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Chapter Text

It had all started with a strange book that Kyoko had found while messing around in the basement of her father's church. It had been buried in some hidden alcove in the walls that likely even he didn't know about. If he had, then he'd have likely thrown it away judging by its appearance. It was thick and filled with sorts of symbols she couldn't recognize on the cover. Despite that it seemed hardly worn at all, as if brand new. It was if time hadn't affected it all despite how old this book might've seemed.

So of course, to satisfy her curiosity she opened it and was surprised to find that she could read the contents. Japanese in such an ancient book. She couldn't help but read it aloud.

"Silver and iron to the origin. Gem and archduke of contracts to the cornerstone. The ancestor is my great master Schwe-… Schwepe… Sch… uh me."

Kyoko turned to the next page and a strange, yet beautiful red pendant attached to a metal chain. She immediately planned to sell it and the book when she was done to get her family some food to eat.

"The alighted wind becomes a wall. That gates in the four directions close, coming from the crown, the three-forked road that leads to the kingdom circulate."

She could feel something warm up in her body. Whatever she was doing it was doing something and she was going to see it to its end.

"Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Shut (fill). Repeat every five times. Simply, shatter once filled. I announce. Your self is under me, my fate (doom) is in your sword. In accordance with the resort of the Holy Grail-"

Holy Grail? Like that thing from Indiana Jones? The cup that granted immortality if you drank from it?

"If you abide this feeling, this reason, then answer. Here is my oath. I am the one who becomes all the good of the world of the dead, I am the one who lays out all the evil of the world of the dead."

She took one deep breath as she prepared herself for the final verse.

"You, seven heavens clad in three words of power, arrive from the ring of deterrence, O keeper of the balance!"

The air around her thrummed with some sort of deep red energy and yet nothing else had changed. Despite going through the entirety of the chant there was still something missing, but she didn't know what.

She leaned back with a sigh.

At this point she was prepared to just leave it alone and hope the energy would just go away before the rest of her family got back.

She moved her hand and accidently cut against a jagged stone in the wall.

"Ouch, shit," she cursed as a few drops of blood fell onto the floor below.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew up from underneath causing her to yelp and push her skirt down. The wind blew up the dust from the floor revealing a complex circle underneath that then began to spin above the ground and around her. The energy was incredible, almost blinding, and it caused her to whimper back in fear as all that power condensed into a single point.

It then exploded.

Kyoko yelled as the explosion caused her to fall backwards onto her butt. She used her arms to shield her face. When the dust finally subsided, she cracked open eyes to find a figure in front of her.

It was a man. A fairly tall one with spiked white hair, tan skin, and eyes the color of steel. He wore a red coat on top of skintight black armor. She might've considered him attractive if she had happened to swing that way. Unfortunately, she had other things to worry about. Mostly about this very threatening stranger suddenly appearing in the basement of her father's church.

The man looked around lazily. "How strange, I do not sense the presence of a Holy Grail and yet I've been summoned." He looked at her with the eyes of a hawk. "Are you my master?"

Kyoko gulped.

Master? Who was this man and why did he appear? Was it because of the spell she had apparently cast? Apparently magic existed? That was new!

He raised an eye at her silence. "You clearly have a way with words."

Was he making fun of her!?

Kyoko's vision turned red as she stood up, walked up to him, and kicked him in the shin. She immediately regretted that decision as she kneeled onto the floor and gripped at her poor throbbing foot. Did this man have a body made of steel or something?

"Well you certainly have bite," he looked at her casually as she writhed on the floor. "Tell me, where are we?"

"Kazamino," Kyoko hissed out as pain in her foot finally subsided.

"I have not heard of that country before."

"It's a city in Japan," she huffed as she finally stood up in front of him. She hardly reached his chest, which wasn't surprising considering she was twelve, but the last thing she wanted was to seem intimidated by him. Which she most definitely was.

"Strange," he said as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes in thought. "What year is this?"

"2008." Kyoko quickly replied. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing just familiarizing myself with this… time."

"Time?"

"Perhaps some explanations are in order for my clueless master in front of me."

Kyoko huffed though she avoided trying to hit him again. The last thing she needed was to break her against his, admittedly, solid abs of his.

"I am an Archer Servant, a Heroic Spirit summoned to wage battle against six other servants and their masters in the Holy Grail war… or at least that was what is normally supposed to happen."

"Grail? War? Heroic Spirit? And what do you mean this isn't supposed to normally happen?"

"What I mean is that there is no Grail from what I can sense. No war to fight in. And yet you still summoned me into this world. Normally I would be provided with information needed to fulfill my purpose and yet I have still haven't received a thing. So right now," he looked her over once more, "all I have to work on is this rather petite master of my mine."

Kyoko immediately crossed her hands over her chest. "I'm twelve you perv."

"And yet you're much skinnier than most girls your age should be."

Unfortunately, that reminder of her body was enough to cause her stomach to growl. The noise echoed throughout the entirety of the basement, much to her embarrassment.

"Have you eaten anything recently?" the man asked.

"No," she admitted.

"Are you alone?"

"No, it's just that my family… doesn't have much money for food."

The man scratched his head and gave her look that could almost be construed as pity. "It would be no good to have my master starve on me. I'll have to get you something to eat."

"How are you going to do that? Are you going to steal?"

The man waved her off. "There are plenty of legitimate ways for a man of my skills to gather food and money for your family. I'm assuming they own this church?"

Kyoko nodded. "It's my father's."

"Then I'm sure they'll accept donations."

Of all things that Kyoko thought would happen today, the last she would've expected her was to have a full meal cooked by someone who might as well be a Master chef. The beef rice bowl he had made for her was wonderful, perfectly meaty and garnished with some of the sweetest marinated vegetables she had ever eaten.

It was enough to cause slight tears to appear in her eyes as she graciously asked for seconds.

The man was more than willing to oblige.

"So, I'm your master, right?" Kyoko asked as she finished her second bowl.

Archer nodded as he stepped from the tiny kitchen to the dining room wearing her mother's pink apron. It looked good on him oddly enough. It was a wonder where he even got the ingredients considering the fridge was near empty. "Indeed, the command seals on the back of your hand are proof of that."

Kyoko looked at the back of her right hand and finally noticed the deep red symbols that looked like they had tattooed onto her skin. "Uh… is there any way to hide this? I don't think my father will be happy with this."

"There are spells we can use to hide it from most normal people. Though it would be a good habit to wear gloves whenever you can."

"Spells? So, you're some sort of magician, even though you're supposed to be an Archer?"

The man lifted and an arrow suddenly appeared in it. "To be an Archer servant requires the possession of powerful projectile weapons or special abilities related to them. They are not the only tools or skills I possess however they are my notable strengths along with Independent Action."

"Independent Action?"

"Independent action allows me to act independently for a length of time without an active supply of magical energy from my Master. Have you not noticed the slight drain on your Prana with me in your presence?"

Kyoko tilted her head. "Prana?"

"Are your family not Magi?"

"No. My father's a priest."

"Priests can be mages too."

"Well I've never seen him using magic before!"

"So, assuming your family doesn't have a Crest or Magical Circuits… then either you just happened to be born with dormant circuits or the summoning ritual caused your body to create them. In the latter case your body would've gone through a mutation because of the ritual."

"I have these Magical Circuits then?"

He nodded. "One active. 29 more that still lie dormant. More than the average magus and judging by the 10 units your active circuit is creating, you have the makings of a potent mage."

Kyoko gasped in excitement. She couldn't quite help it. "I can use magic?"

"Magecraft."

"Magecraft?"

"True Magic is to do the impossible. It is the highest class of mystery that allows the actualization of events that are impossible to reproduce by humans or the planet even if given an infinite amount of time and resources."

"What?"

"Magic makes the impossible happen. Magecraft simply allows you to do what it possible through science through supernatural means. If it's theoretically possible through science, then you should be able to do it through Magecraft."

"So, like… creating a fire?" Kyoko ventured. "Since that's scientifically possible I can use Magecraft to create fire whenever I want."

The man nodded. "In simplest terms yes. There is much more you can do through Magecraft. Just don't expect to raise the dead or travel through time."

"Fair enough. But still magi- I mean Magecraft. Wow."

He looked at her solemnly. "To be a Magus is to walk with death. You must always be prepared to die for your craft, to cast aside your humanity for the sake of something greater than yourself. It is not a decision to be taken likely."

"But you made that decision, right? And you became a Hero because of it?"

It was subtle but she could almost see the man hesitate at her words. "A Heroic Spirit. Not a hero."

"What's the difference?"

"A Heroic Spirit is a higher being, people or things that have achieved great deeds in life and become objects of worship after their deaths. Just because they are worshipped and put onto the throne doesn't make them a hero. There are plenty of villains in history whose falling have made them famous enough to put them on the throne."

"So, are you a hero or a villain then?"

"I am nothing but a soldier."

"Well that's boring." Kyoko huffed. "What's the point of a soldier if there is no war? There are still plenty of people that need salvation though. So you know what I'll be a hero then."

"What?" he stared at her incredulously.

"I'll become a Magus and a hero. I'll become so cool that'll I'll join that Throne you're talking about like you did."

He clenched his fists though that hardly bothered her. "Being a hero is a stupid hopeless dream. I might be a Heroic Spirit, but it is impossible to be a true hero. It is a dream that will only lead you to your ruin."

"You can't know unless you try it," Kyoko waved him off. "How would you know, being a soldier and all?"

The man grunted. "You'll realize soon enough Master."

"Kyoko."

"Huh?"

"My name is Kyoko Sakura and as your Master I demand to know yours."

"In this world I have no name. You can simply refer to me though as Archer."

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him."

Kyoko hummed to herself as she listened to her father's lecture in her church.

James 1:12. One of her father's favorite verses and the one he was seen quoting most often every time she and Momo complained about their homework. It certainly applied in this case to the one other person that had come to attend his sermon that day, a homeless man that had just happened to wander in.

Despite losing most of his flock with his strange sermons he still determinedly gave them. Even when there was no one to listen. Apparently, God was all the he needed, but a man worked that hard deserved to have others listen to him, right?

She sighed.

In the end there was nothing she could do. Magecraft had its limits and even Archer couldn't really do a thing about that, apart from providing the occasional anonymous donation to the church so that they wouldn't starve.

Well technically, he could but it wasn't exactly morally sound to start hypnotizing people to come into the church. In the end faith came from choice. It was God that had planted the forbidden fruit in the Garden in first place. To be able to choose otherwise and still choose it was proof of love and forcing people to that against their will would probably one of the biggest sins of all.

Kyoko twirled her pencil in her mouth and began biting down the edge as she mulled over her homework. She didn't have to worry about breaking it at all, a quick bout of Reinforcement was all it took to prevent bite marks while still giving it enough give so that she didn't and up breaking her teeth against it.

It was strange how much of her life remained the same even three months after Archer's summoning. She was still going to school, still doing homework, and occasionally attending one of her father's sermons with Momo. The only thing that really changed is that Archer would occasionally take an hour or two afterschool to train her in Magecraft in an isolated location. It didn't take much for him to set something called a Bounded Field to prevent people from seeing them.

In fact, he was really good at hiding thanks to his magic and Astral form, so she never actually had to tell her family anything about him. Granted it didn't feel right to keep such a huge secret from them, especially from her father, but well try convincing a devout priest that you were now a magician that owned a Heroic Spirit whose sole purpose was to fight for you in a nonexistent war.

God only knows how many verses from Revelations he'd force her to recite.

Needless to say, it was much easier to keep quiet about it, especially with Archer providing donations so that her family would no longer starve. The look on Momo's face when they finally had a table full of food was just beautiful. It had been a long time since she had seen her smile and even Archer seemed notably cheered by it. Apparently, he also had soft spot for little kids.

Not that Kyoko counted herself as a little kid, despite how many times Archer said so.

Your father's a little strange, but you have a good family, Archer's voice called out from within her head.

Telepathic communication was incredibly convenient especially when it meant that Archer wouldn't have to risk exposing himself whenever they wanted to talk.

His teachings aren't very… popular but he means well, Kyoko replied. And he tries his best. He's been doing a lot better now that he thinks he has an anonymous donor supporting him. Where are you getting that money anyway?

A few odd jobs here and there. Unless we've used up significant energy, Servants don't acquire sleep. It makes it easy to pick up a night shift or two.

Are you working right now?

Kyoko could suddenly hear the familiar ring of a cash register in her head.

How do you think I was able to get so much fresh produce for your family?

Just try not to cause to cause a commotion.

I should be the one saying that to you. You've been rather reckless with your Magecraft, especially around people that might see it.

Kyoko couldn't really help it after having to more of her circuits unlocked, she had already begun learning how to use Reinforcement magic on her body along with any objects she held. It was the first field of magic he had taught her and the one that he was most familiar with apparently.

It's just cool that I can make this pencil as strong as a knife. I can't wait till I'm making weapons from thin air like you can.

My Magecraft… is highly specialized.

Highly specialized? So, you only focused on those sort of spells?

Rather I am only capable of using those spells and hopeless with the rest. I was always considered a third-rate magus in life because of that. I can teach you the basics of Reinforcement, Projection, and Alteration, but it might be best for you to branch out into other fields altogether.

Maybe later. Right now, I think I'll keep practicing Reinforcement.

There was just something cool about being able to just punch through a brick wall with her bare fist and she didn't need to make weapons if Archer could just create them for her. She had become rather fond of a particular steel spear that he would constantly make for her.

"Big sis what's wrong?"

Kyoko quickly canceled out her Reinforcement and turned around toward her sister. "Nothing wrong Momo just busy thinking."

"What were those strange lights coming from your pencil?" her sister asked.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just a little trick I've been learning at school for a talent show."

"A talent show?" Momo's eyes lit up in excitement. "I want to see!"

"Sorry it's only for the students at my school." Kyoko patted her sister's head as she pouted. "Don't worry I'll show you a few of the magic tricks I learned, just don't tell dad about them."

"I won't!" Momo replied cheerfully before heading to the bed of their shared room.

Magic tricks? Are you sure it's a good idea to tell her that? Archer asked.

It's fine, Kyoko replied. Momo's a good girl, but she can at least keep a secret or two. Not the first time we had to keep something secret from dad.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.

Proverbs 19:9. Since when did you start quoting bible verses?

Can't really help it considering my master is the daughter of a preacher and that she's forcing me on threat of a Command Seal to attend to his sermons.

You are the one who told me what they were for. A cheeky grin appeared on Kyoko's face. Might as well take advantage of them.

You're not converting me to your father's flock anytime soon. Priests and I have had less than amiable relations in the past.

Well if I have to sit through his sermons then so do you. Even if you don't actually show up with your body.

You are a terrible influence on your sister.

I know.

Kyoko whistled, her hands on the back of her head and her bag dangling off the side, as she took a quick stroll afterschool. Archer was off working at as a Cook at Café on the other side of the city, her father and mother were off somewhere on business, and there was still some time before her sister finished with her afterschool activities.

This left Kyoko, who was firmly in the go home club with nothing to do, but wander. She had a little spending money now thanks to Archer, but she would rather save that up for an emergency instead of spending it on that very enticing Takoyaki stand around the corner.

She quickly around turned around and tried to ignore the drool coming from her mouth when she noticed a woman walking towards a nearby alleyway. Normally it wouldn't be anything of note but there was a dazed expression on her and a glassy look in her eyes. Like she was drugged and being led somewhere.

Not willing to leave this alone Kyoko quickly ran after her. She had barely caught up to the woman when she felt a strange fuzziness around her.

"Yo, what are you doing?" Kyoko asked as she quickly grabbed the woman's shoulder. Even a novice Magus like her could recognize the signs of magic in the air.

The woman brushed her off in silence and continued forward. There was a strange mark on the back of her neck as if someone had placed a spell on her.

Kyoko grabbed a nearby pipe, ready to knock the woman out and drag her to safety when the air in front of her suddenly cracked and before warping into a blurry kaleidoscope like image. There was something in there… and it just felt wrong.

Unfortunately, she was too busy staring in shock to stop the woman from stepping into the image and disappearing.

Her eyes went wide.

What?

She immediately looked seeing if there was anything nearby that could help. There wasn't.

Archer, she mentally called out to him. There's something weird. Get over here now.

Kyoko bit her lip and stepped straight into the portal.

What she ended up seeing nearly made her drop the pipe she was using as a weapon.

If she wasn't a Magus and wasn't used to weird magic, courtesy of Archer, then by all rights she would've freaked out at the sights before her. As it was, she was seriously considering whether or not her school's lunch had been laced with some sort of hallucinogenic LCD.

It was like she stepped into some Alice in Wonderland world painted by a five year old, only that five year old had a liking towards blood, twisted metal, and weird dog like creatures that were slowly making their way toward the woman who was now unconscious on the floor. It was clear by their very sharp teeth that those dogs were not here to play.

Or at least not any games that she wanted to play.

Kyoko quickly ran in front of the woman, gripped the pipe tightly, and lifted it up ready to strike.

"Trace on."

Her first swing sent the first dog monster hurtling toward its friends like a baseball. She hesitated for a moment, looking at the damage she had done and the creature she had killed, when another monster jumped at her. The second swing caved in the head of another one. Each swing brought death and carnage to the monsters in front of her, but in the end there were simply too many.

"Archer hurry up!" She shouted out her plea both physically and mentally as she found herself slowly surrounded. She could tell he had picked up speed at her appeal, but he was still too far away.

Normally a Servant wouldn't be so far from their Master, but he had assumed there wouldn't be threat after months with no war going on. Not that she could blame him. Whatever this place was it had escaped his notice and he was damn good at detecting nearly everything. Even she didn't realize what she was getting into until she had literally run into it.

Kyoko considered using the Command Seal, bring him to her side in an instant, but if she did that…

Once you use up all three our contract will end, and I will be forcibly ejected from this world.

"Damn it!" Kyoko shouted as she upped the Reinforcement on her arms forced herself to swing once more. She was a Magus! She was supposed to be a hero! After all the time he had took training her, was this all she could do? Could she not even hold out long enough for Archer to get to her?

Seven. Seven she had killed. And there were still so many of them.

Her body felt like it was burning as she overused her Magical Circuits, yet she still had to keep her Reinforcement up. She knew that once it was gone then she and the woman behind her would die.

She cursed and lifted up her right hand. A seal had to be used.

"Good job protecting that woman."

Kyoko immediately turned around to find the source of that voice. It was another girl standing on a platform above her. She looked around her age, maybe a year or two older than she was, with beautiful blonde hair wrapped in pigtails and a very… substantial chest. Not that Kyoko was looking and trying to withhold a blush.

"Don't worry I've got the rest."

The girl suddenly jumped, not higher than Archer but certainly much higher than Kyoko ever could and summersaulted in the air. She was enveloped in flash of yellow light and suddenly a field of weapons appeared in the air above.

Projection? But unlike Archer this girl used actual guns.

They fired, completely overwhelming the monsters below until all that was left of them was a ground filled with craters.

"What the?" Kyoko whispered in amazement as the girl landed neatly on her feet wearing a brand-new outfit. She wore a beige skirt with black tips and with a shirt sleeved white shirt with puffs as a top. These clothes along with the leggings, hat, and boots, were just pure style.

Pretty

"What was that?" the girl turned around and asked.

Did she actually say that out loud!?

"Er I mean we- well-" Kyoko stammered on her words. She never stammered. "That was very impressive."

The girl gave her a gentle smile as the world around faded and they were back in the alleyway. "Thank you, though you should also take some credit. It was brave of you to protect this woman and you must have a lot of potential if you can use magic without a contract," she said as her outfit was replaced by an unfamiliar school uniform in a flash of light.

"Contract?"

"Oh, my apologies," the girl grabbed the edges of her skirt and curtsied. "My name is Mami Tomoe and I am a Magical Girl."

Chapter Text

"I'm Kyoko Sakura," Kyoko replied to the girl as she tried to take in everything that she had just seen. A girl around the same age that she was had just killed a dangerous monster with apparent ease. All in a frilly yellow and white outfit while using some sort of Magic that was unlike Magecraft. The closest comparison to her guns was Archer's abilities to create blade, but even that wasn't very similar.

"You're a magical girl?" Kyoko asked.

"Yes I-" Mami suddenly jumped back and transformed as a figure in red and black fell in front of her.

Archer immediately positioned himself in front of Kyoko while Mami immediately conjured a gun to point at him. If he was surprised by her transformation and magic, then he didn't show it.

"Who are you?" the magical girl asked with an uncertain edge in her voice.

A twin pair of blades, one black and one white, suddenly appeared in the hands of Kyoko's servant much to Mami's shock.

"Master, what is your command?" Archer ignored the girl.

Kyoko grabbed her Servant's arm. "She's not going to hurt me. She saved me from those weird dog monsters."

"Dog monsters?" Archer immediately scanned the area. There's nothing here are you sure it wasn't an illusion she created?

The dents on the pipe I had to use as a weapon says otherwise, Kyoko informed him.

"They were familiars," Mami replied as she stared at Archer warily though she at least lowered her gun. "Creatures created by a witch to feast on people."

"What are witches?" Kyoko asked.

"They are creatures born of darkness that cause death and destruction wherever they go. It is the duty of magical girls to fight them," Mami explained.

Tch… It's always something. Archer muttered in her head.

Archer?

There is clearly much we don't know about this world.

"How did one end up here?" Kyoko asked. "How many are there?"

"They appear in places wherever people gather. Large cities will often teem with them."

"If these creatures do exist then why haven't we noticed them?" Archer asked.

"Witches and familiars hide themselves within labyrinths, where they are nearly impossible to detect by conventional means. Any people they kill will disappear leaving no traces. Only magical girls are able to track down and find these labyrinths in order to hunt them down."

"Fighting a monster on their own territory," Archer said. Kyoko when you entered that labyrinth did it feel like that Bounded Field I showed you?

Kyoko resisted the urge to shake her head. No something else, it was like the world had cracked and I had stepped into another dimension altogether.

A Reality Marble?

What's that?

If that is the case, Archer seemed to be ignoring her, and all of these creatures have access to one then it would make sense why I wouldn't have been aware of their existence if I wasn't looking for them.

"Who are you two by the way?" Mami asked cautiously. "You're certainly not Magical Girls, but you're still capable of magic."

Tell her we're both Mages and keep your glove on at all times. Archer commanded. Don't reveal that we are Master and Servant.

Kyoko gripped the back of her hand and rubbed the black leather gloves that she wore. Understood.

"We're Magi," Kyoko told the magical girl.

"Magi?" Mami asked.

"Those who practice Magecraft."

"Magecraft?"

The artificial reenactment of Mystery, a cutesy voice suddenly invaded Kyoko's mind.

Archer flinched as a figure suddenly jumped from a nearby building and down into the nearby alleyway. It was some strange white cat, if cats had large bunny ears with piercings and a red circle on their back. It was actually really cute all things considered, especially with that voice of its, and Kyoko might've squealed at the sight if the situation wasn't so tense.

It was an art that was supposed to have died out in this world, the creature continued. My name is Kyubey.

Be careful. Archer warned. I can't sense a single thing from this creature. It could've been watching us all this time.

"Died out?" Mami asked the creature. She seemed rather comforted by its presence and had calmed down considerably.

Yes. Kyubey replied. During the Age of Gods Magecraft was ever-present and powerful. However, with the Age of Man it had declined up to the point where it had become extinct. Or so I thought, it seems that a few practitioners still exist.

"We have kept to yourselves," Archer replied. "And avoided trouble."

Are there others?

"Not that we are aware of."

A shame. Magical Girls with the ability to use Magecraft were always very powerful in the distant past, though I will have to be satisfied with the one in front of me.

Kyoko pointed to herself. "Are you talking about me?"

Yes. You have the potential. Make a contract with me and become a Magical Girl!

Did we suddenly end in some sort of anime? Kyoko asked her servant. There's even a cute mascot.

Honestly? I wouldn't be surprised at this point. Archer replied. And you consider that thing cute?

"So, you want me to be a Magical Girl, frilly costume and transformation and all that?" Kyoko asked.

Yes. Kyubey replied.

"Even though I already know Magecraft?"

By becoming a magical girl, you would be given a new power and type of magic in addition to the one you already have. By mixing the two together you would be quite powerful.

Careful, Archer warned.

I'm not agreeing to anything just yet, Kyoko replied. Just asking a few questions.

"And how would I become a Magical Girl?"

By forming a contract with me, Kyubey replied. In exchange for fighting Witches, you will be given power and have a wish granted to you.

Kyoko's eyes went wide. "A wish?"

Master. This has gone beyond suspicious at this point.

Just shut it Archer! Let me talk to it.

Her servant stayed silent, but she could practically feel the disapproval emanating from his body.

"Any wish I want?" Kyoko asked.

Any wish you want, Kyubey confirmed.

"And no twists. This isn't like a monkey's paw or a demon tempting me into sin with desire, right?"

Yes

"Quote a bible verse. Any verse."

Not by works, so that no one can boast

"I don't remember that one," Kyoko admitted.

Ephesians 2:9. I can assure that I was not sent by the devil to tempt a sinner.

The devil can still quote the bible to deceive people. Archer commented.

Shut it!

"Well, I don't remember talking plushies being mentioned anywhere in the Bible," Kyoko said. "Or the history books for that matter."

We have taken great effort to hide ourselves from most people and Magi. Only magical girls and those with potential should know though, Kyubey glanced up at Archer, we've made an exception for him.

Archer would've definitely made some sort of sarcastic retort if Kyoko hadn't forced him to remain silent.

"Perhaps we should take this conversation elsewhere," Mami suggested as she gestured toward the woman on the ground who was beginning to stir. "I'd like to invite you two to my home… after we've taken this woman to the nearest hospital."

Between Mami's magical girl powers and Archer carrying Kyoko it only took less than an hour to drop off the woman at the hospital and arrive at Mami's apartment even though it was in another city altogether.

Unfortunately for Kyoko, Archer spent all that time complaining.

This is a bad idea.

I'm well aware how you feel about this. Kyoko replied.

We are entering the enemy's home with no knowledge or preparation for what they might have for us there.

Kyubey's weird, but Mami's not an enemy. She saved me!

And she could have done that for any number of reasons.

Look neither Mami or… Kyubey has shown any intention of attacking… Kyoko grinned. At least when you're not flashing them with your tiny swords.

Hmph.

Anyway, we should give them the benefit of the doubt. Besides, you're more than strong enough to take them out if they cause any trouble.

Negligence is the enemy. A single mistake is all it takes; it doesn't matter how strong you are.

And you don't make mistakes.

If only that was true.

All four of them landed on the balcony, where Mami would slide the window open and gesture them inside. After taking off her shoes and placing them on a shoe rack next to the window, apparently Mami used the balcony as an entrance and exit more often than the front door, Kyoko looked around Mami's home.

It was huge.

There was a large living room with a glass table in the center, all sorts of fancy furniture and knick knacks scattered around, stairs that led to her open bedroom above, and a kitchen that even Archer seemed impressed with. Clearly a rich girl who kept everything neat… yet there was only one bed and only one pair of slippers at the front door.

"Do you live alone?" Kyoko asked as she sat cross legged at the table. Archer didn't join her and instead leaned against a nearby wall.

"… Yes," Mami replied hesitantly as she worked in the kitchen. "Do you like cheesecake? I would've made some more cakes for you to choose from, but I wasn't expecting guests."

"Cheesecake is good," Kyoko replied.

Mami came out of the kitchen with three thick slices of cake and three cups balanced in her arms. With grace she carefully placed the plates onto the table and began filling the cups with tea from a kettle.

For a person who said they weren't expecting guests, she was certainly prepared to host them.

Mami took a seat at the table and Kyubey quickly laid itself on her lap. "Would you like to take a seat Mr… Archer? It must not be comfortable standing there like that," she ventured to the Servant.

Archer glanced at Mami and then at Kyoko who was very annoyed. Kyoko began pointing to the back of her hand. He ultimately decided to sit down at the table with them.

Satisfied with this Kyoko immediately took a bit and nearly shivered as the sweet and creamy flavor of the cake flooded her mouth.

"Wow!" Kyoko exclaimed. "Mami might be a better cook than you Archer!"

Mami looked pleased by that comparison. Archer on the other hand looked outright offended for some reason.

"That's… high praise," Archer replied as he carefully picked out a piece with his fork. "Especially when I've never baked you a cake before."

"Can't imagine you beating this though," Kyoko replied.

"You cook?" Mami asked.

"Yes," Archer replied before taking a bite. A thoughtful expression appeared on his face. "Not bad. I can see why my Master would praise it though there's room for improvement."

Mami's eyes squinted. "And what would you do differently then?" she said in a clearly challenging tone. Apparently, she didn't take insults to her cooking lightly.

"Add a bit of sea salt for some contrast with the sweetness and the cream. You know how to follow a recipe, but you also need to leave some room to experiment and build on what's already there," Archer replied in a thoughtful and almost condescending tone.

"Then perhaps you should bake sometime, and we can compare." There was a smile on the magical girl's face though it wasn't entirely pleasant. Kyoko could practically see the sparks being thrown between the two. "I'd like to see how someone who claims to be my better in cooking actually fares."

"I am not just a Baker," Archer replied. "Though the difference in our skill isn't your fault. It is the result of my rather substantial experience compared to a youth."

Mami tilted her head. "Are you calling me a child?"

"Hey! I didn't know you could bake a cake. Why don't you make one for Momo's birthday?" Kyoko butt in before things could get worse. "We should grab some ingredients and find a kitchen for you to work in."

"He's perfectly welcome to work in my kitchen so long as he doesn't make a mess," Mami replied.

Archer continued eating his cake. "I might take you up on that offer. Show you how a real chef works in the kitchen."

"So anyway. This is Archer and I'm Kyoko Sakura and we're Mages," Kyoko reintroduced herself and her Servant to their host.

The magical girl began petting the creature on her lap. "I am Mami Tomoe. And this is Kyubey, our patron and the one who contracts Magical Girls." She glanced up at Archer. "Might I ask though if his real name is Archer?"

"It is," Archer replied.

"Might I ask what your relation to Kyoko is then?"

"I teach Kyoko Magecraft." He glanced at her. "Among other things."

"Then why do you call her Master then?"

A familiar and infuriating smile appeared on Archer's face. "Why, because of how demanding my apprentice can be," he shook his head. "There are often times where I feel like the Servant."

That's because you are! Kyoko shouted to him in their mental connection.

"As you can see, she can be a rather… independent person."

"Well…" Mami began sipping her tea. "You certainly trained her well. She was able to hold her own against those familiars and protect that woman."

"What was wrong with her anyway?" Kyoko asked. "She just walked right into those things."

"That would be the witch's kiss. Witches feast on people by putting a spell on them that forces them to kill themselves or wander into their labyrinths."

"Hypnosis and Suggestion Magecraft?" Archer asked.

"Something like hypnosis," Mami replied. "Though it isn't very effective against people with magic like us, which is one of the reasons why magical girls are suited to hunting them."

"You say that magical girls are created to hunt witches. What makes them better at hunting them than the average magus?" Archer asked.

Mami fingered her ring and suddenly a brilliant yellow gem appeared on her hand. "This is a Soul Gem. The source of a Magical Girl's powers. It also allows us to detect and track the signature of witches and their familiars. It was how I ended up in Kazamino. The witch itself is holed somewhere in my territory but its familiars can wander quite far. There are no active Magical Girls in Kazamino that I am aware of so I went to deal with it before it could hurt any people."

"Why not cut it off at the source. Hunt the Witch itself if it's closer?" Archer asked

"Some witches leave familiars behind even after their deaths so I would still have to hunt them before they hurt someone anyway. Fighting the familiars is a good way to discern their signature anyway, thanks to the last group I should be able to track down the witch's labyrinth."

"You're going to be fighting it in its own territory?"

"Yes. Though witches can move their labyrinths they rarely leave it. We have to fight them in their homes."

"Meaning you and other Magical Girls have to fight powerful monsters in their own home. Like dogs being led to slaughter," Archer replied plainly.

Mami paused at that comparison. "I can't deny the danger that us Magical Girls face when hunting witches. And there are those of us that do get hurt in our mission, but I can assure that I'll do my utmost to keep Kyoko safe."

Kyoko, having finished with her cake, began to wipe the crumbs on her sleeve, only to have Archer grab her arm and hand her a napkin instead. "So, in exchange for fighting witches which will kill innocent people if left alone, I'll be given any wish I ask for?" Kyoko asked as she wiped her mouth clean.

"Yes, though I must warn you to take your time and consider what it is you want to wish for. Kyubey might be able to grant you anything you want, but it might not always be for what's best for you… or what you actually wanted once you've given it further thought. It would be a great shame if you were to regret your wish."

"Do you regret yours?" Kyoko asked.

"In a way… My family was caught in a car accident that trapped all three of us in a flaming vehicle. It was then that Kyubey came to offer me a wish… so I wished to be saved." Mami set her teacup down. "However, my wish did not consider my parents… I was the only one who survived."

"I'm sorry," Kyoko replied.

"In the end due to my situation I wasn't given much time to consider my wish. If I did maybe…" the magical girl shook her hood. "You on the other hand have the opportunity to do so. Please make sure to find what it is that you truly want before you make your wish."

Kyoko looked at the magical girl with determined eyes. "I will."

"Master," Archer interjected. "Maybe you should reconsider?"

"I'm not going to be a Magical Girl right now… but I can at least take the time to think about what I would want to wish for."

Archer crossed his arms and remained silent.

"So those monsters I fought were familiars created by witches, right?" Kyoko asked Mami. "Then what is the actual witch like?"

"It is difficult to describe," Mami replied. "It is much easier if I were to show you it myself. I was able to discern a general area as to where the witch is. With some luck I'm sure we'll be able to find it now that I have its signature."

Kyoko turned to Archer who remained still. "We'll be happy to join you then."

Chapter Text

Archer?"

"Yes?"

"Do you really need to keep looking at Mami like that?" Kyoko asked as they followed Mami from a distance. "You like you're ready to kill her."

"I am," Archer replied without hesitation. He continued glaring at the Magical Girl unashamedly.

"Oh- just. Fine, whatever."

"You seem to be staring at her too. Have you taken an interest in her?" her Servant asked.

There was no helping the furious blaze in Kyoko's cheek as her face quickly turned crimson. "No! I mean, she's nice and… pretty… and…"

"I am the last person to ever judge your preferences," Archer replied plainly.

"You know?"

"I'm surprised your father still hasn't figured it out."

Thank god that her father unconventional teachings also meant that he was generally accepting of gay marriage, a stark contrast to majority of their faith. Still wouldn't make the inevitable talk any less awkward.

Not that she was thinking of getting married already. She was still too young! Though… Mami really was pretty…

"Master, you're staring at her butt again."

"No, I'm not," Kyoko quickly denied.

"Because you prefer her breasts."

She began ineffectually punched his arm. "Just shut up already."

"Remember that Magical power is prone to merge with the bodies flui-"

"Jesus Christ Archer would you stop giving me the talk already!"

Tantric s-… intercourse magical exchange. Sounded like something straight out of a satanic ritual the bible warned about, just toss in a demon and an evil witch or two. Well, technically they were going to hunt the latter and Archer might as well be considered a dem- Ok best to kill that train of thought.

Much to her relief her Servant remained quiet for the rest of the trip, having been sufficiently entertained by her reactions. They eventually reached a park where Mami began holding her Soul Gem aloft.

"The witch is nearby," Mami said as her Soul Gem lit up like some sort of witch radar.

"Yes, I would say that it is like a witch radar," Mami replied.

"Oh, damn did I say that out loud," Kyoko said.

"You need to fix that habit of yours," Archer said.

"Shut it!"

Mami chuckled at the two of them. "Before we go in, we should make sure Kyoko is armed. A pipe might not be the most effective weapon for hunting witches."

"I agree," Kyoko replied. Archer created a large spear and casually tossed it to her. She caught it, gave it a few practiced twirl, and jabbed its metal tip into the ground.

"Your magic allows you to create any weapon you want?" Mami asked curiously.

"Projection Magecraft," Kyoko replied for him. "You can use it to replicate object though he's best with bladed weapons."

"And the strength you used previously?"

"Reinforcement." Kyoko used her magic on the spear. "Allows me to strengthen my body and any object I though."

"Interesting. Both of those spells are quite similar to what I can do with my magic," Mami observed.

Magecraft is quite flexible so long as you can work with the confines of this world, Kyubey commented. Though it generally lacks the power that a Magical Girl Contract bestows. A witch would still be a dangerous foe for two average Mages.

"Oh, don't worry," Kyoko waved it off. "Archer's far from average."

"I look forward to seeing his performance then." Mami turned around and led them deeper within the park.

Soon enough, Kyoko would feel the air crackling once more.

I feel it Master. Archer commented. Pain, regret, despair, so much of it that permeates the air around us. To think that this phenomena could be concentrated to such a small area.

The labyrinth I was in was lot bigger once I actually entered it. I'd assume this one is the same. Kyoko replied.

So not just a Reality Marble but Spatial Manipulation too.

Mami raised her Soul Gem aloft revealing a familiar ripple in the air along with a glowing purple symbol. "This is the entrance to the witch's labyrinth. Are you both prepared?"

Archer silently conjured his blades while Kyoko hefted her spear. "We are."

They stepped inside. The inside of the labyrinth was just as freaky as Kyoko remembered it. Even Archer couldn't help but show his surprise.

I see what she meant when she said it was hard to explain. Archer scanned their surroundings. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you drugged our tea," he said to Mami.

"It wouldn't be the first I've heard that," Mami replied.

"You've brought other people into labyrinths before?" Kyoko asked.

"Other magical girls and a few capable of making contracts."

"What happened to them?" Kyoko asked.

"Some are in elsewhere in their own territories, and others…"

That silence was all the answer Kyoko needed.

"How do you do this? By yourself?" Kyoko asked.

"It's my duty as Magical Girl," Mami replied. "To protect the people and defeat the witches that threaten them. If I don't do it then who else will?"

"You fight for duty, but there is more to life than a duty or an ideal," Archer suddenly commented as the first wave of dog monsters, or familiars of Mami called them, appeared.

"Perhaps… but I have committed myself to this. Besides," she glanced at Kyoko and gave her a smile. "I would be a terrible example to my Juniors if I gave up now." The magical girl conjured up an array of muskets before jumping straight into the fray.

She's impressive, Kyoko commented as she watched the Magical Girl practically dance across the battlefield. The sounds of her muskets firing resembled a barrage of cannons, sending her ears ringing even from this distance. Every musket Mami fired was quickly replaced by another one she conjured in one continuous motion, quickly dispatching wave after wave of the familiars.

Archer remained silent as replaced his blades with a large black bow. He quickly nocked it and fired a continuous barrage of arrows to lighten the pressure off the magical girl. 

Mami turned back at him surprise. His response was to simply fire an arrow that went past her face and hit a familiar that had been trying to strike her while she was distracted. The Magical Girl yelped at that and turned back around to fight. She swung a ribbon and used it to trip up a few familiars before turning that into yet another gun in her hands.

Ribbon magic… that can be transformed into weapons. Archer observed. Almost like a Mystic Code…

So how well do you think she fights? Kyoko asked.

She gets distracted easily. Needs to be paying attention especially when she's letting them get close.

That's on purpose?

It's so she can beat them aside with her musket using the momentum and force it generates after a shot. Efficient use of kinetic energy, but- he fired an arrow and landed a prompt headshot against a familiar that had begun to sneak up on the Magical Girl's back. Her situational awareness needs work and it would have been better to let them approach not the other way around. She's clearly just trying to show off.

And you aren't? Kyoko gestured toward the battlefield that had already been littered with his arrows.

I'm simply doing what's neccesary, Archer replied as he sent out another volley.

Maybe you should go in help her then. You're more suited to close combat then she is.

Are you sure it's wise for us to split up?

You and I both know you can help me at any time. Besides I can take care of a few stragglers.

As you wish.

Archer dematerialized his bow and took out his signature weapons. Kanchou and Bakuya he called them, twin blades of black and white respectively with a bond that would cause them to return to one another when separated. Kyoko had initially tried the twin blade style herself upon seeing Archer use it, but they quickly realized that it didn't suit her. No, the spear was best for her. Simple to learn and use, but deceptively difficult to master.

With just a few quick hops, Archer leaped into the fray and joined Mami at her side. The Magical Girl looked at him in shock again but quickly adapted to his presence and began fighting alongside him.

He hardly needed the help though.

Whereas Mami was a graceful and acrobatic dancer, Archer could only be described as death incarnate. A machine programmed to do a single task with quick ruthless efficiency. Every move was meant to kill, every swing was death to the enemy in front of him. He had no style, no form, just the experience of countless battlefields and the will to have survived them all.

Watching him was always more frightening than impressive, but there was some sort of savage beauty to the way he fought that always made it hard for Kyoko to look away.

She didn't let herself get too distracted though as she noticed a familiar jumping at her. She quickly swung her spear cutting the familiar in half with its tip, then in that same motion pivoted to crush another familiar with its shaft.

Another three familiars charged at her in practically a line. These she dealt with by doing three sequential and practiced thrusts. She then twirled her spear to show off a little before casually jabbing a familiar behind her.

According to Archer she was quite the natural with a spear and her style was reminiscent was that of a dog's. She didn't know any dogs that could hold a spear though. Even then, it was probably a compliment… probably.

Anyway, it was each easier dispatching of these things now that she had a proper weapon that didn't require so much Od pumped into it to be effective. What stragglers were left for her were quickly dealt with as she followed her companions from a distance.

After several of minutes of charging through the labyrinth fighting through familiars, one of which Kyoko had the joy of punching into a wall, she eventually caught up to her two companions as they arrived at a room where the walls had become a sort of giant metal dome cage. In the center of the cage was some unholy amalgamation of man and beast. It was as if someone had taken the head and chest of a dog, stuck it with human limbs, inverted so that it was inside out, drew on its face using crayon, and then gave it a large yet goofy red bell for good measure around its neck.

"Ok, so you definitely drugged the tea," Kyoko commented.

"Not the strangest witch I've seen to be honest," Mami replied.

"These things get weirder?"

"Try combining a tentacle monster with a giant set of bagpipes. It even had a nice kilt."

"Anything we should know about this particular witch?" Archer asked.

"Every witch is unique, though you can get some insight as to what they are like through their familiars. It'll probably attack us once we enter its territory and it might have other tricks that we'll have to watch for."

"Adapt on the fly then," Archer replied as he dematerialized his twin blades and replaced it with a spear that caused both Kyoko and Mami to flinch at its presence

"What is that?" Kyoko asked.

The spear was long and crimson and seemed to pulse with some sort of demonic energy. Its very existence began creating minor cracks in the air of the labyrinth around them.

"Are planning to fight up front with that spear?" Mami asked

Archer remained silent remained as he began pumping his Prana into the weapon. The spear began changing, it twisted and curled upon itself until it was distorted version of what it once was. Some sort of strange, yet unnatural, coiled sword that seemed ready to break apart at any moment.

Kyoko wondered why he would do that to his weapon when he suddenly conjured his large black bow and nocked sword against the strong. No, not a sword, she realized as her eyes went wide. A makeshift arrow.

Both she and Mami could only stare in awe as he let loose the arrow from his bow. It flew like a missile straight at the witch. The twisted monster only had a moment to notice the projectile heading its way before it struck. The labyrinth cracked where it had struck cracked, the arrow exploded in a red light, and when the dust faded there was a large gaping crater in the middle of its chest. Somehow though, the creature remained standing.

"Tougher than I thought," Archer said with an eye raised as the witch howled and began charging at them despite the damage it had taken. He quickly grabbed Kyoko, hefted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and jumped to the side while Mami somersaulted out of the way.

"That could be the case," Mami replied having regained her composure. She grabbed and hung off a metal bar as she fired her rifles. "Or that might not be its actual body."

"In that case either a summoned creature or a Projected body," Archer said as he landed on the ground. "Means we'll have to find the source." He jumped away as it threw some black sludge at him. "It also seems to be focusing on me."

"Considering the damage, you just dealt it? I wouldn't be surprised," Kyoko commented. The witch seemed hell bent on smashing Archer, even going as far as to ignore the many bullets Mami was shooting into its body.

"That's fine." Archer put Kyoko down and took out his twin blades. "You two search for its real body."

"Are you sure you can handle it by yourself?" Mami asked.

Archer stood still as the witch charged and wound up for a punch. He quickly sidestepped the punch and left a long gash a long gash along its arm with his Bakuya. He then ducked under the witch's next swing, lashed out with his Kanshou, and quickly leaped away. As he flew in the air, he threw his blades into the witch's body before immediately conjuring a new pair in his own hands.

"I think he's got this," Kyoko commented as Mami leaped off the metal bar and landed next to her.

"I agree," the magical girl replied.

The two of them ran off to find the witch's real body. However, after several minutes of running around the area it became apparent that there was nothing else in the cage except for the three of them, Kyubey who was off observing in the distance, and the monster.

"Are we sure that thing is not its actual body?" Kyoko pointed to where Archer still thought. At some point he had begun throwing around multiple copies of his swords which were now embedded deeply across its back, arms, and chest.

The Servant and Witch played a dangerous game of cat and mouse where a single mistake would've led to him being devastated by a single blow. Unlike a mouse however Archer was fully keen on rushing into the witch's range whenever he saw an opening. The way he fought seemed suicidal, as a single mistake would mean death. Yet he never made that mistake.

He probably wasn't in any danger at all, despite appearances. However, it was best not to stall with him. He could be surprisingly impatient sometimes.

Mami shook her head. "That… arrow should've torn that witch apart completely or at least crippled it. But it's still fighting at full strength, it can't be the real body."

"Then what else could it be? There's nothing else in here except this damn cage."

"Cage," Mami looked up at the center of the dome and her eyes lit up in epiphany. "That's it."

Similar to when Archer had shot his "arrow," Kyoko could only stare in awe as Mami pulled at a ribbon on her chest, let it loose in the air, and turned it into a gun as large as Archer was. It was amazing how graceful she looked, and not stupid, hefting that damn thing against her body.

"What are you doing!?" Kyoko asked.

Mami's eyes became steel as she pointed the gun at the ceiling.

"Tiro Finale!"

The gun fired like a tank and shot a ball of brilliant golden light toward the ceiling. Even Archer had to glance momentarily to watch as the bullet flew brilliantly at the top of the cage. It hit the center of the dome and exploded in a brilliant yellow light that began to consume everything around it.

