintain a feminine gait—is that even a thing?
She emerges into the classroom. Perhaps twenty or so students are revealed before her, sitting in their desks, all looking at her. She quickly darts her eyes away from them and towards Miss Saotome, who watches her walk in with a welcoming smile.
Realizing that everyone is still looking at her, she forces herself to turn before the whole class. She stares straight past them, hoping it looks like eye contact.
"Now, would you like to tell us your name?" Ms. Saotome asks politely.
"M—my name, is..."
No, she's stuttering! She tries to deliver the rest of her message in a confident, feminine tone to the best of her ability.
"H—Homura Akemi."
Her eyes rapidly dart around at the students. They seem to be intrigued. Can they tell?
"I'm pleased to meet you." she says, bowing before the class.
The teacher hands Homura a stylus to use upon the white screen. Oh god, now she has to write her name in front of everyone! She practiced this a little, but has never done it while so many people are watching her...
She holds the point of the stylus hovered over the digital board. Her hand shakes, thinking of how badly she could embarrass herself in front of all her classmates.
It would be worse if she only did nothing. She forces herself to invoke her muscle memory, making each stroke of the stylus one at a time. Somehow, she gets her name down, before quickly turning around, handing her teacher the stylus, and making fake eye contact in the direction of her audience.
"Now class, Miss Akemi has been in the hospital for a very long time due to a heart condition. I expect that you will all treat her with kindness, yes?"
The students silently nod. Homura hopes that she really will be treated with kindness—or at the very least left alone.
"Do you have anything you'd like to tell the class about yourself, Miss Akemi?" Miss Saotome asks her.
"N—no! I’m alright, thank you!"
"Okay! You can go take a seat now, Miss Akemi! Though, since you missed so much school, I'd recommend you sit somewhere in the front—if you're fine with that."
At least she has some sort of direction. She awkwardly walks to a random free desk, unfamiliar classmates flanking her. They look intently at her as she approaches her new spot, worsening her nerves.
Well, at least she won't have to talk to them. She just has to take notes and focus on what the teacher says...
It's break time. Homura closes the purple spiral notebook upon her desk. Though, she doesn't really have much to do during the break... maybe she'll just daydream.
Though, to her horror, it appears her classmates begin to approach her quaint little desk. She shrinks down, as if it'll make them any less interested in her.
"I like your hair!" one girl remarks, beginning a conversation. Homura is the topic.
"Oh, um..." she remembers to keep her voice up. What if she doesn't do it properly? They'll find out eventually, but not now...
"Thank you." Homura finishes awkwardly.
"It must take a ton of time to braid everyday!" another girl adds.
"Yes, it does..."
"Where is it you're from, exactly?" a boy asks her.
She doesn't particularly want to tell them her whole story. "Well, mostly just here. I was in the hospital for years..."
"Oh. Right."
Homura's nerve grows, anticipating even more questions. More chances for them to notice something.
A girl puts herself in front of her desk, with pink hair and red ribbons. She parts the growing crowd, interrupting whatever they were going to ask next.
"Sorry everyone, but she needs to pick up her medications about now."
"Oh, alright! We understand! Talk to you later, Miss Akemi!" one girl says. The group of students slowly walk away from her. What a relief...
"So, Miss Akemi, do you know where to find the nurse's office?"
"Oh—um... no. I don't."
"Would it be okay if I showed you?"
Homura nods. "Yes, please. Thank you."
The Nurse's Aide leads the way through the school. They turn through the hallways, passing classes and a few students hanging out along the edges of the halls.
"Sorry about them! I know it's probably really overwhelming for you, but they don't mean any harm! They're just curious, since you're a transfer student, and we don't get those very often here."
"It's alright. But, umm, what is your name?"
"Oh, silly me! I forgot to tell you!" the Aide says, slowing down and stopping as she looks back at Homura, eyes bright with kindness.
"My name is Madoka Kaname! But you can just call me Madoka!"
"Really? But we just met..."
After all, what's the point of being friendly with someone who will probably think she's weird after learning the truth?
Madoka puts her eyes forward again to resume showing Homura the way.
"Of course! You don't have to be a stranger! Would it be okay if I also called you Homura?"
That offer is so nice... Homura puts her hand to her defective heart, touched by the gesture. She blushes a little.
"O-oh. Nobody has really called me by my first name before... maybe it's just because it's kind of weird."
She picked it herself, after all. Even if she thinks it suits her the best, it's unorthodox. The name "Miss Akemi" is what typically reaches her ears, and she's fine with that. Way better than "Mister"...
"What? No it isn't! I think it's super cool! It means 'flame', right? Sort of like you're flaring out passionately, set on achieving your dreams!" Madoka responds, making hand gestures and enthusiastically stating her interpretation.