It was almost blinding, yet Kyoko couldn't help but continue watching as the explosion broke the cage at its center and caused the rest of its walls to collapse around them.

The thing that Archer had been fighting promptly collapsed and began to dissolve into darkness, much like the shards of metal that fell around them. He promptly dissolved his blades and made his way towards the two of them.

He stood in front of the magical girl and seemed to appraise girl. The Magical Girl likewise continued staring at him. They stayed like that in silence for a brief moment before Archer finally spoke.

"Not bad."

Mami was shocked at first, but then began glow at his praise once the words sank in. "I simply made the most logical choice at the time. You were very impressive though. I couldn't ever imagine fighting it the way you did."

Archer on the other hand simply took the magical girl's praise in silence as the labyrinth broke apart around them. Soon enough they were returned to the park, though not before a strange black jewel fell on the ground in front of them.

"What is that?" Archer asked as Mami bent down to pick it up.

"This is a grief seed. A witch's egg." The magical girl showed the grief seed in the palm of her hand. "Witches carry them, and they'll drop after they are defeated."

Mami summoned her Soul Gem in other hand and held it up.

"It's darker now," Kyoko commented. It wasn't the same brilliant yellow it was before. It was a bit muddier.

"When a Magical Girl expends her magic during a fight their Soul Gem gradually grows darker, but if I do this." Mami brought the two closer together. Suddenly black lights flew out of her Soul Gem and straight into the grief seed. The Gem was now returned to its brilliant yellow color. "Then the magic I expended in the fight is restored."

"Are they safe?" Archer asked suspiciously.

In that state they are harmless, Kyubey hopped down next to them.

"And what would cause its state to change then?"

"There is a limit to how much magic grief seeds can restore which is determined by the strength of the witch you've defeated," Mami answered. "Once used up then the seed might become a witch again if left alone, though thankfully Kyubey is here to deal with its disposal."

"How does it dispose of them?" Archer asked.

They are stored in a hole in my back before being taken to be processed.

Archer looked at Kyubey with an eye raised.

"I'd show you myself, but this seed still has a few more uses on it. It would be best not to waste it," Mami said.

"Could I take a look at that?" Archer asked.

Mami put the grief seed in his hand and he immediately began pumping his Prana into it. Something was wrong though judging by the dissatisfied look on his face.

What's wrong? Kyoko asked.

Archer squinted his eyes and concentrated even more on the grief seed in his hands. I can't analyze this Master.

What!? Kyoko tried to hide her surprise. You can analyze anything! Even my kitchen sink!

I'm well aware, but there is something stopping me. But if it's what I suspect…

Mami held her hand out to take back the grief seed, only for Archer to suddenly grab her by the hand.

"What!?" Mami's eyes widened.

"Archer!" Kyoko shouted.

"Tch," Archer let go a few seconds later. I can't analyze her body either. Whatever that incubator does, it seems to block my Structural Analysis.

I wouldn't suggest trying to analyze her body, Kyubey said, having seen through Archer's actions. Though Magecraft can be used in conjunction with True Magic, it can't be used to analyze something that is beyond the understanding of your species.

"True Magic?" Mami asked.

"Magecraft can only do what is scientifically possible. True magic does the impossible." Archer told her. And is apparently what this incubator uses to form a contract, creating objects and bodies like Divine Constructs.

Impossible for your species perhaps. Not for ours, Kyubey replied.

What are witches then, if I'm unable to analyze them too? Archer asked Kyoko.

She didn't have an answer for him.

So long as it was made by the world, I can analyze it with my magic. However magical artifacts not created by human hands or beings of another world are outside my ability to analyze.

"Are you from another world?" Kyoko asked Kyubey

Yes, it replied

That makes them dangerous beyond imagination, Archer warned. Especially since they aren't bound by the rules and logic of this world

They don't seem hostile for aliens though, Kyoko replied.

You are rather calm about this revelation Master.

Well I mean… aren't most mascots from magical girl anime otherworldly creatures anyway?

Kyoko could practically hear the man face palm in their mental connection.

… This isn't an anime, Master! Archer argued.

Could've fooled me. Besides maybe those anime were created and inspired by the fact that Magical Girls actually exist. According to Kyubey, they've been around for a long time.

That… is not entirely implausible. Archer admitted. But it's best not to assume that this is a friendly mascot.

I could say the same about assuming their hostility. Just being because they're aliens, doesn't mean it's going to be like War of the Worlds.

"Wait." Everyone there turned to Mami, who seemed completely stumped by what Archer and Kyubey had just said. "Kyubey, you're an alien?"

I am. I have told you that we do not originate from this world.

"You did, but I just never really thought of it that way…" Mami shock turned to awe. "Real life aliens. Humanity has been looking for proof of other life for thousands of years, and now it's right in front of us."

I think we broke her, Kyoko commented.

Archer returned the grief seed to Mami. "It would be best that you held onto this. You Magical Girls seem completely dependent on these seeds."

"That is true," Mami replied.

"What do you mean?" Kyoko asked.

"That magic that Magical Girls have don't restore naturally like your Prana does," he explained. "They need to use these grief seeds to restore the magic they use, but that means killing witches. So, what happens then if a girl uses up most of her magic and then has to go fight a witch in order to restore it?"

"They'd be helpless," Kyoko realized.

He nodded. "Fighting witches for their grief seeds becomes a necessity for Magical Girls to survive. A vicious cycle of combat that doesn't end until their deaths. An endless war essentially."

Mami looked solemn but he didn't deny his words. "To be a Magical Girl means to always face death. But in exchange for a wish and the power to help those unable to help themselves? I believe that is a fair exchange."

Magecraft restores itself though, Kyubey said. So, she'll always have some way to fight even if her Soul Gem weakens.

"Which I means I won't suffer from the same weaknesses as other Magical Girls," Kyoko replied. "Or at least not as easily. And if I were to use a Soul Gem and Magecraft together in a pinch…"It was almost enough to get her to shudder in excitement. Archer was impressive with his Magecraft alone, but to be able do that in combination to some of the magic that Mami ended showing off…

Perhaps Master, you should see what the contract fully entails before accepting it, Archer suggested.

I know, Kyoko waved him off.

"Make sure to think about it carefully," Mami said with a reassuring smile on her face. "And if you need any advice you can always come to my apartment."

In the end Kyoko was left with a very important question. What was it that she wanted to wish for?

So, Archer it's about time you tell what you think is weird about those grief seeds, Kyoko asked her servant from the comfort of her bed. After splitting up with Mami it was simple enough to sneak back into the house in the middle of the night. Momo had been awake to see her crawling through the window, but Kyoko knew her sister would keep silent for her sake.

Apart from the fact that they seem to come from creatures made of some form of True Magic?

Yes.

You remember how the labyrinth worked? That grief seed is the same but on a smaller scale. Inside is an entirely different world, a Reality Marble that every witch seems to reside in.

What is a Reality Marble anyway? You keep mentioning that but you haven't explained it yet.

… It is the materialization and projection of one's inner world into reality. They are the pinnacle of all Bounded Fields where the boundary line becomes the space itself.

After being trained and lectured by Archer for a few months she more or less understood him whenever he went on these tangents about Magical theory.

So, the reason we can't detect witches easily is because they have released their inner worlds into reality, Kyoko commented. And then hide within them.

Yes, though to imagine so many of these creatures with access with this ability is frightening indeed.

How so?

Gaia does not take the disruption of its natural laws well. It will constantly attempt to crush these worlds that go against it, meaning that it takes a great deal of energy to construct one and keep it running. The few people and creatures capable of creating one, would by all rights be only to maintain it in this world for a few minutes. Even the strongest of Dead Apostles can't maintain a Reality Marble for more than a single night.

Dead Apostles?

Vampires.

Okay, ignoring the fact that Twilight is apparently based on real life events-

It isn't.

We can assume that witches are incredibly powerful creatures because they can use Reality Marbles.

Except the one we fought wasn't that powerful, yet it still had access to one. Even that yellow haired Magical Girl is capable of hunting them on her own, despite the difference in our strength.

What does that mean then?

Hmm… very few Magi are capable of manifesting a Reality Marble. It is a rejection of reality, an overwriting of the rules of this world. It is fundamentally the abilities of beings like Demons or the Dead Apostles, since their "common sense" isn't the same logic as our world. Your mind must work differently, you must believe and exist in a way that contradicts how the world works in the first place, in order to have your own world manifest. That is why few humans are ever capable of it, since nearly all are bound to the thinking and logic of this world.

What are witches then? Demons? Vampires? Aliens?

I'm not sure. However, they are clearly broken. And being broken is a pathway to manifesting a Reality Marble.

That still means that witches are essentially broken otherworldly monsters. They don't think like we do, they're creatures that have rejected the very logic of this world!

Indeed. That would be my assumption. But could the same be said about Kyubey?

Kyubey hasn't shown us hostility though. Witches do. Isn't that even more reason for us to go and hunt them?

They are a threat, but do you really need to take up the duty to hunt them? There are other Magical Girls out there apparently fighting this endless war. Have you not considered simply living your own life?

I'm already a girl with magical powers. I don't think I was meant for a normal life and besides I learned Magecraft so that I could help my family and other people. I want to continue fighting witches… I want to be a Magical Girl.

You don't have to become a Magical Girl then. You've been making excellent progress with your Magecraft.

I could barely hold off those familiars, much less that witch.

You're still young and have plenty of room to grow. Focus on training and let me protect you until you're capable of standing on your own.

But how long will that take Archer? If there are as many of these witches out there as Mami says there are then who knows how many people could get hurt. All because I was still busy training when the power I need is right there.

Icarus's wings burned because he flew too close to the sun. If you rush to do something before you're ready for it-

I'll be ready if I become a Magical Girl! And Mami will also be there to teach me so that I don't get hurt!

You don't know that. There's a good chance you'll regret this decision if you rush to make it.

Did Kyubey or Mami ever lie to us?

… Not that I can tell. But that doesn't mean that they were telling the whole truth.

Then I'll ask them more questions make sure to get all the information I need. What's the problem with me making this decision once I'm fully informed?

Because you can never know enough, there's always something that you don't realize you've missed until it's too late.

If I always think like you do then I'll never get anything done. I've already asked Kyubey all the questions I needed.

Do you already have a wish then?

… I do

What is it?

I'm going to have people listen come to my father's Church and listen to him seriously.

Mind Control?

No, just have them want to come in and give his sermons a shot. Have them consider his words. Then they can decide whether they want to continue attending or not.

That is a surprisingly… modest wish. And for another person.

Kyoko shrugged. I know, but I just want to help out my family. Then once they're fine, I want the strength to help others.

Why do you want to help people that you don't know? People that will never know what you've done. You'll never be rewarded, never be appreciated. So why do you do it?

Because isn't it the right thing to do?

…

There's nothing wrong with wanting to help people, right?

You will suffer for your decision. The world is not kind to people like you.

And I'll accept that. The question is, do you?

Archer remained silent before severing their connection.

"That could've gone better," Kyoko muttered to herself before finally going to sleep.

That night though, she dreamed. It wasn't the first time she had these strange dreams either, she just never thought to tell Archer. If he could keep his secrets, then so could she. Besides knowing him, he probably already knew anyway.

Once she dreamed of a boy with crimson hair like her. A boy who would always go out of his way to help people. Always putting their safety before his, always being the first one to stand at the first time of trouble. Whether it was a broken heater, a small girl being bullied by boys much larger than he, or the impossible height of a high jump, he would always be there. Even if he was weak, even if it seemed impossible, he still fought.

Another night she dreamed of that boy fighting alongside a girl with yellow hair clad in brilliant blue and white armor. Her sword shined magnificently with a holy light, decreeing its wielder as the hero she was. A hero that he fought along, bled with, and loved. A hero that that showed the boy everything he wanted to be, everything he could be, was right in front of him.

That night though she dreamed of a man with black hair and ever-present fatigue on his face. She dreamed of that man with a weary smile yet a truly caring heart. She dreamed of that man causing a fire in the kitchen forcing her to take up cooking, if only to keep their house standing.

She dreamed of moments of happiness, moments of silence, and signs of regret. He always did his best to treat her well but there was always a part of him that seemed to be missing. A part of himself that he could never get back.

Finally, she dreamed of that man and her sitting on a porch. The gentle light of the moon shined down on them. She listened to a dream gone unfulfilled, of the regrets of a man who failed and ultimately abandoned his ideals. A man who sacrificed everything but gained nothing in return.

Her savior, her hero, it was because of him that she made a promise. A promise that one day she would fulfill his lost dream for him.

That one day she would become a Hero of Justice.

The man smiled at her words. He closed his eyes and rested on that porch.

For he could finally be at peace.

Magical Girl, Witches, whatever that damn thing Kyubey was. Nothing could ever be simple no matter what world Archer ended up in.

The Soul Gems and Grief Seeds were more akin to Divine Constructs than they were Mystic Codes. There was something he was missing, something that seemed to connect Magical Girls and Witches, but he couldn't figure it out. If he had more time to investigate maybe interrogate the Kyubey creature, but no. His Master wouldn't give him that time. She was a hopelessly stubborn fool that was going to sign that contract no matter what.

But… she wasn't entirely hopeless.

She was an idiot and a fool, but she wasn't trying to chase an impossible ideal. She was acting the hero, but she wasn't trying to become a Hero of Justice. Similar, but fundamentally different. Something he didn't like but could begrudgingly tolerate.

In the end there wasn't anything wrong with wanting to help people, that was a part of himself that would never change. However, he also knew what it was like to sign a bad deal. Especially when the one that drafted the contract was so eager to have her sign it.

As it was, Kyubey was standing on a building overlooking his Master's home. Ready to swoop in like a hawk and have the contract made the second it saw a chance. He would have to keep that thing away from his master, interrogate it, and then kill it if neccesary. Doing that might anger her and turn that other Magical Girl into an enemy, but he couldn't risk the alternative. That thing didn't lie, but it kept secrets and told half-truths. He of all people would know that and of how dangerous that could be.

He quickly made his way toward the creature's location, ready to get some answers.

What a foolish yet loyal servant he was. Perhaps that was why he summoned by this girl.

Strange… how strange.

The sun shined brightly that morning, though the Incubator hardly cared for the warmth. It sat atop a nearby building overlooking the home of Kyoko Sakura, the girl with whom it hoped would contract.

The Magus, the male one, was an unknown variable. Certainly, more than he appeared and very capable. Normally the Incubator wouldn't risk showing itself to a person like him, not with as little information as it had, but the amount of energy the girl would create upon her contract was worth the risk.

She seemed already prepared to make her wish anyway. All it needed to do now was separate her from her protector and its plan for that was already in motion

A figure in black and red dropped down behind it. That took less time than its initial calculations had predicted. Very quick and observant, it would have to move more carefully around him in the future.

You found me, the Incubator replied as it continued swaying its tail.

The man known as Archer grabbed it by its tail and dragged it into the air. He put an iridescent and jagged dagger under its neck.

A weapon that destroys all thaumaturgy. Very akin to a Noble Phantasm, but it couldn't be one. Those had long since gone extinct, the Incubator's species had made certain of that. They simply couldn't allow weapons that could threaten them to exist, even if they were the last remnants of the Mages that had been so interesting to study. This dagger and that spear he had used previously had to be inferior copies he had made then. A magus trying to replicate things long gone.

If he had any more weapons like this… well it certainly called for further caution around him. The Incubator was actually quite fortunate that this particular weapon wouldn't have an affect against it. Though if he tried to use it on his student after she contracted…

"What is the purpose of the contract? What do you gain from all of this?"

Delaying entropy.

Archer raised an eye.

The energy created from a contract will be converted and used to prevent the heat death of the universe.

The Incubator wouldn't go far as to dispose of him just yet. He was still interesting to study and it would placate his student if it continued to cooperate when it could.

"You expect me to believe that?"

I am currently no danger to you. I do not lie. You must have realized that by now.

"That truth can change and that doesn't mean you speak the entire truth."

That dagger has no effect on me and if you use it on a Magical Girl, then they will die.

Archer's eyes went wide.

That was what you planned in case your student contracted, correct? After testing it on another Magical Girl, Mami most likely. Other than that, you already know what you need to know. The Incubator glanced towards the direction of the girl's home.

Good.

Its other body had already infiltrated the premises without him knowing. Losing this one would be worth the cost it if she contracted. It was always meant to be the distraction after all.

"Is there any way to get rid of the contract once it has been made?" Archer asked.

Only by a wish perhaps.

Archer drew his knife close to the Incubator's neck until it began to draw blood. "And willingly sacrifice another girl to an endless war? For what? To gather some energy?"

It is the most efficient method we've devised to gather energy; all others are inferior and will lead to countless death. Doesn't it make sense to sacrifice the few to save the many? Kill millions to save trillions in the future?

The man's eye dilated.

Was that the wrong thing to say?

Kyubey watched as one of its ears fluttered in the wind and eventually landed on the ground below them

Apparently, it was.

How contradictory, for a man as careful and calculating as he was to reject the pure logic presented to him. But then again, all humans were illogical that way.

"You will tell me everything," Archer said.

Under threat of destruction? Kyubey asked.

"What do you think?"

I believe that this body is worth discarding, now that I've fulfilled my purpose.

"Body?" Archer's eyes went wide as he finally processed its words. He plunged his knife into its neck and swiftly decapitated it before making his way back to the house. It was too late though.

A brilliant red light, unseen by those who didn't possess magic, already shined from the backyard.

The contract had been made.

And with that entropy would be delayed.

A/N

Dream Cycle can be a real bitch sometimes, especially on an impressionable twelve-year-old girl.

Anyway, Archer is a contradictory person in nature. That makes him a very difficult character to write yet so very interesting to try and put in this story. I can only hope that I've portrayed him in an adequate way despite these challenges.

As for why he goes so far for Kyoko, in the end he is a loyal servant. Despite being cynical and nihilistic he is still a protective person, going as for as to sacrifice himself for Rin and Co. in the Fate route and Heavens Feel movie.

Even when his priority is to kill Shirou, going as far as to "betray" Rin, he does it in a way that sets Rin up with Saber. Throughout the UBW route he intended to let Rin win the Grail War with Saber. He is the sort of person that will do what he thinks is best for his master, even if it isn't what they might want or ever expected from him.

Chapter Text

"That is a lot of familiars," Mami admitted to herself as she looked at the veritable army blocking her path. A Tiro Finale or two would clear the way quickly, but due to its high cost she would rather just save that for the witch. On the other hand, the longer this witch was still alive the more danger the people that had been led to the labyrinth would be. She had already put a barrier around the three she had run into, but she knew that there were several more, deeper inside. Slowing down meant likely sacrificing those people that were about to be eaten by a witch, but if she exhausted herself and died against it in a fight there was a good chance that she would save no one. And that wasn't counting the countless other lives the witch would take as it grew stronger and continued on its rampage.

Her decision made, Mami raised her rifles only to hear a familiar scream in the distance.

"Trace on!"

A red blur descended like a comet and plowed through the wave of familiars like it was nothing. Segmented spear in hand, Kyoko detached its links mid-swing and let it lash out against everything around her. The weapon that she had gained upon becoming a Magical Girl, a fearsome and surprisingly adaptable weapon that seemed an extension of Kyoko's self. As she fought her dark red dress fluttered brilliantly in the ensuing carnage. The white frills on the borders of her outfit, the pleated pink skirt, and the black corset she wore underneath the dress provided a beautiful contrast to her form.

Apparently, Tracing wasn't even a field of Magic that Kyoko could even use, it was just a catch phrase she picked up from Archer that she used whenever she activated her circuits. Mami could certainly and she had even helped her Junior come up with names for some of her attacks.

"Flaming Spear Charge!"

Some of those names could use some work though.

Mami simply shook her head with a smile and began to pick off the stragglers that had avoided the initial charge. "Are you sure you should be transforming so quickly?" she asked as she quickly fell in behind Kyoko. She counted at least three corpses as they ran further in, but also two people that were still alive thanks to Kyoko's intervention. It was a shame they couldn't help everyone but just those two would be enough.

Kyoko swung a rune covered arm and released a deluge of flame at her enemy. Magecraft combined with her natural affinity for fire as a Magical Girl. The fact that her Magecraft also happened to be aligned to the element of flame made her fire that much more potent. "If we take too long more people will get hurt." She continued to twirl her spear to fan the flames. "Besides I know you can handle the witch yourself, just let me make sure you're at your best when you fight it."

With no argument against that plan, Mami simply stayed behind Kyoko as she continued carving a bloody path through the familiars. An all-consuming wildfire, an unstoppable force, that was what Kyoko was like when she was in her element. There was simply no argument to be had until she ran out of fuel to burn. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you saw it, it burned out quickly and twenty seconds was all it would take for Kyoko to exhaust herself this time. Though to her credit they did end up reaching the entrance to the witch's chambers in that time.

"Are you ok Sakura?" Mami asked worriedly as Kyoko began panting in front of the door. It wasn't the first time her Juniors had pushed herself despite her constant warnings.

"I'll be fine," Kyoko replied as she jabbed her spear into the ground and leaned against it. She looked like she was ready to drop at any moment.

A familiar jumped at the red Magical Girl from the side and sliced her neck with a cleaver. Rather than getting decapitated though, Kyoko simply faded away.

"Rosso Fantasma," the real one said with a smirk as she stabbed the familiar through its back. Illusion magic, Kyoko's unique magic as a Magical Girl that came from her wish. It wasn't just limited to afterimages either, she could also leave Suggestions and thoughts in people's mind. It made her very useful when it came to dealing with and deceiving civilians for their own good. "See, still ready to fight," Kyoko said cheekily despite the fact that her limbs were still shaking. Her transformation undid itself, bringing her back in her plain hoodie and shorts. Mami

"You shouldn't be so reckless with your powers," Mami told her as she considered her outfit. She would have to take her clothes shopping sometime, her Junior really needed to diversify her wardrobe. "You know the toll it takes on your body to transform."

Unlike other Magical Girls, Kyoko could only keep her transformation up for short bursts of time due to the system of Magecraft already present in her body. In Archer's words, it was like trying to pour boiling water into a glass that had already been nearly filled. It would overflow and start rampaging in her body until she was able to increase the size of the vessel.

"Got to use everything I have to keep up," Kyoko waved her off. "Besides it's not as bad this time, I think I'm getting used to it."

"Last time you threw up and lost control of your limbs, forcing me to carry you home." It didn't help that Kyoko had been a nervous mess the entire time. 

Yes, the princess carry was necessary at the time because she couldn't even use her arms to hold on!

"Exactly, testing out my limits. Now go be a hero and take out that witch," Kyoko waved her away like she wasn't going to collapse at any moment.

Normally Mami would be harsher at her for exerting herself this much, but she could hardly bring herself to do so. She had nearly all her magical energy and the witch was now in front of her, there wasn't a need to consider sacrificing the few for the many with Kyoko around.

"I better show my appreciation for my Junior's efforts then," Mami replied as she pushed the door open and stepped inside with her rifles ready.

She was still the stronger of the two of them, though Kyoko was quickly catching up. Mami would have to double down on her training if she were to continue being the reliable Senior. For now, though, she would have to be satisfied with putting on an impressive performance for her to watch.

For Kyoko there was always awe inspiring about Mami as she fought. The way she danced gracefully around the witch, the deafening barrage of her rifles, and the mesmerizing twirls of her ribbons as they wrapped themselves around the battlefield, it all led to an absolute feast of the senses. Nearly overwhelming if not for her previous experience watching Archer.

Watching him fight was a whole other can of worms that she'd rather not get into though.

Using the ribbons as platforms, Mami quickly hopped to the top of the arena and pulled out her signature move once she reached the peak of her jump. A giant gun, larger than it had ever been before, appeared in the Magical Girl's hand as she pointed it at the witch and primed her shot.

"Tiro Finale!"

The gun fired with the force and sound of a missile, sending a giant ball of pure energy straight at the witch. The resulting explosion was as beautifully impressive as always, even more so as Mami gracefully landed on her feet and used the blast as a backdrop for drinking a cup of tea.

How she always had a cup of tea on hand, Kyoko never did find out. It was just pure style though, and Mami only seemed to get even stronger as time passed. Kyoko had no idea how she would ever catch up at this rate, but damn it if that would stop her from trying.

Eventually the mushroom cloud went away and a grief seed fell to the floor. The labyrinth collapsed and the two Magical Girls found themselves on a high-rise building overlooking much of Mitakihara.

"Well that's convenient," Kyoko commented as she let herself fall and lay down close to the edge of the building. She turned her head and enjoyed the sight. Mitihikara was a larger city than Kazamino was and that only made the skyline that much more impressive to look at. "Kill a witch and enjoy a nice view of the city you helped to protect." The only thing that was missing was the stars in the night sky, but eh you couldn't get everything.

"It certainly is a good reminder of what we're fighting for," Mami replied before gesturing toward the six unconscious people that were on the roof with them. "What about them?"

"None of them are badly injured and I already popped a Suggestion in their heads, Mams. They'll head downstairs when they wake up and won't remember a single thing." That thankfully didn't take too much of a toll on her body. Just a bit of magic from her Soul Gem.

"Then I guess I'll join you then." Mami joined her in viewing the skyline.

The two of them stared at the horizon for some time, in a rare moment of silence. Even Kyoko, as active as she was, could enjoy it. Though that might've been because she was still trying to recover from how sore her body was.

Once the pain had lightened up a little, Kyoko sat up and faced Mami. "You know, a couple months ago I was just some girl scavenging through her father's basement for something interesting to look at." Kyoko raised an arm in triumph. "Now I'm a kickass Magical Girl with cool Magecraft powers on top of that."

"I couldn't have imagined this sort of life for myself when I first started as a Magical girl," Mami admitted.

"We've grown a lot." Mami in more ways than others. The difference between their bodies had only become more… pronounced in the last year much to Kyoko's chagrin. Still didn't change the fact that Mami was enticing to look at, but it didn't help her own confidence when it turned out that they were the same age. It was a surprise to learn that they were both thirteen and not very pleasant to know once Archer started making the occasional offhand comment about it.

God help her she'd hit that growth spurt soon. If only to spite him!

Not that he said much nowadays. The man had become angry, broody, and quiet ever since she had made a contract. She was almost looking forward to whatever sarcastic quips he would make, if only to get some sort of reaction from him.

"Sakura." Mami was a real stickler for Japanese formality. Kyoko hadn't heard her call anyone by their first name, apart from Archer and that was because there was no other name to call him by.

"Yes Mami?" Kyoko asked.

"You know… you never told me what you wished for." Mami said.

"Ah sorry must've left my head. Why didn't you ask sooner?"

"I was about to ask the first time you showed me your transformation, but then you had a seizure."

"Oh yea," Kyoko scratched the back of her head. Errors had been made that day. Apparently there was only so much Od, Mana, and Soul Gem magic a Magical Circuit could hold and convert into Magical Energy at a given moment. The whole process had been a very painful revelation. On another note the excess magic that flooded her system ended up activating five more of her dormant circuits that day, so at least being sore for an entire week wasn't for nothing. "Well… I wished that people would come to my dad's church. Give him a chance and actually listen to him, you know?"

"Really?"

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"No, it's an… interesting wish, to have made it for your father's sake. Wasn't there something that you wanted personally?"

"I do," Kyoko admitted. "I wanted to help people, but my family came first. Now I'm going to keep trying to help people with the power I've gained. It's the least I can do for myself… and him"

"Archer, you mean?"

Kyoko crossed her arms and furrowed her brow. "He used to be quite the hopeless dreamer. A total idiot, but… admirable trying to chase after an impossible dream. I don't know what caused him to end up like this, but he hasn't exactly been supportive of my decision to become a Magical Girl."

"He cares though. He wouldn't stay if he didn't."

Kyoko stayed silent. She was the Master and he was the Servant. In the end it really wasn't like he had a choice, did he? He would continue serving so long as he existed in this world. What other options did he have apart from vanishing from this world.

She stood up and began balancing herself on the edge. "What do you want do to Mami?"

"What do I want?" Mami asked, confused.

"Yea. What do you want? I get you like helping people and all that, but is there something that you want to do for yourself? Something you can aim for in the future?"

"To be honest, I haven't thought much about that," Mami replied as she stared in the distance. "I made my wish to tie myself to life, but I've been so busy fighting witches. Learning to fight, saving people, surviving. I wanted to live, but I guess I never considered what I really wanted with the opportunity I received."

"Well I'm here now. I've got your back. It's the least I can do with how much you've helped me."

Mami turned back and smiled at her. "You do. Don't you?"

"I'll deal with my part if you do ever get into trouble, so don't worry about the witches. Go find a hobby, open a café or something once you're out of school. You're an excellent cook."

"Not as good as Archer though," Mami grumbled, annoyed.

"To be fair no one's as good as Archer when it comes to cooking," Kyoko replied. Despite everything he still made her a bento box for lunch every day and it was always absolutely delicious. Though where he got access to a kitchen was a question that she had never gotten an answer to. It couldn't be at her house; her Mother was there too often for him to have a chance to use the kitchen.

"It doesn't help that that man has to be so… insufferable about it. Why does he need to show me up like that?"

"How exactly is he showing you up? I mean, he doesn't do anything as long as you leave him alone when he's in the kitchen." It was just something you learned quickly with Archer. If he was cooking, then you did not bother him. Less you face the wrath of his spatula and frilly pink apron.

"It was mine in the first place!" Mami shouted. "You know how scared I was when I came home from school and found that he had broken into my apartment!? Just to cook! And he keeps doing it! I swear he just does it to infuriate me!"

Kyoko sheepishly scratched the back of her head. Well that answered that question. "Yea, sorry. My family doesn't know about him and my mom's usually home. Didn't know it was your kitchen he was using. Glad you didn't call the cops on him."

Mami sighed in exasperation. "I'm used to unexpected… guests with Kyubey, though it's much more disturbing when a grown man does it."

"I mean isn't Kyubey a boy?" Kyoko asked.

"Isn't she a girl?" Mami asked

I am genderless. Kyubey replied.

"Well that answers that question," Kyoko quipped as she turned toward Kyubey, hardly surprised by his sudden appearance. He just does that. Even Archer would get caught off guard by him sometimes. "What do you need?"

We have been recording your progress as both a modern Magus and Magical Girl. What we've compiled so far has been quite fascinating.

"I'm being studied," Kyoko replied plainly. She knew that already but wording it like kinda made it creepy.

Yes, are there any issues with that?

"What exactly have you been studying?" She never did get the details

Your family, your daily life, your interactions with others, and your body.

"My body?"

We've been closely observing how your Magical Circuits interact with your Soul Gem and taken note of any physical changes you've gone through with your current mindset.

"Wait, physical changes? What do you mean by that?"

Kyubey tilted its head. By allowing your body to grow at its previous natural course, you've grown an impressive three centimeters in height in the last four months. However, your breasts have had much more modest growth in contrast, which is peculiar considering your extensive and nutritious diet.

Kyoko jumped away from the creature and quickly covered her chest with her arms. "Are you-, have you been watching me in the shower!?"

We were informed by Mami that we should respect your privacy in your home.

"Then, how did you?"

We observed from your school’s locker room as you were changing your garments.

"Kyu- Kyubey," Mami, who looked just as crimson as Kyoko did, stammered. "That isn't quite what I meant when I told you to respect her privacy."

"Yea! You pervert!" Kyoko shouted.

I can assure you that I am incapable of being a pervert. We do not have the same physical or chemical responses that your species has when expressing mating intent.

"I apologize for Kyubey's sake," Mami said as she covered her face with her hands. "He doesn't intend it that way."

"Doesn't make it any less weird," Kyoko argued. "And stop doing whatever it is you've been doing with me."

It'll be much more difficult for us to acquire information if we aren't allowed to observe. Will you be willing to submit yourself for an examination once a month?

"No!... I don't know. We'll just… figure it out. Later alright?" Kyoko turned to Mami. "Doesn't Kyubey spend a lot of time at your apartment? Shouldn't you be worried about this?"

"I'm quite used to Kyubey's… eccentricities at this point. He doesn't mean any harm and it wasn't really an issue until now," Mami turned toward Kyubey. "It would be best if you avoided observing Kyoko for the time being. We'll figure something out later. Also, in the future please don't speak so freely when it comes to a woman's… assets."

We will consider your terms.

That wasn't a yes, but Kyoko had a feeling that it was the best she was going to get from the thing.

I'm back Archer, Kyoko mentally called out as she snuck through the window of her bedroom. She was met with silence. As usual. Sometimes she had to be a bit persistent to get an answer. Archer? Archeroni? Sarcastic dude in red?

I'm well aware Master, he finally replied.

Finally! Anything interesting happened while I was away?

Nothing.

Really?

Yes. I killed a witch. That was it.

You didn't think to tell me you were going to go hunting too?

Kyoko could practically see him shrug at her through his Astral form as she changed into her pajamas.

I perceived a threat and I dealt with it, he replied.

How did you even find one without a Soul Gem?

It's not hard now that I know to look for them.

Meaning he was probably scouring the city block from block, hoping to run straight into a labyrinth. Even for a Servant that had to be a time-consuming task.

Well our hunt went pretty well. Kyoko commented. Saved a bunch of people brought back a grief seed too.

You'd be dead if it didn't.

Jeez, thanks for the show of confidence.

I'm merely speaking the truth.

Well there are other ways of putting it!

Would you prefer I sugar coat all of my words?

Ok what's wrong with you!? You've been like this ever since I became a Magical Girl!

You know the answer to that question.

Kyoko couldn't help but groan in exasperation as she forcefully severed their mental connection. She hated just standing by and letting him act like this but confronting him about it never led anywhere.

"Why is he being such an ass?" she grumbled to herself. "You'd think the Throne would've given me a Heroic Spirit that didn't make me want to tear my hair out."

"Heroic Spirit?"

Kyoko turned toward her sister who was sitting up on her bed. "Aren't you supposed to be sleeping Momo?"

Momo tilted her head. "Aren't you supposed to be home at night?"

Tch. Cheeky brat. "I was helping a friend with something."

"And you couldn't let Papa or Mama know?"

"I don't think they'd let me help if they did," Kyoko admitted.

Momo began twiddling with her fingers. "Is this about that strange man you've been meeting up with?"

"Strange man?"

"The one in red and black."

Kyoko's breath hitch, her words stuck in her throat.

"Is he the one teaching you to do those magic tricks you showed me?" Momo asked.

"You were watching me?" Kyoko asked, disturbed. There were a few times when she and Archer had been walking on the streets together where they could be seen if her sister had been following them.

"I wanted to know where you were going." Momo didn't look guilty at all saying that, as if it was perfectly natural to follow her sibling around.

Archer! Kyoko quickly reestablished their mental connection. Did you know that Momo was following us?

For a month now.

Why didn't you say anything!?

You demanded that I hide us while training, not on the streets. She wasn't a threat, so I didn't have to say anything.

Archer I swear to god you can't ju-

Shouldn't you be more worried about your sister right now?

"Who do you keep talking to?" Momo asked

Damn it! Kyoko focused on her sister. "What do you mean by that? There's no one else here."

"You've been like this for months now. You keep making strange faces like you're talking to someone that's not here. Is it that man? Are you talking to him with magic?"

Jesus Christ, how observant was she? "Momo you can't just follow me around like that," Kyoko chastised her. "It's wrong, you sh-"

"Why am I wrong? You're the one running off every night."

"You shouldn't get involved."

"Why not?"

"Because you wouldn't understand."

"Why not!?"

"Because you're too young"

"THEN WHY ARE YOU TREATING ME LIKE I'M STUPID!"

Kyoko reeled back at her sister's sudden fury. It just didn't make sense. Momo didn't get angry like that, she was the younger gentler, if sometimes a bit bratty, sister. And yet now she was roaring with a rage to match Kyoko's own.

She's been holding this in for a long time now Master, Archer commented. Your parents aren't home by the way.

Well, their parents weren't home to hear this at least. Still didn't make it any easier getting screamed at by her own little sister.

"What was I supposed to do!?" Momo continued shouting. "You're always going off by yourself, telling me to keep your secrets when you don't even tell me anything! You keep asking me to help, but you don't even trust me!"

"Momo," Kyoko kneeled down and tried to put a hand on her sister's shoulder only for it to be angrily pushed away. "It's not that I don't trust you. I'm just worried."

"Worried that I'll make a mistake!? Because I'm so stupid apparently!"

"I'm worried that you'll get hurt."

Momo blinked. She was still tense, but she didn't seem as outraged as she was before.

"I'm doing something dangerous right now," Kyoko told her.

"How dangerous?" Momo asked.

"Very… but if I don't do anything a lot of other people could get hurt... I need to do this"

Momo looked down at her knees and stayed silent for some time. "D-do you really need to help them?" she eventually asked.

"Momo?"

"You're helping other people but what about us? Papa and Mama have been so busy with all the people suddenly coming to church. Don't they need help too?"

"I-"

"What about me?" Momo asked with tears in her eyes. "They're busy and you're always out there. I'm… lonely."

Kyoko immediately grabbed her sister and threw her arms around her. She held her closely, afraid that she was going to lose her at any moment. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking about how you felt."

"Y-you weren't," Momo choked as she ineffectually punched her. "You ne-never think about how I fe-feel."

Kyoko only tightened her embrace as Momo continued to berate her. She deserved it after all. For hurting her family as much as she did. In her efforts to be a hero she had failed to see how much she had been neglecting them. She had thought that her wish would've solved everything for them, or at least made it so that she could pursue her own dream in peace. It was one thing to sacrifice herself in the pursuit of helping others, it was another when her family began suffering due to her actions.

Eventually Momo returned the hug and all that could be heard in the room was her sobbing against Kyoko's chest. The two of them stayed like that for some time.

"Do you want to do something tomorrow?" Kyoko asked as she finally let her sister go.

"But what about school?"

"We can skip a day. Let's do what you want alright? Anything you want."

It was about time she took Momo somewhere nice now that they had the money. Her father's church had received a lot of donations since she had made her wish.

"Won't people notice we're gone?" Momo asked.

"Don't worry I have a few… tricks I can use on them. We won't get into any trouble." It was simple enough. Just needed to use a Suggestion or two on their teachers and whoever asked questions as to why two kids were out playing in the city during a school day.

"I… always wanted to go to the amusement park," Momo said.

"Then we'll go there. Just the two of us."

"Really?" Momo looked up at her hopefully.

"Really. Now go to bed. We got an early day tomorrow." Kyoko turned to get to her own bed.

"Big sis?"

"Yes Momo?"

"Do you think we could sleep together again? It's been a long time."

Kyoko replied by turning around and making her way to Momo's bed. It was a bit of a tight fit and she had to hold her sister closely for there to be enough room, but she didn't mind. Neither of them did. Despite everything, ite was a natural thing for the two of them.

"Good night Momo."

Momo snuggled herself closely to her.

"Good night Kyoko."

Chapter Text

"Kyoko! Kyoko! Let's go on the spinning teacups!"

"Alright Momo, slow down," Kyoko said with a smile on her face as she casually ran after her sister. A bit ironic coming from her, but they had all day to have fun. Especially when a bit of magic was all it took to get them to the front of the line. Probably not the most morally responsible thing to use her magic for, but the bright smile on Momo's face was worth it. Just so long as Mami didn't hear about it. She always did have a lecture or two about misusing magic on the civilians

You sure you don't want to come and join us? Kyoko asked her servant. Momo's mood was incredibly infectious, to the point that she considered inviting him despite his recent attitude.

No. I'll keep hunting, have your fun, Archer replied before heading elsewhere.

Well, more grief seeds for her then.

They deftly cut the line thanks to Kyoko's magic and took their seat on the red teacup that Momo picked out. Momo always liked red, though she rarely wore it herself, instead going for mostly green with her clothes. Something about red not suiting her, even though Kyoko constantly assured her that it did.

Once the ride started, Momo wasted no time in grabbing the wheel in the center and pushing on it with all her might. The resulting spin was quite exhilarating, and Kyoko began adding her own Reinforced pushes once Momo had tired out.

She might've ended up overdoing judging by how her sister was wobbling on her legs after the ride had ended, but at least she had fun. Even if she did end up wobbling over to the nearest trash can, leaning her over the top, and- Oh boy that wasn't good.

Kyoko quickly Projected a napkin so Momo could use it to wipe her mouth when she was done. Gradation Air was the proper term for that magic and it wasn't something that she really used, mostly because she wasn't nearly as efficient or capable at it as Archer was with his Tracing. She had recently given up practicing that field of magic altogether and instead focused on her Reinforcement, Flame Magecraft, Mental Interference, and Illusions.

"Why don't we take a break and get you some ginger ale?" Kyoko suggested as she gently rubbed Momo's back.

Her sister nodded and they took a break at the closest bench after getting their drinks. After some time, the color returned to Momo's cheeks and she looked ready to start playing around again.

"Hey, big sis."

"Yes Momo?"

"Could you tell me about that man, the one I saw with you?"

"Ah," Kyoko gripped her bottle of milk tea tightly. "He's a uh… skilled Magus that's been teaching me Magic."

"What's his name?"

"Archer."

"Archer? Nothing else?"

"It's just Archer."

"Can he… also use a bow?"

"He can. Very well. He's also a very dangerous swordsman."

"So, he's a mage, bowman, and swordsman? That's so cool."

Kyoko huffed. "Well I can use spears and fire."

"Cool! Can you show me?"

"Uh…" Kyoko glanced at the crowd of people around them that were more or less ignoring them. Shooting flames out of her hand though would probably be a lot harder to ignore and wipe from people's memories. "Some other time."

"Okay." Momo began kicking her legs. "Could I learn magic?"

"I guess," Kyoko replied without much thought. "I'll see what I can do, you just have to make sure to keep it a secret from everyone else." She took a sip of her milk tea. "Why do you want to learn?"

"Because I want to fight with you." Kyoko spat out her drink. She coughed and began wiping her mouth with the back of the hand before Momo handed her the same napkin that she had Projected for her. "You said you were fighting something dangerous right? Maybe I could help."

Kyoko quickly wiped her mouth clean and erased the object from the world. "No."

"Why not?"

"You're still a kid."

"So are you!"

"I'm a teenager. Big difference."

"No, it isn't!"

"Yes it is. I at least had my time of the month already."

"Mom keeps mentioning it, but I still don't know what that is."

"You'll find out in a couple of years." And it would be a jarring, messy, and overall unpleasant experience that will likely end up scarring her for a lifetime. Kyoko shuddered as she remembered her first time. Blood, so much blood, and it had to happen right in front of Archer while they were sparring. The fact that he realized it before she had and immediately Projected the necessary hygiene supplies didn't help. The man had the nose of a Goddamn bloodhound. "Until then, you're still a brat. And brats should be safe at home."

Momo pouted. "Can't I watch please?"

"You can come for training but not during the hunts. And I'll talk with Archer about what we can teach you. Alright?"

"Fine." Momo agreed before looking at a nearby rollercoaster. "Let's go on that one next!"

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Kyoko looked at her doubtfully. "Made a bit of a mess in that trashcan back there."

Momo pouted. "That's because you were spinning the teacup too hard."

"You wanted me to!"

"You're the older one. Maybe you shouldn't have agreed."

Tch. Her sister really was such a cheeky little brat.

Thankfully it turned out that getting sick did little to dissuade Momo for the rest of the day they were at the park. In fact, throwing up had seemed to give her a second wind and they had absolutely gorged themselves on carnival food once they were done with the rides. The food was a bit pricey on top of the costs of the tickets, but they had some spending money now that people were attending their father's sermons.

"That was so much fun sis!" Momo said cheerfully as she skipped cheerfully despite the long day they had. Likely the sugar rush from all that funnel cake, she'd end up crashing soon enough.

"Of course. You were with me all day," Kyoko replied confidently.

"We should do this again! With Mama and Papa!"

"Sure."

It'd be a bit difficult matching her schedule with theirs, but what sort of Hero would she be if she couldn't make some time for her family?

Kyoko ran forward and grabbed Momo, who let out a cheerful squeal, before setting her on her shoulders. She then began effortlessly running with her back home using some Reinforcement to enhance her limbs.

The beauty of the setting sun, the cheerful laugh of her sister atop her shoulders. It had been a long time since she and her sister had fun like this, to have a moment where they could let it all out and enjoy themselves. This had proved to be a near perfect day.

Which was why it was jarring when Momo suddenly stopped laughing and remained silent as she stared at a certain direction. Kyoko looked up at her sister, wondering what was wrong, when she felt an overbearing presence a few seconds later.

"Kyoko… what is that?" Momo asked nervously.

Kyoko immediately set her sister down and looked at carefully. "You can feel that?"

Momo nodded.

Kyoko's breath hitched. Her sister wasn't a Magus or a Magical Girl, yet she had somehow felt that Witch's presence before she had. That meant she was incredibly sensitive to magic, and Witches were attracted to people like that.

"Momo," Kyoko kneeled down and firmly looked her sister in the eye. "You need to go home. Right now."

"What are you going to do?"

"This is the dangerous thing I was talking about. I'm going to deal with it and meet you back at the house for dinner."

"Let me help!"

"No," Kyoko firmly grabbed her shoulders. "This thing could hurt you really badly if you get involved. If you want to help, then tell Mom and Dad that I was studying with my friends and lost track of the time. I don't want them to worry, alright."

Momo looked at her desperately but didn't refuse her request. "Make sure you come back."

"I will. I'll see you at dinner tonight," Kyoko told her before running off in the direction where she felt the presence.

Archer was too far to contact mentally and Mami was still off in Mitakihara, which meant that she'd have to deal with this herself. She could always use a Command Seal to call on Archer from wherever he currently was, but hopefully that wouldn't be necessary.

Despite her reinforced legs though, she couldn't feel herself getting closer to it no matter how much she ran. She tried picking up speed, but the Witch still wasn't getting any closer, as if it was matching her speed with its own. She was forced to make a slight detour to get to a bridge to cross a river, but the Witch didn't get farther either despite the extra time she took to get around.

It was when Kyoko finally stopped on her feet that she realized that something was up. It just didn't make sense. Even if the Witch could detect her from this far away, why would it put in the effort to maintain the same distance between them? With that speed it could've easily run away or ambushed her by now, but instead it just decided to stop moving at the same time she did.

Was it playing with her? Or was something tricky about it that she wasn't considering?

She took out her Soul Gem and looked at it. It was lighting up, but even that light didn't change in intensity no matter how much she walked. There was no mistake that she was detecting a Witch's magic, but it was as if it wasn't actually th-

Kyoko immediately pivoted on her feet and ran back the way she had come.

A decoy, somehow the Witch had left enough of its magic behind to act as a decoy, misleading any Magical Girls that would've tried to follow it. There was no telling where it would be right now, but if Witches were attracted to strong Magical presences…

She doubled down on her Reinforcement as she ran for the path that Momo would've taken to get home.

Please god, let her sister be safe.

Archer had to admit, Momo was a cute kid. A bit of a cheeky brat sometimes, but otherwise a good kid. She deserved to spend some time with her older sister and not have a Servant ruin their fun.

Besides, he spent most of his time nowadays on his own. He was still a Servant despite everything and would be there when needed, but that didn't mean he wanted to be there to see what his Master and that yellow haired Magical Girl were doing.

That was how he found himself inside the city of Kamihama. The stench of something strange permeated the entire city, so strong that he could detect it even standing on top of the highest building he could find. He was no bloodhound, despite what his Master claimed, but rather his nose was capable of detecting disturbances in the Order of the World. Apparently Witches and Magical Girls could apparently be categorized as such things, allowing him to sniff them out according to his Master. True enough, even if that wasn't technically how that worked.

Either way, it was a clear sign of the large population of Magical Girls and Witches that operated in this city, much larger and more active than Kazamino. Could be dangerous if he got caught up in that without preparation, but thankfully it was simple enough to hide his presence from any girls that happened to glance at where he stood.

He had already located a pair, one girl with long blue hair and another with short silver hair. They stood close to each other, close friends most likely, and were laughing about something inconsequential as they entered a candy store together.

Two more girls that had chosen to fight in an endless war. He'd have called them fools, but considering his own situation and the fact that the Holy Grail War had existed because of the lengths people would go for a single wish… Well at this point he could hardly blame them, especially since most of them were just children. Even his master had some leniency on his part despite the means he took to avoid her.

That was mostly due to her dream to be a hero, even if it wasn't the same dream that he had once followed.

In general, he didn't like heroes that much. His qualms weren't with the ideology of heroism, but rather the many would be heroes who failed to keep to these ideals they supposedly followed and failed to see the hypocrisy in their beliefs. It also didn't help that many of them were just too focused on inconsequential things like honor, wealth, or fame and often failed to do what was needed to be done because of it. There was only one hero that he was particularly fond of, but he had long since failed to save her heart.

It was as he was reminiscing over what memories he could recall of his hero, that he noticed a girl with shoulder length gray hair on another roof. He watched as the girl set down her belongings, a book, a carton of milk, and an unopened packet of bread, before leaning against the railing. It would be easy to assume she had come to the rooftop to have lunch; except she wasn't anywhere near a school despite wearing a uniform. There was a vacant look on the one eye he could see that wasn't covered by her hair, a look that was eerily reminiscent to him.

That was why he had already tensed his legs by the time she started climbing over the railing. He jumped into action and dived toward even before she threw herself off the rooftop. As she fell though, the vacant expression left her face only to be replaced by fear. She had regretted her decision. Many people that chose to commit suicide were said regret their decision, though unfortunately it was often too late by the time they realized their mistake.

This time though he was able to leap from a rooftop, bounce off another wall, and grab her in his arms at the halfway point between the girl and the ground. They flew in the air for a brief moment before gravity finished its work and sent them downwards. He landed harshly, his feet causing cracks into the pavement below him, but otherwise he had been unharmed. As was the girl, who was currently too shocked for words and was staring at him in shock.

"You chose a good time to drop in."

Ah… sarcasm probably wasn't the best thing for a girl that had just attempted suicide. It was just his default response for most situations.

Archer then noticed something peculiar about the girl. It was hard to notice from a distance, but now that he held her up close, he could see that she had potential. Potential for both his Contract and the Incubator's.

A coincidence? Or maybe it was Fate and his E rank luck screwing with him again.

He lowered his arms slowly and let the girl stand at her own pace. Eventually they stood facing one another, him looking down with his grey eyes and her looking up with her vibrant blue.

Normally he would just walk away after saving a stranger. He didn't need the recognition or the praise for doing what he needed to do, and he wasn't in this world to make friends. However, this girl was in a fragile state. Walking away in silence and leaving her alone now would likely make her more depressed and confused.

Her mouth opened slightly but no sound came out. She looked down sullenly and crossed her arms. Shy, quiet, someone whose words didn't come easily. She had thoughts, something that she wanted to express, but couldn't due to her trouble speaking.

"It's fine you don't have to say anything," Archer said.

The girl closed her eyes as tears began to form and gripped her arms tighter.

Ah… that was the wrong thing to say. There was something that this girl wanted to tell him, she simply couldn't.

"Are you mute?" he asked.

She shook her head again. It was still an issue if she had this much trouble with words. Best to use another way to communicate.

He projected a simple leather-bound black notebook and a pen in his hands. He handed both to the girl. "You can write it down instead," he suggested.

The girl slowly reached out for the objects, carefully grabbed them, and then held them against her chest. After a few seconds she would open up the notebook and begin writing.

Thank you

Her penmanship was immaculate.

"Don't mention it," he said plainly. She was… familiar to him for some reason.

The girl looked at him from the bottom up and then quickly looked away before writing again.

How did you save me? I was so high up.

"I jumped."

She raised her eyes and looked at him once more.

Are you some sort of superhero?

"No. A mage."

The girl's eyes widened even more.

Magic?

"Yes"

I didn't think it existed.

"It does, in several forms. If a strange white cat starts talking to you don't listen to it," he decided to warn her.

White cat?

"You'll see."

The girl brought her pen to the notebook once more, only to hesitate. Her pen shook as she slowly began to write, though Archer could already tell what she was asking before she finished with the first word.

Why?

"Because you wanted someone to save you."

If she still had that vacant expression when she fell, if she hadn't regretted her decision, then he would've let her hit the ground… No, even then he would've gone to help. That was the part of himself that would never change, that compulsion to help people in trouble if they were in front of him. Even if his help wouldn't be good for them in the first place. Even as he was forced to kill millions of innocents all under the duty and control of Alaya.

In the end his desire to help people didn't make him right. There were some fates where death was the easier, better option.

Tears began to flood the girl's eyes. In the end though she had wanted to be saved.

I didn't want to die.

She barely finished writing before the tears began streaming down her face. She held the notebook tightly against her body as she wept.

He laid his hand on her head and rubbed it gently as she cried. After what she had been through, she was going to need this. Thankfully a quick spell or two was all it took to get stop any potential prying eyes.

It was only after some time passed, did she finally compose herself and start writing in the notebook again.

I just couldn't handle it anymore… This world-

"Is harsh. And people are horrible, terrible, and cruel creatures." Archer replied. Before and after he had been abandoned by his dream, he had seen humanity at its worst countless times. No matter how many he saved, how many he killed, there would always be more suffering and evil to come.

Because I can't speak… everyday they kept hurting me. Making fun of me, throwing away my things.

Bullying. It might seem rather inconsequential compared to his issues, but he had seen what constant abuse could do to a kind and gentle soul. Some found the strength to carry on despite that. Others… well he couldn't blame them for wanting to take the easy way out.

But what could he do? He might've stopped her from committing suicide, but that didn't solve the issues she had. She still had trouble speaking, she would be a victim on a daily basis, and it was likely that she would eventually head back to that roof once again. He hadn't saved her.

It was never easy to save someone, especially when he already had his own Master to worry about. There was little he could do bar tracking down all of her bullies or carpet bombing her school for letting it get to this point.

Not that he would carpet bomb anything that wasn't a Servant or his past alternate self, though there was that one strange timeline where Rin had been especially keen on him doing that to an entire city. Definitely one of the stranger timelines, especially when everyone kept mistaking him for Satan.

Well, Actually Satan. The Actually part was important for some reason.

"You still have hope… it's why you didn't want to die. You either have a reason to live… or still want to find it," Archer said, focusing on the girl in front of him.

I don't think I have one. I don't know how to find it.

"I find that the solitude of a rooftop helps me think. To consider things. If you do ever find you reason, hold onto it. There is… some beauty in this world, something that you can live for out there. If you can't find it or even that runs dry… at least try to make it painless."

It was the advice he could give as someone who had lived entirely on an ideal, only to lose everything and still continue to exist anyway. If she ever grew certain that she wanted to leave this world… well then, he'd make sure to stay away if he happened to be in the area.

I'll try.

The girl handed him back the notebook and pen.

Rather than have them disappear though, Archer began working his Magecraft onto it. "Trace on."

Normally projections would disappear once Gaia's influence eroded the magic that created it, unless provided with an indefinite supply of energy. His personal Tracing on the other hand, with a bit more effort, could create stable ordinary objects that indefinitely remained. So long as they weren't destroyed or damaged, then they wouldn't disappear.

"Here," he said as he handed it back to her. A gift… that was all he could give her before he had to go back to his Master. "Since it'll help you communicate."

She looked grateful if a bit surprised by his gesture as she took the notebook and pen.

Thank you. Could I get your name?

"Archer"

"R… Ren… Isuzu…," the girl was able to let out after some effort. "I hope… you find… what you're looking for. A reason… to live."

Ren bowed before walking away as Archer watched her in silence. She was more observant than he had expected. Or perhaps she just knew. It didn't matter though, whether he found a reason to live in this world or not. One that wasn't simply because it was better than the alternative of continuing his works as a Counter Guardian.

He was a Heroic Spirit, a copy summoned to this world by the Throne. The actual Archer who had been recorded, the real Archer, would never be saved. So, was there any point for him to stay? Would it even be worth it to live for that hope, only for it to eventually abandon him in the end anyway?

Unfortunately more pressing issues to worry about before he could consider this.

"What are you doing here, Incubator?" He turned to the creature in question that stood on top of a trash can, shaking its tail like it always did. Where a person with potential was, the Incubator was likely to follow.

I was simply ready to grant a wish. She would've likely wished to be saved, had you not interfered.

"Good. Now go off and find another mark," Archer replied as he walked away. He had long since given up on trying to kill its bodies, at least when it wasn't in his own territory at Kazamino. Too much work for the both of them. Best to just avoid each other when they could.

I will, though I predict that another opportunity to contract with the girl will come soon enough.

Once he was out of sight from the Incubator, Archer returned to his Astral form. He fully intended to explore the rest of the city, only to loop back around and keep an eye on Ren from a distance. She eventually arrived home where she would be greeted at the door by her parents. The genuine smile she gave them seemed to suggest that she was loved.

Of course, appearances could be deceiving, but there didn't seem to be anything wrong with her home life on initial observation. Still, he knew how bad bullies could get in school and a shy quiet girl like her… it wasn't hard to see why she would commit suicide. It brought back some unpleasant memories of an old classmate of his. They had that same empty look on their face at times.

Perhaps that was why he was putting in more effort than he normally would for someone he had just met. Regret over a past that he wished to change. Regret for the countless timelines that showed what he could've, what he should've done.

Archer! I command you to be by my side!

It seemed that duty called once again.

He quickly disappeared and left little trace of himself, apart from a leather clad black notebook and a pebble he just happened to shift into the middle of the path he was standing. A pebble that could easily trip a random bystander that happened to step on it.

The first thing that Archer noticed on his arrival was the stench of fresh blood and flame behind him. It was then overpowered by the stench of rotting, burning wood in front of him. His eyesight then cleared, and he noticed the giant spiked arm being reared back and swung his way.

"I am the Bone of my Sword."

He didn't move an inch as the arm collided with the giant stone axe-sword that he held in his hand. It was taller than him by a foot and twice as wide, but it suited its purpose for this moment. The unnamed weapon of the Hero Heracles and what allowed Archer to use his variation of the Greek hero's Nine Lives Technique. Rather than use that though, Archer grabbed the weapon with both his arms like one would a bat. There really wasn't much swordsmanship or technique to be applied to a weapon like this, just raw brute strength. He swung hard, striking the bottom of the Witch and cleaving through its waist as he sent it hurtling a significant distance away.

With the Witch now pushed back, Archer spared a glance to where his Master stood protectively in front of her sister

Several long gashes across her red dress and a few spikes embedded in her stomach and calf. Bad wounds, but nothing fatal and perfectly within the realm for a Magical Girl to heal. The real issue was Momo was obviously very distraught at seeing her sister wounded that badly. Thankfully there wasn't too much blood, his Master had the sense to cauterize her wounds.

"Archer! Protect Momo! I'll finish it off!"

In addition to his Master's injury it was clear that she was already at the limit her body could handle. Her transformation had already begun to fade leaving her in her casual clothes.

The Witch was picking itself up slowly, a result of its missing arm and its leg that had been torn apart when he had struck it.

Ignoring his Master's order, Archer Projected his black bow in one hand.

It was possible his Master could defeat the injured Witch if she continued to push her Magecraft past her limits, but not without causing great damage to her body in the process. They still didn't know how sturdy a Magical Girl's body was, but he was not going to risk it.

In his other hand appeared a modified version of the Spiral Rainbow Sword wielded by Fergus. Caladbolg II, The Fake Spiral Sword. A twisted and distorted version of its original, hardly suitable to be used as a sword.

He nocked his Projection against his bow. The space around began to distort as he pulled back the string of his bow.

Which was why he used it as an arrow.

"Caladbolg."

The arrow activated, he released his shot, and it flew the Witch in a spiraling blue light. It landed against the Witch's chest, creating an explosion that ravaged its body and engulfing it in flame.

"The threat has been dealt with Master," Archer replied plainly as he turned to his Master who looked mad but not truly infuriated by what he had done. Just annoyed that he disobeyed orders and stepped on her pride for dispatching that Witch in her stead.

Even if she was angrier than he had expected, her little sister next to her would be enough to stop her from having an outburst. As it was his Master was already calming down as Momo grabbed her arm.

"Are you okay sis?" Momo asked.

"The Witch got a lucky hit. I'll be fine," Kyoko reassured her.

"Lucky hit or not, a mistake will get you killed," Archer commented.

"The Witch was going for Momo! What else was I supposed to do differently!?" his Master shouted at him.

"Nothing."

She paused and stared at him.

"Your mistake was trying to finish the Witch yourself, instead of getting to safety with Momo and commanding me to deal with it. Otherwise, you were moving to protect someone close to you. Do the same next time, but learn to do it better."

That seemed to take away most of the wind off his Master's sail. "I thought you were against me being reckless."

"For yourself when you're trying to prove something. If it's for someone else though…" Well he'd be even more of a hypocrite then he already was if he called her out on that. "It's still preferable for you to call on me and deal with threats before that ever becomes necessary."

His master began scratching the back of her neck and sighed. Any anger or annoyance she felt seemed to have left her body. "I'll keep that in mind. Momo, say hi to Archer."

"Hi… Mr. Archer," Momo greeted hesitantly as she hid behind her sister.

Archer gave the little girl a polite wave as the labyrinth began collapsing around them. Unfortunately, a labyrinth's existence made it impossible to discern what was happening in the outside world until the Witch was defeated.

Which was why none of them were prepared to find his Master's father at the backdoor of his Church.

The priest stared wide-eyed first at Archer and his bow, then at his Master who still held a spear in one hand and Momo in the other.

*Clank*

The grief seed fell onto the ground. The only noise that was made as everyone continued to stare at each other in silence.

Well, this wasn't going to end well.

Chapter Text

The first thing that Kyoko’s father had done after he had regained his composure was drag all of them, Archer included, into his office. She knew for a fact that he rarely let anyone inside his office, even his own children, so it was a testament to how serious the situation had become.

“What are you?” Her father demanded as he stood next to his desk.

“A Magical Girl…” Kyoko told him

“Magical Girl,” his eyes narrowed in disbelief. “This isn’t a game, Sakura.”

Kyoko flinched. He only ever called them by their last names if he was truly enraged. “I’m a Magical Girl and a Magus.”

“Magus?”

“Those who practice Magecraft.”

“And what is Magecraft?”

“It's… magic that can only do what is scientifically possible,” Kyoko replied as she created a ball of fire in the palm of her hands. She would’ve shown him her transformation, but she was still recovering from her previous exertion.

Her father looked at the flame in shock and fear. “The Devil’s power?”

“No,” Archer commented.

Kyoko’s father turned to glare at Archer. “And you are?”

Just tell him. Just tell him everything Archer. Kyoko instructed.

“Her Servant,” Archer replied.

“Servant?”

Kyoko removed her gloves and the magic cast on her hand to reveal the Command Seals underneath. Of the three pairs of red marks originally there, only two remained a vibrant red. A result of her using them to summon her Servant. She had thought it was worth it to save her sister, but she was reconsidering things due to her current circumstances.

“I am a Heroic Spirit summoned by my Master to serve her purposes,” Archer explained.

“Summoning? Witchcraft?” Kyoko stepped back as her father turned back to her. “Did you make a pact with the Devil?”

Not this again, Archer grumbled.

What? Kyoko asked

Nothing. Just… nostalgia

“No,” she immediately denied it. “I found a book in the church’s basement, and I ended up summoning him.”

“Was it a thick book hidden in an alcove with strange symbols hidden on it?” the priest asked.

“Yes… how did you know?”

“I hid it there. It was a cursed thing that suddenly appeared in my Church one day. Any attempts to destroy it and the amulet failed. It was clearly temptation from the devil meant to drag people to ruin!”

“I do not know of the circumstances that would’ve brought the book here and the catalyst used to summon me to your Church,” Archer admitted. “But I can assure you that I am not the Devil and that he wasn’t involved in this.”

“What do you have to say about this, demon?”

“I am no demon. I am a Magi.”

“A servant to a demon then. A Witch.” The priest glared at Kyoko. “You turned her into one of your kind?”

“We are Magi. We do not draw our powers from hell, but from the Root.”

“The Root?”

“The Akashic Records. The force that exists at the top of all theories in every dimension, as well as the source of all events and phenomena in the universe. It exists outside of time, and archives information of all possibilities and events, past, present, and future of the world. It is where all souls, including Heroic Spirits, originate from and where they return after death.”

Kyoko being the only who had heard this lecture previously could, only stand there awkwardly as her father and sister stared at her Servant in confused silence.

They both turned to her.

She nodded in agreement.

“That’s… blasphemy. Your lies will not work on me.” The priest eventually replied though there was some hesitation in his voice.

“I am simply speaking of a different interpretation of Heaven, as the Root is occasionally known as.” Archer continued despite the growing outrage on her father’s face. “For many Magi their ultimate goal is to reach the root through their own effort.”

“Heaven is a gift from God!” the priest shouted at the Servant. “To the sinners who had found the Lord and truly wished for salvation. It is not something to be earned because we are undeserving. It is only by his grace and mercy that we are saved!”

“I can’t deny or confirm the existence of your Almighty God,” Archer replied plainly. “But the Root is real, any second-rate Magus can tell you that. Any Divine Being could tell you that, had they still existed once the Age of Gods had passed.”

“Gods? There is only one God.”

“Perhaps only one Almighty God as your bible says. Maybe not. But there do exist beings with the power and existence to be considered Gods. Gods celebrated in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and other religions because they had once existed and had an influence on this world. It is also said that to touch the Root is a path to becoming a being like a God.”

“Y-you are a demon. Trying to lead me to sin. You are but a challenge to my faith sent by the Devil! It is impossible for men to become God!”

“I have been called many things, a demon by many for my actions. But I speak the truth. That is what you must accept.”

By the end of it her father had become eerily silent and stared at her as if she was some sort of alien.

“Go...” was all he said as he pointed to the door. They all took that as permission to flee the room and church. The sun had long since set and there was a chill in the night air, though Kyoko was hardly affected by it.

Momo shivered though and Archer had already Projected a coat for her to wear before Kyoko could move to help.

“That… went badly,” Kyoko replied. She held Momo’s hand tightly as they walked home. There was no way she was letting go now.

“Is Papa going to be okay?” Momo asked nervously.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine Momo,” Kyoko reassured her sister.

“No, you can’t be certain,” Archer said.

Kyoko turned back. “Archer?”

“What would a man like him so hard set in his beliefs do to anything that doesn’t conform to those same beliefs?” Archer asked them.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“That book didn’t conform so he hid it away. You also do not conform.”

Kyoko froze, having finally realized what he was saying. “But I’m his daughter.”

“Whose very existence as a Magical Girl rejects everything that he believed in. Whose wish, a power that he believes comes from the Devil, was what brought him his believers in the first place. What will that do to a man who stubbornly clings to his beliefs if he were to find out?”

“…”

“In the end, for you two to still coexist it was necessary for him to know the entire truth. From there he will accept it or won’t. There is a good chance that it is the latter.”

“What happens if he doesn’t then?”

Archer looked at the both of them with a face that showed centuries, no, thousands of years of experience. Of a mind and soul torn away by time, until all that was left was resignation. Resignation and a grief flicker of pity. “Then you cannot exist in his life.”

Kyoko’s father never said much about what happened in his Church. In fact, he never said much of anything to her. Instead, he took great effort in ignoring her and drinking his worries away. He never drank before and once he began there was a clear change in the way he behaved. He wasn’t violent, not yet at least, but everyone else in the household avoided him when he had a bottle in his hands. There was almost always a bottle in his hands.

“Perhaps you should move out Master,” Archer suggested one night at the park where she and Momo ate the dinner, he made for them. It was simply too suffocating at home to eat comfortably there.

Momo had nearly choked on her food. “What!? You’re leaving?”

“No Momo,” Kyoko glared at Archer. “I’m not abandoning my family.”

“Family and those closest to you are the ones capable of hurting you the most,” Archer said.

“That doesn’t mean I give up on them!”

“A good principle, but families can be incredibly fragile. Blood might be thick, but we decide who we consider family. Your father has yet to come to that decision.”

“It still doesn’t mean I should abandon him while he’s still trying to cope!”

“You’re not abandoning him. It’s a strategic retreat and a needed break for you two,” Archer argued. “He hasn't reacted well to your presence. Perhaps if you left the house and gave him time to himself, he might be able to think a bit more clearly. If not, then at least you’re out of the way when he does try something.”

“He’s my father! He wouldn’t do anything to us,” Kyoko argued.

“He might be your father… but that doesn’t mean he can’t harm you. Even with the best of intentions.”

“But I don’t want my big sis to leave,” Momo cried out. “Let’s just go talk to Papa together again! He has to understand?”

Archer shook his head. “That’ll make things worse, if anything we should take Momo along with us.”

“What!?” both sisters shouted as they both put down their bento boxes.

“She’s already involved. The environment at your house isn’t good for a child either.”

“And running away from home is!?” Kyoko shouted.

“It’s safer than staying in that house. I have some money saved up. Enough for a room at a hotel for a few weeks. Nothing fancy, but clean.”

“It isn’t that bad-”

“It is. And it’ll likely get much worse.”

Kyoko looked at her sister who was about ready to cry again. Momo was so young, yet she was watching her world collapse around her. It was all Kyoko’s own fault that her little sister was going through all this. She needed to find a way to fix this, but she didn’t know how.

“Archer… let’s give him a bit more a bit more time. I’m sure he’ll get better,” Kyoko suggested.

“… As you command, Master.”

That night their father, during an argument with their mother, threw an empty beer bottle in the house. It ended up slamming against the wall right next to where Momo’s head was. She wasn’t hurt thankfully, but it was all the incentive Kyoko needed to quickly pack their bags and leave the house before their parents noticed they were gone.

Where are we going? Archer asked as they made their escape. The hotel I suggested is in the other direction.

You’ll see.

Mami hummed to herself as she put the base of the tea cake in the oven before preparing the milk frosting. The humming got even louder as she quickly whipped the bowl of cream with her whisk.

She and Kyoko were going to spend an afternoon together drinking tea and eating cake, something they planned for weeks already. It was nice to have guests at the apartment and she was grateful to have met Kyoko. Her only real regrets were the moments when she went into the kitchen to find Archer cooking something again.

Was it strange that she had gotten rather used to him just breaking in whenever he wanted? Well, at least he wasn’t the worst intruder she could have on a regular basis. He did his tasks quickly, never made a mess, and only ever spoke when spoken to. His presence became at most a minor annoyance.

The doorbell rang. Mami set down the bowl and made her way to the door.

Who could that be so late at night? If it was an intruder with ill intent, well usually a bit of magic to tie them up and musket to the face was enough to chase them away.

Rather than an intruder though, Mami opened the door to find Kyoko, another girl that looked similar to Kyoko, and a grumpy looking Archer with a pair of packed bags that he carried in each hand.

“Hey Mams… could we stay at your place for a bit?” Kyoko asked.

Mami glanced at Kyoko’s guilty face, the other girl’s confused face, and Archer’s annoyed one. The last one was, admittedly, all the incentive she needed. She took a deep breath, put on the biggest smile she could, and welcomed them inside.

After letting them in she was introduced to Momo, and well Kyoko’s little sister certainly made a good first impression.

“Thank you for letting us stay at your home, Ms. Tomoe,” Momo said quietly and with a slight bow of her head.

They two sisters might’ve looked quite similar but the younger one was very polite and actually respected Japanese formality. Not that Mami disliked Kyoko’s straightforward manner of address, but to have someone in the apartment that was actually fairly eloquent was a welcome addition. Which was strange considering she was the youngest one there, but well try to get Archer and Kyoko to act polite.

The only way that was happening was with a wish.

“You’re welcome,” Mami replied as she set down some tea for everyone there. Even Archer, who simply took his cup and remained standing. “I apologize I couldn’t bring any snacks. The cake is still being baked.”

“You were making it for tomorrow?” Kyoko said as she continued to sniff the air and stare at the kitchen. “Smells great Mams.”

“Thank you,” Mami replied as she took her own seat. “So, is there a reason you need to stay at my apartment?”

It took a bit of time for Kyoko to explain what had happened, especially because it seemed to pain her to talk about it. Archer would often have to help in the blanks or speed things along at moments where she was reluctant to speak.

“So, if I understand the situation correctly.” Mami put down her teacup. “Kyoko and Momo’s father found about her being a Magical Girl.”

“Yes.” Kyoko stared into her own untouched tea. “He hasn’t been taking it well.”

“It’s to be expected considering the world we live in, that’s why Kyubey encourages us to keep that part of our lives secret even from our families… However, his drinking and recent violent tendencies are quite worrying. He might be having a personal crisis of faith, but I do not believe that justifies hurting the people closest to you.”

“I agree,” Kyoko sighed. “It’s why I finally listened to Archer and got me and Momo-”

“Momo and I,” Momo corrected.

“Cheeky brat,” Kyoko said, though she was more amused than annoyed. “So, I got Momo and I out of the house.”

“You only listened halfway,” Archer commented.

“Mami’s reliable, she has plenty of room in her apartment, and the money you were going to use for a hotel room could be used for groceries and paying rent.”

“Oh no, I don’t need rent,” Mami said. “It’s perfectly fine if you want to stay in this apartment.” If anything, the idea of having other people live here excited her. The size of her apartment only served to remind her how… quiet her life had gotten ever since her parents died. It’d be nice to have a bit of company. “Though I do worry, what if your parents go to the police?”

“My mom probably would,” Kyoko admitted. “But I never told them where you lived. Even if they were to look up your address and come here, a bit of Magic is all it’ll take to hide our presence.”

“Your Magic is suited for that,” Mami admitted. Though she disliked having to use Magic on civilians she could understand the necessity of it.

“You’re a Magical Girl too. Right, Ms. Tomoe?” Momo asked.

“I am,” Mami showed Momo her Soul Gem. “Our duty is to fight witches and protect the people of this world.”

“Could I become one?”

*Crash* *Slam*

Mami flinched as Archer dropped his teacup while Kyoko slammed her hands on the table. They both turned their heads toward Momo who seemed hardly perturbed by their reaction. If anything, it was as if the little girl expected them to react like this.

Yes.

Momo squeaked as Archer threw a dagger that embedded itself in the wall right next to where Kyubey appeared. That, apparently, the little girl didn’t expect.

“I thought I told you to stay away, Incubator,” Archer said with an edge of steel.

Mami has given me an open invitation to enter her apartment whenever I feel it is necessary, Kyubey replied calmly.

“Incubator?” Mami asked.

“Kyubey. In-kyubey-tor,” Archer explained.

“Oh. So Kyubey is a nickname,” Mami said as she kept a finger on her Soul Gem, ready to transform in a moment. She didn’t want to fight her guest, but if he was going to get violent toward Kyubey…

“Did you say I can become a Magical Girl?” Momo asked Kyubey.

Ye-

“No!” Kyoko shouted and immediately put herself in front of her sister. “You are not getting her involved in this,” she growled at Kyubey.

Kyubey tilted its head. I would say she’s already involved. She has recently manifested her potential and that will attract Witches to her. Would it not make sense for her to be capable of defending herself?

“We have plenty of ways to hide her from witches now that we know,” Kyoko replied angrily.

“But Big Si-”

“You saw what that Witch did to me Momo.” Kyoko pointed to her stomach. “You saw where it stabbed me. The same things are going to happen to you if you get involved.”

“It’s because you got hurt that I want to help!” Momo began trying to push her sister away. “I don’t want you to get hurt again because I’m too weak.”

“You’re not weak,” Archer commented. Momo turned to look at him. “Your strength lies in other areas. You don’t have to fight to be strong.”

Strength is a quantifiable and measurable attribute. Momo does not constitute as st-

Kyoko transformed and thrust her spear in front of Kyubey’s face. “Get out of here now.”

As I said. I’m here on invitation from Mam-

“Mami,” Kyoko turned to her. “Could you just get Kyubey out of here? Please.”

Kyoko never begged, so to see her do it now… “Kyubey,” Mami addressed the Incubator. “Please leave for the time being. I’ll contact you when it’s safe to come back.”

Alright Mami. It turned to Momo. Just know that my offer is available to you at any time.

Kyubey jumped out through the window, his absence immediately calming the tension in the apartment. Kyoko though still looked like she was ready to shake her sister by the shoulders until any idea of making a contract was shaken out of her head.

“Momo don’t listen to it,” Kyoko said as she undid her transformation.

“Didn’t you make a wish though?” Momo asked.

“… And look what happened to dad,” Kyoko put her arms around Momo and hugged her. “You’re still… human. It might be too late for me but if there’s still a chance that you could be with Mom and Dad once I’m gone-”

“I don’t want you to leave Kyoko. I want to be with you!” Momo shouted into her chest. “Why can’t we be together again like we used to be? Why, why do bad things keep happening to us?”

“I don’t know Momo… sometimes the world is just that bad.”

A brief glance from Archer was all Mami needed to stand up and leave the room so that the two sisters could have their privacy. Archer was quick to follow and closed the door to the balcony once they were outside. From there they could see the two sisters tightening their embrace.

“I never thought that the situation with Sakura’s family was so…”

“Strained?” Archer finished for her.

“Yes.”

“Kyoko wanted to be like you. Her perfect Mentor. It was why she didn’t want to worry you about this.”

“I-I’m not perfect.”

“That’s the act you put up though and it’s what most people believe.”

“But you don’t?”

“I know what it’s like to put on a mask.”

Mami glanced through the glass door where she could see the two sisters talking a bit more calmly now. There were still plenty of tears between the two of them though. “If she had just asked me, maybe I could’ve helped.”

“It’s likely that you wouldn’t have been able to change anything, but my Master would’ve believed that you could.”

“Then why didn’t she come to me?”

“Pride. She wants to help others but refuses to receive aid in turn. Only I’m allowed due to my circumstances and even then, I can tell it bothers her.”

“Then she doesn’t want my help? At all?” It bothered Mami that her Junior couldn’t rely on her. What was the point of being the reliable Mentor if she couldn’t be trusted by the people she taught?

“The fact that she brought Momo here speaks volumes about how much she has come to rely on you. She trusts you enough that she’ll bring the dearest person in her life to your care.”

For once, Archer’s words were comforting to hear.

Mami watched as the two sisters hugged once more. Her Junior was smiling despite the tears that had gathered in her eyes. “If that’s what she needs from me, then I’ll do it.”

“What about the Incubator?”

“I’ll make sure that he doesn’t speak with her when you two aren’t around to supervise. I know how… persuasive he can be towards young children.”

“I’d rather it’d just stay away,” Archer admitted.

“He’s been my guide for a long time, I can’t just force him out. Could you at least try to be civil around him?”

“Fine,” Archer begrudgingly agreed. “While we’re in your apartment. But if it starts going after Momo again-”

“I know. I’ll make sure he doesn’t overstep his bounds.” Mami glanced at Archer curiously. “Why do you hate him so much?”

Archer’s eyes became distant as he stared at an unknown horizon that he could see. They stood there in silence for quite some time, long enough that Mami had just been about to open the balcony door when he finally decided to speak. “I was once offered to have a wish, to have my dream granted.”

“I thought only girls could be contracted?”

“It wasn’t an Incubator. Something else.”

“So, what happened?”

“It gave me my wish in exchange for my service. And that led to my ruin. Seeing the Incubator is a reminder of my mistake.” He glanced through the door and looked at Kyoko. “And of my failure.”

Chapter Text

"So, you just have to have to hold the bag like this and squeeze carefully."

"Oh, wow a bunny!" Momo cheered gleefully as she watched Mami pour frosting on the cake. "Can I try?"

"Of course," Mami smiled as she handed the bag to her.

Kyoko grinned to herself as she watched all of this from the living room. Definitely a good idea to bring Momo here.

It was… shouldn't you be doing your homework?

It's not like Momo and I can go to school now that we ran away from home. Why is Mami having me do problems from her textbook?

Because she, like me, values your education. Besides, do you really want to try disobeying her again?

Kyoko nearly shuddered as she remembered the cheerless smile that Mami had given her when she had tried to get away her schoolwork. A look that the yellow haired girl was giving her right now from the kitchen!

You should probably start working again before she comes here.

Kyoko immediately continued working on the worksheet in front of her. Agreed.

It took some time for her to finish, Classical Japanses and English were never her strong suits. By the time she was done the cake was in the fridge while Mami and her sister joined her in the living room.

"I swear," Mami glanced in the kitchen where Archer moved like a force of nature now that he had the reins of the place, "That man isn't human while he's in the kitchen."

"He's even faster than Mama," Momo commented as she joined them at the table and watched Archer work.

Well yea. Considering he was a Heroic Spirit, but even then, his skills in the kitchen were very impressive. "Pretty much," Kyoko commented. "He'd make a good housewife.'

"He is impressive with housework. My apartments cleaner than it's ever been," Mami said. The three of them glanced around the place where pretty much every corner had been rendered spotless with nary a speck of dust. A result of Archer's work who did this despite Mami's objections of having a guest do housework. "He doesn't admit it… but I think he enjoys this work."

"He definitely does," Kyoko admitted. There was a reason why the boy in her dreams had built up a veritable harem without even realizing it. There were other reasons, but a good meal was definitely a way to get to a girl's stomach and by extension her heart.

Kyoko might've been interested herself if she had swung that way.

"What was that Sakura? Are you interested in him?" Mami suddenly leaned in closer with an anticipated look on her face. Momo on the other hand was giving her a very strange look.

Damn it not again! Archer was right she really did need to stuff a bar of soap into her mouth. "No, I'm not," Kyoko denied it.

"Then what did you just mumble?"

"I said I might've but I'm not."

"Why not? Yes, there's an age difference, but there's nothing wrong with a simple crush."

"Because it's not possible. I don't like men!" Kyoko clamped her mouth shut as soon as the words left her mouth.

Archer

Yes Master, I'll reserve a bar of soap for you from now on. Might I also suggest a muzzle?

Mami on the other had frozen in her spot and stared at her like a goldfish. "Oh! Oh… oh? Oh… Ah…"

I think I just broke her… again.

Try hitting her on the head. Maybe that'll reset it.

Before Kyoko could do that, not that she was actually considering using the textbook conveniently on her table as a form of petty revenge for being forced to do homework, Mami had shaken her head quickly and composed herself. "So, you're not attracted to men… at all?"

"Nope, she likes girls," Momo quipped.

The two of them immediately turned to the little sister.

"You know!?" Kyoko asked.

Momo nodded. "I found the Mangas you keep under your bed."

Kyoko went white as all the color fled from her skin. Oh, dear god not those. "Please tell me you didn't read them," she begged. There were some books there that would've gotten sent her straight to her father's office for a lecture on the sins of lust and premarital sex.

"I was curious, so I opened one." Momo glanced at Kyoko and Mami who were staring with expressions of increasing horror. "It was weird"

"Oh god! Momo!" How much did it cost to hire a therapist again? And maybe also a tutor for Health Class. "Just forget about that."

Momo looked at her blankly. "What's wrong? Isn't Papa okay with people being gay?"

"That's not the issue there's… you know what just don't look at those books… ever."

Momo shrugged. "Okay."

"Sakura…" Mami looked at Kyoko with an expression of embarrassment… and sympathy. "I understand your preferences… and I accept them. However, you should put an effort in hiding your… entertainment."

Kyoko sighed. "Thanks Mams."

"Are there any girls you like?" Momo suddenly asked.

Never in her life had Kyoko been that ready to wring her sister by the neck. "No," she quickly lied.

"Really?" Mami peered at her and it took all of Kyoko's self-restraint to not collapse on the spot as a sputtering mess.

"Yes," Kyoko said quickly.

Mami, thankfully, the dropped the subject as Archer brought over their dinner. As always it was a veritable feast of the senses that covered the table, a medley of dishes that seemed to encompass the cuisines of countries around the world. The flavor was overwhelming as was the quantity, but fortunately they had a Kyoko at a table, and she could eat everything.

"Big Sis why are you giving me your bell peppers!"

Well almost everything. "Because you need to eat more vegetables. You're a growing girl," Kyoko argued.

"Master, we're all aware you don't like them," Archer betrayed her.

"Indeed Sakura. You need to stop being so picky," Mami betrayed her too.

"Not you too Mams!"

"And don't think I don't notice you hiding them in your napkin," Mami said.

"On another note this cake is quite good," Archer commented.

"Why thank you Ar-"

"The tea could be stronger for a bitter contrast, might I suggest a Pu-er blend next time?"

"Da- Why you!"

Dinner at the apartment almost always chaos, but it was still fun. That also was the best way to describe the two weeks that Kyoko and Momo had spent at Mami's apartment. Going out hunting witches with Mami in the day, coming back home to Archer's food and Momo's smile, and spending the afternoons with all three of them. It was the happiest that Kyoko had ever been, happier than she had ever been at her old home.

It made her feel terrible that she felt this, that she was ungrateful for her mom and dad, but she just couldn't help it. Besides, that guilt was a small price to pay for a hero, to see everyone they cared for smiling at the able.

Even Archer had to smirk with Momo around. Disagree as they might, Kyoko knew that they both cared for the little girl.

"How's your training going?" Kyoko asked Momo as Archer and Mami continued to bicker. While she and Mami were off hunting, Archer was left to watch over and train Momo while they were away. Momo had ten Magical Circuits which wasn't that impressive compared and the average Magus in Archer's world, but it wasn't like she had much competition in this one.

"It's so cool. Archer's been teaching me how to create stuff. Watch!" Momo held out her hand and a knife appeared in it which she used to cut her food.

"Projection of weapons already?" Kyoko asked with eyes wide. The knife looked good and it was done so easily. It took months for her to reach that point.

"Momo is a good student," Archer commented. "She learns quickly, and I've discerned her Elements to be Earth and Ether."

"Ether?" Mami asked.

"The fifth Imaginary Factor also known as Void," Kyoko began parroting the lessons that Archer had given her. "It combines itself with any of the four Elements in order to actualize the mysteries of Thaumaturgy. It is artificial energy that forms the basis of modern Magecraft. Though amorphous and incapable of materializing on its own, it what allows spirits to take material form."

Mami stared at her like a dead fish. She then blinked a few times before staring at her once again. "I did not expect you to be so… knowledgeable."

"Have to be. I'm a Magus," Kyoko replied.

"It's just that… I wouldn't expect it from-"

"Someone as reckless, headstrong, and stubborn as my Master?" Archer said.

"Hey!" Kyoko turned to Mami who was silent, but otherwise didn't refute what Archer said. "Ok, maybe I am some of those things. But I'm not dumb!"

"Your English and Classical Japanese grades say otherwise," Archer commented.

"I'm just focused on what's important alright! Besides my average is still pretty good thanks to Math and Science."

"I imagine you use those two a lot when doing Magecraft," Mami said.

"Yep. Also, History."

"Is that why you suddenly went from a D to a B average?" Momo asked.

"D average Sakura?" Mami asked.

"Not anymore!" Kyoko argued. "Look it wasn't important back then."

"Is it even important to you now?" Archer asked.

"No, but if I already know the stuff I might as answer it correctly and get a little practice? I'm focused, not stupid. Alright?"

"Debatable"

"Fuck you Archer!"

Momo gasped. "Bis Sis said a bad word!"

"Oh, please Momo I've said worse around you."

"That is not a reasonable excuse Sakura!" Mami chastised her. "You are to watch your mouth while you're under my roof."

"Yea! Tell her Big Sis!"

Now it was Momo's turn to be stared at like dead fish by Mami. "Big Sis?"

"Yea. Aren't you my Big Sis too?" Momo tilted her head. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No! No! Of course not." Mami brought a hand to her mouth. It was the first time her composure had broken around someone that wasn't Archer. "I just didn't know you thought of me that way."

"We're all family. Aren't we?"

Even Archer had to raise an eye to Momo's comment.

"Family..." the corner of Mami's eyes began to water. "I'd be happy to be your family."

Kyoko finished the rest of the food quickly and once Mami had calmed down she practically demanded that she and Momo take the first bath. It was never much of an issue, being sisters and all, but then Momo decided to ask a question while they were both in the tub.

"Do you like Mami?"

That question was asked in such an innocent and curious manner, that it somehow made it worse. Kyoko struggled to find a way to lie to her sister, before eventually giving up and telling her the truth. "Yes."

"Why don't you tell her?" Momo asked.

"Because it's complicated."

Momo tilted her head. "How is it complicated? You like her. So, you should let her know and see if she likes you."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then you'll know."

"But Mami will too. And she's my mentor… I can't let things get awkward, not while I still have so much to learn."

"Is learning to fight more important than love?"

"L-love?" Kyoko stuttered. "It's not love. I just like her."

"Isn't that the same thing?"

"No, it isn't."

Momo scoffed. "Love is weird."

"It is," Kyoko admitted. "But that's not what I feel for Mami." For now, at least.

"Is that why Papa hates us? Because it's complicated."

"… He doesn't hate us. He's just… conflicted."

"Archer says he might."

"He's not always right," Kyoko said as she made plans to talk to Archer about watching his words around her sister.

"He seems pretty smart though. I mean isn't he teaching you?"

Kyoko shook her head. "Trust me. He's probably one of the biggest idiots in the universe… Same as me I guess."

"So, you're both stupid? But you're stupider? That's why he can teach you?"

A splash of water on her sister's face was Kyoko's answer to that question. This then quickly lead to a frantic and messy battle in the tub where the two sisters attempted to send jets of water at each other's faces. It was an arduous fight that lasted a long time, only to be stopped once they had emptied half the tub and Mami began shouting at them from outside the door to stop wasting the water. Eventually this led to a truce, though the war was far from over.

"Do you remember what I told you Momo?" Archer asked the younger Sakura sister as he watched her draw upon her active Magical Circuits. Three were active while only seven more within her remained dormant. It was still enough for what they were doing while his Master and Mami were off hunting.

"Judge the concept of creation, Hypothesize the basic structure, Duplicate the composition material," Momo recited as a pencil appeared in her hands. She used it write on a blank piece of paper, though the marks she made on it quickly disappeared once she had gotten rid of the Projection. "It doesn't last long-" Momo muttered to herself as she stared at her empty hand before looking at the blank paper again. Though the lead markings had gone away, the indentations on it from the writing still remained. "But its fine if I just need something really quickly. You said that some Magic needs expensive stuff to do right?"

"Yes," Archer replied. "As an example, rituals often require a sacrificial item."

"Then could I make a copy of the item and use that?"

"You can."

It was impressive that she came to this conclusion without him or another Mage telling her that. Whereas Kyoko favored and focused on the practical, Momo was showing signs of excelling at theory and experimentation. She had the disposition of a scholar and a researcher rather than a fighter, though that was a hardly a mark against her. If anything, even with her with her mediocre Magical Capacity, she would've likely been considered a prodigy by the Clock Tower of his old world.

"I can't copy your Tracing right?" Momo asked.

"No." There were seven steps neccesary to achieve the Tracing that Archer was capable of, most of which that Momo would likely never utilize, but the fact that she was able to achieve the first three so quickly was an accomplishment. Compared to Kyoko and a certain foolish boy, she progressed at an incredibly rapid rate especially considering her lack of formal training.

"Because your element is Sword?"

"Yes."

"Can a person's element change?"

"Not naturally. It can be forced but very rarely. And not without great cost and strain on the Mage's body."

"So, everything I make will always disappear?"

"Technically everything fades away with time. But yes, you will not be able to make any objects that will last particularly long."

"What should I learn now then?"

"Alteration might suit you," Archer suggested. "It will allow you to strengthen or even add properties to an existing object."

"Let's do that!"

Archer created a knife in his hands and begin showing Momo the basic steps of Alteration.

It had taken weeks to convince the older Sakura sister that copying his Magic was impossible. However, unlike Kyoko, Momo wasn't very stubborn, knew when to move on, and generally let him dictate the direction of their lessons.

Not to say that Kyoko didn't have any merits as a student. Though a firm hand was often needed for her lessons she also pushed herself and let herself be pushed beyond the normal means of what she focused on. This led to her becoming quite the quick study in combat, even before she had become a Magical Girl.

Flexibility in contrast to sheer determination. A scholar to contrast a warrior. Neither were superior, just different. Yet despite those differences the two sisters got along very well.

"Mr. Archer do you have any family?" Momo asked during a break between the lectures.

"I thought you considered me family?" he asked.

"I mean other than us. Isn't there anyone you cared about?"

Archer paused and considered his answer. "I did."

"You did? What happened to them?"

"… We drifted apart. A long time ago."

"Do you ever think about seeing them again?"

"It isn't possible now." At least not this iteration of him.

"Oh… Could you tell me about them?"