"I... hadn't thought of it like that before. But if it's really so cool, would it fit someone like me? I mean, I’m not really that determined or strong..."
Madoka stops again. She turns on the front of her shoes, facing Homura straight on. Her cute twin ponytails swing around.
"But that would be a waste! Maybe you just have to realize how cool you are, and the name reflects it! I mean, I think you're cool, Homura! You just have to believe, too!"
Her? Cool? It's impossible to be cool when she was born like this. Why is this girl being so nice to her?
"Thank you, Miss Kaname. That means a lot to me, really."
"Of course! I think you seem really nice! I'm sure we'll be great friends this year!"
A smile cracks onto Homura's face, which she can't stop, in all her awkwardness. Madoka is so sweet, so confident, so pretty... and she thinks they'll be friends?
As they continue walking to the nurse's office, Homura wonders...
What would Madoka think of her secret?
[{Umbra Nigra}]
School is over. Homura is on the walk home, defeated. She just stares at her shoes as she walks, each slow step on the sidewalk making a quiet sound. The bridge she walks upon is basking in the light of sunset.
They learned her secret today. Of course, what an idiot she was for thinking she could hide it! After all, it's her legal name, and the one any staff not already briefed on who she was would be given.
So embarrassing. So awful. They said that stupid, stupid name in front of all the other students! Not only that, the teacher pointed out her gender marker! Their reactions ring through her mind...
"Wait, so the transfer's a guy!?"
"Your real name is Takumi?"
She should have just pointed out her physical condition. Used some sort of excuse. Her first day was awful.
The only good part was meeting Miss Kaname. She doesn't even deserve someone so nice. Why does a stupid pretend girl like her deserve to be given that kind of kindness?
What's the point of living a life like this... no matter what Homura does, she'll never be a real girl.
A voice permeates her mind, an internal suggestion. "Maybe it would be better if you just died."
Maybe she should. "Yeah... why keep doing all this?" she mutters to herself.
"Yes. It would be better if you just died."
The inner voice makes a good point. "I should just die..." she says aloud, her eyes beginning to close, as if drifting off to the death she deserves.
Wait. That's not her inner monologue. Something's wrong. That sidewalk changed.
Her eyes open again, confused. Her fears come to life, and the ground below her is completely different, replaced with what looks like some sort of abstract art, made in black and white, depicting people of sorts. They're all warped and strange looking.
Terrified, she lifts her head. Mitakihara is gone. There is only a vast expanse of that strange, mural-like marble floor, above it an orange and yellow sky, madly scribbled.
This world doesn't even seem real. Yet, she's not dreaming. Terror overtakes Homura. Her sense of reality is breaking.
"Hello!? Someone help me!!!" she screams. Nobody answers.
She hears a strange droning noise and quiet shuffling behind her. She turns around, seeing that there are three horrible, menacing scribbled humanoids creeping towards her. Their arms are held up, like zombies ready to tear her apart.
Behind them lies a large, yet seemingly out-of-place, stone archway, with two wide pillars. Strange runes are inscribed upon it...
[IZABEL]
Homura's survival instincts kick in, making her begin to sprint away from the monsters. She's out of breath before long, but that doesn't matter—she can't die here!
She trips. Homura tumbles to the hard and cold floor. It hurts, but the pain is overridden by her fear. Terrified, she looks back in this state of weakness.
The monsters are further away, yet they continue to approach. This weird place she's in is so large, and she can only run for so long...
Shaking, her eyes wide and full of horror, she realizes that she is going to die.
[{Credens Justitiam}]
The shot of a gun. Another one. More.
Yellow light flashes somewhere behind Homura, before each of the monsters trotting towards her are hit by projectiles of some kind, bright smoke left by the shots. They recoil and wave their arms about.
Then comes three streaks of glowing pink, each of which hitting a monster. The arrows pierce them all, before they fade away into dark, gas-like substance.
The menacing archway still looms beyond, as if it too, is a monster.
Homura looks back for the source of her salvation, and sees two colorful girls: one yellow, one pink...
"Miss Kaname!?"
Madoka looks at her, still with those same loving eyes. "Hello, Homura! I’m glad we came in time! You aren't hurt, right?"
"N—no. But why do you look like that? What are you doing, and how did you—"
A new voice answers her question. "They're Magical Girls! They fight witches with magic powers!"
She realizes the source is a white creature, which stands beside Madoka and the yellow girl. It's unfamiliar, being only reminiscent of a fox and a cat, like an alien...
Madoka speaks again, drawing her bow, pink arrow illuminating and manifesting to fire upon the witch. "Kyubey's right! Just don't tell anyone at school, okay Homura?"
She fires her bow, releasing it with a magical, powerful sound.
It's later in the evening. The warm light inside Mami's apartment building is bright compared to the outside, where Mitakihara can be seen winding down for slumber.