"Why?"

"Because I want to learn more about you."

Unlike Kyoko, Momo didn't exactly have a dream cycle to tell her anything about him. It wasn't like he had any obligation as a Servant to tell someone who isn't his Master anything either, but…

"I had an old friend. She was a lot like your sister actually. Stubborn, headstrong. She was the one who stuck with me the longest. A person who I could always rely on… I'm actually somewhat glad she isn't here to meet her. They could just as easily tear down this entire building trying to kill each other as they would get along." The latter would likely be worse. The things the two of them would've ended up doing together… it was enough to make him almost shudder at the thought. Why were all the woman in his life so frightening?

"Sounds like Big Sis. She really likes to fight, doesn't she?"

"Yes. She can be quite confrontational at times."

"Its… scary. Her smile when I see her fight with you."

His master's gift with a spear wasn't the only reason he had compared her to a certain Lancer Servant. Rather it was something that she didn't know about, the wide and frantic grin on her face that appeared often in the heat of battle. Her desire for combat, bloodlust, that was thankfully tempered by the fact that there was endless supply of enemies for her to fight. It was something he was used to seeing on the people around him, but he could understand why it would frighten a young child like Momo. "She enjoys the thrill of battle, but she doesn't do it to hurt people. She only ever uses her powers against Witches after all."

"I know but…"

"She will never hurt you. I can promise you that," Archer told her

"What about other people?" Momo asked.

"There are a lot of people in this world. Bad people or even just people that she can't agree with. Sometimes she'll have no choice but to fight them, and I have been preparing her for that. But in the end, she doesn't like to hurt people, she'll only do what she feels is neccesary."

"I'm just worried for her."

"Sometimes you need to have faith in your siblings, or at least that was what my little sister used to tell me."

"What was your little sister like?" Momo pointed to herself. "Like me?"

A smirk appeared on Archer's face as he shook his head. "No. Not at all. She was very cruel towards strangers or people she didn't like. I was one of those people for quite some time."

"How bad?"

"Sent her bodyguard to kill me. When that failed, she ended up tying me to a chair to demand my loyalty." No need to tell her how said bodyguard did actually end up killing him in several timelines he had been summoned. Death by Heracles is never very pleasant.

Momo flinched. "Ouch."

"It was bad at first. But after we talked it out, I realized that she only did that because she felt betrayed. She was very loving and attached herself deeply to those she cared for. All she needed was for someone willing to stay with her..." Archer remained calm even as he remembered a young girl with white hair withering away on a bed in front of him. A girl who deserved much more than the life that she had been given, his sister. Another person he had failed to save. "To the very end."

"Will you stay with us Archer?" Momo stared at him hopefully and with a bit of fear in her gaze. It was a gaze that he could not outright deny.

"I-"

Momo flinched and suddenly turned her head to stare at the wall, or rather something past it.

"A witch?" Archer asked.

"Yes," Momo replied.

"Can you point me in its direction?"

"It's that way," Momo pointed a finger. "But it's getting closer really fast. I think it's coming right for us."

Archer suppressed a curse. The chances of one just wandering toward where they lived… was actually not that low considering their numbers. Still, he couldn't help but curse his E rank luck.

It wouldn't take long for the Witch to detect Momo and head straight for her. There was something about the girl, perhaps her affinity with Ether, that seemed to attract witches in general.

He looked at Momo carefully and considered his options.

His first option would be taking her and run. However, that would leave them and Mami without a home if it decided to settle here. There was also a good number of people here that could easily become its victims.

It would be best to fight it, but he wanted to avoid having to take Momo with him. She had little to no capability in combat currently and she wasn't his Master, so she wouldn't be able to give him any support. If anything, she would be a liability that could get the both of them killed.

Archer took out the flip phone his Master had gotten for him and tried to call her.

Tch, no signal. They were likely fighting another Witch right now then. Even if he could call them though, they had planned to patrol on the other side of the city. It would take hours for them to come back, time he didn't have.

In the end he might have no choice but to run with the girl.

"Archer," Momo said to him worriedly. "A lot of people live here. It'll hurt them if it comes here."

"I know," he replied.

"Are you going to fight it?"

"Maybe."

"Is it because of me?"

"…"

"Then you can go. I'll stay here."

He had considered that… but leaving a young girl alone in this apartment? It didn't sit right with him.

"I'll make sure the windows and doors are locked," Momo continued. "It's Mami's home as long as I stay here, I should be safe."

The apartment was hardly the most secure location against a Witch or a dedicated intruder, but if he was able to deal with the threat before it got there it wouldn't be an issue. Momo was a smart girl. He knew she wouldn't go off running into trouble while he was away, unlike his Master. In the end leaving her here and dealing with the Witch itself was the best option, especially with Momo having already pointed out its location to him. Still wasn't good. Better than the alternatives though.

"I'll be back soon," Archer said as he vanished into the air. "Stay safe."

Momo remained alone in the apartment, the clicking of the clock being the only sound to accompany her as she sat there. Mr. Archer had only left a few minutes, but she was already struggling to keep herself from crying.

Being alone scared her. Thinking about the Monsters that he and his sisters fought frightened her even more. She wanted to run out, find them, and make sure that they would be okay. But she couldn't. She made a promise to stay here and she had to keep it.

There was a reason why she wanted to fight with Kyoko, and she was reminded of it every night. It was lucky her Big Sis was such a deep sleeper, or she would've noticed her waking up nearly every night in a cold sweat. All because of a dream, of watching her Big Sis getting killed by that Monster.

That Witch.

Sometimes Kyoko would get torn apart. Other times she would get eaten alive. No matter what though she always died and there was nothing that Momo could do about it.

A knife appeared in Momo's hand. She went over her previous lesson and used Alteration to lengthen the blade and sharpen its edge. She then stood up and stabbed it in the empty air.

"Hah!" she shouted as she swug. Again, and again, and again. She stabbed the Monster, the Witch that she imagined in front of her. She imagined tearing it apart, limb by limb, the source of her fears. If she could kill it… kill every single one of them then her Sister would be safe.

The knife disappeared as she exhausted herself, her breath heavy just from pretending to fight someone.

It would be a long time before she would be able to do that, if her Big Sis would ever let her do that. It wasn't like she ever trusted her to do anything anyway, unlike Archer. Maybe she could actually get him to take her along one day. They would just have to keep it a secr-

The knife reappeared in her hands as she spun around to face the stranger that had entered the apartment.

There, standing next to the open balcony window, was a girl in a frilly white dress and large white top hat. The outfit was pretty, and she would've liked to take a closer look if she wasn't worried about a stranger breaking into the apartment.

"Who… are you?" Momo asked hesitantly. She had been around both her Big Sisters long enough to recognize a Magical Girl and she had been warned that not all of them were friendly.

The woman stepped down and curtsied to her. "Hello, Momo Sakura. I am Oriko Mikuni."

"What do you want Ms. Mikuni?" Momo asked. Oriko's voice was polite, elegant almost, yet it also felt like she was looking down on her. Like she felt that she was better than her.

"I am here to deliver a message?" Oriko replied with a gentle smile quite similar to Mami's. Unlike her Big Sis though, it wasn't comforting at all. If anything, it was scary.

"A message?"

"Yes. I have come to tell you of the truth of Magical Girls."

Chapter Text

Kyoko took a deep breath as she pulled her spear back out of the Witch's… face or whatever it was. Either way it was very satisfying being able to strike the killing blow for once and watching it collapsed in front of her. Even the screams the damn thing let out was music to her ears. The fate of any monster that tried to prey on innocent people.

"Good job Sakura."

She glanced back at her fellow Magical Girl as the labyrinth collapsed around them. "Nothing to it Mams." They undid their transformations as they were brought back to an empty construction site. "Wasn't really that tough was it?"

"That's because you've gotten stronger," Mami admitted.

"Thanks." No grief seed this time sadly, but just killing another Witch was reward enough. They still had a few stockpiled between the two of them so it wasn't like they'd be in trouble anytime soon. "It's pretty early ain't it?" The sun hadn't even set yet despite their plans to take the night to hunt it down. It was a testament to how trivial it had been.

"It is," Mami replied. "We should head back. I'm sure your Sister will be glad to see you back early."

"Yea." Kyoko began shuffling her feet. It was just the two of them right now. Wouldn't this be the perfect chance? "Actually, do you want to hang out? You know, since we have the time?"

"Hang out?"

"No Witches or anything. Just two girls hanging out. We haven't done that… ever now that I think about it."

Mami looked a bit surprised at the suggestion. Like she had never considered just hanging out with a person, which knowing her was probably true. A bit of a workaholic that one between school and hunting Witches.

"S-Sure. That sounds wonderful Sakura," Mami eventually replied.

Kyoko resisted the urge to cheer. It wasn't like it was a date or anything. Or was it? Did it count if the other person didn't even know it was a date in the first place?

"So, what would you like to do?" Mami asked.

A nighttime stroll next to the river holding her beautiful Mentor's hand while whispering sweet nothings to her ears, was the first idea that popped up in Kyoko's head. She then immediately stabbed said idea with a spear before going to a more reasonable plan. "We could go shopping at the mall or maybe catch a movie? Your choice."

Mami put a hand to her chin as she considered the options. "I would like to go shopping. I've been meaning to get you some new outfits anyway."

"What's wrong with what I wear?"

"You need to diversify your wardrobe. You could at least stand to wear a skirt or two."

Kyoko wanted to refuse as she had enough of skirts at school. Those damn airy things that didn't provide much protection and made her feel vulnerable down there. Granted her Magical Girl outfit was a dress, but it was a Magical dress with decent protection. She also wore a pair of shorts underneath so it wasn't like anything could see anything down there while she was jumping around.

But then again if this was a chance to play dress up with the girl, she liked…

"Fine but you gotta try some of the things I pick out for you," Kyoko replied.

"That's perfectly agreeable to me."

The two of them made their way to the nearest small, the cell phone in Kyoko's back pocket left forgotten and untouched.

"No." Momo stepped back as she tried to stop the tears from flooding her eyes. "It can't be. Mami, Kyoko. Big Sis can't become a Witch!" She couldn't, her sister couldn't become one of those disgusting monsters. There was no way.

"Kyubey has deceived us all. That is the truth and eventual fate that all Magical Girls must face."

"Including you," Momo replied.

The woman nodded serenely. Despite everything she just said she still had that scary smile on her face. "Including me."

"Aren't you scared?"

"I am aware of my fate. What must be done, and I have accepted it."

"B-but you can't just give up. There has to be some way to save everyone!"

"At this moment the only way to relieve them of their fate is death."

Kyoko had to die? Kyoko would either have to kill herself or become a monster? She would become one of those things that had tried to eat her?

"No," Momo begged. "There has to be another way."

"There is. Though the question is, do you have the will to do what's necessary?"

"What?"

Momo didn't have much chance to say much more Oriko suddenly began walking towards her. She backed away, trying to get away from the white Magical Girl, only for her back to quickly hit the wall. She conjured a knife and held it up, hoping to use that to stop the Magical Girl, but Oriko easily pushed it aside with her hand. Trapped with no way out, Momo was helpless as Oriko stopped just inches away.

"My power is precognition," Oriko informed her. "I can see the future."

"You can?" Momo's eyes went wide. "Does that mean Kyoko will be saved?"

"Perhaps. The future is not certain. I can see one of many possibilities of the actions that we take that will lead us there. As it is now though, Magical Girls are still doomed to their fate."

"But it's a possibility, right? That means it can be changed?" Momo asked, clinging to that small hope that was being presented to her.

"Yes, you are a smart girl to figure that out. There is a way to change it and it is all up to you."

"You need me," Momo realized, a bit more confident now that she knew she wasn't going to be hurt. However, she was still very confused. "But why me?"

"Your sister is one of those who holds the path to our salvation. However, she is walking down the wrong one as she now. That needs to be corrected."

"What does she need to do?"

"Not her. You."

"Me?"

"As I asked before. Do you have the will to do what's necessary?"

"Why me?"

"Because both you and your sister shine so brightly," Oriko suddenly cupped Momo's face with a hand and forced her to look up into her eyes. Momo tried to squirm away but her grip was just too strong. "Each of you are instruments of revolution, the potential to completely reshape the future. To change the fates of countless others in this world."

"Then we'll work together!" Momo shouted defiantly despite the position she was in. "Me and Kyoko will do what it takes to save her and everyone else!"

"What wonderful resolve," Oriko released her before patting her on the head. "But resolve will not be enough."

"Why not?" Momo pushed the hand away. "You said the future can change."

"But there is only one path I see that leads to salvation and it is very thin. There will only be room for two of you."

"Exactly! Me and my big Sister!"

"What about Archer?"

"How-"

"I know about him the Servant brought to this world. Much more than you ever did."

Momo simply stared at Oriko in silence.

"No matter who his partner is, he must walk the path of our salvation. So, who will be the one to stand by his side?"

There was only room for two. If Archer had to be there no matter what, then she and Kyoko…

"Tonight, you must make your decision. You shall be the one who decides who shall walk with him."

"And the one who doesn't?" Momo asked.

"Will have their own role to play." The smile that had been present on Oriko's face that entire time suddenly disappeared. Somehow that made her even more frightening. "So, I still haven't heard your choice,"

"Wh- How could I possibly choose!?" Momo looked down at the ground. "You're lying," she muttered to herself. "It has to be a lie. I shouldn't listen to you." That was the smart thing, rather than just blindly following what this Magical Girl told her despite what she had just said. All Momo had to do was just wait there, until her Big Sis came back. Then they could hug, talk it out, and figure things out together.

"Don't believe me then. Don't choose." Oriko leaned in until her mouth was just next Momo's ear. "Just let your Big Sis fight and die for you then. Like you always do."

Archer picked up the grief seed even as bits of smoke still continued to come out of the singes of his clothes.

The fact that he had encountered a Witch with a strength bordering that of a lower tier Servant was expected considering their numbers, but it was still troubling. He wasn't injured but he had to resort to several Noble Phantasms from his arsenal before the damn thing finally went down. He would have to discuss it with his Master later when she got home.

Archer turned to block the black sickle that had tried to strike him from behind with Kanshou.

After he interrogated the enemy trying to sneak up behind him of course.

He then swung with Bakuya at his assailant only for them to block it with another sickle. They then drew three more pairs of sickles from their white sleeves that they used to strike at him. He blocked several of the swings before kicking them in the stomach and forcing them back.

It was a Magical Girl in a dark gray and white outfit. In her arms were her weapons, eight red and black sickles. Most notable to him though was the eyepatch she wore; he had a feeling that eye wasn't even injured in the first place and it was just the design of her transformation. It was rather unnecessary and stupid considering that covering an eye would normally interfere with one's depth perception.

To be fair, it probably wasn't an issue for her in the first place because… well Magical Girls. It also wasn't that outlandish of an outfit compared to some of the Servants on the throne, but it still unnerved his more practical senses.

"Are you that desperate for a grief seed?" Archer asked the Magical Girl. It was the most likely possibility with the information he currently had.

"I just came to fight you," she replied casually.

"For what reason?"

"Cause I was told to."

"So, you're just a tool sent my way. For money?"

The girl's eye went wide as her face suddenly became unhinged. Well as unhinged as you could get looking like something straight out of those slasher flicks that Momo liked to watch when her sister wasn't there. "Money? You think I choose to be with her for money?"

"Loyalty then?"

She leaned forward and began tilting her head. "What we share is not that trivial. Loyalty is finite. Love is finite. Those we choose to express either of those in gradation are ignorant of their true essence. Tell me, do you know true love?"

He did, at one point, but he wouldn't tell her that. "A fanatic then."

"Faith is finite too." She lifted a clawed arm in front of her. "I am devoted to her for infinity." A savage crazed smile appeared on her face as she tensed her legs. "She is my world; She is all I need and anything that she deems unnecessary shall be wiped from this world!" She ran at him recklessly.

Archer raised his blades and readied himself to end the fight in a single strike, when he felt Magic begin to envelop him and his surroundings.

Time Manipulation. She was separating the passage of time inside a designated space from the flow of time in the outside world. The field was enough to lower his Agility by a single rank, perhaps even more if he wasn't putting effort into diminishing its effect, and the area it encompassed around her was quite large. This gave her more than enough speed to match him, in fact she was just a bit faster.

Their blades clashed and it soon became apparent what would've been a quick and instant encounter was now becoming a drawn-out affair thanks to her Magic.

However just because she matched her speeds didn't mean she matched the countless years he had spent as a Counter Guardian and a Servant of the Throne. That experience couldn't be matched alone by a crazy little brat and soon enough he began to push her back.

She went for one of the openings he presented to her only for him to switch the grip on his blade, grapple with her scythes, and fling them aside where they embedded themselves in a nearby wall. With both of her hands disarmed, he quickly swung both his blades at each of her sides. She wouldn't be able to deflect or dodge both of them.

At least not by herself.

He immediately jumped away to avoid the metal sphere that had been shot had him from above, his Mind's Eye worked well to prevent him from getting caught by surprise by the new combatant.

He glanced upwards and found another Magical Girl in white standing on a rooftop above them.

"Oriko!" The Magical Girl in black called out. Judging by the reverent tone of voice, the one above them was her Master.

"I thought I warned you to be careful fighting him Kirika," Oriko chastised her, but not too harshly. More like a mother lecturing a misbehaving daughter. "And you still don't listen to me, despite my warnings." She sighed in a bourgeoisie and condescending manner. "Though I had predicted that."

The bloodlust that radiated from Kirika was just gone in an instant, replaced instead with the face and attitude of a sullen child. "Aw. Come on Oriko. He left himself open to a killing blow. I'd be stupid not to take it."

"He does that on purpose. He leaves openings in his stance to-"

Archer threw his blades into the air only for Oriko to knock them aside with her orbs. Normally this wouldn't have stopped them, but she had caused them to collide with each other. Their attachment achieved; they simply fell down to the ground as a pair rather than continuing to harry through the air like he had planned.

"To invite your attacks so that they can be parried or countered," Oriko finished casually.

Archer created another set of his blades as Kirika had jumped at him once more. After blocking a few strikes, he left his side open hoping to take a small cut in exchange for decapitating an arm. Before the black Magical Girl could fall for it though, another metal orb was sent at him. He was forced to block and give up on the feint.

He continued to trade blows with Kirika all while having to avoid and deflect the metal orbs being sent at his direction.

Not only did they work well together, but it seemed like the one in white knew a considerable amount of what he was capable of and countered accordingly. Anytime he tried to set up a trick, technique, or feint she would stop it before he could even set it up. It was as if she could predict everything that he planned.

A Mind's Eye even stronger than his? Or was it even some level of Precognition? Either way she proved to be a danger.

By themselves, each of them wouldn't have been an issue. The metal orbs were certainly versatile, but they lacked power and defensive ability and Kirika wouldn't be able to compete with his experience even if she could match his speed thanks to her Magic. Together though they had forced him into a stalemate, the black one keeping him at bay from her fragile ally and the white one preventing him from utilizing his tricks.

It became apparent that fighting as he did now wasn't going to work. The best strategy would be to utilize the ranged capabilities that his class was supposed to be known for and snipe them outside their range. The Archer class was made up of archers after all. However-

Archer jumped back and tried shooting Oriko with his bow. He could only get a few shots off before he had to switch back to his blades to deal with Kirika. These arrows were quickly knocked aside by the orbs and the Magical Girl in white continued to leisurely follow the two of them.

They weren't letting him get away. As long as Kirika remained in his vicinity then her magic would slow him enough that he couldn't just retreat. It would be best to dispatch of her but-

He was forced to deflect four orbs sent at him from above. Kirika then suddenly somersaulted in front of him and struck his cheek with a scythe she had attached to her foot. He hopped back and ignored the savage grin she had given him for actually drawing a bit of his blood.

Once again. Oriko was preventing every attempt to do so. It didn't help that he used a significant portion of his Magical Reserves to kill that previous Witch. Thanks to Independent Action he was able to conserve his remaining energy, but he would only be able to use one or two more Noble Phantasms. They would be his best option to end this fight quickly though. All he needed was to make a single opening.

"Trace On."

Ten, Twenty, Thirty, blades appeared in the air above him. Simple mundane weapons that didn't take much energy to use. Though they lacked power and range compared to the arrows he shot from his bow, they made up for it with the speed and ease in their use.

He lifted his hand up and they all shot straight for the Magical Girl in white.

"Oriko!" Kirika shouted as she immediately jumped to deflect the blades even though they were no threat to the other Magical Girl.

The solution was simple in the end. Just because the one in the white knew what he was doing, didn't mean her partner did. And her partner was very devoted to her safety.

The time Kirika took to defend Oriko was all that Archer needed to draw from his Reality Marble and bring his weapon into the world.

He nocked the pitch-black arrow against his bow and fired. It flew into the air and headed straight for his target.

Kirika tried to block the arrow only for its power to knock her aside as it continued on its path toward Oriko.

Hrunting: Hound of the Red Plains one of the magical swords wielded by Beowulf and the one he used in his battle with the Mother of Grendel. A blade that would always seek to sniff out and draw blood. Turned into an arrow it became a magical bullet enveloped in red light that reached incredible speeds as it took the most direct path to its target. Even when parried, repulsed, or avoided, it would continue to pursue the target as long as the shooter kept aiming at them.

Despite the power of the weapon though, Oriko remained serenely calm even as the arrow flew toward her. Even as it was just inches away from her face.

And then she was gone.

Disappeared in an instant. Archer hadn't even blinked. The girl was just gone, she was there and then she wasn't.

He turned to the other Magical Girl, ready to make her Hrunting's next target, only to find that she had disappeared too.

With no target left to hunt, he let his Projection disappear in the air.

Another Magical Girl with some form of teleportation? No, even if it was less than a second, he would've sensed them the moment they appeared on the battlefield. Remote transportation maybe? The ability to move objects from a distance? That would mean they would have a range outside the detection of an Archer Servant though.

Either way, it was dangerous. Two Magical Girls with abilities suited to countering him were able to force him into a stalemate. Add in a third combatant whose abilities he still couldn't discern, and they might have a good chance of killing him if he wasn't careful. Doing that against a Servant was an impressive feat and it said much about the power of the inhabitants of this world.

It was something that he'd have to warn his Master about.

With nothing left for him here, Archer made his way back to the apartment with his blades still in his hands. He made sure to take a more roundabout path and went into his Astral Form several times in order to lose anyone that may or may not have been following him.

Why him though? Were they really that desperate for grief seeds or were they aware that he was a Servant? The fact that he had ended up here didn't entirely discount the idea that other Servants or just other people with knowledge of them existed in this world. If that was true though, then how did they know about him? He always made sure to keep his presence in the world subtle and that no one else apart from Mami, his Master, and Momo had ever seen him fight. Was there a group that escaped his notice? Or did they have some way, either a tool or some form of Magic, that allowed them to learn about him?

And the timing of that attack… just after he had been forced to confront a Witch. They went for him at a time when he would be weakened and yet they chose to run rather than continue to fight him, despite their advantage. What was the point of that confrontation? It wasn't to kill him apparently, they put too little effort with the advantages they already had, but then why? To stall? What would they have to stall for? The only thing left-

Archer shifted on his feet and shot his way straight towards Mami's apartment.

It didn't seem likely, but when you got rid of all other possibilities then all that remained had to be the truth. Besides, the sequence of events that had happened was too much to be considered a coincidence. There was a small part of him that wished it was though, even as that cynical side of him constantly denied it.

Unfortunately, his cynicism was ultimately correct as he opened the balcony door to an empty apartment.

He quickly scanned the area once he checked that the bedroom and bathroom were also empty.

There were signs of an intruder at the same door he went through, but no signs of a struggle. Momo was better at detecting Magic than he was, she would've noticed something was off and at least left something behind before they had taken her.

He opened the guest closet and found one outfit missing, along with Momo's home clothes neatly folded and set aside.

She had willingly changed her clothes and left the apartment. Someone had been here, but they hadn't taken her. Whoever they were, they had somehow convinced her to leave willingly. Not very difficult, considering Momo was still an impressionable young child.

He should never have left her alone. He should've simply taken her with him to safety. But that would've meant abandoning and likely sacrificing the entire apartment complex. Even without his dream, he still couldn't do something like that.

In the end, the fault for Momo's disappearance was his own.

Then, as if all the non-existent Gods in this world were out to spite him, he could feel his mental connection with his Master reestablish itself as she got within his range.

Momo's missing, Archer informed her.

What!? I thought you were watching her. Why did you leave her alone!?

He didn't need to see her in person to tell that she was frantic and panicked. There was a Witch heading straight for the apartment. We agreed that it would be best if I dispatched it while she stayed behind.

Damn it, Archer! You should've just taken her and ran away.

And the other people at the apartment? He wasn't making excuses, but rather he wanted to see how his Master would answer.

They would've been… fine. At least until Mami and I got there. You should've just kept Momo safe!

So, she still prioritized her family over her dream and other people. She had denied the idea of sacrificing her Sister to save the many. That was some comfort to hear, even as his Master was conflicted over her decision.

I apologize. I should've prioritized her most of all. If he had been given an order from his Master to prioritize her sister over others, then the choice of taking Momo away from the apartment and running away would've been much easier to make. Sadly, hindsight being 20/20 was a constant in any timeline or universe.

As was Murphy's Law.

Why would she leave though? Is it because of Dad? His Master asked.

No, she wouldn't have left just because of that. Not without good reason. After I hunted the Witch I was attacked by a pair of Magical Girls.

What!?

Archer quickly described his encounter with the Magical Girls as he began looking for any traces Momo left behind for him to follow. The issue was though that he was never a dedicated tracker and it was difficult to discern her tracks from the countless others left by the people that walked these streets. He made his way to Kazamino instead, hoping to find Momo in places she often went to.

Mami says she's never heard of an Oriko or Kirika, his Master informed him. Why would they attack you?

I have many theories and none of them conclusive. What is clear though was that I was separated from your sister and stalled while she was convinced to go elsewhere.

What could they have told her to run off like that?

I don't know. But this situation is dangerous. You two better be careful.

You should be worried about Momo!

I am. You just have to realize that those three Magical were able to fight a Heroic Servant to a stalemate. If they attacked you and Mami-

We can handle it!

They couldn't, but he decided not to argue that with her. I'm already heading to your father's church to see if she ran off there.

No, Mami and I are closer to that side of Kazamino. Try checking her school and the park instead. I'll deal with my… dad's church and home.

Are you certain you can handle it?

I'll use my magic to hide myself… or just send Mami to check. He hasn't met her yet.

Understood. Archer replied as he made his way towards Momo's school. His Master was adamant on heading to the church and her old home. In the end she would have to deal with what waited for her there. He could only hope that she would be able to handle whatever was to come.

Chapter Text

Kyoko ran as fast as her legs could take her on top of the highway that would lead them back to Kazamino. Her illusions hid her and Mami from any cars that passed by, allowing them to move as fast they did.

It still wasn't enough. She needed to be even faster.

"Don't transform Sakura," Mami told her. "If you do it now you won't even make it to the city before you tire out."

Mami was right, but that didn't change the fact that Momo was missing. And a pair of Magical Girls was responsible. One black and one white.

Why her though? The only Magical Girl that Kyoko and Momo knew was Mami. Why did two complete strangers go out of their way to attack her Servant and kidnap her little sister?

"Are you sure you don't know anything about them?" Kyoko asked. "Anything at all? Reasons why they would take Momo?"

"No. I have no idea why anyone would go after you or your Sister. I also haven't heard of any girls with the ability to manipulate time or see the future in the surrounding areas," Mami replied.

"There has to be something we're missing! There's no reason why Momo would go running off with them!" Kyoko shouted.

"Sakura, calm down."

"Calm Down!? My little sister is missing!"

"And we will find her," Mami replied calmly. "But panicking won't help her. It'll only leave you vulnerable should they decide to attack us."

If a pair of Magical Girls capable of fighting on par with a Servant suddenly attacked them… Well it was a thought that even gave Kyoko pause. "Do you really think one of them can see the future?" The only information they had was what Archer had told them.

"Everything seems too well planned," Mami began to mull. "The Witch heading to my apartment, Archer getting attacked while he was weakened, and Momo being taken. Any number of things could've gone wrong for them, such as the timing, but it didn't. That seems to suggest something beyond precognition as Archer suggests."

"But still. Seeing the future?"

"It isn't outside the realm of possibility. A wish often determines the unique magic a Magical Girl manifests. A wish to see or perhaps change the future might give a person some ability of Foresight."

"How do we deal with someone who can see the future then? We can't exactly catch them off guard."

"There has to be limits to what they can do. Magic like that would likely take a significant amount of Magical Energy to use. We would have to pressure her, force her to use up her magic or put her into a position where the future doesn't end well for her."

"So basically… hit her as hard as I can?" Kyoko suggested.

"Yes. Surprisingly," Mami admitted. "The simpler a plan, the less opportunities she has to turn it against us. Archer is the type to think and analyze everything so I can see why it would be a bad matchup for him."

"I'm still surprised they could give him a good fight."

"It was bound to happen. There's a lot of different Magic in this world. We won't always be the strongest nor will we have the most favorable matchups. The best we can to is adapt for when those situations come."

Still… As if the fact that her sister was missing wasn't enough, but there was also the shock that Kyoko felt by her seemingly invincible Servant be vulnerable for once. Granted he came out of it fine, but the fact that he could be pushed back and actually bleed…

She needed to find Momo and she needed to get stronger. Strong enough that she could kill those bastards for messing with her Sister.

Whoever and wherever they were.

Oriko sat comfortably in her family's garden, miles away from where she had fought the Servant in red and black. After brewing the tea, she began to fill three separate cups. "Would you like sugar and milk with that Kirika?"

"Anything you make is perfect for me Oriko," Kirika replied eagerly

"Straight black it is in then."

Kirika immediately frowned in disappointment. "Aw."

Oriko chuckled before putting three sugar and a generous portion of milk in the tea for her partner. She then turned toward the other figure that continued to remain standing despite the chair offered to them. "How do you like your tea?"

"Was fighting that man really necessary?" The cloaked figure asked.

Oriko filled her own teacup before deigning to answer the cloaked figure. "Yes. We had to make sure that he wouldn't interfere."

"Interfere with what?"

"That is something you do not need to know."

"I'm quite certain that I do."

"Hey!" Kirika shouted. "Oriko told you that you don't. You wanna listen to her or do you wanna fight?"

"Kirika. No." Oriko chastised her partner.

"Aw."

Oriko turned back to the cloaked figure. "As I was saying. You'll get what you desire as long as you fulfill certain duties for me. I won't require you for another two years though so you can do what you want until then."

"What I want is to eliminate any threats to her safety," the cloaked figure replied.

"And yet you haven't killed me yet." Oriko took a sip of her tea. "That means that our interests happen to align."

"For now," the figure admitted.

"If any of us fail to do what is required, then I'll have no choice but to-" Oriko hardly flinched as a GLOCK 19 was pointed to her forehead.

Kirika was tense, but she was loyal and would follow her orders. Well, most of them. Sometimes she needed a good scolding or two.

"Die by your hand." Oriko continued. "I simply won't sit idle as the world is brought to ruin, while you would do anything to protect her. However, this time might be different."

"How?"

"There is a chance, a single possibility of salvation," Oriko explained as she casually pushed the gun away. "The salvation of all Magical Girls, a world where she would never become a threat to us. A chance only granted to us because of the meddling of a certain being."

"The Kaleidoscope," the figure grumbled.

"Yes, the one responsible for bringing you and that Servant here."

"All for their entertainment."

"Whatever their motives are, it is because of them that you have the opportunity to break from the cycle that has kept you trapped for so long. Why not take this chance to try something new?"

"New is bad. It is something that can't be predicted or planned for."

"It was because of that predictability that you were trapped in the first place. Sometimes radical action is needed to enact change. Use this opportunity to do something different rather than shadowing her all day."

"I need to protect her."

"She won't be approached yet, not for another two years at least. You have plenty of time to try something else. There's another of you still in a hospital that is available for when that time comes."

"That person is a weakling. A liability that leeches off the kindness of others. She won't do what needs to be done."

"I could say the same of you." The figure remained still, though Oriko could tell that her words had gotten to her. Being able to see countless possible futures of people tended to give one's words a certain bite.

"We're done here," the figure said as they sat up. "Don't call until you need me."

"Of course."

The figure was gone in an instant. Nothing left of them except for a single cup of tea that had gone untouched.

"I don't like her," Kirika grumbled.

"You don't like anyone that isn't me."

"Aw."

Momo arrived at the entrance of her old home. The one that her Big Sister had taken her out of. The one where her father and mother still lived.

She had always resolved herself to eventually come home, to try and patch things between her father and sister, so it wasn't difficult for her to come here on Oriko's orders.

She didn't like Oriko though. In fact, she hated her. And this was the first person she ever hated, which said something about how creepy she was. But Momo loved her Sister more and if coming here was apparently what it would take to save her, then she would do it.

The lights were off and there didn't seem to be anyone home though. Momo knocked on the door anyway. It was the polite thing to do. No one answered though, so she used a bit of Magecraft to mess with the lock and open the door herself.

She was greeted by a silent hallway. The darkness that pervaded the place seemed more ominous than ever.

What did she have to be afraid of though? This was her old home.

She flicked on the lights and carefully stepped inside.

Mama and Papa were probably missing the two of them right now. They would be glad to see her and hear news that they were both doing fine.

Momo arrived at the living room and was surprised to find that it wasn't empty. Her mother seemed to be sleeping at the dining table, while the bathroom door was open to show her father washing his hands in the sink.

"You're back," her father commented without turning around. He continued to wash his hands in his sink.

"I am Papa," Momo replied as she walked up to the dining table and sat across from her Mother. "Hi Mama." Her mother remained silent as she continued to have her head buried in her arms.

Wow. Mama must've been really tired. That was probably why the room was also so dark, apart from the single candle that was lit on the table.

"I see you chose to abandon your heretic of a Sister."

Momo wanted to deny her father's words, tell him that Kyoko wasn't a heretic, but no. She had to be the mediator between them. "I just wanted to see you again," she decided to say instead.

"After you abandoned us too?"

"I didn't do that… I just didn't want to leave my Big Sis."

"She's a Witch."

Momo flinched as she was harshly reminded of the fate of every Magical Girl. Kyoko wasn't a Witch though, not yet at least, and she would never become one if Momo had a say in it. "She's not a Witch. She just wants to do her best to help people."

"By selling her soul to the Devil."

The Incubators might as well be Devils for what they did to her Sister, but she wasn't going to tell her father that… yet. "She didn't sell her soul to the Devil."

"And yet she has forsaken God. Taken on some Pagan Magic and used it to curse this family."

Momo was starting to see where her Big Sis's stubbornness was coming from. "We aren't cursed."

"But we are. You just don't realize it." He finally turned around to look at her. "You simply don't realize it do you? My followers, they were all enamored by her Magic, I know that now. What I've labored for my entire life has been turned into the Devil's work."

"Papa-"

"No longer though."

He began to walk toward her in an ominous way. Scary enough that Momo got out of her chair and quickly backed up. As she stood, she hit the table and caused the candle to topple over. Its fire began to start lighting up the sheets, though she had something else to worry about at the moment.

"I will free us all," he continued. "Just as I did your mother."

Momo looked at her mother and realized that she hadn't moved that entire time. She was completely, utterly still. "Mama?"

Distracted at the sight of her mother, she could only gasp as her father grabbed her neck. She was pushed down before she could try to get away. Her head hit the floor first. It hurt and everything began to get blurry around her. She let out a silent choke as her father tightened his grip around her neck.

Momo grabbed her father's arms and tried to push him off, but she was too weak. She wouldn't be able to push him off. Not with her own strength.

Time seemed slow as she struggled to breathe as everything around her began to get darker. She could barely think, barely realize that her father had likely done this to her mother.

Her father killed her mother. He was now going to kill her. After that he was going to do the same to Kyoko. Her Big Sister couldn't die.

And just like that, a brief moment of clarity came to her mind. That was why she was here in the first place. To stop her sister's death by their own father's hands. If he was going to kill them all… then there was only one thing left to do.

She forcibly activated her Magical Circuits. Her entire body became hot from the strain.

Judge the concept of Creation.

Hypothesize the basic structure

And finally, Duplicate the composition materials.

The three steps of Projection that Archer had taught her. These words that she knew intimately, were the ones she called on at that moment as she brought the Magic to her hand. With her spell finished, she gripped her right hand thrusted it forward.

And just like that the choking stopped. Everything stopped. All that was the sound of fire as the tablecloth began to light up and the horrified look on her father's face.

He fell on top of her, his body threatening to crush her if she hadn't used Reinforcement to push it aside. He fell onto the floor. She looked into her eyes and could only see disbelief and fear in them. He looked at her like she was a monster, like she was the Witch that had brought ruin to his family. And then that faded until there was nothing left in his gaze. The knife that had been jammed into his stomach soon too faded away into nothing.

The only sign of what had happened was the blood that came out of the wound. The same blood that now covered her hands. Momo could only stand there and stare as that blood began to pool on the floor of her home.

She had killed him. With her own magic, with the knife that she had created. She was a murderer.

She fell to her knees and her body shook as she put her hands atop her face. She didn't care that that blood was now staining her face, she just couldn't stand to see the corpse in front of her.

Momo screamed. Her cry echoed throughout the home, but no one came to answer her.

This had to be a dream, right? If she just covered her eyes long enough then she'd wake up and the corpse would be gone.

But when she eventually took her hands away the body of her father was still there. It wasn't a dream. She had killed her own family. Her mother died because she didn't act sooner. Her father was dead because she was too weak to stop him in any other way. And soon Kyoko would die if she continued to stay with her. Her sister would die because she was useless.

Hello Momo Sakura.

Momo turned her head and looked at the Incubator. Like always, it appeared out of nowhere. But it was no longer the guardian angel that Mami had once described it. No, after everything she had learned she knew that its swaying tail and large eyes promised nothing but despair and damnation. It was a Demon, a Devil, and it was now here to entice her with a contract.

But even Demons had their uses. And besides, she was already damned anyway.

What do you want to wish for?

Kyoko ran toward her old home alone. After checking the Church to no avail, she had told Mami to keep watch of the surrounding area. Kyoko had argued it was a precaution in case those Magical Girls that attacked Archer came for them, but in reality it was because she needed to confront her family alone. Even if Momo wasn't here she had to make things right with her father, if only so that they had a proper home to return to.

In the end it was all for Momo. Everything that Kyoko had done recently was for the sake of her Sister. It had only taken her now to realize that.

Did that make her a bad hero? Did she have a right to put Momo before other people, even if they were complete strangers?

Was there any point in acting like one when all it did was bring pain to her and her family?

Kyoko suddenly couldn't feel her legs. She fell to the ground and realized that her entire body felt cold. She couldn't figure out what had happened, she couldn't even gasp. It was as if she had lost control of herself. That was a horrifying thought and the chill that spread throughout her was only a terrible reminder of that.

Then slowly warmth seeped back in. As if the heat that was once lost was finding its way back in. It was a different sort of heat, but a familiar one that seemed to be replacing something that had been lost.

And then it ended.

Kyoko gasped and found that she could actually move again. She pushed herself up with her hands only to freeze once she realized something was missing.

Her Command Seals still remained, but the ring that once held her Soul Gem was gone. She stood up and jerked her head around the area in case she had dropped it. But no, she didn't, Mami had told her something like that happening was impossible. You couldn't just misplace the Soul Gem on your finger, it had to be taken off willingly or forcibly ripped off by someone else.

She hadn't dropped it, it had disappeared. That power, that strength that had been ready to course through her body at a moment's notice was now gone. All that was left was the energy being produced by her Magical Circuits.

It should've been near impossible for something like that to happen, but she didn't have the time to figure it out. She needed to find Momo first, then she'd worry about why she was no longer a Magical Girl.

Kyoko activated her Magic Circuits and sprinted the rest of the way. In minutes she arrived at the front porch of her old house and threw the door open.

From the hallway she could see a light in the living room. A light that casted shadows that danced wildly against the wall. Intimate as she was with her element, it only took her a second to realize that there was a small fire.

She began to prepare a quick spell to snuff out the flames as she ran to the doorway. She entered the room, raised her hand, and-

Kyoko froze. Her hand still extended. Her eyes grew wide as she looked at the puddle of blood on the floor that came from her father. She looked at her mother collapsed sideways on the floor.

The growing flames that began to consume the table were ignored as she walked forward and kneeled on the ground to check her father first.

He was dead. Bled out. Had to be with all the blood that now pooled the floor. Blood that came from a wound dealt with by a knife. Yet the weapon wasn't there, it wasn't anywhere in the room from what she could see.

She stood up and rolled her mother over. Her bloodshot eyes and the bruises on her neck told Kyoko what had happened. Only her father had hands that big.

Soon a picture of what had happened developed in her mind. There was only one more thing that she needed to check to complete it.

But she didn't want to. She didn't want to confirm what it was that she already knew. Because if she did… then she would have nothing left.

The table collapsed on its legs as the flames consumed them. Sparks and ash hit her body, burning it, but she couldn't feel it. The fire began to spread along the floor and countertop. That too was ignored as Kyoko made her way to the bedroom. The same one that she and Momo had once shared.

Kyoko opened the door. It was there that she finally found Momo. It was there where Kyoko found her sister being held up in the air by a noose around her neck.

A single step forward. Then another. Each one was just bringing the inevitable closer to Kyoko as she slowly made her way to her sister. She burned the rope and let her sister's body fall into her arms.

It was cold. Not a single heartbeat, not even a bit of warmth came from it. It was just empty.

Kyoko gently laid the body onto the floor. Momo looked almost peaceful. As if she was taking a nap and would wake up at any moment. On her hand was a ring with a purple gemstone, the answer to why Kyoko was no longer a Magical Girl. She didn't care about that now though.

"Momo."

She should've never been here. They should've been back in Mami's apartment. They were supposed to be eating cake, doing schoolwork, and laughing as Mami and Archer bickered.

"I'm sorry."

But they couldn't go back to those times. It was too late now.

A single drop fell onto Kyoko's hand. Then another. Then countless others began to fall.

"Momo…"

The tears wouldn't stop coming. They continued to soak her sister's shirt even as the fire spread from the living room and began to burn the doorway behind her.

"MOMO!"

Kyoko screamed. She screamed until her throat became sore. Then she forced her Magic into her lungs so she could scream even more. But there was no one else to hear it. Nothing to accompany her, but the sound of the fire all as it spread across the entire room. She screamed until the smoke made it impossible to. Then she buried her face into her sister's chest.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." She coughed as her own tears began to drown her. "It's my fault. My fault. T-this shouldn't have happened. It was me."

She did this. Did this to her family. Did this to her Sister.

Trying to help others, trying to play the hero, it all led to this. Archer had warned her. He had kept trying to tell her, but she wouldn't listen. And now all of this happened because of her. Because she had to chase after some dumb foolish dream.

Kyoko hugged the still corpse of her little sister. The flames quickly began to consume the bedroom. She could already feel the flame start to lick against her back. That only made her hug her sister even harder.

The house would burn, her family would burn, and the two of them would burn together.

She could feel the flames leap across her back as a darkness overtook her. Her despair, her sorrow, she would let herself drown in it completely and then let it all be burned away in the fire. That was a fate that suited a Witch like her.

But then she felt something warm press against her. It wasn't the fire. It wasn't trying to consume her but rather it was firm… and somehow gentle. She couldn't help but find comfort in the pair of arms that began to envelop her.

Anyone that had hugged her like this in the past was now dead. Whoever was doing this should've been a complete stranger to her, but for some reason she could recognize the strong embrace of her Servant.

It didn't make sense. He was a man who had only ever flicked her on the forehead or carried her around like some burdensome object. It seemed impossible to imagine him with a strong yet tender embrace, but here it was right now.

"What are you doing here Archer?" Kyoko asked him as she still held onto his sister.

"Doing my duty." His voice was strong, firm, yet somehow also gentle.

"What duty?"

"As your Servant."

A Servant and a Master. That was what they always were. A pair of people that never really got along, that always set up a wall between each other. They were convenient to one another, suitable to each other's purposes. There shouldn't have been anything beyond that.

"You don't have to stay," she told him. "You don't deserve this." He had always stayed beside her. He had always tried to help even as she refused to listen. That sort of loyalty... it didn't deserve to be burned away with some stupid foolish Master.

"Find a new Master." She didn't even know if that was possible. But if it was then he could certainly pull it off. He'd be able to find someone who could treat him better.

"I could," he admitted. "But I think I'd rather just stick around with you."

The fire didn't hurt Kyoko that much anymore. She knew that he was taking the brunt of the flames for her. Even as a Servant, there was only so much he could handle. Eventually the flames too would consume him if he continued to stay.

He didn't deserve to burn. Not him.

"What if I command you to go away?" she asked.

She could practically feel the smirk that he was giving her. "Then this will be the first time I disobey you. If you wish to burn in this fire, then I shall burn with you."

"Why… why would you stay with me?" she asked. He had performed his duty. Worked for her unerringly without any payment or thanks. Why would he continue giving her more? Why would he decide that this was a just reward for everything he had done?

Fire now surrounded them, having completely enveloped the room. Soon it would consume both of them.

Despite that, Archer still didn't move. "Because no one should die alone."

And then it clicked. Everything he had done; he had done for her. Not out of some duty that had been forced on him, not out of some stupid foolish ideal. He did it for her. A little girl that never realized what she truly had. A girl who was going to be taking away the last thing he had left in this world.

Kyoko finally let go of Momo. "Take me away." She commanded him not with her Command Seal but with her own voice. "Take me away and stay with me until the very end."

It was a selfish wish. Something that she didn't deserve to make after everything she had done. But she knew that he would grant it for her.

Kyoko's sorrow and despair, the flames that had burnt her body, the weight of that all finally began to weigh down on her body. She would have fallen to the floor had Archer not picked her up and carried her in his arms. She wanted to thank him, wanted to say something, anything, to him. But she couldn't, the darkness that consumed her sight was just too much.

"I promise I will… Kyoko."

His promise brought her relief. That relief was what finally allowed her to close her eyes in peace.

Archer stood on a nearby rooftop, with his Master in his arms. He watched as history repeated itself, the flames continued to spread across her old home. The same flames that would burn away everything that she once knew.

"I'm sorry."

He didn't turn to look at Mami who had come to see the aftermath. He remained stoic, continuously staring at the fire. Eventually the Magical Girl left once she finally realized that she didn't belong there. He didn't even spare a glance in her direction.

The only thing that had his attention were his own thoughts.

He had initially decided to stay in this world, because it was time that he wouldn't have to spend under Alaya's orders. Orders to kill and kill and kill countless numbers of people. Many of whom only had the crime of simply being there when an incident that threatened humanity happened.

He had fought and he fought for a dream. Constantly striving for greatness, even though he was ordinary. Constantly fighting even as everyone he once knew abandoned him. Even as the people he strived to save, the world he fought for, turned around and betrayed him. Then he finally achieved a miracle, a wish and a contract as he lay there bleeding.

He gave up a peaceful death and was rewarded with never-ending war. In the end his ideal, his wish to save everyone, had betrayed him too. It was impossible to save everyone, yet he didn't realize that until it was far too late. When he signed a contract that left him with nothing, but a field of swords where he would eternally curse his fate.

Left with nothing, he had no purpose even as he attempted to take advantage of this fleeting yet peaceful break from his duties. Yet even that was taken away as soon a contract was offered to his own Master.

No matter the world, there would always be a hopeless dreamer that would eventually lead themself to destruction. There would always be a wish and the foolish hero that would accept the contract. Never realizing what it truly entailed until it was too late.

In the end he had done what he could. She had made her own decision, to follow a dream that actually belonged to her, and this was the natural result of her choices. By all rights this was the price that she would have to pay.

And yet, seeing her alone and helpless in that fire stirred something within him.

It was why he couldn't help but comfort her in that moment, couldn't help but embrace her and wish that she too wanted to be saved from the flames. Even now, that desire was calling him as he looked at his arms where his Master laid.

Abandoned by everyone she loved and betrayed by the very ideals she once held; it was a wonder if she'd even survive by herself. And if she did, would that be a life worth living? Her contract was gone, even now he could tell that she was no longer a Magical Girl.

One last parting wish from Momo before her death. A wish meant to save her sister from her fate, but it had also left Kyoko without a purpose.

No purpose, no family, nothing else left in her life. At this point dying in that fire below would've likely been a mercy.

So then knowing this, what right did he have to save her? Especially when his desire to do so came from that same ideal that doomed him in the first place?

Archer wiped away the ashes that had covered her eyes even as his fist trembled.

There were two people in his existence that he cursed. One was the boy that would eventually become him. Second was the man that was the source of his ideals. The man that was responsible for the countless lives he had taken before and after his Contract. By saving his master now he would be doing the same that man had done.

It wasn't right. He should just leave her be. It would be the best for both of them.

But he couldn't let her go. He wouldn't let her go. Not until she wanted it herself.

Was it right for a man who had been forsaken by his dream, to feel so happy at the thought of saving just a single person? To have something in his arms that proved to him that it wasn't all for nothing? That his actions had led him to this?

Archer's hatred for the man known as Kiritsugu Emiya still remained… but now more than ever, he could understand his actions.

The fire trucks finally came and the men within quickly began work at putting out the fire. Archer simply watched as they worked to eventually put out the flames. Until all that was left was ash.

No matter the world it always seemed to have a twisted sense of irony. Was it fate that this would happen to her or was it because of his presence in this world? It was impossible to know, yet his answer would be the same.

No matter what, he would continue on. Always cursing, always suffering. Looking for the day when his life would finally end. Even though it never would come.

Perhaps now though, for just a fleeting moment, he could find some happiness with the little girl he held.

A young girl moved quietly in the alleyway. She wore a grey hakama patterned with black and a purple kimono fringed with white. Around her waist was a large a white ribbon, its long tails fluttering behind her as she walked. Simple for a Magical Girl outfit, but rather elegant in a way.

The most interesting thing about the girl was the ability that she wielded though. Severance. The ability to cut the connection between magic and its user.

The Incubator hopped down onto the pavement and walked alongside the girl. She didn't even turn to look at it, having likely long noticed its presence.

Where are you going now?

"Somewhere Big Si- Sakura can't find me."

Aren't you a Sakura?

"Not anymore... Kyoko will be safe if she doesn't have me around."

Is that why you faked your death?

Against other Magical Girls or Magi, this girl's abilities would render their spells useless. Most notable however was her ability to temporarily sever the connection between the Soul Gem and the body, forcing the target Magical Girl into a deathlike state.

That was what she had used to feign her own death. To have the skill to set up a timer on her own magic and willingly use her body like the puppet that it was just minutes after contracting was an impressive feat for her kind. A testament to her skill and adaptability as a Magical Girl. The extra effort it had taken to contract with both Sakura sisters had been worth it for the energy they would inevitably produce.

To think that it would've likely ignored the younger one if Oriko had not advised it otherwise. It would have to thank her for that. It was the courteous thing to do after all.

"I don't want her to look for me. There's… no room for me there."

It shouldn't be difficult for them to find a home that can adequately house the three of you.

The girl glanced at it. "You're really clueless."

The Incubator tilted its head. The knowledge we have far exceeds even the most intelligent of your kind though.

"You don't even know that what you're doing is bad. That makes it hard for me to hate you."

We are preventing entropy. Saving countless lives in the future. What we are doing is logically correct.

"Just because you're logically correct still doesn't mean you're morally right."

We find your kinds' sense of morality quite illogical.

They continued walking in silence. Until they were on a nearby street.

"I want to kill you," the girl suddenly said.

Then why haven't you attacked me yet?

"I don't want to get my knife dirty." The girl grabbed it by the scruff of its neck and threw it out onto a nearby street. She then hid in a shadow as a car promptly ran it over. "And there's more of you. I need to find a way to kill you for real."

Another Incubator appeared on the other side of the alleyway.

You wouldn't be the first to try.

"I'll still try anyway. Monsters need to die."

Was your father a monster?

The froze for a moment. "He killed Mama and would've killed Kyoko. He was a Monster," she said uncertainly, as if she was trying to convince herself of that.

He was a human. Just like you were.

"Shut up," she replied before walking away and disappearing around the nearest corner.

Chapter Text

Masara moved quickly yet cautiously along the alleyways of Kazamino as she headed toward the meeting point. Despite it being her first time there it had been simple enough to memorize the maps of the city and find the quickest route to her destination. All to meet a certain individual.

They called her the grief seed merchant. A strange girl who operated in Kazamino who kept calling herself a Magus and denying any rumors of her being a Magical Girl. As her title implied, she sold grief seeds but not for the wares that were often exchanged by an Adjuster.

No, what she wanted was simple.

Money and a lot of it.

It would seem suicidal to sell grief seeds for such needs, as they were such a valuable resource for Magical Girls, yet this merchant always seemed to have a large stockpile on hand. This was made stranger by the fact that Kazamino wasn't even that big a city in the first place, there would only be enough grief seeds there to support a few Magical Girls at most. There would be no way the merchant would've been able to hoard so many seeds from a single location, not if she had to use them herself, but she was never seen straying far from her territory.

This only led into her claims that she wasn't a Magical Girl at all. Knowing this, more than a few Magical Girls had tried to invade the merchant's territory to get their hands on those seeds. Not a single one ever came back.

That was why Masara was cautious as she carefully made her way to the meeting point. Thanks to her wish she had plenty of money for grief seeds, despite the exorbitant prices the merchant would charge, though this would actually be her first time buying them. It wasn't necessary in the past, she was more than capable of fighting off the witches of Kamihama by herself, but ever since that yellow tonfa wielding Magical Girl started following her around… well best to keep a few extra just in case.

She heard a rustling above and immediately turned with her grief seed in hand, ready to transform. A figure dropped from above onto the alley below. They had long pale red hair, tied into one long ponytail by a green ribbon. They wore a light seafoam hoodie, denim shirts, and long black boots. Most strange enough though was the spear that she held in her hand.

For all intents and purpose, it looked like a regular weapon made of steel. Sturdy and most definitely sharp at the end yet that alone wouldn't have made her a threat. However, Masara couldn't help but keep her guard up despite that. She also couldn't assume that the merchant was alone either. There were rumors that she was constantly followed by a figure in Red and Black that was ready to strike at any time. Whether it was another Magical Girl, Magus, or something else, no one really knew.

All anyone knew for certain was that the merchant was more than she appeared. Anyone that had seen what she was capable of never came back to tell anyone else about it. There were never really left any witnesses once the fighting started.

"You came early," the merchant commented with an annoyed expression on her face. "When I tell you to come at five, you come at five, not ten minutes early."

Masara reached into her pockets with one hand, the other still on her soul gem, and took out a box of Pocky.

The merchant's eyes lit up as she tossed the Pocky to them. They put their spear against their shoulder and caught the box. It didn't take long for them to rip it open and put a stick in their mouth.

It was well known that food was the best way to get them into a good mood. Dropping it on the other hand would be a death sentence.

"Glad to see some girls out there that have respect for the resident Magus," the merchant replied with confidence, almost bordering on arrogance.

"Do you have the seeds?" Masara asked plainly.

"Right to business huh? And straight faced too. I like girls like you, makes things simple." The merchant lifted up the side of her hoodie revealing a black crop-top underneath and a large medley of grief seeds hanging from within. It was enough that even Masara's eyes were raised. "Fifty thousand yen each. Cash only."

Very exorbitant prices that very few Magical Girls still in school would be able to afford. Masara on the other hand was not most Magical Girls.

With an emotionless face she reached into her coat, pulled out a thick stack of notes, and walked up to hand them to the merchant.

"I'll take ten."

The merchant whistled as she quickly began counting the notes. "Rich girl too. Been a long time since I had an order this big."

"Will it be an issue?"

"Nope, none at all." The merchant pulled out a leather satchel and filled it with the agreed upon grief seeds. Once it was filled, they quickly handed the satchel to her and began walking away. "Make sure you go back the way you came. Last thing I want is to have to get rid of a customer like you."

Masara simply turned around and walked away.

The sale had gone wonderfully, much better than Kyoko had initially expected when she had been first contacted by that magical girl. Ten grief seeds sold at once, five hundred thousand yen that she now had on her.

It was enough to make her feel giddy with the weight of that stack of cash bouncing around in the inner pocket of her hoody. In fact, she was so giddy that she had used Reinforcement on her legs so that she could quickly get home to slap a certain individual with that fat stack. It only took her ten minutes to arrive at the front of her home thanks to her Magecraft.

The place was reminiscent of a samurai's mansion, albeit a small one, and was one that perfectly suited their needs. Granted Kyoko would've been perfectly fine just slumming it out in whatever hotel room they could find, but Archer had insisted that they build a home with the funds that they had gathered.

Not that she would complain. It was certainly comfortable even if she didn't quite understand his obsession with koi ponds, archery ranges, and that one wooden shed she was forbidden from entering. She had tried getting in there once only to get caught and then sent to the dojo for a session of training. Even as a Magus it took a long time to recover from the welts and it served enough as a warning to stop from ever trying again.

"I'm home old man," Kyoko called out as she slid open the front door and took off her shoes. Even from the entrance she could sniff out the familiar scent of his cooking in the kitchen.

"How was business, Kyoko?" a familiar voice called out from the kitchen.

Kyoko snorted. "Like you weren't watching."

"Even I can't read lips or count the bills she handed you from that far away," Archer replied as he poked his head out of the kitchen. He had recently begun letting his hair down while in their home, making it rather reminiscent of the boy that she had seen in her dreams. She kinda liked it. It made him seem more… domestic.

"Wouldn't be surprised if you could. You always have something up your sleeve," Kyoko said as she snuggled herself into the kotatsu in the living room and smugly placed the stack of cash on the table. Thank the Root for Archers and their Independent Action ability. His effective range, the bounded field around their house, and their irregular yet frequent patrols made it difficult for most Magical Girls to get in without them knowing. The ones that did never lasted particularly long. "Sold ten seeds."

"That's a lot."

"Yep, we can finally start digging that Koi pond you were looking forward to. Never thought building a home for fish could be so expensive. And why do you need them, don't they need constant care and eat nonstop?"

"Sounds like someone I know," he replied in that familiar cheeky tone of his.

"Oh, screw off Archer."

Kyoko grabbed the remote and switched on the flat screen TV. The first thing that would appear from the screen was a news report of the disappearance of a young girl in a nearby city. She shook her head and immediately changed the channel.

Nothing new, even if she did have a slight suspicion as to who it was that had gone missing. There was a newbie a week ago, a meek girl that had been a few thousand yen short for a seed. Kyoko still let her have it anyway on top of some advice on how to hunt witches. At that point it was on the girl if she still couldn't survive.

Eventually after switching channels Kyoko settled on some random magical girl anime.

"I can't be the only one that sees the irony in this," Archer commented as he walked out of the kitchen with two large bowls of udon and several sides as accompaniment.

Kyoko shrugged. "It's a dark comedy. Stupid girls doing things over stupid ideals with a world that has been so drastically twisted that everything works out for them. In the end everything else has to pay because of the world working for them and they don't even know it because they're trapped in this happy little dream of theirs."

"That's one way of putting it," Archer replied as he set dinner down on the kotatsu.

Kyoko didn't hesitate to immediately grab her chopsticks and slurp down the still steaming noodles. As always, his food was legendary, better than what she could get from any restaurant in the city. After several straight minutes of eating she took a brief break, took off her hoodie, and used it to wipe down some of the sweat that had gathered on her neck.

"The witches have been moving strangely," Archer suddenly commented casually between small bites of his own food.

"How so?" Kyoko asked. Archer was an observant person, but he usually preferred to stay silent about most things he saw and deal with it himself. If it was something he had to inform her about, well it was certainly trouble.

"They've all been moving toward one direction as if they're being led. We'll have to take care of any we can find close to the borders before they cross it and we lose the right to hunt them."

"And we're going to need them considering how many we just sold," Kyoko replied. Thankfully, she no longer needed seeds for herself which made any grief seed they did gather up for sale. It was easy money using the skills they already had. It was still worrying and annoying that someone or something out there was stealing their witches though.

"Do you have any idea where they're going and what's luring them away?" Kyoko asked

"Not yet. We could leave one of the weaker ones alive so that I can follow it."

She wasn't the only one that had gained something from their bond. After a few years since her contract with him. Perhaps it was remnants of her time as Magical Girl, but he had become as skilled at detecting witches as any Magical Girl. There were still some Witches out there that gave him trouble to find, but at least he wasn't blindly combing the city street to street anymore.

"Are you saying you're getting to let this Witch walk free where it might eat civilians?" Kyoko asked.

"You and I both know it would be simple enough for me to divert it before it becomes a threat to people," Archer replied.

He was a bit of a bleeding heart that killed any Witch or familiar he found. In her opinion it was very inefficient to kill the latter when they weren't in your way, as they didn't drop grief seeds until they ate enough people and became Witches themselves. It was like killing the goose before it laid an egg, but it was something that he seemed firm on.

"Fine, we'll go with your plan," Kyoko replied.

"Try not to get into any trouble while I'm away."

"I can handle myself." She was perfectly capable of taking on weaker Witches and Magical Girls by herself. The only other threat would be the Incubators, but they stopped coming after she had lost her contract. Of course, they still put in plenty of effort at putting up Bounded Fields around their house in case they ever showed up again. Always best to keep an eye out for those rat bastards, never knew what they were planning or when they would pop up again.

"Arrogance is the enemy," he simply replied. "It only takes a single mistake in battle to get yourself killed, it doesn't matter how strong you are."

She rolled her eyes and simply focused on finishing her food. First hunger, then exhaustion, and now arrogance. How many things did he consider to be an enemy?

Once she finished with her food, she planned to get a bath and some sleep before they went to hunt. Before she could stand however Archer put a small box in front of her.

"What's this?" she asked as she eyed it carefully.

"Happy birthday."

Kyoko stared at his neutral expression for a few moments before carefully picking the box up and opening it. Inside was a simple yet well-made black ribbon. She had suspicions it had all sorts of spells and enchantments put into it, but she still appreciated it. He always did put her safety first after all.

She silently undid her old ribbon and turned around so that Archer could tie the new one into her hair. He did so quickly and once he was done; he created a mirror for her to look at.

The ribbon suited her quite well.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

A rare smile, a genuine one not laced with sarcasm or regret, appeared on his face.

"You're welcome."

And just like that, she was now fifteen.

Archer sat on the porch of the home that he had built in his home under the gaze of the full moon. His home… their home. To think that he had adapted to domestic life so quickly after several millennia of acting as a Counter Guardian. Old habits died hard after all.

Kyoko certainly helped in that regard. So this was how his father had once felt raising him… It was nice. Even if it was only a temporary reprieve.

"You should get your rest. We're not leaving until another hour," Archer said to his Master who had stepped onto the porch behind him

"Nightmare," Kyoko replied as she took a seat next to him. She was already dressed and ready for their late night of hunting. "Thought I'd join you out here instead."

The Servant remained silent as he took comfort in her presence. They stared at the moon in silence for some time.

"A Counter Guardian, huh?"

Archer closed his eyes. Four years it took for her to learn that. The Dream Cycle certainly took its time in this world.

"Yes," he eventually replied.

"Looks like we were both screwed by bad contracts."

"Yes…"

His body controlled like a machine, forced to fight in an endless war. Forced to slaughter countless people who never deserved it, no matter how depraved Humanity could be. If Kyoko had been shown that dream first-

"Wouldn't have made my wish if I had seen that first," Kyoko admitted.

"My apologies."

Kyoko snorted. "Why are you the one apologizing? You're not the one who signed my contract or made me waste a wish on something useless. Not like you can control the dreams I get either."

"You got them because you summoned me."

His Master waved him off. "Yea but knowing me I still would've accepted that contract if I hadn't summoned you. And without you," she looked back at their home, "I have no idea how I'd survive."

Archer snorted. "You'd survive. You're tough that way."

"Maybe, but I wouldn't be as comfortable, and I wouldn't have such good food. I owe you a lot Archer, so if there's anything you need."

If there was one thing that she was good for, it was that she'd always go out of her way to repay a debt. She refused to give out favors, but she also refused to owe someone if they did do something for her.

Stubborn, but admirable in its own way.

"Just staying in this world is payment enough," Archer admitted. Even if this world was as flawed as his old one, anything was better than returning to his duties as a Counter Guardian. Eventually this dream too would end, but for now he would enjoy it. "That means you'll have to keep yourself alive and healthy for as long as possible."

Kyoko grinned. "Of course. I aim to live a long comfy life. Just for me."

Chapter Text

Kyoko sat in the classroom, hardly listening to the teacher's lecture as she continued working on the diagram in her notebook. It was the same rune she used for her Flame Step, name pending, but slightly smaller and adjusted to be placed on the shaft of her spear. In theory it would give her an explosive force behind some of her attacks, she just had to figure it out how to do it without blasting her body in the process.

Maybe nab a couple of familiars and use them as test subjects? She certainly had plenty of energy still left to burn. Last night's hunt with Archer was standard, almost boring in fact. She was almost looking forward to a tough fight or, failing that, the excitement of experimentation. Apparently, she had become quite the mad scientist in recent years.

"Emiya, perhaps you'll know the answer to example four."

Kyoko continued scribbling as she opened up the textbook with a single hand and quickly went to the correct page to read the problem.

"50π^3"

Compared to the problems she had to solve while doing Magecraft, math classes in her last year of middle school were practically nothing. Granted it didn't really help with English, or Classical Japanese, but at least her Math and Science grades rounded it out so that she had good grades overall. Not that she really cared, but Archer had demanded that she continue her education and maintain at least a B average.

"Correct. Impeccable as always, Emiya."

She nearly smiled upon hearing the name that had been given to her by Archer. It was a good name and it seemed to roll off her tongue every time she said it. Much better than Kyoko Sakura.

Kyoko Sakura was a fool that ended up destroying herself and everything she loved with her beliefs. She was dead, burned in a house fire. Good riddance at that.

Kyoko Emiya would be the smart one. The one that wouldn't suffer trying to play the hero. Instead she would be the one who survived and lived a nice long life for herself. It also rolled off the tongue better.

She continued working on her rune up until the bell finally rang and class ended. She quickly packed up and got ready to head home. She was already wasting enough time at school, time that could be spent Hunting witches or studying her Magecraft, so she had no desire to join any after school activities despite encouragement from the teachers.

It was also less time she'd have to wear the damn uniform. The black skirt was just too long, while the black blouse and white undershirt were too stuffy and constricting. The quicker she could get out and change in the nearest public restroom, the better.

"Emiya"

Kyoko sighed as she was intercepted by another girl at the door. What was her name again? Yuri? Yako? Wait no, that one was a character from that old Western Cartoon. Apparently it got a reboot recently, she'd have to give it a shot sometime. "I'm not joining yer club."

Between hunting Witches and Archer's training she had become one of the physically fit people in the school and that was without any magic. It got to the point where every sports club kept trying to get her to join their team, no matter how many times she said no. What did she have to do so they'd learn their lesson? Burn the gym down? Actually, that was sounding pretty good right about now.

"No, it's not that…" the girl replied. "I just wanted to ask about that… man you've been walking around with."

"Archer?"

"How do you know him?"

"We live together." Ever since they had changed her identity and forged the adoption papers, Archer had essentially become her legal guardian. It was why they were able to live in such a large estate without child protective services knocking on their door.

"Oh!" the girl lifted her hand to her lips. "Are you two… intimate?"

"No!" It took everything Kyoko had not to empty her guts on the spot. "Why would you think that? The dude just takes care of me, nothing like…" she gagged, "That."

"So, does that mean he's available?"

Jesus Christ!?

"I'm sorry?"

"Just…" Kyoko struggled to find the words. "Do you know how old the guy is?"

"I mean the age gap won't matter so much in a couple of years."

Wow just… wow. And this wasn't the first time this happened either! Apparently, his status as a dedicated chick magnet didn't go away even when he became a Servant. Honestly, she wasn't too sure if he was still as oblivious as he was when he was teenager or was just now really good at ignoring the advances of his would-be suitors. Hopefully the latter, she wasn't sure if she could handle the repercussions of him being as dense a brick.

"I'm just going to go home now and flush my brain out with some bleach," Kyoko said as she tried to make her way past the door.

"Wait," the girl gently grabbed her by the arm and it took all of Kyoko's self-restraint not to clock the chick right there. She would've if she didn't risk getting suspended and getting Archer's, I'm not angry just disappointed look. He used that look a lot. It was very effective. "Could you give this to him," she held out a neatly wrapped envelope.

"Fine," Kyoko replied as she quickly snatched the damn confession and walked out the door. Once she was out of school, she quickly lit it up in her palms and turned it into ash. Archer might not have shown any interest in any girls that approached him- honestly if it wasn't for the dreams, she would've assumed he batted for the other team like she did- but that didn't mean she was going to bother him with this. Besides he was her Servant, no dumb floozy was going to take him away from her!

Dumb floozy?

Kyoko flinched. When did you get back?

An hour ago.

So, any news? She asked, hoping to change the subject.

I tracked the witch down all the way to Kamihama before I had to turn back.

Kamihama?

A large city, much bigger than Kazamino, with an unusually high number of familiars and Witches. Usually the Magical Girls there are enough to handle them, but with the recent influx of Witches they're starting to get overwhelmed.

So basically, free pickings then. I don't think they'll mind if we take a couple if they're getting swarmed. When are we leaving?

I'm going to continue scouting. It's too dangerous to go with what little information we have. We have no idea what's attracting the Witches in the first place.

I can handle a Witch or two Archer.

There are a lot of then and they're much stronger than usual. Even the familiars are tough. Strong enough that even I have trouble taking on a labyrinth by myself, at least not without taking a few injuries.

Damn. If Archer had trouble with those witches, then the situation down there must be even worse than she thought. Are you alright?

Minor injuries, nothing to a Servant, but it is still worrying that they are able to injure me past my Mind's Eye. The Witches are stronger, take more hits, and can be notably tricky to deal with.

How do the Magical Girls there handle them then?

The vast majority of them fight in teams.

What? Magical Girls rarely worked in groups. It was a dog eat dog world and there weren't enough Grief Seeds to go around. It was why she was able to sell them for such a high price to desperate girls.

Just the sheer number of witches and the strength of the grief seeds they drop are more than enough to support them. The situation there now necessitates strength in numbers. A few of the groups I've observed showed some impressive teamwork and strategy for girls their age.

How dangerous are they?

Dangerous enough that they can effectively fight off Witches with comparable Servant level strength. We can probably escape or turn it around if we do get into a fight with them… but they're still a threat and I heard that there are some experienced veterans leading them.

How experienced are we talking here?

A few who have been at it longer than Tomoe, with comparable strength too.

Damn. She might've split ways with Mami a long time ago but that didn't mean she didn't keep tabs on her. Her old mentor had grown a reputation as a veteran and was now considered to be one of the strongest Magical Girls in the surrounding areas. And apparently there were several Magical Girls in that city that could compete with her. That also wasn't considering just the sheer number of girls in one location.

Though Archer could definitely take on Mami himself, the results become much muddier once you sent three or four of them at him at the same time.

Which is why it's safer if I scout by myself for the time being. Archer told her.

How long will you take? Kyoko asked.

I'll need another two days to get the lay of the land and get a read on the situation there. Fortunately, everyone's too busy with the lack of Witches in their areas to bother with us. It should be safe enough for you here as long as you don't look for trouble.

Okay I get it. No picking fights with other Magical Girls, I'll just focus on hunting the Witches we still have.

Kyoko…

Fine, no hunting Witches. Kyoko lied. She was still going to hunt Witches.

Why don't I believe you?

I'll be fine. Just go already.

First, we're going to have lunch together. Then I'm going cook you enough food to last you a few days. So, you don't starve without me.

You realize I can always just order take out?

Really? Have you seen the nutritional value of what they serve around here? Even if there were healthier options in our area, you'd still gorge yourself on junk food and snacks if I left it to you.

I'm not that bad.

Don't think I don't notice all the Pocky and chips you eat outside of the house. You're going to destroy your taste buds, appetite, and body by stuffing all that junk into it.

Uh, and here came the Heroic Spirit of the Housemother class ready to lecture her over her eating habits. Again. If there was one complaint Kyoko had living with the man… Just tell me where we're going for lunch.

I found a fairly good sushi place nearby.

Turns out the sushi was good and affordable. It was enough that even Kyoko was still filled up by the time the sun set, and she found herself sitting on the highest building in the city. She dangled her legs off the roof as she watched the city for any Witch activity. Call it a habit she picked up from Archer, but she quite enjoyed standing from a high vantage point to gaze at everything below her and in the horizon. Even if she did have to make sure to avoid looking in the direction of a certain ruined church.

Sadly, the only notable thing that did happen for her to witness was a car crash on the nearby highway. There was a big fire and a bunch of ambulances were heading to, but that wasn't her problem. Apart from that there was really nothing else of interest that she could see from up there, even after several hours of waiting.

Welp. Time to jump around and see if she could run into something.

Kyoko Reinforced her legs and leaned forward off the edge of the roof, soon dropping into a free fall. Halfway to the ground, she pushed herself off the wall with her legs and bounced to the top of a shorter building. A simple flip in the air was all it took for her to land neatly on her feet and then jump from roof to roof.

She hadn't expected to suddenly run into the entrance of a labyrinth after a half hour of jumping around, but apparently Gaia was smiling on her for once.

She reached into a small pack at her side and began pulling out a large metal rod. The rod continued extending out of the pack until she pulled out the sharp metal blade. She twirled her favored spear in all its glory. It was no Noble Phantasm, but it was a reliable weapon that Archer had crafted. Not a Projection but an original that he had made and designed for her specifically. The shaft was a bit thicker than usual to allow her to block and deflect tough blows with the strength and leverage it provided. The tip likewise was also very thick, large, and sharp. It was designed to stab deeply into Witches and create thick gashes into their bodies with a single swipe. Overall, it was a very deadly weapon with its only weaknesses being its extra weight, which she could easily handle thanks to Reinforcement.

Pumping a tiny bit of magic into the spear's tip, Kyoko lifted her weapon up and casually sliced into the barrier. She then entered the labyrinth through the Kyoko shaped hole that she had neatly created.

Inside was some sort of strange hedge maze, a literal labyrinth with walls made of vines and thorns that reached to the very ceiling of the witch's domain. No jumping over that and 10trying to squeeze through would get her ripped apart by those thorns. It would be feasible enough to set her spear aflame and cut through them, but it would likely take a considerable amount of energy to break through a single wall.

Left with little choice she ran down the maze, watching for familiars the entire way. After taking two lefts, a right, then another right into a dead end before backtracking and going left, she found a large clump of familiars.

Sunflowers in flower pots essentially, except the center of their heads were gaping black circles leaking some sort of fluid.

They didn't seem too threatening for familiars really. Just use the length advantage of a spear to keep them at a distance an- Woah!

Kyoko jumped back as their necks suddenly lengthened and they slammed their heads where she had been standing. The fluid that seeped from their heads melted the concrete floors but stopped once it reached the dirt underneath. The familiars then spread the leaves on their stems and what was apparently their arms shot out and tried to entangle her.

She quickly began cutting them apart as she considered her next move.

These things had some sort of corrosive acid, really long necks, and vine arms that attempted to grab her as she retreated. She then glanced back and realized that these familiars were trying to corral her into a dead end where she would be cornered.

Okay screw cautious spacing, best to charge right in.

She began to run forward and twirled her spear as flame began to cover her left arm. Magical Energy in her body to ignite the flames and Mana of the World to keep it burning. Fire was not just her affinity in Magecraft, it was personal to her. It was what made her who she was, what defined her being, and what she would use to kill anything that stood in her way. To bring them the same pain that it had brought her.

With a swing of her arm, her flame became a whip and swiftly lashed out on the first line of familiars in front of her. She then closed the distance, cutting the necks with her spear as the flames floated away her arm and coalesced into a ball above her. The ball shot out spikes, slashes, and pulses, made of flame as it followed above her.

An even larger group began to appear from the nearest corner.

Kyoko thrust her arm forward causing the ball to shoot ahead and explode into their center. The resulting explosion burnt the majority of them while the rest were sent flying in all directions.

The way was clear.

She took a deep breath as she gathered heat under her heels. Heat was created by friction, by atoms and molecules bumping into each other and vibrating as they became more active. Heat then could be used to generate energy which was compressed into those two spots under her feet. She released that energy and rocketed herself forward.

With each step she traversed a great distance. Not as fast as Archer could be, but enough to get her past the remaining familiars.

She called it her Flame Step technique and stuck with that name despite how much Archer called it stupid. Like Triple-Linked Crane Wings or Nine Lives Blade Works was any better. It wasn't like she shouted out the name of her moves in the middle of a fight anymore. That was just plain stupid and an embarrassing habit that she had picked up when Mami had still trained her. Apparently, the blond Magical Girl still did that, which would've definitely killed the crush Kyoko had had on her if any of those feelings still existed.

Anyway, continuous use of Flame Step was risky due to the high cost and strain on her body even past Reinforcement. Since it couldn't be used continuously for traversal it was instead reserved for quick maneuvering and repositioning as necessary. Useful for catching an enemy off guard with a sudden burst of speed or simply getting out of the way of an incoming attack.

Once she had made sufficient distance from the familiars, she began running normally. It was almost always best to conserve Prana by ignoring the stragglers and heading straight for their source.

After running into a few more dead ends Kyoko finally found a light at the end of the tunnel. Against all common logic she charged straight for it and found herself in a flower field. It was bright, pretty, and something she could almost admire if it wasn't for the giant eyeball plant a short distance away.

The Witch, and it had already claimed a few victims. In front of it were two dissolved corpses and a young girl in green who seemed frozen as she stared at them.

Tch… civilians always made things complicated. When dead they would just feed the witch and make it stronger. When alive they would get in the way or annoy her with their constant screaming. Always expecting to be saved, that they should not have to die, even though the world was never that kind.

Well the corpses couldn't scream, and that girl seemed quiet at least, so Kyoko tossed her a bone. That bone being her spear which skewered several vines that had been trying to grab the kid.

With the Witch's attention now on her, Kyoko Flame Stepped forward and dodged the first few vines sent her way. The rest were immediately cut down by a flame whip at the end of her Step. She jumped into the air, grabbing her spear that was still embedded in one of its vines, and cut it free. Armed properly, she began the mundane yet much necessary work of weed whacking.

Kyoko's spear danced as she chopped apart vine after vine, tearing everything that had tried to grab her to shreds. Soon enough all that was left was the giant eyeball as it struggled to regrow its lost limbs. She would never give it that chance.

With one last charge, she leaped into the air and thrust her spear straight into the center of its eyes. It tried to shake her off, but she stepped on its eyelid and used that as leverage as she thrust her weapon in even deeper. Then as a bit of a finishing touch she channeled flame through the spear and began burning the witch from the inside out.

She continued burning it, even as it thrashed and tried to shake her off, until it was nothing left but a charred-up husk on the floor.

She took a few deep breaths with the job done, but otherwise she hadn't strained herself too much.

It wasn't a particularly strong Witch, just a bit tricky with its territory and familiars. It also helped that her flames were really well suited to burning it down completely. Type advantage, turns out, didn't just apply to Pokemon. Though she had yet to find something that Archer's steel couldn't cut.

Once she caught her breath, Kyoko looked at the two corpses on the ground. Both had been killed recently, but that wasn't something that bothered her.

If people caught in a labyrinth lived because of her then fine, but if they died it was no issue either. No point in risking herself for random strangers. In the end, going out of your way to help people would only just bring you pain.

The world collapsed on itself as the little girl with green hair continued staring at the corpses. They were soon returned to an empty block at the edge of the city, but the girl still wouldn't move.

Kyoko sighed as she picked up the grief seed. Normally she would just leave the survivors alone, but even she had a soft spot for little kids. "Oi brat."

The kid remained silent.

"It's a shame, huh. But that's the way it is… no amount of crying will bring your parents back to life. You survived, why don't you give some thanks for your good luck."

The kid still didn't answer.

Hmph. Whatever.

Kyoko took out a lollipop and popped it in her mouth. She then turned around and began to walk away.

Someone would eventually notice a lone child in front of a pair of bloody corpses and get some help. There was nothing else she needed to do, nothing else she wanted to do. This kid would just have to find her own way to live. To move past this… incident that ended up taking away her parents.

This tragedy that left her alone with no one else there to help. No sullen, ever present guardian to save her from the flames.

Big Sis

Kyoko hardened her eyes and forced herself to turn around. "With a face like that, no one will come to save you." She walked up to the girl's back and held her lollipop in front of her face.

The girl finally reacted and lifted her head to look up at her.

Kamihama was… an anomaly. Archer hated having to use the Incubator's words, but that was the best way to describe how strange this city was. Even by Magical Girl standards this place was taking the cake.

It wasn't like this the last time he had been here years ago, yes full of Witches but that was standard for every large city. Now though his nose was getting near overwhelmed by this pervasive sense of the supernatural that seemed to permeate the air. The rumors that spread along the general populace when the existence of Magic was supposed to be a secret certainly didn't help either.

This was going to take more than a few days for him to fully grasp what was happening here, but unfortunately his Independent Action had limits. He had to get back to Kyoko to replenish himself before he could do anymore investigating.

Something was brewing here. It might take some time, a year or two probably if his intuition was to be relied on, but once it did erupt the consequences could be quite catastrophic for the area. It likely wouldn't affect them if they stayed in Kazamino though and losing a couple of Witches to hunt would be fine from a financial standpoint. He could always take up a job again if needed.

The issue was Kyoko. Though she claimed she would live for herself, she was also a reckless and curious person by nature. A very dangerous combination. If he told her what was happening, she would likely pop her head in the city just to satisfy her curiosity.

Chapter Text

The brat could definitely eat. It was only after devouring her third Taiyaki, did the kid finally begin to slow down. Mostly because she was coughing on the tail end of her last pastry.

"Careful kid," Kyoko said as she handed the girl a can of juice to drink. "Make sure to eat your food properly," she chastised the girl as she drank.

The girl looked down at the top of her can and froze, likely remembering what had just happened to her parents.

Tch… trauma wasn't something that Kyoko was very good with.

"Your parents were killed by a creature called a Witch."

"A Witch…?" the girl asked hesitantly as she turned to her.

"Yes, a Witch. I hunt them for a living."

"What are you?"

"A Magus."

The girl looked confused. "Magus?"

"A magician basically," Kyoko simplified for her. "I use Magecraft to fight."

"… Like a Magical Girl?"

Kyoko shook her head. "I'm not a Magical Girl. They do exist but this isn't like those mangas, there isn't any love, courage, or salvation. Your family is dead, and they aren't coming back. That's why you're on your own from now on. Just you, even for foo-"

"Yuma"

Kyoko looked at the girl. "Hmm?"

"My name is Yuma, not you."

"Cheeky brat," Kyoko replied, though without much bite.

"So, you protect people like me, right? Like a Hero of Justice?"

"No!" Kyoko shouted, causing the girl to recoil with wide eyes. "Don't ever say that again," she hissed with her fists clenched and her body tensed. "Don't ever try to be a Hero of Justice, hell don't even be a regular Hero."

She took several deep breaths and meditated to herself like Archer had taught her in order to steady her emotions. Surprisingly enough though Yuma had seemed calm despite her outrage and stood up in front of her.

"Is being a Hero so bad?" she asked.

"Yes. Heroes don't last long. They either die or have everything taken away from them."

"Well, then maybe I can become a Magical Girl?" she said with some cheer in her step.

"What?"

"I want to be a Magical Girl that fights witches too!"

There was something wrong with this kid. How could she so cheerfully exclaim that she would be a Magical Girl after what just happened to her.

"Don't say stupid crap like that-"

"Then I'll be a Magus. And use ma-"

"Look kid. I'm not taking any apprentices so ju-"

"Papa and mama are dead! I have nowhere to go!" Yuma shouted, causing Kyoko to flinch. "How do I become one? I'll do anything."

Once Kyoko collected herself, she simply shook her head and stood up. "You almost died," she said as she walked past Yuma. "Why don't you live a normal life while you still have it."

Kyoko thought that would be the end of it. But then she heard a sniffle behind her.

"But… But… I won't make it alone."

At this point Kyoko could practically hear the pout and tears that were appearing on the brats face. It was enough to get her to stop walking and put her face in her hands. "By the Root damnit," she cursed as she forced herself to turn around and address Yuma. "My name is Kyoko Emiya."

"Kyoko?"

"Yes, and I don't take any lazy idiots. You are going to learn proper Magecraft as a Magus. If you ever start slacking off or stop being useful to me-"

"I won't I'll do my best!" Yuma replied.

"Good. Most important of all though, you are not a Magical Girl and you are definitely not a Hero of Justice. I don't want to hear those words in my house. Agreed?"

Yuma eagerly nodded her head. "Yes!"

"So anyway," Kyoko gestured to the house that she and Archer resided in. "This is home."

She almost chuckled at the awestruck look Yuma had as she took in the entire estate. To be fair, it was an impressive place. The building alone was several times larger than the average house and it was rare to find such a traditional design in the middle of Kazamino. That of course said nothing about the gardens, archery range, built in dojo, and that Koi pond of theirs that was still under construction. The Koi pond might need to be delayed though. It would be best to save up a bit more now that they had an extra mouth to feed.

A mouth that Kyoko would eventually have to tell Archer about upon his inevitable return. That was not going to be a fun conversation…

"Am I… living here too?" Yuma asked once the initial shock wore off.

"Yes," Kyoko replied.

"I-It's so big and cool!" the girl shouted excitedly. "You live like a rich samurai! This is all yours?"

Oh well in for a penny. "There's another person and it's our place. You'll meet him soon enough, but yea you more or less have free range of the place. Just stay out of the wooden shed over there," Kyoko pointed to said shack off in the distance. "Seriously don't go in there. I'm not responsible for what happens to you if you do."

"I won't," Yuma said before running to the front porch and quickly throwing off her shoes.

Kyoko quickly followed and gave her a tour of the house. Once they were done the girl's stomach had started growling again, so she brought her to the kitchen where they ate. Thankfully Archer had kept true to his promise of stocking the fridge with at least a week's worth of food, so there was plenty extra for the two of them.

It didn't take very long for both their plates to get emptied either, though there were still little bits of bell peppers left on Yuma's plate by the time Kyoko had finished. These scraps were then pushed aside by Yuma as she pushed her plate towards Kyoko.

"I'm done."

Kyoko gave the girl a glare. Nothing too tough, but enough that Yuma would know she meant business. "Hey," Kyoko said firmly as Yuma looked up. "Rule One. We do not waste food. You eat everything that's on your plate."

Yuma grimaced and looked down at her plate. She looked back to Kyoko who refused to budge.

"You live in this house, you follow the rules. Unless you want to renegotiate our agreement."

Yuma gulped before picking up the scraps with her fork and shoving some of them into her mouth. The resulting face the girl made could've made one hell of a picture. She kept going though and soon enough the plate was cleared.

"I finished!" Yuma said, practically gleaming at her.

Kyoko couldn't help but let out a little smile at that. "Yea, good job." She stood up and petted Yuma's head before taking the plates to the kitchen sink to be washed. "Don't ever take food for granted alright. You'll never know where or when you'll be able to get your next meal," Kyoko said as she dried her hands.

"I won't. Are there any other rules I need to know?" Yuma asked. She was an eager girl. Kyoko could work with that.

"Yes," Kyoko replied as she sat back down at the dining table. "Rule Two. Do not ever mess with the kitchen not unless you get Archer's permission." Kyoko crossed her arms. "He's the other person that lives here and messing with his kitchen is almost as bad as going into his shed."

"Is Archer your papa?" Yuma asked.

"He's… a guardian and my mentor. He took care of me, so you treat him with the same respect you give me."

Yuma nodded.

"Rule Three. You do not talk about the existence of Magic to anyone."

"Anyone?"

"No one. Regular people can't know about the existence of magic or Witches."

"What about a Magus or a Magical Girl?" Yuma asked.

"If you find someone that does know about magic then don't say a damn thing. Just run and get away as soon as you can."

"Are they dangerous?"

"Yes. Or stupid. Or worse, both. They ain't the most dangerous thing out there though."

"The Witches?" Yuma asked.

Kyoko shook her head. "No. There's this white cat with bunny ears and golden hoop earrings that might show up. If you see it, kill it."

Yuma tilted her head. "Kill it?"

"Stab it. Punch it. Throw it in front of a bus. Just don't let it talk to you and get back to me as soon as you can." Kyoko noticed the shocked look on Yuma's face and sighed. "This thing actually has a lot of bodies. Too many to count. It doesn't feel pain either, so you don't have to feel bad about hurting it. If anything, the most you can do is inconvenience it. I just find that its decent stress relief when it does show up."

"Why do you… keep trying to kill it then? Did it do something bad?"

Kyoko clenched her fist. "There's a good chance it'll show up to ask you for a contract to be a Magical Girl. Don't ever accept it. If you do, I'm kicking you back on the streets."

She had expected Yuma to be afraid but the extreme degree of fear on the girl's face had caught Kyoko off guard.

"I-I won't. Please don't make me leave," Yuma practically begged. Well, at least it wasn't likely she'd contract. The girl probably needed some serious therapy though.

"Power always comes at a cost. If anything, out there ever offers you power, know that it is never free. Kyoko continued. "To be a Magus on the other hand is to walk with death. We are constantly striving, paying the price in time, effort, and resolve in order to acquire the power we desire." She could only hope that she sounded at least as half as imposing as Archer did whenever he went on another lecture about Magecraft. "There are no shortcuts on this path for it is one that we have to pave ourselves."

Yuma stared at her in awe. "So, you became this strong by yourself?"

"Uh… yes... sorta. Archer helped a little. Kinda need another Magus to teach you the basics, but once you get that down you'll be allowed to take up whatever field of research you want."

"Can I learn to fight?"

"Eventually." Not any time soon though if Kyoko had anything to say about it.

"How long is that?" Yuma asked.

"Whenever we feel you're ready," Kyoko replied.

"That doesn't answer my question."

"Yuma, you're starting from scratch. Don't know how quickly you'll learn or pick things up, but we aren't rushing this. Give me a few weeks to see how well you're doing before I tell you. Alright?"

"Okaaay," Yuma replied, disappointed.

"Good," Kyoko leaned over and gave Yuma a quick sniff. "We need to get you a bath."

After filling up the bath, Kyoko dragged Yuma to the changing room where they began to take off their clothes. She then took the time to look at Yuma's body after the girl had completely stripped.

Damn. No wonder the girl ate so much. She was practically skin and bones and needed some serious fattening up. Did her parents not feed her much before they got offed? Had they been poor like Kyoko's family had been?

"You're pretty!" Yuma exclaimed.

Kyoko had to stop the urge to bashfully cover her own chest. Apparently, she hadn't been the only one to do some looking.

"Thanks."

Kyoko didn't put that much effort in her own appearance, but she knew that her active lifestyle of training and fighting Witches had given her a nice figure. She was attractive. A good catch. Could use a bit more development in the chest area but that was her only complaint. It was never much of an issue anyway if the looks that the boys, and a few girls, at her school had given her. Most of them were too shy to say anything to her though and the few that did couldn't stop stuttering after she had gotten a bit tough on them.

She didn't have anything against them, they were all hormonal teenagers after all. But seriously, how could they possibly think about going out with her if they couldn't handle her being a bit rough? Being a timid girl wasn't an excuse, though it wasn't like most of the boys were much better either. Seriously, you'd think the gender with biologically more muscle mass would have actual spines to support all that meat.

They stepped into the bathroom and Kyoko almost chuckled at the look of awe on Yuma's face. That face kept popping up ever since the girl had been brought here and it never got boring

"Your bath is so big!"

Kyoko grabbed Yuma by the shoulder before she could make a break for the tub. "Wash up first."

"Okay!" Yuma sat down on a stool. She tried to reach for the shampoo bottle only for Kyoko to grab it first and sit behind her.

Kyoko squirted some shampoo into her hands and began to scrub Yuma's hair. It just felt natural to do this.

"Am I too rough?" Kyoko asked.

"No. You're really good at this," Yuma replied cheerfully with her eyes closed. "Did you do this before?"

Kyoko remained silent as she lifted up the girl's bangs to get to her hairline. She immediately stopped what she was doing.

Burn wounds. Cigarettes. Definitely not from a Witch.

Yuma went deathly still.