Homura sits on one side of the triangular glass table, positioned politely upon her legs. Across from her sits Mami and Madoka together, the duo of the day. In front of each sits a cup of tea on the table, fresh and hot.
"Thank you for saving me, Miss Kaname. You as well, Miss Tomoe."
"Of course we would, Homura! You're my classmate, I would never let you get hurt! Though, Mami probably did more work..."
"Don't have that attitude, Madoka. Your performance today was a great improvement, and I’m very proud of you." Mami corrects her.
"Ah, sorry. Thank you, Mami! I'm glad I did well!"
Mami turns her attention back to Homura. "You saw a lot today, Miss Akemi. I’m sure you're very confused. Would you like to ask us some questions? Kyubey can also answer some; he's the source, after all!"
[{Sis Puella Magica!}]
"Yes. Do you fight those things all the time? Witches, right?"
Madoka answers. "Well, I've fought a few, but Mami is the real veteran! She taught me everything I know, since I only became a Magical Girl last week..."
Mami nods. "That's true. To answer your question, Magical Girls like ourselves will typically fight a witch every two or three days, on average. Though, it depends on the girl and the area!"
"But don't you get scared? I mean, witches look like they could really hurt you..."
"I do, actually. Yet, when I think about the people that could get hurt if I don't fight them... that is a lot scarier. I couldn't imagine losing you there..."
Homura feels touched. They only met today, yet Madoka seems to really care about her. Why does she keep acting so nice?
"That's... really cool. You two looked so strong and brave fighting that witch. I wonder, how did you become Magical Girls?"
Kyubey finally chimes in, sitting beside the table and to the right of Mami. "Magical Girls are born when a contract is made. In exchange for a wish that a girl desires, she is transformed into a Magical Girl, imbued with the ability to use magic in order to fight witches!"
"Really? That's amazing!" Homura exclaims, in awe of that being possible in this world.
"Because you are able to see me, that means you have the potential to become a Magical Girl too! Would that prospect interest you, Homura Akemi?"
"Wh-what!? Me? A Magical Girl? That's incredible! But I'd probably be bad at it and mess everything up..."
"I’m sure that's not true, Homura!" Madoka assures the girl.
Mami adds her wisdom. "Though, you should be very careful making a wish, Miss Akemi... you only get one, and it means you have to fight witches for the rest of your life! It's quite dangerous, so you would have to find something truly worth that sacrifice."
"Oh... I really don't think I could do that. I doubt I'd be Magical Girl material..."
Though, she can absolutely think of a wish she would desire. Undoing that curse of hers would be amazing...
"Well, if you ever decide to, I'll easily be able to grant you a wish and let you make a contract!" Kyubey adds.
Mami gives a sharp glance to the creature. "Do not pressure her, Kyubey. Understood?"
"Yes. I apologize, Mami."
"Good. Just know, Miss Akemi, there's nothing wrong with remaining a normal civilian. The life of a Magical Girl is a challenging one."
"I understand, Miss Tomoe. Thank you for warning me, and also letting me stay over..."
[{End of Sis Puella Magica!}]
"You're welcome, Miss Akemi. I’m sure we'll spend more time together in the future, now that you know our secret!"
"Really? That would be amazing! I hope I wouldn't weigh you two down..."
"You've never weighed me down, Homura! I'd be very happy to become friends with you!" Madoka assures her.
Homura's heart feels warm. She doesn't have any friends... is she really going to not be alone?
"Thank you very much, Miss Kaname."
Cars move by occasionally to the right of Homura. She walks beside Madoka through Mitakihara city, upon the pavement. It's been a really long day... streetlights illuminate the path home, evening gone.
"Hey, Homura... You don't have to be so quiet! If you want to talk, I'd be happy to!"
Why would Madoka want to talk to her? What could she say that's really so interesting?
"Oh. Um, thank you for the offer..."
"Would you maybe like me to talk to you? If you don't feel like saying much, that's completely fine with me! It's just I don't want you to feel lonely!"
"I... would like that. You're nice to talk to."
Madoka giggles, looking back at Homura. "Thanks!"
Madoka turns her head forward, and the conversation pauses for a few seconds as they continue to walk.
"So, Homura... did you ever wonder what my wish was? You know, when I became a Magical Girl last week?"
"Yes. So... what was it, Miss Kaname?"
"Well, you see, there's this stray cat I see around the city... I call her Amy. She never really was super friendly with me, but I still cared about her."
Homura smiles. She likes cats, too. What if her and Madoka are alike?
"So how did that turn into your wish? If you don't mind me asking, of course..."
"Well, I saw her get hit by a car..." Madoka answers, looking down.
"I’m so sorry, Miss Kaname. That sounds so awful."
Madoka's really pouring her heart out to a girl like Homura, isn't she? What if she really does think they're friends, and doesn't simply pity her?