"Your parents?" Kyoko asked.

Yuma began trembling.

Kyoko sighed before pushing the bangs back down and continuing to wash Yuma's hair. She made sure to be a bit gentler this time though. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

God knows how much she didn't talk about the things that happened to her. Apart from Archer, but it was hard to hide things from your guardian with whom you had a mental connection with.

Any of the previous excitement that Yuma had shown was now gone though and they finished the rest of their bath in silence.

Once they finished, Kyoko got Yuma an old T-shirt to wear and they made their way to the guest bedroom. There were several of them actually, but they were usually empty. Kyoko opened the door for Yuma and was about to walk away when she noticed that the girl remained hesitant in front of the open doorway.

"I'm not judging you," Kyoko told her as she walked back up to her. "You don't have to be afraid of them anymore."

Yuma nodded. She looked down at the floor and remained silent for a long time.

Kyoko was about to take Yuma by the hand and help lead her to her bed when she finally spoke. "I… didn't actually love papa and mama," Yuma said while looking at the wall. "They argued all the time and papa was almost never home. And Mama was mean to Yuma. She said papa didn't return, that papa went out to play because Yuma was a bad girl." The girl put her hands on her forehead, where the scars seemed to be the worst. "She was very, very mean."

Kyoko grimaced and closed her eyes. Of course, that had to have happened to this little girl. The world wasn't merciful, even to the children. It would take a miracle from the Root to change that. "You had it rough… but well… betrayal by your parents isn't something I'm unfamiliar with."

Yuma shivered and looked up at her.

"We're similar in that regard," Kyoko admitted. "That's why I live with Archer now."

Yuma gripped the sides of her shirt and trembled. "I. I… I want to become strong! Kyoko, why do you fight witches."

"Because I'm good at it… and it makes good money."

"You're strong because you're a Magus? You'll help make me a Magus right?" Desperation. Pure and utter desperation as if she had seen her salvation dangled in front of her, just out of reach. This was the look that Yuma was giving her now. It was enough to cause Kyoko to take a step back. "Yuma is weak. I don't have anything because I'm weak. You'll help me be strong, won't you!?"

"I already told you I would," Kyoko replied with widened eyes. Yuma was unhinged, manic. It shouldn't have been such a shock, Kyoko had seen signs of the girl's instability earlier that night, but it had still taken her completely off guard.

"Do you have friends?" Somehow the girl looked even more unhinged. "What about school? Are there other Mages or Magical Girls you know?"

"Hey, one thing at a time-"

"I want that. I want all of those things. Will I be able to get them if I get strong?" Yuma took a step forward. It took all of Kyoko's will not to step back in response. "Tell me what I have to do! Tell me what I need to do to be strong!"

"Yuma-"

"I won't become a Magical Girl. So don't make me leave! Just let me stay! Let me-"

"YUMA!"

Yuma froze and finally went silent.

Kyoko panted as she calmed herself down after her outburst. She closed her eyes and after a few seconds, knew what she had to do. She took a few slow steps, making sure not to scare the girl off, before kneeling down and enveloping the girl in her arms.

It only took a brief moment for Yuma to grab her in turn and sob into her chest.

This had not been part of Kyoko's plans. She had wanted to keep Yuma at some distance, but damn it if the girl didn't need a hug at that moment. She was messed up, they both were, and it was why she could understand her a little. It was why she knew that Yuma was desperate to grab onto something, anything. If Kyoko could be that thing… well it wouldn't be so bad. "I promise that I would teach you. I'm not going to break it alright."

"Y-you won't?" Yuma stammered.

"I won't," Kyoko replied before holding her even more tightly.

This was a mistake. She shouldn't be doing this, letting herself open up like that. It was a reminder of what she had already lost, it would just lead to more pain.

Kyoko knew all this, but she still wouldn't let go. Oh god. Archer really was going to let her have it once he saw this.

"Are you alright now?" Kyoko let go and asked Yuma a few minutes later.

Yuma's eyes were bloodshot and she was still sniffling a little, but otherwise had stopped sobbing. "I-I will."

"Alright then." Kyoko scratched her head. "Good night." Before she could walk away though she felt a gentle tug on the edge of her shirt

Yuma looked up to her with pleading eyes. "C-could I sleep with you? Please?"

"… Yea. That's fine."

Homura opened her eyes, her last memory was the image of a monster laying destruction to what remained of Mitakihara.

Kriemhild Gretchen. Madoka's Witch. A Witch… the fate of every girl that had contracted, including her.

Kyubey had deceived them. Tricked them into believing that they, no Madoka was doing good, only to trample on that faith. To let them become the very monsters that they sought to destroy.

She sat up and gripped her blankets tightly. Tears began to appear at the corners of her eyes.

It wasn't fair. Madoka didn't deserve this. Not such a kind and selfless girl. Not someone who'd go out of their way to save and befriend someone as pathetic as Homura was.

Homura needed to tell her, warn her of what was going to happen to her. Madoka would definitely believe her, wouldn't she? So, would everyone else. They were friends, weren't they?

No… they weren't. Not yet.

At this point she was essentially a stranger to every one of them, including Madoka. It wouldn't be a good idea to make the same mistakes as her first foray into the past. Suddenly walking up to Madoka on her first day of school to declare her friendship and status as a Magical Girl in front of everyone in the class probably hadn't been one of her brightest decisions. It was actually really embarrassing once she had the time to look back at it.

Time to look back… Well she certainly had plenty of that now.

Homura looked at her Soul Gem. The ability to turn back time, all so that she could be the one to protect Madoka. And yet it still hadn't been enough…

Homura got up from her bed and made her way to the bathroom to wash her face. She tightened the ribbons on her hair, making sure that her twin tails were firmly in place. She wouldn't fail, not again. This time she would be the one to protect Madoka.

Chapter Text

"Kyoko?" Archer asked, his hand still pinching the area between his eyes.

"Yes Archer?"

Archer pointed to the little green haired girl currently snacking on Pocky in their living room. They spoke low enough so that she couldn't hear them. "What is that?"

"A pet I picked up."

"A pet…"

"Yes," Kyoko nodded seriously. "She's a very eager girl." Shetried not to show her anxiety as the stood in the hallway. She was probably failing at that to be honest; he was way too perceptive for her to trick him. Really, nothing could've prepared her for the conversation she would have to have with him now that he was home.

Archer took a deep breath before putting a hand to his face. "I knew you were far gone, but to think you'd go as far as pedophilia."

"Hey!" Kyoko shouted at that accusation. She glanced back at the girl who was looking at them curiously from the living room. A quick spell was all it took to make sure she couldn't overhear them. "I didn't kidnap her. I just gave her some… candy and sweets… and invited her back to my home…"

Wow, it actually did look pretty bad once she said it out loud.

"How long before the cops come?" Archer asked.

"No one's going to call."

"You left no witnesses? Good."

"Jesus, Archer! What are you…" Kyoko squinted her eyes. "You're screwing with me again. Aren't you?"

Archer let out a brief smirk. "Careful. You're learning."

Kyoko huffed. "Anyway, I saved the kid from a Witch-"

"You went hunting again without me," he stated plainly.

"And that Witch ended up killing her parents. She's got no family left… Not that they were any good for her in the first."

Archer's expression softened. A kid with a bunch of dead parents who she had issues with. Of course, they could relate. "So, you brought this kid here, instead of bringing her to the proper authorities?"

"I mean, she kind of begged me to teach her Magic."

"What?"

Kyoko nervously scratched her head. "I might've promised her that I'd teach her Magecraft."

Archer was back to covering his face with his hand. "That's almost impossible."

"What do you mean? She wasn't affected by a Witch's kiss, so she has potential! Probably."

"Potential for a Magical Girl contract does not necessarily mean you are capable of Magecraft and vice versa. Did you at least check her for Magical Circuits? What if she has none to draw from?"

"Oh…" That wasn't something she had really considered. "Well aren't there ways to get around that?"

"Theoretically we could extract a Magical Circuit from another Magus and implant it into her-"

"Like your father did for you?"

"But a single circuit, even one of yours or mine, isn't going to be enough apart from a few parlor tricks. We could teach her to turn her nerves into Magical Circuits-"

"Like you did."

"But it's also borderline suicide. She's more likely to burn herself up from the inside out."

"Okay, maybe we don't teach her that but there has to be a way. You're a pretty decent Magus now, aren't you?" Kyoko argued.

"I still had Magical Circuits, even if they were latent. Also, my Element and Origin is Sword. Something so irregular that it would've gotten me a Sealing Designation if word had gotten out to the Clocktower of my world. That allowed me to highly specialize in a select few fields of Magecraft, otherwise I'm a completely hopeless Mage. Is that girl-"

"Yuma."

"Is Yuma like that?"

Kyoko glanced back at Yuma who had turned on the TV and was smiling at some sort of children's cartoon. "Probably not no."

"Then no matter how much we teach her and no matter hard she works, it's likely that she'll never get far as a Mage apart from a few parlor tricks."

"Maybe she'll be happy with that? It's not like she has much competition on the Mage front."

Archer crossed his arms. "To be a Magus is to walk with death. You must always be prepared to die for your craft, to cast aside your humanity for the sake of something greater than yourself. She was saved by a Mage and you encouraged her to follow that path. Do you think she'll ever be satisfied with a few tricks?

"No…" Kyoko admitted.

"And are you prepared to take responsibility for her? Not as a Mage, but as a human being. Her parents were killed but she would still have records in this city. Birth certificates, hospital records, school registrars, she would need an entirely different identity if she was going to live with you. You'd need to give her a new name, new life, away from anyone that might recognize her. Kazamino isn't that big, can you guarantee you'll be able to hide her?"

Kyoko remained silent.

"To help others is to cause yourself pain," Archer continued. "Those were your own words. In exchange for giving Yuma a new life, are you willing to sacrifice yourself for her? If you don't, then you don't have to the right to raise her."

"I promised the kid I'd teach her," Kyoko replied.

"So. Are you prepared to sacrifice yourself for her?"

"No," Kyoko almost scoffed. "That's the only promise I made. And I ain't sacrificing anything if she proves to be useful. I could use an assistant."

"Kyoko. You and I both know you're not the type to get an assistant. This is about something else. Someone that she reminds you of."

Kyoko bit back a curse. "So what?"

"Momo's dead."

"I know that." She clenched her fists. "I was there with the body."

"You'll never be able to replace her."

Kyoko sighed. "It's messed up. I'm messed up, but… this kid has no family now, and honestly even when they were alive, they were shit."

"She has suffered a lot," Archer admitted. "Especially for one so young."

"She's like me… or what I could've been like without any help." Naïve and hopeless. Nothing to hold onto or acknowledge. Nothing that could be called real. That was the life she could've lived without Archer. A life that Yuma would likely go through right now… if she even lived past a few days on the streets. "And it isn't even her fault."

"The world is cruel," Archer replied.

"I know. It's just that I do stupid shit and I have you bailing me out. She doesn't do anything wrong and she gets screwed anyway. I just want to be there, even if the world trying to do its best to screw her over. Like it always does."

"So, this is you trying to lash out against this world. Trying to fight against reality, even though you said you would accept it?"

Kyoko chuckled somberly. "Yea. I guess that makes me a huge hypocrite. Doesn't it?"

Archer grunted before crossing his arms. "You and I are probably the largest pair of hypocrites in this world. It doesn't change the fact that we are resolved to live the way we want; ideals and logic be damned."

Well when he put it like that. "So will you…?"

"I'll accept it for now. I'll help train her also but she's your responsibility in the end. She is going to need you here. Now. You can't waste your time running off to Root knows where, finding trouble."

"I don't-"

Archer glared at her.

"Okay maybe I do," Kyoko looked back to Yuma. "I'll try to be careful now though. I can't get myself killed after making a promise to her."

Archer smiled. "Good."

Kyoko made her way to the living room and sat down across from Yuma. Now that she had gotten Archer to agree she now had to lay down the rule of law in the household. And also prepare on offering to whatever deity had helped her perform the miracle on convincing him. Was there a Shinto shrine nearby that she could visit?

Madoka woke up. She found herself hugging her large bunny plush tightly, her drool having spilled all over its face. The mess didn't really matter to her though, what mattered was the dream that she had awoken from.

A dream of a girl with beautiful long black hair staring into the abyss. A girl who fought a hopeless battle never allowing herself to blink. For if she did, that too would consume her.

It was so vivid, the pictures of that girl standing resolute yet worn down in her mind, yet there was something else about that the dream that she didn't recall.

Did she want to remember though? Was she strong enough to bear whatever it was that this girl was fighting? A girl who ought to have been a complete stranger yet seemed so eerily familiar to her?

"Meow."

Madoka smiled as she looked down at the small black cat greeting her at the other end of the bed. She reached over and rubbed Amy's head. It purred in pleasure.

She was quite fortunate that her parents had let her pick a stray from off the street, even one that she had talked about before with her parents. She couldn't have helped it though, after its near-death experience with a car she couldn't leave it alone. That fact that it suddenly seemed more than willing to be with her despite spending its life on its street was even more incentive to keep it.

Thankfully Mama was more than willing to hear her out and let her keep Amy as a pet.

Honestly it was more of a miracle that Amy had even survived in the first place. One moment it was in the middle of a street with a car speeding just feet away from it and then it was suddenly on the sidewalk next to her. It had taken her a few moments of stunned blinking to even try and process what had happened. Even Amy had been about as surprised as a cat possibly could looked at the time.

A miracle had been performed that day, but neither of them quite knew how or why it had happened.

Madoka giggled as Amy licked her hand and made its way to sit on her lap. She had to push it away gently though.

She had school and someone had to wake up Mama after all. She couldn't help but let out a little mischievous smirk at the thought. It was quite uncharacteristic of her, but well it was surprisingly fun. Especially when her brother got involved too.

"Good morning!" Madoka shouted as she quickly ran up to her friends who had been waiting for her.

"Good morning!" Hitomi replied.

"Madoka, you're late!" Sayaka looked at Madoka's hair. "Oh! Cute ribbons."

"You think so?" Madoka asked. "They're not too flashy?"

"Meow."

The three girls turned toward Amy who had followed Madoka as usual.

"See even Amy agrees," Sayaka said as she knelt down to pet the cat. "Good job keeping an eye on Madoka here. Who knows what sort of troubles she'd get into if it wasn't for you."

"Sayaka!"

Sayaka turned to Madoka with an all too pleased expression on her face. "Come on Madoka. You're a nice person, but that just means that people take advantage of you."

Madoka blushed having been reminded of the times that Sayaka had to protect her in their youth. She didn't regret the way she had acted, even to people that might've tried to bully her, but she was grateful that Sayaka had been there to protect her. It didn't happen so much nowadays, but the memory was still enough that Madoka would often confide in Sayaka first whenever something bothered her.

"I have to agree with Sayaka," Hitomi commented. "Sometimes I can't help but worry about you too."

Madoka huffed. "Hitomi! I'm a big girl now. I can handle myself." Unfortunately, judging by the smiles they gave her, they didn't take her that seriously. Not that she was being very serious herself, but even she could be annoyed sometimes. Annoyed enough that she wouldn't even tell them about that strange dream they had. The last thing she needed was for them to call her out on some sort of soulmate that she had never met before.

"Oh, is that way you changed your ribbons," Sayaka said playfully. "Trying to become a mature woman like Hitomi. Going for all the boys."

"No, that's not-"

"How shameless!" Sayaka opened up her arms. "Let me show you what happens to girls like you."

After Madoka failed to escape Sayaka's embrace and claim on her as a bride, the three of them- sans Amy who would go home by itself now that it had finished escorting its owner- made the rest of the way to school.

For the most part the morning had been normal. Pleasant, but normal. Even Ms. Saotame's rant about never dating men who insist they can't eat fried eggs done over hard was common course for their mornings. At least it was until their teacher suddenly announced that they would have a new transfer student.

For some reason, Madoka half expected a raven locked girl with gloriously smooth and luscious hair to walk into the classroom. Her eyes went wide when she actually did get that.

"No way… It couldn't be…"

There were some differences. This girl had her hair wrapped in two large pigtails and her posture was less graceful and a bit nervous. Still, the resemblance was uncanny, especially what laid behind the eyeglasses she wore. Her eyes were mesmerizing… with a sort of determination that you wouldn't expect from a girl their age.

Things got even more confusing when said transfer student, who by all rights Madoka should never have met before, shot her a look of recognition. It had taken Madoka a bit to confirm that it was her that the transfer student was looking at and not a neighbor or someone behind her.

"My name is Homura Akemi." The transfer took a deep breath. "I'm pleased to meet all of you." Her voice past her nervousness was surprisingly strong and clear.

Then why did Madoka expect her to say all of that with a detached confidence? Why did she expect her to act aloof, almost a bit cold to the class? It was strange, and it couldn't just have been from the girl in the dreams. They were nothing alike.

Long black hair and a headband. The same faces yet also so different.

After introductions, Madoka was simply too distracted with her own thoughts to listen much to class. The way that Homura was constantly shooting her glances wasn't helping either.

"You alright there Madoka?" Sayaka asked during a break between classes. As always was the first one to notice that something was bothering her. She glanced at Homura in turn. "Do you know that girl? She seemed to be staring at you a lot earlier."

"I… maybe?" Madoka replied. "She seems so familiar… like…"

"Deja-vu?"

"No something else…" Madoka mulled

"Excuse me."

Madoka looked up to find Homura in front of her desk. "K-Kaname," the girl finally stuttered. Any confidence she might've had in front of the class seemed to have faded away the second she walked up to Madoka. "Are you the Nurse's Aide?"

"I am?" Madoka replied a bit confused.

"Uh…" Homura looked down on the floor and grasped her hands. "It been a bit stressful for me today and…"

Cute.

"I'm sorry?" Homura asked.

"Eep," Madoka let out before clamping her mouth shut. She had definitely not meant to say that out loud.

At this point a smile had grown on Sayaka's face as she looked between Madoka and the transfer student. "Oh, so that's what this is. My little Madoka's grown up."

"Sayaka?" Madoka asked.

"Miki?" Homura asked.

"Huh how'd you know my name?" Sayaka asked.

"I uh… remembered it after reading the class roster," Homura replied.

"Oh okay." Sayaka held her hand out. "Anyway, I'm Sayaka Miki. Madoka's groom to be. Please take care of her."

"Sayaka!"

"G-groom!?" For some reason Homura looked absolutely horrified.

"She's just joking around," Madoka told Homura before shooting Sayaka the best glare that she could muster. "Which isn't very nice."

"Ah Madoka, I'm just playing around," Sayaka replied without an ounce of guilt on her face before turning to Homura. "Anyway, I was serious about taking care of her. She's important to me, but I'm sure you can handle it."

"Uh... okay." This time it was Homura's turn to blush.

"So," Madoka said before an awkward silence could take form. "You were feeling stressed."

"Y-yes," Homura replied, clearly relieved at having an escape. "Kaname. Could you please escort me to the nurse's office."

Madoka tried to give Homura the best smile she could.. "I'll be… happy to. And please call me Madoka."

Homura had fit in nicely with their group. Her reserved nature paired well with Hitomi and she had apparently received Sayaka's seal of approval.

For Madoka, it was nice to be around her. Not just because they had another person to add to their group, but because Homura seemed almost familiar to her. As if they were meant to become friends. And judging by the way Homura seemed to smile around her, she also felt the same.

"What do you think about Homura?" Madoka asked as they made their way home.

"Meow," Amy replied.

Madoka shook her head and gave it a weary smile.

Her cat, though a great escort, was unfortunately not much of a conversationalist. Despite how fun it was with Homura, there was still something that bothered her about the situation. It likely was nothing. She was probably just being paranoid and the last thing she needed was for Sayaka to get overprotective over a gut feeling that she had. Still, she couldn't get that dream out of her head. Even now she could remember it quite vividly.

Madoka stopped at the crosswalk, waiting for the signal to change, when Amy suddenly turned left and continue going down the block.

"Amy?"

For the last few weeks, the cat had been a dedicated escort for Madoka and never went off the beaten path. What had changed?

"Meow." Amy turned back and sat down some distance away, as if it was expecting her to follow.

Madoka simply stared at her cat in confusion before it decided to get up and continue walking away.

"Amy! Wait!" she shouted as she followed her. Once she started moving in its direction though it suddenly picked up speed. Soon Madoka was sprinting after a black cat, much to the curious and confused looks of the few bystanders that had happened to be in their path.

"Slow… down," Madoka gasped as she tried to catch her breath. She was hardly the most athletic person and her cat was giving the toughest run of her life.

Eventually Amy turned around a corner into a nearby alleyway. Madoka followed only to find that her cat had finally stopped running. It now sat in front a white feather on the floor.

"Did you want that feather?" Madoka asked.

Amy replied by patting a paw next to said object, as if gesturing her to pick it up.

Ok. Madoka knew that Amy was a smart cat, but this was starting to get weird.

Madoka cautiously walked forward. She was a bit tense at first, but that soon faded away as she got closer to that feather's presence. She didn't know why, but it was as if it was calling to her. It brought her over with a sound that only she could hear until she stood in front of it.

It was pretty. A brilliant white with shades of pink. She didn't know where it came from, but it definitely didn't come from a bird. In fact. it seemed almost… unnatural.

Madoka kneeled down on the ground. She carefully brought her hand over and hesitated just inches away from the tip.

She was afraid. There was a part of her that didn't want to touch it, even as her soul practically screamed at her to do so.

Did she want this? Was this really, what she wanted?

Amy suddenly reached over with a paw and gently pushed her hand down.

"Meow."

Madoka brushed the tip of the feather and then gently grabbed it off the ground. She looked at it carefully before tenderly holding it to her chest. It was warm… and comforting. It was nostalgic, as if she was meant to have it. As if it was always meant to be a part of her.

A gentle light enveloped her body for a brief moment before vanishing. It had all happened in a second and Madoka looked down to find that the feather had disappeared from her hand. She wasn't sad that it was gone though, she felt wonderful actually. She hadn't felt this good since the day her parents had first brough Tatsuya home.

"Meow." Amy walked up and rubbed itself against her leg.

Madoka smiled and petted her cat. "You really are a smart kitty, aren't you?" She didn't entirely know what had happened or why it had to be her, but it felt like it was supposed to happen. "Let's go home before Mama and Papa worry."

It wasn't long before that wonderful feeling faded. Leaving behind nothing else but a fond, yet somehow, distant memory. There was a light spring to her step as she walked home though.

Chapter Text

A Goddess stood in the expanse of the universe. Her white dress and long pink hair flowed with a nonexistent wind as she drew her bow.

She hated conflict, much less that was brought by her own hands, but she was resolved to see her purpose fulfilled.

Her arrow ready, she pointed it at the enemy in front of her.

The curses, the hatred, the despair of the entire world. She would shoulder it all, accept it and bring salvation. For she was the Law of-

Madoka’s eyes shot open and she quickly sprang up from bed. Her hands still ready to use her bow. She panted, caught her breath, and finally began to process that she was in her home. There was no target for her to shoot at, just her bedroom wall. She relaxed her arm and let the arrow go slack.

Wait. Arrow?

She looked down and let loose a squeal. She was holding a bow. A wooden bow with a blooming pink flower on top of it. An actual bow meant to shoot an arrow of pink light that she was holding in her hands.

She gently released the arrow from her grip. It disappeared and faded into several motes of pink light before it even had a chance to land on her bed. She tried the same with the bow and got the same results.

So. She apparently now had the ability to create magic bows and arrows with her bare hands. Neat. And apparently easy to get rid of too.

That was a good thing. The door to Madoka’s room opened just as the last of the light faded.

“Madoka!” her Papa shouted as he charged into her room, his cooking pan still held in his hand. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing Papa,” she shot a quick glance to her bed and made sure that there was no trace of that bow she held in her hands. It still felt like she could bring it back any moment though. “I just had a weird dream.”

Her father lowered the pan. “A nightmare?”

Madoka glanced at Amy who sat at the foot of her bed. “Meow,” it said calmly.

“No… it wasn’t that bad actually,” Madoka replied.

“If there’s bothering you Madoka-”

“I’m fine now Papa,” Madoka gave him a gentle smile. “I just need a bit more sleep.” Thankfully it was Sunday, so it was a good enough excuse.

“Ok then.” Her Papa closed the joy gently. “Sweet dreams sweetie.”

Madoka waited until she could no longer hear his footsteps holding out her hands. It only took a few seconds before the bow answered her call and reappeared in her hands. Summoning it was much easier than she had expected.

She brought it closer to examine it. It was beautiful, pretty, and it fit so easily into her hands. It was meant for her, made to be used by her, though against what she wasn’t entirely sure.

She wanted to test it out by trying to create another arrow but firing a deadly projectile in her house probably wasn’t the best idea. No matter how much Amy seemed to be encouraging her to do so with its expectant gaze.

Madoka smiled gently as she watched a group of children play in the park, their parents nearby keeping a constant and happy vigil. It wouldn't be long until Tatsuya was one of those kids, running on his own and playing with his friends.

Those smiles… they really were precious.

She looked down at her hands.

First that feather. Now a bow appearing in her hands out of nowhere. It was just so strange. Why was this happening to her? She was supposed to be a normal girl. And now she was summoning deadly weapons out of her bare hands.

She really needed to talk to a friend, but it was Sunday. There was no school and Hitomi and Sayaka were both busy doing things with their families.

“What do you think, Amy? You’re the one who brought me to that feather,” Madoka asked her cat.

“Meow,” it replied once again.

Madoka sighed. She really needed to learn how to speak cat. Or somehow convince her Mama to have her company invent some sort of cat translating device. Either one.

“M-Madoka?”

Madoka looked up. “Homura?”

Homura was dressed in a white blouse and a grey plaid skirt. It was simple but cute and matched well with her hair and glasses.

“What are you doing here?” Homura asked.

“Oh, I was just… taking a walk. Ended up here.” Madoka moved aside to make room for Homura on the bench. “Keep me company”

“Are you sure?”

“You’re my friend,” Madoka answered quickly

“Meow.”

“Amy’s too!”

Homura blushed before taking a seat next to Madoka. She kept shooting glances at Amy for some reason.

Was she afraid of cats? She had been shocked to meet Amy yesterday when the cat had come to pick Madoka up from school.

“The other day… I forgot to say that you have a very pretty cat,” Homura commented.

“Thank you.”

“How did the two of you meet?”

“Amy was a stray. I saw her sometimes.” Madoka began to pet her cat. “We didn’t start living together though until her accident.”

“Accident?” Homura looked worried. “How is Amy fine then? You didn’t make your w-” she clamped her mouth shut.

“Uh… are you alright?”

Homura nodded vigorously before letting go of her mouth. “Sorry… I was just surprised that Amy seems perfectly healthy after her… accident.”

“Well, she didn’t get hurt in the first place. One second she was in the middle of the street about to be run over by a car and then,” Madoka raised her hands and made a light poofing motion, “She’s suddenly in front of me.”

“Did she dodge it?”

“Didn’t even see her move at all. It was like she teleported. Amy looked pretty surprised by that too. It was like magic.”

“Not mine though,” Homura muttered.

“Huh?”

“Nothing.”

“Well anyway,” Madoka continued. “I was so happy that Amy was safe that I just carried her home with me. She didn’t seem to mind.”

“Meow.” Amy suddenly jumped onto Madoka’s lap and laid down on it.

“I think she appreciates you,” Homura said, a light smile showing on her face.

“I’m lucky to have her,” Madoka replied. “I don’t know why she chose me though. She was always so aloof with everyone before”

“I think it because it senses how kind you are.”

Madoka blushed lightly at the compliment. “I’m just a normal person.”

“No. You’re incredibly kind. Willing to go out of her way to help a transfer student like me.”

“You were the one who came to me,” Madoka replied.

“And you accepted me. Let me join your group. You are so incredibly kind… and much stronger than you think,” Homura whispered.

“T-thank you.” Now it was Madoka’s turn to stutter. It was the first time someone that wasn’t Sayaka or her mother complimented her like that. It was nice. It was also at that moment that Madoka realized that she had a friend she could talk to right in front of her. “Hey Homura. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“What is it?”

“Could we go somewhere a bit more private?”

“Uh… my apartment’s close by. But it might be too-”

“That sounds perfect. I’d be happy to visit your home!” Those words caught even Madoka off guard. When had she become that assertive?

“Um… sure,” Homura replied hesitantly.

“If you don’t want to…” Madoka immediately backpedaled. She probably pushed too much into her friend’s boundaries.

“No! It’s fine. I’d be happy to bring you to my home.”

“Could you… give me a moment before I let you in?” Homura asked. They stood in front of a plain black door within a large apartment complex.

Madoka clasped her hands behind her back. “That’s fine.” She probably just wanted to clean up or something.

“Thank you,” Homura opened her door, stepped inside, and closed it before Madoka could take a peek into her apartment. It was only a few seconds though before the door opened and her head popped out. “Sorry I kept you waiting.”

“That was fast,” Madoka commented. “What did you do?”

“I just had to put some things away.”

Madoka stepped inside to find it so incredibly… bare. There really wasn’t much furniture at all apart from the basic necessities.

“Sorry it’s so bland,” Homura apologized.

“No. It isn’t. It’s just…” Madoka glanced around that apartment. “Is it just you here?”

“Yes.”

“What about your parents?”

Homura looked at the floor. “They’re not here anymore.”

It was difficult for Madoka to not shed a few tears at that moment. Just the thought of Homura alone in this apartment. “I’m sorry.”

“Madoka,” Homura raised a hand, but stopped just short of grabbing her shoulder. “It’s fine you don’t need to cry for me.”

“But…” Madoka sniffled.

“It’s been a long time and I’ve gotten used to it.”

“Aren’t you lonely though? Transferring to a new school with no family?”

“I-I…” Homura brought her head up and looked Madoka in the eyes. “I’m not. Thanks to you.”

Walking up and hugging Homura at the moment just felt natural, even though it was the first time they had ever done it. It was nice and warm, different from the hugs she had received from Sayaka. And judging by how Homura reciprocated it after her surprise wore off, she liked it too.

“Even though everything’s so different now you’re still here for me,” Homura said fondly. Her words were a bit strange, but Madoka had more or less gotten used to her occasional eccentricities.

Madoka let go and gave Homura a bright smile. “Do you want to come over to my place tonight for dinner?”

“I’d like that,” Homura replied before she suddenly perked up. “Wasn’t there something you wanted to show me.”

“Oh yea.” Madoka fiddled with her hands and took another look around the apartment even though she knew it was just the two of them. “Could you keep this a secret? I'm still trying to figure things out.”

“I will. What is it?”

Madoka raised her hand out, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Drawing from something from somewhere, maybe her soul or something, she summoned her bow and held it in her hands. She opened her eyes and found Homura staring at her.

That, Madoka had expected. What she didn’t predict though was the abject fear in Homura’s gaze as focused on the bow. That caught Madoka off guard.

“W-why. I thought you didn’t make a contract, thought that you wouldn’t-,” Homura’s eyes went up and down. “But why didn’t your outfit change?”

“Is it supposed to?” Madoka asked as she looked at her own clothes, currently self-conscious of the fact that they were pretty plain. “Do you know something about this?”

“Did you… not make a contract with Kyubey?” Homura asked.

Madoka tilted her head. “Contract? Kyubey? Who’s that?”

Homura held her hand out. Suddenly her ring flashed. A pretty yet strange purple gemstone came out of it. She then turned her hand over and let the newly appeared gemstone rest in her palm. “This is a Soul Gem. It allows a Magical Girl to transform.”

“Magical... Girl?” Madoka asked. Sayaka would definitely comment that that sounded like something straight out of an anime if she were here. And also call Homura crazy for that matter. Homura didn’t seem crazy though, it was just a bit hard to believe.

Or at least it was until Homura was enveloped in a flash of light and her outfit suddenly changed into a white coat and a light purple skirt. Strapped to her arm was a strange mechanical shield.

It took a few seconds for the reality of the situation to hit her

“Y-you’re a Magical Girl. Magical Girls are real. Magic is real,” Madoka said to herself. And once reality hit her, it hit her hard.

“It is,” Homura replied. “But you don’t have a Soul Gem. I don’t sense one on you and you just summoned a bow without one. How can you do that?”

“It happened after I picked up a feather,” Madoka explained.

“A feather?”

“It was a very pretty white feather that was also a little pink. When I touched it, it just,” Madoka turned her bow around a little, “let me do this.”

“That’s so… weird,” Homura replied.

“But you’re a Magical Girl right? Do you know anything about this?”

“No. Nothing.”

So after everything, Homura was just as confused as she was.

Hah. Hah.

Madoka went to the lone couch in the apartment, leaned her bow against it, and promptly took a seat. Homura also took a seat next to her.

They sat there, in silence, for quite some time. Neither taking the chance to glance at each other.

So, Homura was a Magical Girl. And Madoka thought that she was the only one to be doing the surprising today. Turns out it had been mutual.

It was crazy, just the situation in general and the rapid-fire revelations. Also, the many unanswered questions that the two of them had.

Madoka pinched her thigh. She wasn’t dreaming. It was good to check.

“Heh,” Madoka chuckled once she had confirmed she was awake.

“Heh,” Homura joined her.

The two faced each other and eventually their chuckling turned into full blown laughter. It seemed that they had gone a bit insane after all that, but at least they were coping.

Eventually Madoka wiped a tear off the corner of her eye. “I don’t think I expected any of this to happen.”

“Same.” Homura smiled. “Why are things always so interesting with you around?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Madoka replied playfully. “What do Magical Girls even do?”

The smile fell off of Homura’s face. “We… hunt Witches.”

“Witches?”

“They’re… creatures that hurt people.”

“So, they’re the bad guys?”

Homura shook her head. “They aren’t bad… It’s just their nature to destroy and hurt. They can’t help it. The best we can do is to put them to rest.”

“You mean… kill them?” Madoka asked.

Homura gave her a somber smile. “It’s the best way to give them peace. There’s nothing about Witches to be saved.”

“How long have you been doing this?”

“Not that long… but I guess I have some experience.”

“And you were by yourself?”

“No…” Homura fiddled with the shield slung across her arm. “I had a few… companions before. We’ve split up recently though.”

“I-…” Madoka scooted closer. “I can be your companion then.”

“Really?”

“Yea! It’ll be great if we can fight together.”

“You can fight?” Homura asked. It was a reasonable question.

Madoka paused before looking back at her bow. “Uh. I think so? I actually haven’t used it yet?”

“You haven’t?” Homura asked.

“No, it… kinda just popped up this morning. I didn’t think it was a good idea to use it in my home since I’d probably break something.”

“That’s probably for the best,” Homura agreed. “I can take you to hunt a familiar if you want to try it out. They’re a Witch’s minions. They aren’t usually very strong so it should be a good first fight for you.”

Madoka reached over to grab her bow. She wasn’t sure where this confidence was coming from, but she was going to take advantage of it while it lasted. “I’d like that.”

Mami drank her tea alone. She was accompanied by naught but the sound of her cup lightly clinking against the saucer.

She had plenty of time to reflect. To think about her options and prepare for the next hunt. There were always Witches to hunt after all and it kept her busy. Busy enough that she wouldn’t plague her mind with other things.

Or at least that’s how it normally was. Unfortunately, the number of Witches in her area had been steadily decreasing. It wasn’t just her either, other Magical Girls in the surrounding areas were having the same issue. It left many with no choice but to slowly migrate East where many Witches seemed to be going for some reason.

She would go and investigate herself, but that would mean leaving her territory alone. Not only would she risk another Magical Girl wandering in to take it during her absence, but there would be many civilians that would get killed by the Witches and their familiars while she was gone.

Even with decreased numbers, just a few Witches could easily devastate a city’s population if left alone. If one needed an example, then simply look at the time Japan had been nearly wiped out when the asset price bubble popped in 1992. You could also look at the recent Great Recession just a year ago.

As if the financial instability of these events weren’t enough, many people were killed or compelled to kill themselves by the Witches during these times. It was because many Magical Girls at the time had starved or were forced to move elsewhere. Then when things got really desperate there was a sharp influx of new Magical Girls to combat that threat, only for many of them to die in the chaos. The ones that survived the Witches then had to fight each other for territory.

That was the thing about Witches. If it was just them then they would be manageable for the most part. The problem was how they could take wars, natural disasters, and economic instability and create a feedback loop of death and destruction. Asian countries were often hit the hardest due to higher population density compared to most Western countries. Japan was about ten times denser than the United States which led to significantly higher percentage Magical Girls among the population in the former, which led to more conflict among their numbers. Of course, that was nothing compared to the density of countries like Singapore or China. How Magical Girls operated there, she did not know. Nor could she imagine.

Mami.

She set her teacup down. That was enough of her history lesson for now. “Hello Kyubey. Would you like some cake?”

You know I don’t eat, he replied as he jumped on the table. Yes, his race was technically genderless, but it was a lot easier for her to think it was a boy nowadays.

“It’s polite to ask,” she replied. “What do you need?” For as much as she appreciated his company, she knew that it rarely showed up for reasons outside of business. It was only after said business had been dealt with, that she could convince him to stick around in her apartment for a bit.

There are two girls in your territory that you would be interested in.

“Potential Contractors?”

Only one of them. And they’re both anomalies.

“What do you mean?” He didn’t use the word anomaly lightly. If he said that, then things were definitely strange.

One is a Magical Girl that I do not recall contracting.

Mami raised an eye. Yep, that was strange and certainly cause for caution. “I thought you were responsible for contracting all Magical Girls?”

I am. Which is why it’s unusual that I can’t recall her.

“Is she dangerous?”

I do not know what her magic is, but she doesn’t seem aggressive. There’s a high chance she’ll be amenable to discussion at the very least.

It would be best if Mami could reason with this Magical Girl. She was still prepared to fight though, if it came to it. “And the other?”

Has access to powers despite not having a Contract.

Mami’s eyes grew wide. “A Magus.”

Possibly. And she also has incredible potential.

“How much?”

It easily dwarfs yours and Sakura’s combined.

Mami flinched at the reminder of her previous Junior.

She could likely be one of the strongest Magical Girls alive if she were to Contract. Possibly the strongest given enough time.”

Mami gulped. A girl with such incredible power. What would they do once it was in their hands though? “Who is she and what is she like?” She had to make sure that this girl wouldn’t be a threat to the world.

Kaname Madoka. By all accounts she is a fairly normal human, which makes her vast potential even more unusual. Those around her have the opinion that she is kind, if a bit naïve. Our observations so far support this. She can do much with the proper guidance.

Mami could definitely work with that. Kaname’s potential was frightening and the other girl was still a complete unknown, but they would at least be willing to talk should she approach them carefully. And if Kaname really was as kind as they said, then she would be a great boon to this world. Someone who could help a lot of people. All she needed was for someone to set her on the right path.

“And you came to me to teach her?”

You are considerate of your own kind, much more open to cooperation, and have had experience mentoring other Magical Girls.

“My track record… hasn’t been very good though.” Most of the Magical Girls that she had tried to Mentor had simply left, unable to cope with the life. There had only been one pair of siblings with the potential and strength to last and she had already failed them. One had died and the other had lost nearly everything important to them in their life.

Through little fault of your own, according to our observations.

“I’m aware of your observations,” Mami sighed. Still didn’t change the fact that Momo had been her responsibility. Saku-, no Emiya was fully justified in holding that against her. “Am I really the best person for this?”

Kyubey tilted his head. We wouldn’t come to you otherwise. You are our best hope for Kaname and thus ensuring the prosperity of the universe.

It was never just the world with Kyubey. It apparently had to take responsibility for safeguarding the universe. Mami didn’t know how it was able to do that, but it was a good enough cause. If a bit vague at times.

She picked up her teacup and took a sip.

She might’ve failed before, but that didn’t mean she was destined to repeat her mistakes. Maybe this was a chance to make amends, to finally achieve what she couldn’t do previously.

And maybe she could finally start inviting people to her apartment again. Tea and cake were best eaten in good company after all.

“I’ll do it,” Mami announced. “I’ll be their Mentor.”

Chapter Text

Stepping into a labyrinth for the first time was certainly an experience for Madoka. This strange cartoon like reality made her feel… sad. Not afraid, just sad. Was it something to do with what Homura had said? That it wasn't their fault? That the creators of this place were just following their nature.

"Are you alright Madoka?"

Madoka tried to give her friend a reassuring smile. It probably wasn't working. "I'm fine. Just… feeling a bit weird."

"It takes some time to get used to your first labyrinth. You're doing well so far," Homura said.

"Thank you. So, what do these familiars look like?"

"They're unique depending on the Witch that created them. They're easy to find since they usually come for us."

"You mean like that grey mustached head with giant scissors over there?" Madoka pointed. Yea, it was hard to miss one of those.

Homura turned around. "That's one of them." The Magical Girl reached into her shield and pulled out a-

"A golf club?" Madoka asked. "Is that your Magical Girl weapon?"

Homura blushed though she made sure to keep her attention focused on the familiars. "No, my weapon is this shield. It lets me store whatever I put into it for later. It also… lets me stop time."

Madoka looked at Homura in awe. "Really? That's amazing."

"You believe me? Most people don't until I actually show them."

"I don't think you'd lie to me. I trust you."

"Oh…"

The familiar chose that chance to jump at them, only for Homura to suddenly reappear behind it and smack it on the back of the head. She then kicked away its scissors and held it against the ground with the head of her golf club.

"Do you want to take a swing now?" Homura asked. She looked at her golf club. "Er, no pun intended."

Madoka held up her bow but hesitated to draw the string. Homura was awfully close to that familiar. "I'm afraid I might hit you."

It was Homura's turn to smile. "I know you won't. I trust you."

That encouragement was all Madoka needed to create her arrow and draw the string. Her hands were steady as she nocked her arrow and released. It flew true and pierced the familiar's head.

"You always- er… I had a feeling you were a good archer," Homura commented as she stepped back and let the familiar fade away.

"It was a lucky shot," Madoka said. That was the first time she had ever used a bow and yet it felt completely natural to her. "Thanks for holding it still." She looked around. "Is that it?"

"No, it's only over when the labyrinth starts fading. There's no Witch here so we'll have to kill all the familiars to get rid of it." Homura began walking deeper into the labyrinth. "Follow me."

"How many of them are there usually?" Madoka asked as she followed the Magical Girl closely.

"A lot usually. We're almost always going to be outnumbered."

Eventually they ran into a small group of familiars. At least ten of them if Madoka was counting correctly.

Madoka gulped as she raised her bow once more.

That was… a big jump from just one.

Homura on the other hand put away her golf club away into her shield and then pulled out a-

"Is that a gun!?" Madoka squealed, almost breaking her stance.

"Uh… yes?" Homura replied as she casually held a semiautomatic handgun. It seemed surprisingly fitting in her hands, much more so than that golf club. "I was told it was a good weapon for me to use."

"What else do you have in there?"

"A few shotguns and rifles. Also, some bombs."

"Where did you get those?"

"I er… stole the guns from Yakuza."

"How!?"

"I stopped time. Also, I made the bombs myself."

Normally Madoka was against stealing, but considering that Homura had taken them from the and she was using them for a good cause…

At that moment the familiars finally noticed their presence and started their charge. Homura immediately raised her gun and fired.

BANG!

The sound of the first shot was near deafening and the ones that followed it caused Madoka's ears to ring.

"Loud!"

"S-sorry." Homura replied but still continued firing.

Madoka grit her teeth and tried to shoot at the familiars with her bow.

It was one thing to shoot an immobilized target, but trying to aim and fire her bow against several monsters running at her with deadly intent? Well, she panicked and completely missing her first few shots. The only damage her arrows caused were the holes she left in the walls and floors. Thankfully Homura had been there to shoot down any familiars that got within a certain distance.

Did guns have to be so loud though? Every time Homura fired it felt like Madoka's head was getting rattled.

"Just... remember to take a deep breath and focus on the target in front of you. Don't be afraid of missing, just try your best," Homura said as she stopped firing before her last bullet and released the magazine. She reached into a shield and pulled out a new clip which she promptly inserted into the gun. That entire process took less than second. "That's what an old friend told me."

Madoka took a deep breath and felt that her nerves had calmed.

Focus on the target in front of you. Don't be afraid of missing. Just do her best.

She nocked her arrow against her bow and tracked the movement of a familiar that had begun strafing on its way towards her.

Just be the best that she could be.

Madoka released and her arrow blew off one of its legs. Not killing, but an immobilizing blow. Enough that she could ready another arrow and shoot it down before it could get back up. She then turned back to Homura's direction and shot at the one of the familiars the Magical Girl had been keeping occupied.

Deep breaths.

Her fated enemy was in front of her. All she had to do was shoot them down.

Like clockwork, she fired her arrows. Again and again. Until everything in front of her had been shot down. She then moved forward with Homura to hunt down whatever familiars remained within the labyrinth. It wasn't the world around them began to collapse before she finally let herself relax.

"That was great Madoka."

"What?" Madoka replied unable to hear her. Her ears were still recovering from the gunfire. She decided not to mention that lest the Magical Girl blame herself for being its cause.

"That was great Madoka," Homura said a bit more loudly this time. "How do you feel?"

"Tired I think?" Madoka replied. "My arm and back is sore."

"Is that it?"

"Am I supposed to feel something else?"

"You're not a Magical Girl and it was your first time using your bow. It would make sense that you're sore."

"Magical Girls don't get tired?"

"Not physically, but we can use up our magic." Homura showed Madoka her Soul Gem. "The more we use up, the darker our Soul Gems get. We need to cleanse it with a Witch's grief seed before it gets too dark or else it'll get us killed fighting… or something worse."

"Something worse?"

"It's… nothing you need to worry about right now."

"Ok." Madoka looked around the site where the labyrinth had been located, a closed off section of the mall that she and her friends went to regularly. It was a good thing they had dealt with those creatures, a lot of people could've gotten hurt. Now they were safe.

There wasn't even any damage to the building. All the damage to the labyrinth had disappeared with it, as did the traces of the familiars. It was as if their battle had never happened in the first place. It was starting to make sense how the existence of Witches could be kept a secret from most other people for so long.

Convenient too, as it gave them enough time to get back to her house before dinner.

"I'm home," Madoka called out as stepped inside her house with Homura following close behind. "And I brought Homura." She had already texted her father beforehand so that he could cook an extra portion, it was just polite to announce a guest's presence.

"Meow." Amy greeted first, as always, before going back to the food in its bowl.

"Welcome back," her father called out from the kitchen.

"Mado-ka!" Tatsuya called cheerfully out from his little booster seat.

"Hello Mr. Kaname." Homura bowed her head. "Thank you for having me over for dinner."

Her father smiled. "Make yourself at home. Any friend of Madoka's is welcome."

"You're very kind."

"Why don't you show her to your room?" he suggested to Madoka. "There's still some time before your mother gets home for dinner."

"Oh! She's finishing early today?" Madoka asked.

"Yes. She also wanted to meet your new friend."

"I'm looking forward to meeting her," Homura replied.

"And this is my little brother, Tatsuya." Madoka brought her hand to the toddler who grabbed it eagerly.

"Mado! Sis!"

Madoka gestured to Homura. "This is Homura she's a friend."

"Homewuh friend?" Tatsuya looked at Homura curiously

"Yes."

"Homewuh!" Tatsuya raised his arms and shouted cheerfully.

Madoka giggled and Homura smiled.

"That mean he likes you. A lot. Even Sayaka had to play with him a lot before he started calling her name."

"Thank you, Tatsuya." Homura held a finger out.

Tatsuya grabbed it, tugged a few times, and then brought their hands together. "Friend!" he happily exclaimed.

Well. Apparently Homura had gotten her brother's approval.

After playing with him and Amy for a bit, they made their way up to Madoka's room.

"You have a nice family and home," Homura commented as she sat down on the carpet.

"Thank you," Madoka replied as she opened a window to let some air in. "Mama works really hard to provide for us and Papa is always there to take care of us."

"Do you ever find it weird that your father is the one that stays at home?" Homura asked. "N-not that that bothers it's just something you don't see very often."

Madoka thought about it for a bit. "Not really. At least I don't think its weird. A couple of boys back in elementary used to make fun of him though."

It all had all started on Class Observation Day when her mother had been busy with work. Her father had shown up instead, and he had stood out in a room full of mothers. When it came out that he was a househusband, several boys and even a girl began to make fun of him.

"That can't have been easy," Homura said.

"It wasn't," Madoka admitted. How could it not? Considering that they were mocking the people she loved. "Thankfully Sayaka was there too. She got mad and got them to stop."

"That should've been interesting."

"It was. She said," Madoka cleared her throat, "What's wrong with her father staying home? And her mother is a successful businesswoman. What do you mother's do?"

"That does sound like Miki," Homura chuckled.

"Yea she's always been there to protect and help remind me how great Mama is."

"Your mother seems like a very impressive woman."

"She is. I really want to be like her one day. She's so strong and cool and doesn't let anyone mess with her." Madoka scratched the back of her head. "Me on the other hand? I need Sayaka to deal with a couple of bullies. I… can't say anything to them really."

It was something that she regretted, being unable to act by herself. She wanted to do something, but it was just hard. She didn't like hurting people even if they were hurting her, but that didn't mean she should let them get away with it.

She should've done something.

She should do something.

She would do it.

"M-Madako? Why did you take your bow out?"

Madoka looked down. Her eyes went wide once she saw her bow in her hands.

"Eep!"

She let it fall out of her hand and disappear.

That was scary. Just because she wanted to do something didn't mean that that something was to shoot them!

"Still trying to get control of your powers?" Homura asked.

"Yea," Madoka chuckled nervously. "I'm worried that it might just pop up in class if I'm not careful." The bow just came to her hands so easily now and it made her feel brave holding it. Maybe a bit too brave. "You ever have issues like that with your powers?"

"No… Magical Girls instinctively know how to use their Magic. There's always room for us to learn, improve, and adapt it but we usually have no issue controlling it unless something really bad happens to us."

"Really bad?"

"I knew a girl who lost her magic, because something really bad happened because of her wish and she felt terrible. She was still one of the toughest Magical Girls I knew without her magic, but… I don't think she ever recovered."

"Magical Girls go through a lot. Don't they?"

"They do. It's not an easy life… which is why I don't suggest you become one."

"Homura?"

Homura raised her hands. "I mean I won't stop you from making your own decision. If you want then I won't get in your way, but just make sure to think about it. Make sure that you know you really want."

"You're really nice Homura."

"Eh!?"

"And considerate. Thank you for worrying about me."

"Y-you're welcome."

They talked a bit more before Homura requested to use the bathroom. After being given directions, Homura left the room leaving Madoka alone.

A sudden breeze brought a swift chill to her home. She stood up and turned around to close it only to find a… white bunny cat thing sitting on her windowsill.

It looked fairly cute if a bit peculiar. Something that Madoka would've definitely cuddled with had it been a stuffed animal and not a living creature with a swaying tail and eyes that seemed to follow her every movement.

Hello Madoka.

Its voice was cute. It was also apparently telepathic.

"H-hi," Madoka said.

You're very calm. Most girls react differently when they see me for the first time.

"I've… had a long day," Madoka replied. Honestly, stuff like this stopped being strange to her. Kinda have to roll with it at some point. It was either that or lose her mind.

Certainly, a productive one. You did well, dealing with those familiars.

"Thanks."

Even as a normal human your powers are quite exceptional.

Madoka wasn't really sure that having powers characterized her as normal at this point but she wasn't going to argue with it.

You would make an excellent Magical Girl.

At that point her brain had essentially shut down. She simply stared at in silence. Long enough that Homura had time to finish with her business and step into the room to find the two of them staring at each other.

"Kyubey!?" Homura shouted.

"Is everything alright Sweetie?" Madoka's father called out form downstairs.

It was at that point that Madoka's brain had finally jumpstarted itself, if only to stop her father from running in. "Everything's fine Papa! Homura just read something funny."

"Okay! You girls have your fun!"

You know of me? Kyubey turned to Homura. Yet I do not remember ever forming a Contract with you.

"The situation of my Contract… was complicated," Homura replied. She was stiff and nervous in the cat's presence for some reason.

I'm sure I could understand if you told me.

Homura remained silent.

No matter. Kyubey turned its head and began to address Madoka. As I was saying, you are very capable and would make an excellent Magical Girl.

"You want me to become a Magical Girl?" Madoka asked. "H-how does that work?"

You form a Contract with me. In exchange for any wish you desire, you become a Magical Girl and fight Witches.

"B-but why me?"

Kyubey tilted its head. You have great potential, the potential to become one of the strongest Magical Girls in existence. And you've already used what powers you currently have to fight familiars. Imagine what you could do with the strength provided from a Contract.

"How long have you been watching us?" Madoka asked.

"It's always watching us," Homura replied. "Even when we can't see it most of the time."

I am not suited to combat. It's a necessity to keep myself hidden so that I am able to provide guidance as needed.

"So… like a mascot. In those Magical Girl animes," Madoka said.

There are some similarities. The first of those animes and mangas were based off the life experiences of a previous Magical Girl who had pursued a career in that field.

"Isn't magic supposed to be kept a secret though?"

We allowed it because it was promoted as a fictional work. Did you believe Magical Girls existed by watching those shows alone?

"No," Madoka admitted.

It was also a way of gauging how receptive society would currently be about the existence of magic, should we ever consider making Magic's existence public knowledge. Or should a situation arise in which that is forced to happen outside of our foresight. It doesn't happen often, but we wish to avoid another situation like the Salem Witch hunts. We lost a number of Magical Girls because of rampant fear and paranoia that humans seem prone to experiencing,

Madoka shivered at the thought. Being hung, drowned, or burned alive at a stake wasn't a fate she would've wished on anyone.

"And now?" Homura asked.

We are still gathering information before we can form a consensus. As for your Contract Madoka.

"Madoka. You shouldn't force yourself to make a wish," Homura said. "It's not a decision you should make lightly… if at all," she muttered under her breath.

Madoka looked at Homura before turning to Kyubey and then back to Homura. "I think I need some time to think about this."

We will give you as much time as you need. Kyubey bowed its head and turned around. Just know that we will always be there for you. It then jumped away and disappeared into the night.

Once it was gone, Madoka let out a deep breath and sat on her bed.

"Homura?"

"Yes Madoka?"

"You wouldn't happen to know a good psychiatrist. Would you?"

"No. Sorry."

"That's fine then."

Madoka buried her head into a pillow. She then let out all her stress and frustration in a single scream.

"MMUAAAAAAUUUHHHH!"

Chapter Text

Archer sat next to Yuma, carefully going over the math book he had bought for her. It had been weeks since they had been living together and progress on her lessons had been slow.

"And if we divide by three, what will that give us?" he asked Yuma.

"Uh…" Yuma looked completely stumped. It was clear she didn't understand. "Five?" she answered uncertainly.

"It's better to admit that you don't know then try to make something up, especially when you're casting spells."

Yuma bowed her head. "I don't know."

"Then we'll just have to go over this again." It was mostly his fault, assuming that she would get it after explaining it twice.

He turned back to the previous page for her.

Basic algebra was a necessity to getting started in Magecraft. However, Yuma was a bit too young to have been taught that in school. That in itself wouldn't be an issue on its. Kids could learn surprisingly quick once they put effort into a subject that interested them. However, there was also the abuse that the girl had gone through to consider.

When she had first come to this house, she had been dreadfully skinny and incredibly malnourished. Before they could even start with training, he and Kyoko had to take the first week feeding Yuma a proper diet and getting her some neccesary fat on her bones. Then came the mental trauma. The beatings had done its damage to her brain as well stunted its development. It made her a bit slow. Not unintelligent, just slow.

"So, if we divide by three, what will that give us?" Archer asked again.

"Twelve? I think?" Yuma replied.

"Close. It's actually fifteen, but you're getting it."

Despite his encouragement though, it was clear that frustration was mounting on the girl's face. He could understand where it came from, he had also felt like that when he had been a boy. She had to keep at it at her own pace though, it would be no good if she reached too quickly out of her means. There was a good chance she could recover and grow up healthily with his intervention, but that would take time.

"Fifteen. Fifteen," Yuma grumbled to herself as she put her pencil to her worksheet. "So, I needed to add it one more time?"

"Yes."

He continued on with his lesson though he made a note to readjust the curriculum he had planned for her. He had definitely overshot what she was currently capable of. Even the very basics of math, such as multiplication and division, were a struggle for her and it seemed that she was completely stumped when it came to fractions.

"So, this would equal nine." Yuma would say a few minutes later after they had gone through a few more problems.

"That's correct. Good job," Archer praised her. The weary smile she gave him was a good sign and she looked willing to continue. However, it was clear that she was running on fumes at this point. "That's enough for now."

"Okay," Yuma replied before rubbing her eyes. "What do you need me to do next?"

"Take a break," Archer practically demanded her as he got up to the kitchen. A glass if warm milk was an adequate reward for her work.

Once Yuma had gotten the cup, she eagerly drank it along with several multivitamins he had her take throughout the day. It was the most efficient way to give her the nutrients she had been missing, especially when paired with a bit of Reinforcement. After she finished, he switched on the tv so that she could inevitably put herself to sleep. It wasn't long before her snores echoed throughout the house, even louder than what Kyoko was capable of after a particularly tiring night of hunting Witches.

Archer put another blanket on top of her and gathered up the learning material. Once everything was put away, he sat down at the dining table and carefully sipped on his tea.

Yuma's endurance was also an issue. Not so much that she tired easily, that could easily be mended with enough time and nutrition. No, the real issue was that she would let herself be pushed beyond her limits and not say a single word about it. Even Kyoko was able to admit the times when she was too worn out from her training to continue, and she would definitely complain if she disagreed with something.

The little girl's willingness to push herself to the point of punishment wasn't born from stubbornness. No, he could see it on her face every time she failed in front of him or Kyoko. Fear and desperation. Desperate to please the people that had saved her and fear of being sent away from the only haven she had found.

She was very different from his previous students. Kyoko had at least a solid education and the determination to push it while Momo… well Momo had been gifted.

Momo…

Archer glanced back at Yuma as she slept a restless sleep. They would've been around the same age at this time. In the end though, they couldn't be any more different. Hopefully Kyoko would remember that.

The front door of the house opened.

"I'm back," Kyoko called out as she quickly took of her shoes and stepped inside. She glanced at where Yuma laid. "Worked herself to death again?"

Archer took a long drink of his tea and swallowed. "She might actually do that if she's left unsupervised for too long."

Thankfully the young girl was about as much of a deep sleeper as Kyoko was. Made it difficult to separate the two from each other and the bed they shared in the morning, but at least they didn't risk waking Yuma up at the moment,

"That bad?"

"She's used to complying to orders and accepting any form of punishment, even when it isn't justified. A survival instinct, most likely." He was personally aware of such signs at this point.

"We need to help her with that don't we?" Kyoko replied as she joined him at the table.

Archer casually handed her a cup of coffee that he had brewed just minutes before she arrived. "She needs therapy. Serious therapy. And unfortunately, neither of us are very good when it comes to dealing with trauma despite personal experiences."

"What do we do then?" Kyoko asked. "Get her a psychiatrist?"

"That… might be a good idea."

Kyoko looked doubtful. "Really? What if they learn something from Yuma that they shouldn't? I know she'll do her best not to say anything against us but…"

"Patient confidentiality and whatever Yuma does let slip can be attributed as the delusions of a child. Or simply the results of her abuse. Either way it's not as risky as you think."

Kyoko began gulping down her own drink. She slammed the cup down and sighed once she finished. "That's going to be another thing to pay for."

"Along with paying off our contacts for forging her a new identity, the adoption papers, and other documentation." They weren't destitute but they had already burned through most of the savings they already had. Needless to say, construction for the koi pond was indefinitely postponed.

"We'll just have to spend more time hunting for Witches."

"Kyoko."

"Fine. You'll spend time hunting Witches. I'll stay home babysitting Yuma. Again."

"You agreed to this."

"I know," Kyoko waved him off. "Just go off and have your fun without me."

"I will. After dinner."

Sayaka wandered alone on the populated streets of Kazamino. She had no destination in mind, just some pocket change given to her by her parents so that she could grab some lunch while they were busy with a client. Why she even had to come along in the first place instead of hanging out with Madoka or Hitomi that day? She didn't know.

Maybe it was to make a good impression to the client, or maybe her father just wanted to take her along to see how the business worked. Either way it wasn't something that she was planning to take up herself. As for what she did want to do in the future… well it was kind of a stupid dream really.

Kind of hard to be hero nowadays unless you were a police officer or firefighter. Actually, the former wouldn't be such a bad idea. Maybe even aim for Detective? Detective Sayaka Miki, Case Closer Extraordinaire!

… The title needed some work.

Sayaka was about to cross a crosswalk when she noticed a pair of girls, one with fiery red hair around her age and the other with green hair who was younger. They both wore fairly fancy looking blouses and skirts. That normally wouldn't be of anything to note in any city, but the man in a trench coat following them certainly was.

Not willing to leave this alone, Sayaka immediately chased after them. It took going through a couple of turns and hitting a few dead ends before she finally saw the back of the man in the distance.

In his hands was a knife and in front of him was the girl with red hair who had postured protectively in front of the much shorter child. The child held tightly onto an arm as the girl gave the mugger a… disappointed look?

She wasn't even trying to act brave or anything, it was like she didn't give a damn. Either she was completely apathetic to getting robbed, or she was supremely confident in handling the situation. Either way though, that didn't change the fact that someone was in trouble. Even if that someone was a bit weird.

Sayaka began looking around. There was no way she was going to overpower that man with her own strength, especially when he had a knife. She needed a weapon of her own something that she could use against him.

Her eyes eventually caught onto a flash of red and she focused on her potential weapon of choice conveniently leaning against a closed door.

That would do.

"Give me your money girly."

Kyoko was simply too tired for this shit as a mugger brandished a knife in her direction.

All because Archer demanded that she dress a bit nicer when she brought Yuma to the psychiatrist.

The meeting itself had gone fine. Yuma seemed comfortable around the psychiatrist and they had already made the next appointment.

All well and good except for the fact that she was now getting mugged!

Not that this man was any threat, but it was annoying, and he was scaring Yuma! The fact that the little girl was there was the only reason why she hadn't set him on fire yet. She had to consider the best way to take him out without making it traumatic for the girl.

Hmm. Maybe rush in and go for a disarm? No. Stay still and sucker punch once he goes for a strike. Look confident, look in control of the entire situation. Show Yuma she has nothing to fear with her cool Big Sis Kyoko around. Yea. That would work.

The man took a step forward and Kyoko reared back a fist.

Get ready…

The man was suddenly blasted by a furious stream of white foam. The mugger backed away, disoriented, when a girl with short blue hair suddenly ran in and bashed his back with a fire extinguisher.

"Run! Now!" The blue haired girl shouted as she grabbed Kyoko and Yuma's hands and dragged them away while the mugger was recovering.

Kyoko was simply too dumbfounded to resist, and the girl ended up dragging them quite some distance. They didn't stop until they finally arrived in front of a family restaurant, where the girl finally released their hands.

"That was close," the girl let out a sigh of relief. "Are you two okay?"

"Peachy," Kyoko replied unamused. She would've put Yuma behind her… but honestly this girl didn't seem like a threat.

Short blue hair, fancy music note hairpin. No discernable marks on her skin and no magic. Little to no prior combat experience judging by that encounter in the alleyway. Definitely a civilian, not a Magical Girl or Magus. Not a threat at all.

Kyoko glanced at the girl's chest.

Decent rack though. Good face too. Pretty with a slight tomboyish charm.

"Er… my eyes are up here."

"What was that for?" Kyoko asked.

"I mean…" the girl scratched the back of your head. "The two of you looked like you were in trouble, so I had to help."

"Why?" Kyoko asked.

The girl looked at her in confusion. "Why not? Isn't it the right thing to do to help people?"

Kyoko scoffed and shook her head.

Great. An idiot. No one worth her time.

"Why are you calling me an idiot?" the girl asked, annoyed.

"Because you wanted to play the hero," Kyoko replied as she crossed her arms and gave the girls a sardonic smirk. "You put yourself in harm's way to help two complete strangers"

"Hey! Maybe instead of insulting you should thank me for saving you!"

Kyoko rolled her eyes. "I could've handled him myself."

"Oh yea? And what about that little girl behind you?"

"She wasn't in any danger at all. You tell her Yuma."

"Thank you, Miss," Yuma replied.

"See I- wait what!?" Kyoko turned to Yuma. "Why are you thanking her?"

"Because… she tried to help us," Yuma carefully. "Even if we didn't need it… aren't you being mean to her? You should say sorry."

Kyoko was left completely speechless. Of all the times Yuma had to choose to go against her, it had to be in front of this idiot with a Hero Complex?

The girl snickered behind her.

"Don't you dare laugh about this!" Kyoko shouted. She had long since stopped caring about the spectacle they were creating in front of the restaurant.

The girl, infuriatingly enough, decided to ignore Kyoko and instead lean down in front Yuma. "You're welcome."

She pointed a thumb at Kyoko.

"How exactly do you deal with this jerk here?" she said playfully.

Yuma pouted. "Don't say bad things about Kyoko. That's mean."

Now it was the girl's turn to look dumbstruck, much to Kyoko's amusement.

"But didn't you just say she was being mean?" the girl asked.

"That doesn't that you should act like a jerk too." Yuma looked disapprovingly at Kyoko as she started laughing. "You're both being jerks."

Being told off by an eleven-year-old had a placating effect on the two of them. They stood there, awkwardly facing one another before Kyoko finally glanced at the restaurant next to them.

"You wanna get something to eat?"

Sayaka wasn't too sure what to think about Kyoko. She acted cocky in front of an armed mugger and it seemed her default attitude was self-pretentious jerk. With Yuma though… Kyoko might as well had a heart of gold. The affectionate gaze, the protective posturing similar to how a young lioness protected its cub, it was clear that Kyoko cared deeply about the little girl.

It made hating her harder than it ought to be.

"I never got your name."

"Eh?" Sayaka looked up from her plate of spaghetti.

"Your name. Blue," Kyoko repeated.

Blue? Seriously? Just because of her hair?

"Sayaka Miki… Red."

"Sayaka huh…" Kyoko took another bite of her steak. "So, what's a wannabe hero like you doing around here?"

Wannabe hero? It was insulting and Sayaka would've immediately shot back had Yuma not given Kyoko a disproving look. Apparently, that was enough to get the red-haired girl to regret her words.

"My parents are meeting with a client here. They're accountants," Sayaka replied.

"Oh. Where ya from?"

"Mitakihara."

Kyoko flinched for some reason, but quickly recovered. "Interesting city."

"You have a problem with it?"

"No just… knew someone from there."

"A friend?"

"…"

Well whatever history Kyoko had there was clearly complicated.

"Yuma don't think I haven't noticed those bell peppers you've been hiding," Kyoko suddenly said.

Yuma pouted but ultimately unwrapped a napkin and put the bell peppers back on her plate.

"Picky eater?" Sayaka teased the little girl. "Don't worry I don't like carrots too."

"Are you going to your salad then?" Kyoko asked.

"I mean I'm probably just going to leave it. Why? You want so-" Sayaka was interrupted by the furious and frankly frightening glare Kyoko was suddenly sending her way. Like an enraged beast about to pounce.

"Don't. Waste. Food."

"O-okay," Sayaka stuttered before quickly stuffing a mouthful of salad into her mouth. So apparently this was the best way to get her to eat her veggies. Hopefully her mother would never learn this technique.

"Kyoko's like that when it comes to food," Yuma said.

"For good reason," Kyoko replied. "Starving is the worst. You appreciate whatever food you get."

"True."

"Huh…" Sayaka couldn't help but let out.

Kyoko glared at her. "Something funny?"

"Just those are some nice clothes you're wearing. I didn't think you'd be so… conscious about that," Sayaka replied.

Kyoko eyes went back to her food. "Let's just say I have personal experience on the matter."

Well whatever history those two had, it at least seemed they had better days now.

"So anyway," Sayaka decided to bring up another topic, "What about your parents? What do they do?"

"We don't have parents," Kyoko replied curtly.

Oh.

"Um… sorry," Sayaka apologized.

"Why? You aren't responsible."

"Just… Can't I feel bad?"

"We don't need your sympathy. You want to make yourself feel good?" Kyoko gestured outside the window. "Go help some other orphans off the street. We're fine by ourselves."

It was a clear attempt to infuriate Sayaka, but at this point it was difficult to bring up any anger against this girl. Annoyance, yes, but none of the previous rage that had been present in their first interaction.

"I know you need to feel tough in front of your sister, but maybe accept the kindness of others once in a while," Sayaka said.

"We're not-" Kyoko was interrupted by the sad look Yuma's face. "Okay we are sisters, but we're not blood related. We were adopted from different families."

Well that explained why they looked so different from each other. Didn't change the fact that Kyoko had the same look on her face that Madoka often had when looking at Tatsuya.

Sayaka went back to eating her food and soon the three of them had emptied their respective plates under Kyoko's supervision. Eventually the check arrived.

"Well, thanks for inviting me to lunch I guess," Sayaka said as she began to take out her money. "I should get back to my parents though."

"What are you doing?" Kyoko asked.

"Paying for my meal?"

"I invited you. Put it down," Kyoko said before grabbing the check herself, putting in a very large bill, and quickly handing it over to the waiter.

"Why are you being so nice?" Sayaka asked suspiciously.

"I'm not. Just don't like owing anyone any favors."

Sayaka squinted. "I thought you said you didn't need my help?"

"I didn't. But you ended up doing something anyway." Kyoko waited until she received her change before standing up and grabbing Yuma's hand. "Don't always expect to get something back for helping others though. The world is never that kind. Especially to wannabe heroes like you."

Kyoko then left the store leaving Sayaka alone to mull over her words.

She honestly didn't agree with what Kyoko had said. There was nothing wrong with helping other people. The girl was just probably trying to be a jerk again.

But then why was Kyoko's voice so regretful when she said that?

"Kyoko, why were you so mean to that girl?" Yuma asked.

After their bath Kyoko had the girl sit in front of their bedroom mirror so that she could work on her hair.

"Remember what I said happens to heroes?" Kyoko replied as she set aside the dryer and picked up a brush. She then began to brush the strands of vibrant green hair.

Thanks to a proper diet and hair product Yuma's was looking healthier than ever. It was no longer frayed and had taken on a more healthy and natural shade.

"I do."

"Then you already know you're answer." Kyoko began to double check her work, making sure that there weren't any tangles she had missed. "Are you sure you wanna grow your hair out? It can be a hassle."

"You have long hair."

"Yea and it's a hassle." Really, the only reason she let it get long in the first place was because Momo had liked it. Now… it would just be wrong to cut it short.

"I don't mind. I want hair like yours," Yuma replied.

"Buttering me up again?" Kyoko said jokingly.

"Maybe."

"How's the lessons with Archer?" Kyoko asked.

Suddenly the mood dropped. Yuma began to frown. "It's hard."

"Magic is always tough. Even for me. You'll get there eventually."

"Am I good enough to even learn Magic?" Yuma asked.

"Magecraft," Kyoko corrected.

"Magecraft." Yuma clasped her hands. "I keep messing up. I always try so hard, but I never get anything done right. Like I'm… useless."

Better add an inferiority complex to the list of things that the psychiatrist would have to talk about. Boy did everyone in this household have their issues. Kyoko would've probably ignored her own had Archer not been a constant reminder in her head. "You're not useless. Everyone learns at their own pace," Kyoko replied.

"But don't I need to be useful to you?"

"You already are. If you weren't with me, I probably would've ended punching that bleu idiot in the face." Said idiot would've probably reacted by throwing a punch of their own. Not that that would get them anywhere, kind of hard for a civilian beat a mage practiced in Reinforcement in a fist fight. "Avoided a lot of trouble and a lecture from Archer thanks to you."

"Is that really good enough? Is that really what you want from me?"

"It…" Now that Kyoko thought about it, what did she want from Yuma. What should she be having the girl do? Did what they were doing right now even make sense? "It is for me. Alright? Just stop arguing with me."

Yuma remained silent and continued to remain so even as they went to bed.

In the end they just weren't ready to have that discussion yet. At least not until Kyoko could figure out their future. And she would figure it out… eventually.

Chapter Text

"Long day, Madoka?" Sayaka asked. It wasn't often that you saw Madoka Kaname with bags under her eyes and looking like a cat that had been dragged out from the tree.

A sharp contrast to the actual cat that usually followed her.

"It was," Madoka admitted as they made their way to school.

"Meow." Amy walked up and rubbed against Madoka's leg.

"Could I ask why you're so tired?" Hitomi inquired.

"I think…" Madoka mulled over her words. She was having trouble explaining it. "I learned about something that I shouldn't have. Or maybe it wasn't something I was ready for yet."

Sayaka tilted her head. "That time of the month?"

"Sayaka!" Madoka shouted red faced and scandalized.

Hitomi wasn't doing so well either, having covered her mouth with her hands. "Do you have to be so crude?"

"Sorry, sorry," Sayaka raised up her hands in apology. "Just thought I'd try to lighten the mood a little."

"That isn't a good reason to talk about something like that," Madoka muttered.

"I'm sorry," Sayaka apologized again. "But seriously what's got you so bothered? Something to do with your family?" She glanced at that cat who looked at her innocently. "With Amy?"

"Meow," was the cat's reply.

"My family and Amy are fine. It's just… I was with Homura-"

"Oh, hanging out with the cute transfer student," Sayaka began to tap Madoka's side with her elbow. "Getting a little alone time with her."

"Sayaka," Madoka groaned.

"Sayaka please stop making such suggestions," Hitomi shook her head. "It's unreasonable."

Hitomi was a good friend, but she and her family could be a bit old fashioned when it came to stuff like this. It was something that Sayaka and Madoka, mostly Sayaka, had to deal with. Well, at least she wasn't off running away hysterically shouting girls couldn't love girls… again.

Though that did raise up a question. Did Madoka like girls? Though she expressed her desire to be asked out on a date, she never seemed to show any actual interest in any of the boys in their class. Honestly she didn't really show interest in anyone until Homura showed up and that could just be her being nice as usual.

"So, what happened with Homura?" Sayaka squinted her eyes. "Did she do something to you?"

"No! Homura was very nice. She wouldn't do anything bad to me. It just that her life is a bit complicated."

"How so?"

"Her parents are dead, and she lives alone. There're also some other things in her life that's been bothering her. I've been trying to help, but-"

"It's a bit out of your league. Isn't it?" Sayaka finished for her.

"Yea…"

"Don't worry." Sayaka wrapped her arm around Madoka's back. She then raised her other arm, made a fist, and pointed to the horizon. "Sayaka Miki's here to provide backup. We'll tackle what's troubling the transfer student together!"

Madoka smiled. "Thanks, Sayaka."

During lunch, Sayaka found herself eating on a bench in the courtyard along with her friends. Before she had taken her first bite, she had noticed that Homura's and Madoka's lunch were very similar.

Actually, scratch that, they were completely the same thing.

"You sharing a lunch?" Sayaka asked.

"Um… yes," Homura replied.

"Papa made an extra portion for Homura to take home last night."

"Lucky," Sayaka teased. "Madoka's dad makes the best food."

"I know and I'm very grateful," Homura replied.

Homura was a polite girl. A bit shy and occasionally weird, but she was a nice person. Plus, her presence seemed to activate some sort of latent motherly genes within Madoka. Whatever the reason, it was nice to see Madoka be a bit more assertive. Even if it was for the sake of someone else.

Honestly that girl could learn to be a little bit selfish sometimes. It was just so easy to take advantage of her if she wasn't being protected.

"Thanks for keeping Madoka company Homes," Sayaka said. "Was worried she'd get lonely without me or Hitomi."

Madoka rolled her eyes. She actually rolled her eyes! Maybe they could get her to start using sarcasm with enough work.

"What did you do yesterday Sayaka?" Hitomi inquired.

"Just went with my parents to Kazamino. Some accounting thing, it was really boring. What about you?"

"Dinner with some family friends. The food was good and nothing… unusual happened during the meal."

"So, it was boring."

"Well… yea," Hitomi admitted. "Not the best company if I'm being honest. Seems both had a rather dull day yesterday."

"Well actually it actually got a bit exciting when I was getting lunch. Met this girl. She was a bit of a piece of work."

"Kyoko?" Homura suddenly asked.

"Yea," Sayaka immediately turned to Homura in confusion. "How'd you know?"

"I was just guessing. She has a…" Homura glanced at Madoka who seemed to be picking up on something. "Reputation."

"Well I guess it's hard to miss her." Sayaka would've asked if Homura had been the girl Kyoko had talked about knowing in Mitikihara, but the transfer student only moved here recently so the timeline wouldn't really fit. "You ever talk to her?"

"Not yet. No."

"Well, I'm not surprised that girl has a reputation. I mean who just stands there in front of a mugger like it's nothing?" Sayaka asked.

"She was mugged!" Madoka shouted. Sweet empathetic Madoka, as always, was worried about a complete stranger she hadn't met. "I hope she wasn't hurt."

"Nah. Mostly the mugger."

"Did she beat him up?" Homura asked casually. It was clear that was she expected had happened.

"Well it was actually me. With a fire extinguisher."

"Why is it always an extinguisher?" Homura muttered to herself.

"What was that?" Sayaka asked.

"Nothing."

"You assaulted a criminal? Do you know how dangerous that was?" Hitomi chastised her.

"The girl was in… well actually she might not have been trouble, but I couldn't just sit by and do nothing. What would you have done?"

"I would've kept my distance and called the authorities," Hitomi replied calmly. "Perhaps create a distraction, but I wouldn't confront him directly. Doing so would risk me getting hurt or worse. I can't imagine how my parents would feel if something happened to me. I'd imagine it'd be the same for yours."

Sayaka scratched the back of her head. Hitomi did have a point. She hadn't really been thinking about her loved ones would feel if she got hurt. There was also Kyosuke to consider, who would take care of him if she got hurt?

"I'm glad you're fine at least," Madoka said, relieved. "And you made a new friend too."

"Uh… yea no. She's definitely not a friend."

"Was there something about her you disliked?" Hitomi.

"Honestly? We probably would've started punching each other if it wasn't for that little girl she had with her."

"Always so quick to pick a fight," Hitomi shook her head.

"Little girl?" Homura asked.

"Girl named Yuma. Green hair. Short. Practically has Kyoko on leash."

"I couldn't imagine Kyoko being tied down by anyone."

"Well that girl did it. Has Kyoko acting like a mother wolf around her. Kind of hard to start decking each other with her around."

"But… you helped her." Oh no now Madoka was starting to give them her sad face. Hurting her was like hurting a crying puppy, no reason to do it and it made you feel like an absolute jerk. "Can't you two get along?"

"It's…" Sayaka looked away. Do not stare into the puppy eyes. Do not drown in the heart wrenching tears. "We probably won't see each other again anyway. It's fine."

"Maybe," Madoka admitted. "But it's sad knowing that you two left hating each other."

"I don't hate her. It's just… complicated. I don't think she's a bad person…" A bad person wouldn't take care of a little kid, value their food, and pay for a meal… Probably. "It's just that we won't get along. It happens."

"That is true," Hitomi conceded. "It's optimistic to assume that everyone will get along. Some people just don't match, through no fault of their own."

"Exactly," Sayaka agreed. "Me and this Kyoko girl will never get along."

Kyoko sneezed.

"Allergies acting up?" Archer asked.

"No. But I do have an urge to punch something."

"Dojo's out in the back. Also why did you put a blue wig on one of the dummies?"

"You better wear that skirt Madoka picked out for you Homes. Don't want to make her sad," Sayaka teased as the four of them made their way back from the mall. It was a rare moment that Hitomi didn't have anything planned, so she was going to enjoy the time that she spent with them.

"It's fine Homura. You don't have to wear it if you don't like it," Madoka replied while shooting a dirty look at Sayaka.

"N-no. I like it… it's pretty."

"It suits you, though it's certainly different from what Madoka usually wears," Hitomi commented as she turned to Madoka. "You seem to be quite aware of the fashion that suits Akemi."

"I just think purple looks good on her," Madoka replied sheepishly. "You know, like how red works on you."

"I still say that Hitomi should wear a nice green dress," Sayaka said playfully. "Match that hair of hers"

Hitomi shook her head. "I'd prefer not to look like stick of celery, thank you. Some contrast is... is… contrast needed." Hitomi shook her head again.

"Yo. You alright there?" Sayaka waved a hand in front of Hitomi's face. She didn't get a reaction, in fact it looked as if Hitomi's eyes had completely glazed over. "Hitomi?"

"I should… get dressed," Hitomi suddenly turned around and began walking elsewhere.

"Homura we need to stop her!" Madoka suddenly shouted, her voice frantic.

"Uh, uh. I got this!" Homura shouted before running up behind Hitomi and karate chopping her on the back of the neck. Hitomi immediately went down and fell to the ground, unconscious.

"What the hell Homura!?" Sayaka shouted.

"That isn't what I meant!" Madoka shouted.

"I-I'm sorry, I panicked," Homura replied frantically.

"Why the hell did you karate chop her!?" Sayaka screamed.

"We needed to stop her before she went into the Labyrinth!"

"Homura! Isn't this supposed to be a secret?"

"Actually, its fine with Sayaka. She has Potential too."

"What!?"

"What the hell are you two talking about!?"

"Sayaka please just take Hitomi somewhere safe," Madoka begged. "There's something that Homura and I need to do."

"Are you seriously abandoning me with Hitomi!?"

"It's dangerous we don't want you to get hurt."

"What are you two doing that's dangerous?" Sayaka asked. "And if it's something that could get you hurt, then I'm coming too."

"Madoka the Witch is coming here!"

"Sayaka! Hurry! Get Hitomi out of here."

"For the love- Fine! You two owe me an explanation though." Sayaka reached down and tried to pick up Hitomi with Homura's help. The transfer student was surprisingly strong and soon Sayaka had Hitomi completely lifted on her back. She was only able to take a few steps though when the world around her suddenly began to change.

"What the hell," Sayaka said as the colors and space seemed to shift all around her.

"Too late," Homura said.

"Sayaka. Stay behind us," Madoka said.

Eventually reality reoriented itself and Sayaka found herself in a completely new world. It was such a weird place. There didn't seem to any ground beneath them, just an endless expanse of blue sky all around. The four of them stood precariously on one of many tightropes that somehow hung throughout the skit. Hanging on them were countless numbers of what looked like school uniforms.

It took all of Sayaka's discipline to not lost her balance and fall off the edge with Hitomi. Thankfully the tripwire they were on was significantly wider than the rest, meaning that there was some room to maneuver on her feet.

The sky itself was actually kind of pretty. Plus the uniforms and tightropes sort of gave it a sort of fancy art feel. Too bad it was kind of hard to focus on that with the army of disembodied legs that were dancing aggressively towards them.

Sayaka blinked.

The legs did not disappear. They apparently weren't a figment of her imagination. Didn't help that they had some sharp looking ice skates underneath their feet.

"Uh, where are we?" Sayaka asked.

There was a sudden flash of purple light to the side. Sayaka turned her head and saw that Homura now wore some of sort of elaborate cosplay outfit.

"M-Madoka," Homura immediately turned to Madoka. "Keep Sayaka and Hitomi safe. I'll deal with the Witch."

"Are you sure you can handle it by yourself?" Madoka asked. Apparently, she knew something about all of this.

"I-I'll try. Just stay safe. Please," Homura begged.

"I will."

Homura nodded before by jumping at least fifteen feet in the air, landing on another tightrope, and then running atop with the ease of a circus acrobat.

As for the enemy the transfer student was running to fight, it was probably that giant amalgamation of twisted legs coming out of skirt that had been hovering menacingly in the distance. Sayaka wasn't entirely sure how she'd missed that until now, but it looked dangerous and the transfer student didn't exactly sound confident fighting it. That would've been worrying if Sayaka hadn't been trying to frantically to process everything that was happening.

"What are those things over there!? Why did Homura's clothes change!? Where did she get a gun!? Why do you have a bow!?" Sayaka shouted frantically as she finally noticed the weapon that had just popped out of nowhere into Madoka's hands. Unlike Homura though, Madoka's clothes stayed very much the same.

"I'll explain later," Madoka shouted as she created some sort of pink magic arrow, of course of it had to be pink, and nocked her bow.

"Just stay behind me," Madoka pleaded as she let loose an arrow and shot down one of the weird leg monsters that had been coming for them.

"Seriously what's going on!?" Sayaka shouted as she set Hitomi down and tried to shake her awake. This was insane! How did they end up here? Why were monsters trying to kill them? And why was sweet gentle Madoka shooting them down ruthlessly like friggen Legolas?

"I said I'll explain later!" Madoka shouted frantically as a trio of monsters got close. She was able to shoot down two of them before the third got in range and reared up for a kick. Madoka ducked under it, twirled an arrow around in her hand, and then stabbed used it to stab the monster. At a sensitive spot right between its legs.

It was brutal, badass, and quite frankly scary. Scary enough to watch that Sayaka put a hand protectively over her skirt. Hopefully Madoka would never have a reason to do that to her.

There was a good chance Madoka might never get the opportunity though. The pink hair girl was shooting the monsters down like flies, but they just kept coming and Homura was starting to get swarmed too as she tried to make her way toward the giant monster.

The transfer student suddenly disappeared and a few seconds later an explosion took her place. Sayaka then noticed Homura on a completely different clothesline taking potshots with her shotgun.

It was at that moment that the giant pair of legs suddenly decided to move. It swung a leg down taking down the all the wires around Homura. The transfer student tried to jump to another one, but that too gave way. Soon she was free falling down into the sky.

"Homura!" Madoka shouted frantically as she ran towards the falling girl. She would never make it though. There was nothing that they could do.

Sayaka noticed a flash of yellow in her periphery. She barely had time to turn before a line of yellow, shot forward and rested itself under Homura. The transfer student landed and was cushioned by what was apparently a giant line of cloth.

"I'm glad I got here in time," another voice called out.

Sayaka looked to the very end of the line of cloth. It was being held by a girl with blonde hair wrapped in pigtails. She wore a yellow outfit, a beret… and probably had one of the most impressive chests she had witnessed.

Damn, how much milk did this girl drink?

"Mami!?" Homura shouted in surprise.

"Ah. I see me reputation precedes me." The girl named Mami curtsied with her hand still holding onto the ribbon. "I should live up to it."

Suddenly an entire line of overly large and old-fashioned muskets appeared in the air above her. A resounding click filled the air and then the furious sounds of what could only be described as a one-man firing squad. Wave after wave of bullets flew, completely destroying anything they touched.

Mami somersaulted through the air and began running along a tripwire towards Homura. The transfer student had recovered from the fall at this point and was beginning to add her own firepower to the mix.

Together, the two of them made their way towards the giant monster. They worked well together surprisingly, despite this likely being the first time they had met.

Mami led the charge. Dancing and weaving between monsters, shooting and striking them with the barrels of her guns. After firing a shot, she threw a spent musket into a group of enemies. The musket began cracking with yellow lights before exploding violently and taking out the entire group.

The way clear, Mami elegantly gestured toward the giant monster in front of them. "Do you wish to do the honors, or should I?"

"Y-You can do it," Homura replied.

Mami pulled off a ribbon wrapped around her neck and let it loose into the air. The ribbon transformed into a giant gun that Mami casually caught and aimed with just a single arm.

"Tiro Finale!"

Sayaka and Madoka could only stare in awe at the resulting explosion that followed. The giant monster that had seemed to be the biggest threat of all had been taken down in a single glorious moment. As its remains fell and disappeared into the sky, Sayaka had only one thing to say.

"Holy. Shit."

Homura had predicted that Mami would show up at one point, her Senpai was always reliable that way. What she didn't expect was for Mami to show up even stronger than she had remembered from the previous timeline. Her senpai's movements were more concise and bullets struck with greater force behind them. Also, her guns exploded. They didn't do that before.

"Why did your guns explode?" Homura asked.

"A little trick I picked up from someone a few years ago," Mami replied. "If you purposefully add flaws to your Magical Constructs you can get some particularly explosive results."

"Who taught you that?"

Mami hesitated for a brief moment before replying. "Someone you won't have the misfortune of dealing with."

It was probably the most that Homura was going to get. Mami didn't really like talking about the people she knew in the past. Kyoko had come as a complete surprise in the previous timeline when she just showed up one day, announced herself, and then ended up punching Sayaka in the face. To be fair Sayaka was the one who had thrown the first punch, but neither of them were free of fault. Hopefully something like that wouldn't happen again.

"Homura!"

Homura was completely unprepared for the short pink haired projectile that tackled her and sent her onto the ground. She really should've been. This wasn't the first time this happened to her.

"I'm so glad you're safe! I was so worried," Madoka sobbed as she gave her a tight hug, their cheeks practically touching each other.

Homura simply smiled and let Madoka have her way.

Madoka could be a very… touchy friend. She had done nearly the exact same thing the last time they had fought that leg Witch, though this time it was under more stressful circumstances.

"I could still use an explanation over here!" Sayaka shouted as she slowly carried Hitomi over to them. "What were those monsters, what are those outfits, and why are you fighting them?"

"I believe it would be best to explain in a more comfortable," Mami suggested. "You can all come to my apartment if you'd like." She then turned to Homura. "There is much we have to talk about, after all."

Homura nodded. "We do."

Chapter Text

A/N

Accidently posted the wrong chapter previously. Sorry for the confusion.

"This is a scam! You can't just raise the prices!"

"I can and I will," Kyoko replied plainly as she crossed her arms. She made sure she was ready to grab the spear on her back at any moment though. No telling what some random Magical Girl would do when they were desperate. "Basic economics. Supply's been tight, and demand has increased. You're lucky I didn't double my prices."

"Damn it," the Magical Girl cursed as she rifled through her purse. "Knew I should've just gone to Kamihama."

"Why didn't you go then?" Kyoko asked. "Maybe figure out what's causing all our Witches to head to that city."

"It's dangerous. All the Witches and familiars are stronger there. You need to bring a couple of friends and make sure you're well prepared. Basically, gathering a group for a raid." The girl shook her head. "Honestly, I'm not sure many of us have much of a choice at this point. Either we risk it, or we starve. Don't know how you can afford to sell the few Witches that you have."

"Not a Magical Girl," Kyoko replied plainly. Seriously why did no one believe her when she said she was a Magus.

"Yea sure whatever you say," the girl waved Kyoko off. "Soon enough we'll all be forced to move other there. Mark my words."

"Hmph," Kyoko shook her head. "We're done here then. Unless you actually have something useful to say."

"… I do know something actually. You're going to have to cut the price by half though."

"I'll give it to you for my original pricing. Maybe lower it from there depending on how good the info is."

"Fine." The girl sighed. "Apparently, Kyubey can't enter the city."

"What!?"

It was one thing to ward a house, but to prevent the Incubator's entry from an entire city? What world ending magic had to have been used to something like that for such a massive range?

"Yea. It's a Kyubey free zone. He can't enter, which means he can't go around granting wishes there either. He's been starting to ask a bunch of Magical Girls to investigate for him because of that."

That was very useful to know. The Incubator was an inevitability for anyone with Potential. Despite how much she and Archer tried to keep Yuma away from it, it would get to her eventually. However, if they could find some way to replicate or even outright just steal the magic that was being used in Kamihana and bring it over to Kazamino…

"Alright. That's worth half price," Kyoko admitted.

The Magical Girl let out a sigh of relief. "Thank god. I have some allowance to spend for the next three months."

"Being me back some info if you do go there," Kyoko said as they completed the transaction. "Maps of the place with patrol routes and Witch concentrations. Could get you a couple of seeds in return."

"I'll see what I can do," the Magical Girl replied before walking to end of the alley, transforming, and then hopping away.

Archer I know you said we should avoid that place, especially with Yuma around. But do you think we can use this?

"There's no guarantee that Magecraft is even being used here, much less something that we could replicate," Archer said as he appeared next to Kyoko with Yuma in tow. They hadn't wanted to leave the girl alone at home and it was a good chance to show her how the family business was run. "It could just be a wish that caused this."

"If it was a wish though, then the Incubator would know about it. Apparently, it's as clueless as we are."

"Which is very rare," Archer admitted.

Indeed. It's quite pert-

Yuma let out a squeal as Archer suddenly turned and skewered the rat bastard in the head. Kyoko simply turned and looked at the corpse.

Of course, after years of absence the Incubator chose now of all times to show up.

Perturbing. What's going on in Kamihama that is. The Incubator finished saying as another of its bodies appeared.