"So, when I was offered the chance to make a wish, I kind of just acted on my panic and used it to save Amy."
"So she's okay now? That's good!"
"Yes, that's true, but... I probably shouldn't have made a wish based on my first instinct. I never even told Mami what it was, because she'd probably scold me..."
"Oh..."
"It's alright, Homura. I’m happy to be a Magical Girl, and fight with Mami, it's just... I don't want you to make that kind of mistake, okay Homura? I would be really sad if you ended up making a wish you'd regret."
"I understand, Miss Kaname. I'll think very carefully about my wish."
Though, would she regret using her wish to become a normal girl? It would make things so much easier, and she probably wouldn't be so awkward around Madoka.
"Homura... could I tell you a secret? Mami knows it already, but I think it would make you feel more comfortable around me."
"You really want to trust me with a secret of yours? I don't understand, am I really worth telling something like that to?"
"Well, you already know about magic and witches! I’m sure this won't be as crazy as all that stuff, right?"
"I suppose you're right, Miss Kaname. But you don't have to tell me if you don't feel like it!"
"Really, Homura, it's okay. I know I can trust you! You don't have to act like you're not worthy of being around me!"
How can she tell what she's been feeling so well? They've only met today, but it's like they're long-time friends...
"Thank you, Miss Kaname. That means a lot to me."
"So, are you ready to hear it?" Madoka asks, turning her head around to look at Homura.
"Yes. Don't worry Miss Kaname, I promise I will never judge you."
"I know you wouldn't."
Madoka takes a deep breath. It's not something Homura would expect from a girl so confident...
She stops walking, Homura doing the same shortly after. Madoka speaks. "Homura... I’m trans."
"Wait, really!?"
That's impossible! This... this is exactly what Homura dreamed of! She's not the only one. The prospect excites her so greatly...
"Yep! Could you tell?"
"No! Not at all!! You look so pretty, Miss Kaname, I couldn't tell you were trans!"
Madoka blushes. "Thank you, Homura! That's so sweet of you to say!"
"I mean it!! Really! And I have something I should tell you, too..."
"Are you also a trans girl?" Madoka asks.
"Umm..."
Could she tell this whole time? Maybe she was only so nice to her because she felt bad...
Homura continues. "Yes, I am. You probably knew already, didn't you?"
"Well, yeah... since you're the new transfer student, everyone has been talking about you! I know they said some mean things..."
Homura looks down. "Yeah..."
"Don't worry, Homura! It'll be alright! Now you have a friend to support you! I'll always be here for you, no matter what!"
Nobody has ever said anything like that to her before. Her heart beats faster, worrying Homura that her complications will kick in.
"Thank you, Miss Kaname... thank you so much."
"Oh, and by the way... I think you look like a pretty girl as well! Those students probably couldn't tell either until they heard about it!"
Homura becomes flustered. Very much so, and Madoka can see it very clearly as her face goes flushed and red.
"Th-thank you. You're really nice, Miss Kaname. It would make me really happy if we could be friends."
"We are, silly! We can hang out together more often, if you'd like that!"
"I would!! I would love to spend more time with you!"
"Then I guess we will! I’m so glad you're finally warming up to me, Homura!"
A genuine, excited smile is upon Homura. Madoka is just so perfect... she's beautiful, she knows quite a lot, she's endlessly kind, and she's just like her!
She can't wait to be friends.
[{Conturbatio}]
Sayaka stares up at the ceiling. Her limbs sprawl across her bed, and she simply thinks. Her bedroom is dark, a faint light allowing her to barely see her surroundings.
It's pretty normal for Mami to be unavailable... she always avoids telling Sayaka about what it is she spends that time on, usually defaulting to something about homework...
But now, Madoka is also less available. She seems really sorry about it, but it doesn't fix the fact that Sayaka had to just go home early, only having time to hang out with her friends for perhaps 2 or so hours.
Sure, there's homework to be done, but she was saving that for the weekend. Why does it seem like her friends just don't have much time for her anymore?
Maybe she just has to focus on Kyosuke. He's really incredible, and they've been friends for a long time... but how would he react realizing that his best friend, who he remembers as a boy only a year ago, likes him romantically? He's pretty clearly straight. Even if he supports her new identity, would he like it enough to reciprocate all the feelings she has?
His violin playing is truly incredible. It would make her so, so happy if she could be his girlfriend. But would she ever be worthy of that? Any other girl would have the right body, which is something that would matter a lot more as she grows older.
Why does she have to be stuck with this stupid male body? If she was just a cis girl, she'd probably have confessed to Kyosuke already! And who knows, he might have just dated her in that case!
Tears start to form in her eyes. They don't grow enough to escape as teardrops. She shuts her eyelids down, squeezing just a little bit of water out as she tries to get herself to sleep.
[{End of Conturbatio}]