"B-but he just killed you," Yuma said, surprised.

"Told you those thing keep popping up like cockroaches. Always another one to kill," Kyoko replied as she twirled her spear in her hand. She then predicted its attempt to jump out of the way and effectively disembowel in the air.

You should realize that doing that is pointless. The Incubator said, though another one of its bodies didn't immediately appear. Probably just hiding somewhere close and within its telepathic range.

"It is," Kyoko admitted. "Let's go home you two."

There are several matters we must discuss.

"I don't need a Contract!" Yuma quickly shouted before huddling behind Archer. Good, the girl was learning.

We can discuss that later. What I want to ask now is for one of you to investigate events in Kamihana.

"Don't you already have a bunch of Magical Girls looking things up there?" Kyoko asked. She had planned to ignore it, but this was starting to get interesting.

Few come back and those that do have little information for me. Thus, we've concluded that a fresh perspective might be neccesary.

"Mages. You mean," Archer replied.

Yes

"Yea. Fuu-" Kyoko glanced at Yuma, "uudge off. Fudge off."

What peculiar choice of vernacular.

"Are you making fun of me?"

I assure you that I rarely make attempts at humor.

"… Just. Never mind go away."

Of course, we would not ask this of you without offering something in return.

"Don't need anything from you."

I didn't originally intend to Contract with the girl once known as Momo Sakura, having prioritized your Contract the most. Another person convinced me to do otherwise.

Kyoko froze and even Archer became tense.

"What?" Kyoko asked.

Oriko Mikuni proposed that I make a Contract with Momo Sakura. Archer would know her as the Magical Girl in white.

Kyoko grit her teeth. "Why. Why are you telling me this now!?" she shouted.

Because she has recently become a notable obstacle to my plans.

"Can't handle your own creation?" Archer asked spitefully.

Her ability to foresee the future is problematic. As are her allies, one of whom I have yet to identify. You two would have favorable odds of dealing with them if I were to reveal their location.

"And you won't give us this location until we help you out," Kyoko growled.

Yes.

"And you gain no matter what," Archer replied. "You get information about Kamihana and you dispatch of a notable enemy."

It's useful to you too. Dealing with the situation in Kamihama should stop the shortages of Witches in your area and Oriko is a mutual enemy. I assume that you would seek vengeance, it is something I've seen often with humans.

"Fuck off!" Kyoko shouted. She didn't care about her language at this point.

I'll leave now. My offer still stands, should you ever decide to investigate Kamihama.

The Incubator left and suddenly Kyoko had no easy target to attack. So instead she Reinforced her fist and punched a hole in a nearby wall. She still didn't feel better.

Why? Why? Why did she have to learn about this now? Why did Momo have to die?

Why did Oriko kill her?

That was what Oriko did. She convinced Momo to make a Contract. She was the reason that Momo died.

"Archer," Kyoko addressed her Servant. "We are taking a trip to Kamihama, get Kyubey the information it wants, and then once we have that we kill Oriko Mikuni."

Archer closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. "As you wish."

Archer typed into the keyboard of his laptop as he planned their excursion into Kamihama. Normally Mages avoided using technology like the plague, but he was never much of Mage in the first place. Besides-

Archer clicked with his mouse and put the train tickets in his cart.

Technology made things so incredibly convenient. Now all he had to do was plan their course of action once they arrived in the city.

"How's it going?" Kyoko asked from across the dining table. Yuma sat next to her, silent since their meeting with the Incubator.

"I'm about to purchase three train tickets for next week."

"Next week?" Kyoko asked impatiently.

"We'll need to make up a proper excuse of why you'll be absent from school," Archer explained. "Probably a dead relative or something. It also gives us time to pack up and prepare."

"We'll only be there for a week or so."

"Best to come prepared in case we end up staying there longer than planned." Archer replied. Something told him that was going to be a much longer trip than she predicted. "Besides we have to make sure Yuma's comfortable."

"I'll be fine," Yuma muttered.

"No… he's right," Kyoko conceded. "We need to make sure you have enough clothes… Archer what do you think about all this?"

"I think, that we need to proceed cautiously," he replied.

"Are you fine with this. I mean. If you're not…"

"You don't have to worry. I'll continue to follow you. As always."

It was good that Kyoko was still asking for his opinion, but he also knew that there was no stopping her at this point. Even if it meant dragging Yuma with them, she would be heading to Kamihama to fulfill the Incubator's request. It wasn't like he entirely disagreed with the plan anyway. Even putting aside Kyoko's vengeful motive, Oriko was a present and dangerous threat to them. There was never a guarantee that she wouldn't act against them again. That meant it was best to dispose of her as soon as possible.

Then why did this feel this was going the way Oriko wanted? Oh yea. Future Sight.

Tch. This is why he disliked Magical Girls.

"It'll be nice to visit Kamihama," Yuma commented. "I heard it's a nice place."

"Yuma," Kyoko said. "We're not there to go-"

"You can sightsee and do your work at the same time," Archer replied. "We don't need to give the Incubator much, in fact I'd say we withhold most of the things we do learn. Just offer him enough that he'll fulfill his end of the bargain."

There was nothing wrong with having fun while they worked… well there was nothing wrong with the two of them having fun while he worked.

"This will be my first time going on a vacation," Yuma said.

"… Sure we'll make the most of this trip," Kyoko conceded. "You have any idea where we're going to stay?"

"Looking for hotels right now," Archer replied as he continued to browse websites. "Probably somewhere in one of the Western wards."

"Aren't the Eastern wards cheaper?" Kyoko asked having done some cursory research herself.

"Those are the slums of the city. The people there aren't well regarded." Poverty, class divide, and discrimination against the poor. Some things never changed.

"So? It's not like we give a damn about what other people think. Besides rich people are just as bad as poor people."

"If you could personally guarantee clean and affordable lodgings then I wouldn't care where it's located, I'd rather not take any risks and end up in a roach infested shack."

Kyoko suddenly perked up in her seat before taking out her phone. "Actually, I just remembered something my school's doing," she said as she swiped her screen. "Here." She held the phone in front of Archer.

He raised an eye. "Student Exchange Program?"

"Yea. It'll last for a week and they'll provide us food and lodging."

"What about Yuma?" Archer asked. It would be easy for him to sneak him or use his Astral form as needed, but the girl couldn't do either of those things.

"They also have an elementary school division. We've been meaning to get Yuma back into school anyway," Kyoko suggested.

"That could work," Archer agreed. It wouldn't be difficult to transfer Kyoko and Yuma in or out of the school as necessary, depending on how long their investigation of the city took. "What is the name of the school?"

Kyoko looked at her phone. "Someplace called… Kamihama City University Affiliated School. Sounds pretentious."

Archer opened up the maps and typed in name of the school. He immediately began to plan their investigative routes now that they had a confirmed base of operations.

"Why don't you take a bath now?" Archer suggested as he began to pin notable locations on his map.

"Sounds good," Kyoko stood up and gestured to Yuma. "Cmon."

"Actually… I'll take my bath after you," Yuma replied.

"You sure?" Kyoko asked

"Yea… I should be more… independent."

Kyoko paused briefly before giving Yuma a cursory inspection. "You don't have to force yourself…"

"I'm not. I just need to start doing things by myself."

Kyoko nodded hesitantly before leaving to take her bath.

Archer continued to make the necessary adjustments on the laptop, waiting for when Yuma was ready to talk to him. It wasn't until he had saved his work and began to shut down his laptop did Yuma finally speak

"Who's Momo?" Yuma asked.

Archer did his best not to grimace.

It was inevitable that the girl would ask that question after recent revelations. Didn't mean he prepared to answer it though.

"She was… Kyoko's little sister," Archer eventually answered.

"What happened to her?" Yuma asked.

"She… died. As did the rest of Kyoko's family."

"Oh… she's like me then. She also said she was disappointed in her parents."

"Her father mostly, but that's something you'll have to hear from her, if she ever does bring it up." Archer admitted. "Momo also made a Contract shortly before she died. It's why Kyoko is adamant that you don't become a Magical Girl."

"I won't."

"Good."

Yuma was a good girl. She would do her best to follow their orders. Unfortunately, that wouldn't be enough to stop the Incubator once it set its sights on you. His failure to prevent Kyoko and Momo's Contract was proof of that.

"Is Kyoko going to be alright?" Yuma asked.

"No," he admitted. "She's going through a lot right now."

"Because of Oriko… and the Incubator?"

"Yes."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Archer reached over the table and patted Yuma on the head. "Be with her. Remind her that she has someone else watching by her side."

"Will that really help?" Yuma asked.

Of course, the girl didn't notice the affect that she had on Kyoko. Consciously at least. "She cares about you too, as much as you do for her. As long as you stay with her, you'll keep her grounded… and less likely to jump headfirst into danger."

Yuma nodded. "Okay."

Eventually Kyoko finished her bath and Yuma went to take her own. That left Archer alone in the living room when he finally finished his work and closed the laptop.

There was a lot that they would have to do. Pack up. Fill out forms for Yuma's enrollment. Set up more Bounded Fields so that no one would break into their house while they were gone. Or if they did then they would at least know about it.

Later though. After he had properly tucked in his Master and their ward. Kyoko had terrible sleeping posture and would end up kicking the blankets off her if they weren't secured to her tightly. Not an issue if she were sleeping by herself but there was Yuma to consider.

Despite the little girl's claims to be more independent she would probably end up sharing the same bed as Kyoko again anyway. Those two were practically inseparable at this point.

Magical Girls. Magical Girls were real. They were real and they fought big Monsters called Witches for a living.

Sayaka wasn't too sure how to take all of this. Granted it was pretty cool, straight out of anime really, but to suddenly learn one day that her friends were busy fighting with their lives on the line on a regular basis.

Huh. So, this was how those side characters felt in those shows. Oh god was she just a side character?

Sayaka was so busy trying to figure out her place in this universe that she didn't even glance at the cake that had been placed in front of her.

"I'm sorry for intruding on your territory," Homura was quick to apologize as Mami set down slices of cake and cups of tea for them at the table.

"You don't need to be sorry," Mami replied. "I know a new move can be stressful and you had the courtesy to not cause any trouble with your arrival."

"Thank you."

So, apparently Mami and Homura were getting along. That was fine… made Sayaka miss Hitomi though. It would've been nice to confide in someone that hadn't been hiding some sort of cool Magical Powers from her like Madoka and Homura had, but apparently Hitomi wouldn't even remember anything by the time she woke up from her little nap in Mami's room.

"Still I am curious." Mami turned to Madoka. "Why do you fight?"

"B-because I want to help people," Madoka replied.

Yea. That sounded like a Madoka thing to do.

"Even though you aren't a Magical Girl?" Mami asked.

Madoka nodded. "Even then."

"Wait you're not a Magical Girl?" Sayaka asked.

"No," Madoka shook her head. "I'm not."

"Then what are you?"

"I'm not sure…"

"I believe you might be a Magus," Mami informed them.

"Magus?" Madoka asked.

"Those who practice Magecraft, the artificial reenactment of Mystery. It is a diverse and flexible field but is often limited by what can be done in reality," Mami lectured.

"Wait a minute? Magic is realistic?" Sayaka asked.

"Magecraft is realistic," Mami corrected. "It can only do what is technically scientifically possible."

Madoka held out her hand created a pink arrow. "This is scientific?"

"Scientifically possible, but done through supernatural means," Mami clarified. "It is said that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. So yes, Magecraft isn't as otherworldly as you expect. Magical Girls on the other hand use Magic."

"What's the difference?" Sayaka asked.

"Magic performs miracles. Magic makes the impossible, reality. In order to make a Contract to become a Magical Girl, we must first make a wish."

"A wish?" Sayaka asked.

Yes. A wish. Sayaka barely had time to process the voice in her head before some weird white cat bunny thing suddenly jumped on the table and joined them. A Magical Girl received a wish in exchange for their Contract.

"This is Kyubey," Mami introduced the creature to them. "He is the one who forms all the Contracts with Magical Girls."

Yes. Kyubey turned to Homura. Though I still don't remember having formed a Contract with you.

"Like I said before… it's complicated," Homura replied.

No matter then. Kyubey then turned to Sayaka. What about you? Do wish to form a Contract with me?

Sayaka pointed to herself. "Me?"

Yes. I can grant you whatever wish you desire. Form a Contract with me and become a Magical Girl!

"Kyubey. What did I tell you about patience being a virtue," Mami chastised him, though not very seriously.

I have been keeping your words under consideration Mami.

"Not very well apparently. Remember no one likes a boy that pushes girls to do things," Mami teased.

"So, I can make any wish I want," Sayaka muttered to herself. A wish was already coming to mind

Mami's face became solemn. "I'd suggest you take the time to think about your wish"

"Why?" Sayaka asked.

"I've seen many Magical Girls rush to make their wish… or never had the opportunity to think about what it was they truly wanted before they made it." Mami then explained to them the story of her own wish. How she had been caught in a car accident with her family and how she came out the only survivor.

"I don't regret my wish. It's preferable to dying in that place," Mami continued. "But if you have the chance to think about what you want then you should take it. There are many Magical Girls out there with regrets. I don't want you to be one of them"

"Maybe it's best if you don't make a wish at all," Homura commented.

Mami looked at the transfer student. "You don't wish to see them Contract?"

"I… don't want to see my friends get hurt," Homura explained. "Magical Girls live hard lives… and it's not something we can take back once we've accepted it."

"Yes… you're right," Mami replied hesitantly. "It is near impossible to get rid of a Contract once it has been made."

Still a wish in itself is a very powerful thing to have. Kyubey turned to Madoka. You could become much stronger as a Magical Girl.

"I'm just… not sure yet," Madoka replied.

Sayaka sighed before finally using her fork to scoop off a piece of cake.

And now Madoka could also become a Magical Girl. This was starting to get a bit too much too handle.

She put the cake in her mouth and was nearly overwhelmed by the sweet and slightly bitter flavor of tea cake. "Woah! This is awesome!" She then to shovel and stuff the entirety of the cake in her mouth, not caring about the mess she made.

Homura, her curiosity peaked, also put a piece into her mouth. Her eyes went wide. "T-this is incredible. It's so much better than last ti- I mean… It's wonderful!"

Madoka's reaction in comparison to them was much more subdued. Still, you could tell she enjoyed it quickly by how she closed her eyes and hummed. "It's really good Mami!"

"Thank you," Mami replied. "I take pride in my baking."

"How did you get so good?" Homura asked.

"There was someone I knew who gave me some advice… along with proper motivation to improve my skills. Never did have that last chance to compare their work with mine," Mami mused.

They're still available to talk to if you approached them. Kyubey commented.

Mami shook her head. "You and I both know why I can't do that. Anyway, I also have another cheesecake in my fridge if you three would like to try that."

Consuming an ungodly amount of heavenly cake and a conversation on baking techniques was enough to boost Sayaka's mood. By the end of it she wasn't nearly as overwhelmed as she was before.

"So, you could become a Magus and a Magical Girl?" Sayaka decided to joke with Madoka. "That's a two in one package. Someone's special."

"To be fair. Its only a fair guess that's she's a Magus," Mami commented. "She could be something else entirely."

Madoka blushed. "I d-don't really know what I am, but I don't think I'm special. I'm just… a normal girl."

"You stopped being normal the second you started shooting pink magic love arrows at those monsters," Sayaka teased.

"Love arrows?" Madoka asked.

Sayaka shrugged. "Seems like a you thing. Kill em with care, love, and affection. Plus, they're pink. That's like the color of love right there."

"Sayaka…" Madoka gave her the, please shut up but I actually won't say it because I'm too nice to do that so here's the you're embarrassing me look, that was very commonly used between the two of them. Her fault really. How could Sayaka possibly avoid the temptation of drawing that adorable face out from her.

And judging by how Mami and Homura smiled, they adored it too.

"She is right though," Homura commented. "You're a very nice person Madoka."

"Not you too," Madoka moaned.

Sayaka chuckled. Now that she had her fun it was best to get to business then. "So, what do we do now?"

"I wouldn't mind working together with Kaname and Akemi… if they would accept me," Mami replied.

Both Homura and Madoka were quick to agree.

"As for you Miki, we can bring you along to observe what it's like to a Magical Girl. So, you can make a better-informed decision."

Sayaka nodded. That sounded like it could be fun. With the four of them together nothing could go wrong.

"Everything's gone completely wrong!" Sayaka let out a panicked scream as she sprinted out of her cover. She barely just avoided being crushed by the incoming rubble.

Two days. That was how long it took before she was screaming for her life again. The first hunt her friends had taken her along had gone perfectly. Mami turned out to be a great leader and the three of them, with Sayaka watching, had taken out the Witch with precision and calm. This Witch on the other hand was something else altogether and it was causing Sayaka to question her life choices.

Why was she here? Why was there candy everywhere? Why did that tiny doll Witch suddenly become a Giant worm Witch? And why was its face so cute and its teeth so sharp!?

Mami at least had been prepared for its appearance. When it tried to bite her head off it instead bit into some weird ribbon clone that promptly exploded on it. However, that explosion only made it angry. Things got even worse when Homura and Madoka shot at it and it started chasing after them. Soon enough it became the most frantic and deadliest of tag ever as all three combatants did their best to dodge around a rampaging Witch.

Destruction was inevitable as that Witch began to run into everything around it. Even Sayaka, from a faraway spot once presumed to be safe, had no choice but to start running.

They seem to be having some trouble, Kyubey commented as he ran alongside her.

"Ya think!?" Sayaka shouted as she ran.

Perhaps you should make a wish and aid them?

"No Sayaka!" Homura shouted. Somehow the transfer student had mounted herself on the worm's back and was doing her best to slap it with her golf club while she hung on for dear life. "We can do this!"

"Madoka cover Sayaka and get her out of the room!" Mami shouted.

"Got it!" Madoka ran faster than she ought to be able to despite not being a Magical Girl and quickly caught up with Sayaka. "Let's go!"

"Already on it!" Sayaka replied to her friend as they ran for the hallway that led outside the room.

There were some familiars left over but between the surprisingly strong bat Mami had given Sayaka- a replication of some sort of spell called Reinforcement apparently- and Madoka's bow, they could handle it.

Or at least they could until some giant block of cheese suddenly fell off of an above pedestal and landed squarely on top of Sayaka.

"Oooooowwww," Sayaka groaned. She tried to move but the damn thing kept her firmly pinned to the ground.

Killed by giant falling dairy products. That was not how she expected to go.

"Sayaka!" Madoka shouted as she tried to lift the cheese.

It was a slow process, even for her. Apparently giant cheese was heavy. It was amazing that Sayaka hadn't felt anything broken underneath. Or maybe she was just so broken that she could no longer feel anything. That wasn't a pleasant thought.

Madoka! The Witch is coming for you two!

"What!?"

Sayaka tilted her head and saw that yes, the Giant Worm was now inches off the ground as it charged at them like a train. And here she was tied to the train tracks.

"Madoka just go!" Sayaka shouted at her friend. If at least one of them could make it.

Hurry! One of you needs to make a wish!

Sayaka was just about to do that once she had been reminded that option was still available, but then something changed.

Madoka simply took one look at the charging Witch and then Sayaka who was still trapped. Her face… there was no fear, no panic. Just a look like she had reached an epiphany, like she had learned something important.

And then she made an arrow. An arrow brighter, vibrant, more brilliant than any Sayaka had saw her create before. She silently nocked it against her bow, the only sound she made was air she took in for one single breath.

Then Madoka's eyes turned yellow. No not yellow, a vivid gold.

The light of the arrow expanded, flared backwards, nearly blinding Sayaka at the sight. But even then, she could see that at the front it had coalesced into one single point.

Madoka released.

The bolt flew through the air, shrinking on itself as it made its journey. It flew into the Witch's open maw.

The Witch's mouth closed, and it ate the arrow.

Sayaka thought they were doomed as the Witch continued charging at them.

And then it exploded.

Its body splattered all over the walls as it was blown away by a pinkish white light. Its face was split into two. The halves still carried by its previous momentum flew right by Madoka and Sayaka's sides.

Madoka blinked. Her eyes returned to their original color.

And then her arm broke.

Not her bone. It was her skin and the flesh that began to crack along the back of her right arm. From the forearm, past the elbow, and halfway to the shoulder her skin broke and white light began to pour out of the crack.

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!"

Madoka screamed, the pain she felt must've been intense. The scream chilled Sayaka to her bone. When it finally stopped seconds later, Madoka fell to the ground. She was no longer moving.

"M-Madoka!" Sayaka shouted as she tried to struggle out of the cheese by herself. Frustratingly enough the cheese seemed to be one of the last things that had begun to disappear in the Labyrinth. It wasn't until Mami arrived that she could finally get it off her.

Homura on the other hand was frantically crying and trying to get a response over Madoka's prone body. "Madoka! Madoka!" The transfer student shouted desperately.

"Akemi! Is Kaname still breathing?" Mami shouted. It sounded like she was barely holding it together herself.

"Sh-She's breathing," Homura replied. "But I don't know what's wrong with her."

You can make a wish you know. Kyubey informed Sayaka. To heal your friend.

But if she healed Madoka then what about Kyosuke? Wait no. Her friend was dying. She loved Kyosuke but at least he still had his life. If she didn't do something now… she knew she'd regret it.

"Kyubey. I wi-"

"Wait Miki," Mami interrupted Sayaka.

"Are you seriously telling me to hold back on my wish now!? Madoka's dying!"

"We don't know that for certain," Mami took a deep breath. "I've seen something similar happen to another person I knew. Her body simply can't handle the strain of her own power. Isn't that right Kyubey?"

That would be the most reasonable assumption.

"Then can we do something?" Homura asked.

Mami shook her head. "Not us… but I do know someone that can. They're in Kazamino."

"That's too far away!" Sayaka shouted. "Madoka needs help now! You heard her scream. How much pain she's in."

"Then we keep her unconscious. Use magic as neccesary," Mami replied firmly. "If we can find another way to heal her, then we can avoid using up your wish… A wish should be only used on what truly matters to you."

It made sense, what Mami was saying, but to just leave Madoka like that…

"And what happens if we don't make it. Or the person you know can't help?" Sayaka asked.

"Then you can always wish to bring her back to life."

Chapter Text

"Are you ready?" Archer asked.

Kyoko nodded and walked to take her place within the dojo. She took a high stance with her spear.

She needed this, mostly to blow off some steam from recent events.

Archer held his hand and Projected a barbed red spear. Its very appearance caused Yuma, who sat at the side to watch them, to tremble in fear.

Good.

Yuma needed to see this. Needed to experience the fear of death for the day she would eventually have to stand on her own.

And what better weapon to stand against than Gáe Bolg the legendary weapon of Cú Chulainn, the Hound of Culann? A weapon with a curse that could reverse causality itself. Any injuries inflicted by it could not be healed as the spear's curse rendered the victim incapable of altering their fate, as long as the spear remained in the world.

Normally it would seem overkill, suicidal really, to use such a weapon for training. But she had insisted that Archer use it for several reasons.

One. The Constant drain of Od for using a Noble Phantasms ability for long periods of time. Primarily the one involving wounds that couldn't be healed after she let herself get scratched lightly. Even that minor ability, minor compared to reversing causality or being a thrown projectile capable of wiping out a small army, would force Kyoko to provide Archer with her own Prana as he maintained its effect. Doing this was tough on her Magical Circuits, but that was the point. Not only did it help her to build them up from constant use, but it also forced her to be more efficient with the Od that she still had to spare.

Two. Combat techniques and Magecraft could be taught. Actual experience however could only be found on the battlefield. Training would be useless, and quite frankly a waste, if you got yourself killed because you hesitated the second you were put into actual combat. To face against bloodlust, to fight past the very embodiment of death being pointed at your chest, to strike a man down without hesitation, that took a heart and mind of steel. Kyoko simply couldn't afford to hesitate against an overwhelmingly powerful enemy. Witches and Magical Girls were guaranteed to be that for her. This was why she always had Archer present himself as that. Not that he needed much help doing so.

Three. Archer's Tracing not only allowed him to copy the shape and function of a weapon, but also its history and the skills acquired by its original owners. This meant that by summoning Gáe Bolg he'd be able to replicate the techniques of the legendary spearman. It was a flawed and shallow imitation to the actual Child of Light, but it served its purpose to show Kyoko his techniques. By fighting against a facsimile of Cú Chulainn on a constant basis, she began to acquire parts of his style as her own. It was fierce, feral, and provided no mercy to the enemy. A beast unleashed. That was what she aimed to be anytime someone, or something, fought against her.

Still, even with those reasons it had taken Kyoko nearly a year to convince Archer to use that weapon against her. Even now he derided it as suicidal, which it would likely be if either of them made a single misstep.

She didn't really care though, didn't really see the point in his fear. She trusted him, even if he couldn't trust himself at times.

Kyoko made the first move and charged. She put her dominant foot forward and thrusted with her spear

Archer deflected.

Then they were trading blows. Spears dancing wickedly in the light of the dojo. Flashes of red and gray, sparks flying upon each contact, were the only signs that their weapons existed.

Archer feinted. He quickly sidestepped the next swipe and then began his offensive.

Kyoko was forced to defend. Soon her arms burned. Her lungs frantically inhaling what precious air she could to keep up with her exertion. Sweat began to cascade down her limbs, neck, and face. She wouldn't back down though. She wouldn't let herself fall. Even against the overwhelming speed of a Servant, even as her limbs struggled to stand against steel shattering force.

She stepped back and slackened her grip slightly. It helped to absorb some of the force coming from her Servant's strikes.

She could not block. She had to deflect. Against overwhelming power, she had to be smarter. She had to be more skilled. It was the only avenue of victory for her as a human and Magus.

And then a misstep. Hers to be more precise.

Her right leg was a little too far forward for a brief second. That was all that Archer needed to pull it out from under her with the shaft of his spear. She stumbled, barely keeping herself from falling backwards by balancing herself on her other foot. By the time she recovered there was already the tip of a spear pointed just inches away from her eye.

That entire exchange had lasted all of two minutes.

"You concentrate too much on your enemy," Archer lectured as he grabbed Kyoko's hand and pulled her up straight. "You need to be aware of your own body, especially your footwork."

"Noted," Kyoko grumbled as she ignored the trembling in her limbs and took her stance once again. At least she broke her previous record by ten seconds.

They began trading blows again, though at a much lighter pace and ferocity. Now their weapons were actually visible to Yuma who had been watching them in awe.

"Could I actually do that one day?" Yuma asked during them during a break.

"With lots… of hard work… and practice," Kyoko grunted between swings.

Archer grappled with the shaft of her spear and quickly tore it out of Kyoko's hands. She then tried to punch him, only to grabbed by the arm and thrown to the ground.

"Ouch."

"You have Reinforcement. You'll be fine," Archer said as he helped pull her back up.

"Still hurts."

"Well then don't talk so much in the middle of a fight. It's a waste of breath."

"Fine," Kyoko sighed as she walked over to Yuma who handed her a bottle of water. She squirted some in her mouth before splashing her face and neck. "Any other comments you have for me?" she asked Archer.

"We should stop practicing with Gáe Bolg."

"For the love of- Archer I'm not having this argument with you again."

"Which is why I want to start using other weapons or Noble Phantasms against you."

Kyoko simply looked at him in surprise.

"It was… a good idea to spar with you using Gáe Bolg," he admitted. "You've been developing quickly once we had moved away from training weapons. However, you've already learned most of what you can from this spear. If we're going to develop your skills its best to start drawing upon more of my arsenal. Get you used to fighting a large variety of weapons and techniques."

"Huh… so which one's next?" Kyoko asked.

"You're used to fighting people up close," Archer held out a hand and Projected his bow. "Let's see how you do with fighting someone suited for ranged combat."

"Ah… any tips?" Kyoko asked nervously. She had seen that bow used countless times, but this would be the first time it would be used against her.

"Block." Archer nocked his bow with a blunt arrow and pointed it at her. "Or dodge."

"Why didn't you dodge?" Yuma asked.

"It's a lot harder than it looks," Kyoko grumbled. She was laid painfully on a blanket in the living room.

Archer was, surprise surprise, a skilled archer. Every one of his arrows hit their mark. Not to say that they all hit her, she was able to deflect and avoid some of them, but they each had their own purpose that they served. Whether to break her posture or corral her into a bad position. The ones that did end up landing, a good forty percent or so, left some very nasty bruises on her body.

It wasn't just physically painful but also a blow to her pride. Every arrow that hit was essentially a killing blow past her Reinforcement. One direct hit usually all that was needed to disable a human or cause them to bleed out.

"Gyah!" Kyoko shouted as her back was assaulted by another jab of ice. "Easy there!"

"Sorry," Yuma apologized as she grabbed another cold patch. She turned back to Archer who sat nearby . "Am I doing this right?"

Archer appraised the girl's work. "Good so far. Make sure to get to under the armpit there though."

"Oh, didn't notice that," Yuma commented before casually slapping it on the aforementioned spot.

"Godda- ng it," Kyoko nearly cursed between grit teeth. If she didn't know any better, she would've thought that they were enjoying this.

Actually, Archer might. Not too sure about Yuma. Might have to get that girl an extra session with the psychiatrist if she did. Speaking of, were there any good psychiatrists in Kamihama they could go too?

"Now put something on before you catch a cold," Archer said.

"Fine, Mom," Kyoko sighed before slowly and carefully putting on a loose nightgown over her underwear. Normally she wouldn't wear a nightgown, especially one with a giant cat face on it, but she needed to wear something loose that wouldn't squeeze against her bruises.

Archer gave Yuma a quick pat to the head. "Good job with the first aid."

"Thank you, I used it a lot," Yuma replied sheepishly. "First time for someone else though."

The implications of that were enough to get Kyoko's blood to run hot.

The people that had mistreated the girl were dead, nothing they could about it now. Still Kyoko wondered it would've been better to let that Witch have its way with their corpses before she had killed it. Or maybe just cut them up herself before the labyrinth had faded and then use the parts as snacks for the sharks in the local aquarium.

"You have a healer's touch," Archer said. "You'll be able to make use of it whenever either of us get hurt."

Not that Archer really needed it, but Kyoko could see where he was going with this.

"I'm… useful?" Yuma asked.

"Yea. You are," Kyoko replied as she took her turn to rub Yuma's head.

Yuma leaned forward and began to hug Kyoko like she usually did. It hurt with the bruises, but well Kyoko wasn't going to complain.

"So how do think I'll handle Kamihama?" Kyoko asked Archer.

"You can hold you own against Magical Girls," Archer replied. "But strength in numbers isn't something to be taken lightly. You'll rarely find a Magical Girl in Kamihama that isn't part of a group. And the few that choose to isolate themselves and still survive in that city are people that you don't want to mess with. Also, don't even think about fighting a Witch there by yourself. Either call on me or form a temporary alliance with whoever's around if you have to."

"I thought you and I avoided asking for help from strangers?"

"They're friendlier to outsiders than most. Mostly because they need as many warm bodies as possible to deal with the Witches there."

"What do we do once we run into Oriko and her cronies then?"

"Their abilities counter mine fairly well… but it would likely be my victory if it was just the two of them," Archer replied. "It's the third unknown ally they have that bothers me."

"You could always leave one of the three to me," Kyoko suggested. "I can probably hold them off long enough for you to take care of the rest. Just make sure to leave something of Oriko to me. I want to see her face when I shove my spear down her-"

Kyoko turned her head toward the border of the city.

A Bounded Field, the outermost one in the surrounding area activated. It acted as an alarm for whenever someone or something tried to get into their territory.

"Talk about bad timing," Kyoko groaned as she forced herself to get up. Annoyance turned to unease though when the Bounded Field pinged off again, another three times.

"Crap."

Four. Not the biggest group they dealt with, but any planned invasion by an organized group was to be dealt with cautiously. And she was definitely in no state to pick a fight right now.

Archer stood up, already donning his armor and coat. "I'll take care of them." He then disappeared on the spot before Kyoko could say a word.

"Yea… fine," Kyoko had no choice but to concede and sat down. She took out her spear and laid it on her lap as she waited.

"What's happening?" Mom-, no Yuma, asked nervously.

Kyoko shook her head to rid herself off the false image. She couldn't let herself mix up the two of them. "Nothing Yuma. Just stay with me."

She wouldn't lose her little sister. Not again.

How long had it been for Mami, since she had last stepped in Kazamino? Since she had split up with Kyoko completely. Two years? Or perhaps a bit shorter than that?

She had at least spent the next few months after Momo's death trying to work with Kyoko. Just after her Junior and Archer set off on their own and moved out of the apartment. They tried to make things work out.

Tried.

Kyoko changed after her family's death. So much that there was no longer anything that they agreed on and too much that differed. It was almost inevitable that they would split up completely, no matter how much effort the two of them had put in.

Knowing this still didn't make Mami feel any better though. She was responsible for that. If she had just been for Momo…

"How much longer until we get there?" Sayaka asked from where she was carried on Mami's back. "I'm worried about Madoka."

Mami glanced back to where Homura closely followed them. In her hands was Madoka, who she held gently in a princess carry. The black-haired girl had refused to let her go.

"We're almost there. She'll be fine," Mami replied. She had sedated the girl with magic, and it seemed like her condition hadn't gotten any worse on transit. The fact that that crack on Madoka's arm still hadn't stopped glowing was cause for concern though.

"Are you sure this person can help?" Sayaka asked.

"He's knowledgeable and capable."

If Archer couldn't or wasn't willing to help though then there was simply no one else to turn apart from Kyubey. Not the worst thing to wish for, to save life of a friend, but it would be best if Sayaka could make a wish in circumstances where she wasn't rushed and had better clarity of mind.

"He?" Homura asked. "Not a Magical Girl?"

"Another Magus. He's-" Mami stopped on her feet and raised her arm to signal Homura to stop moving. "Here."

"Who's here?" Sayaka asked as she got off of Mami's back.

"You've become a bit more aware of your surroundings."

A man appeared in front of them, as if out of thin hair. His skin was tanned, his hair white, and his cloak a vibrant and striking red. Most alarming of all though was the large black bow that he held in his hands. It wasn't pretty or calming to look at like Madoka's bow. The weapon that he wielded was a tool, a tool meant to kill and destroy. And it was aimed straight at her.

"Why did you come here?" Archer asked.

"Archer," Mami had a musket appear in her hands, though she kept it pointed at the rooftop. She wouldn't appear meek, though neither would she force a fight until absolutely neccesary. "How have you two been?"

"I don't care for pleasantries. Answer the question or I will shoot you for trespassing."

As infuriatingly blunt as always.

"I need your help," Mami said.

His eyes scanned the four of them before ultimately stopping at Madoka. His eyes rose slightly as she looked at the crack on her arm. "The girl?"

"Yes. She needs healing."

"Bring her to a hospital then. Or do it yourself."

"We've tried. It doesn't work and she's not a Magical Girl," Mami explained. "I believe she's a Magus. Like you. Neither I nor the hospital would know how to treat her."

He began to appraise Madoka a bit more thoroughly. His eyes raised slightly. A sign of curiosity? Or something else. It was hard to tell with him.

"So, you came here because you had no choice?" he asked.

Mami nodded.

"Why?"

"Didn't you just say it?"

"No," Archer replied firmly. "Why did you bring her here? Why help her?"

Mami bowed her head. He always was able to see through her. "Because I don't want to be responsible for her death too. I know I failed before, but I had to do something for them. There wasn't anyone else around that they could turn to for guidance."

Archer sighed and closed his eyes. "It was my failure, not yours."

It was something that two had argued about before. Who was responsible for Momo's death. The only thing they could ever agree on was that Kyoko wasn't to blame. It didn't matter if she made that wish, they had no way of knowing how far her father would go.

When he opened his eyes again, his gaze was no longer deadly. It was still firm, but it no longer seemed that he was going to shoot. Especially once he began to lower his bow. "I won't protect you from her. You'll have to deal with her yourself."

"I know."

The bow disappeared from Archer's hand before he turned around. "Follow me then."

Mami breathed a sigh of relief before signaling Homura to move again. She then grabbed Sayaka and made the trip to his house.

It was certainly an eye raising experience, seeing his house in the distance. Mami had heard plans of it, before it had been built, but seeing it for herself was something else entirely.

"Woah," Sayaka whistled as they stepped onto the property. "Nice place you got here."

"I don't remember this house being here the last time I visited," Homura commented.

"When were you last here?" Archer asked.

"A-… A year ago."

"That's strange," Archer stared at her suspiciously. "This house was built two years ago."

"Oh," Homura looked away having apparently been caught for her deception. Why she needed to lie about that though, Mami didn't know.

The front door of the house opened before Mami had a chance to inquire though. She stopped breathing when she saw who was on the other side.

"Kyoko!?" Homura and Sayaka both shouted.

Mami would've asked how the two of them knew Kyoko if she wasn't so busy holding her breath.

It was… rough. Seeing her old Junior again. And wearing a loose nightgown of all things. The cat was really cute though. Best not to make a comment about it.

"Cute cat," Sayaka commented.

And now Sayaka was dead. Sad thing too, to lose another Junior so soon.

Rather than lash out though Kyoko's quickly scanned them. Then Archer. Then finally Mami.

"What are you doing here?" Kyoko asked as she continued to glare at her.

Mami forced herself to breathe.

She could handle this. She had to be strong for the people that followed her.

"Well? Answer me," Kyoko demanded.

"I asked Archer for help. One of my Juniors was injured fighting a Witch," Mami replied.

"Ribbons over there?"

Homura tightened her grip on Madoka. "Yes."

"Why is her arm glowing like a night light?"

"We don't know," Mami replied before glancing at Archer. "He might"

Kyoko sighed before looking at Archer. "Do you?"

"Not for certain," Archer admitted.

"I'm assuming you agreed to help?" Kyoko asked.

"Yes," Archer replied before walking in front of Homura and holding an arm out. "Give her to me. I'll do my best to help."

It was clear that Homura didn't want to let go of Madoka… but she didn't have much of a choice did she? The black-haired girl reluctantly handed her friend over to Archer. To their relief he handled Madoka rather gently and began to carefully walk away with her.

"I'm taking her to the shed," Archer said.

"The shed!?" Kyoko asked, surprised. "Even I don't go in there."

"Yes. Don't let anyone come in while I'm working."

"Guard duty. Got it."

"And don't start a fight either."

"Fine."

Archer opened the door to a nondescript wooden shed around the corner of the house and promptly disappeared inside it.

"Always such a bleeding heart," Kyoko grumbled to herself.

Mami was inclined to agree. For all their disagreements, there was no denying that there was a man that cared. Past the cold logic, cynicism, and nihilistic behavior of course.

"So, this where you live," Sayaka said. "Yuma inside the house too?"

Yuma?

"She's supposed to be heading to bed," Kyoko turned to glare at the doorway and Mami finally noticed the little green bundle peeking its head around the corner.

It was a young girl. She would've been Momo's age around this time. "Kyoko. Is she-"

"She's someone we took in," Kyoko interrupted. "I'm making sure she becomes a proper Magus."

"You really do know Magic?" Sayaka commented. "Should've figured."

"Magecraft," Kyoko corrected. "And of course, an idiot like you had to develop Potential and get involved with Magical Girls."

Sayaka glared. "What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. Already told you have I feel about heroes."

"There's nothing wrong with being a hero. You wouldn't know since you're too selfish to tr-"

"Miki stop," Mami commanded her Junior firmly. "We're not here to start a fight." She bowed her head to Kyoko. "I apologize for her actions. Though I wonder why you're willing to escalate things if Archer demanded that you avoid fighting."

"He said that I can't start a fight," Kyoko replied. "Didn't mean I can't defend myself if the idiot throws the first punch."

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't rile her up just so that you can fight without consequence," Mami replied.

"Tch." Kyoko looked at Homura who looked unprepared at being addressed. "What about you, Pigtails? You look like you got something to say? Say it."

"I…" Homura glanced at the wooden shed, clearly conflicted between Madoka's safety and her curiosity. "Aren't you also a Magical Girl?"

"For the love of- I am not a Magical Girl! I'm a Magus. Fully human. No Soul Gem." Kyoko brandished her hands to them as proof.

"What's with the tattoos?" Sayaka asked.

"It's for my Magecraft," Kyoko answered quickly before hiding her hand in her sleeve.

"Kyoko is a Magus. She's not a Magical Girl currently," Mami vouched for her. She knew the truth of Kyoko's previous Contract, but that was a secret that she would willingly take to the grave.

"Come on, is it really so hard to believe that there are things other than Magical Girls out there in this world?" Kyoko asked Homura who looked even more confused than before.

"No… you're right," Homura eventually replied. "I'm just trying to get used to things."

"Well then get used to it outside of my property," Kyoko demanded.

"Are you seriously kicking us out!?" Sayaka shouted.

"Yea," Kyoko replied. She flinched as she crossed her arms. "Archer's willing to help Ribbons so she's allowed here. I have no obligation to deal with the rest of you though."

"We're not leaving until we get Madoka back!" Sayaka shouted and Homura nodded in agreement.

"Then wait outside the gate or at that little café down the block," Kyoko pointed and quickly hissed as she did so. "Just don't loiter on my property."

"Kyoko, are you hurt?" Mami asked.

"No," Kyoko replied.

"You're lying."

"Tch," Kyoko looked away, having been caught in her lie. "Training with Archer can get rough, alright."

That was likely the truth. Mami had personally witnessed and participated in a few of these training sessions in the past. If it was still as tough as before or increased in intensity over the years, then it was impressive that Kyoko still had the ability to stand and aggressively posture in front of them.

Sayaka grinned. "Glad someone's disci-"

"Sayaka stop," Mami interrupted her before she could finish her sentence and rile Kyoko up even more.

"But Mami-"

"No."

Sayaka finally went silent.

It was Kyoko's turn to grin now. "Whipped."

Sayaka glared at her and clenched a fist but thankfully kept her mouth shut.

"Why didn't you didn't heal yourself?" Homura asked.

"Not a Magical Girl. Can't just make our wounds disappear like they're nothing."

"What about your… Magecraft?"

"Dedicated healing Magecraft is specialized and only usable by a select few. All we can do is speed up the body's natural healing."

An idea popped up in Mami's head. "What if I helped heal you? Would you allow us to stay?"

"I don't need your magic," Kyoko replied.

"How much time will you spend recovering? Would you lose all that time doing nothing or just let us in for a few hours instead?" Mami asked.

Kyoko opened her mouth, ready to argue, before she immediately shut and began to mull over Mami's words.

"It's a fair trade isn't it?" Mami said.

Kyoko was a pragmatic person… as long as you avoided certain sensitive topics. She was rash, but not foolish and cold logic was generally your best bet at getting a reasonable response. Usually. Other times you had to be the tough one. Knock her down a peg and get her begrudging respect before she'd be willing to talk.

… Maybe that was why Archer got along with her so well.

"Maybe if it was just you. What about the rest of them?" Kyoko asked.

Mami wasn't deterred though. The fact that Kyoko had asked a question rather than rebuff her entirely meant that she was interested. Now she just had to sweeten the deal. "One Grief Seed."

"Two."

"One. We're just staying until Kaname is healed," Mami replied firmly. She knew the value of Grief Seeds. One was being generous and that was without the healing.

"What does she need a Grief seed for?" Sayaka asked. "She ain't a Magical Girl."

"I sell them," Kyoko replied.

"You what!?" Sayaka shouted, outraged.

Kyoko gestured to the house behind her. "Nice place like this doesn't pay for itself."

Mami of course, knew of Kyoko's occupation as a Grief Seed merchant. She had been there when Kyoko had first started selling her share of their seeds to other Magical Girls. It was what led to one of many disagreements they had that would eventually lead to their split.

"But Magical Girls need them!" Sayaka shouted.

That was one of the first arguments Mami made.

"Yea," Kyoko replied. "I hunt Witches and provide Magical Girls with an essential service. Why shouldn't I be getting paid for my work?"

And that had been Kyoko's rebuttal back then.

"You have Magic, don't you?" Sayaka argued. "Doesn't that give you a responsibility to help people?"

"Magecraft," Kyoko emphasized. "I don't need to make a Contract and wish to get Magecraft. Just hard work. I don't owe anyone anything." She glanced at the wooden shed. "Apart from Archer," she amended.

"She's right," Mami agreed before Sayaka could argue any further. "She's doesn't have an obligation to fight Witches, but she still does. Even if it is for personal gain… she does get work done."

It was one of the few things that she had been forced to concede. Kyoko had every right to do what she did, no matter how much Mami found it distasteful.

"But Magical Girls need them to live. They'll die fighting Witches otherwise," Sayaka argued.

"People need food to live. You going to start attacking grocery stores because they don't hand out free stuff?" Kyoko argued. "Same with medicine. You gonna go Robin Hood and rob a bunch of pharmacies? Or maybe go after Big Pharma for jacking up the prices?"

"I provide Magical Girls with an essential service," Kyoko reiterated. "And it ain't just me. There are a few Adjusters out there that sell or take Grief Seeds as payment for their work on Soul Gems. You going to go after them too?" She chuckled and shook her head. "Would like to see you try. Attack an Adjuster and you'll have every Magical Girl in a city out for your head. Wonder how long you'd last?"

"Bet nobody would come to help you though," Sayaka grumbled. She didn't refute Kyoko's argument though and it was clear that she was deep in thought over what she had just heard.

"Will you accept my offer or not?" Mami decided to push the original topic. "If not, I can take my healing and Grief Seed somewhere else."

"Fine," Kyoko conceded. "You drive a hard bargain. Honestly, if you weren't such a goody two shoes you would've been a great Merchant."

Mami wasn't entirely sure how to feel about that. And she was even more confused when Kyoko took Yuma gently by the hand and led her inside.

Kyoko turned her head and gave the little girl some words of encouragement. Then a smile. A smile that Mami hadn't seen in years.

For a brief moment it was almost like looking back in the past. A time when Kyoko still had a dream, a time when they were all happier.

It was gone though and there was no getting it back.

Maybe one day they could learn to accept that.

Chapter Text

"I wish to erase all witches before they are born. All witches in all the universes, both past and future. With my own hands!"

For all those who fought against Witches, who believed in hope as Magical Girls. She would make it so that they could smile to their very end. That had been her wish.

And yet, there existed a universe that she could not interfere in. Where they were still forced to despair.

Why? Why couldn't she save them?

Why was it so fragile that it would break if she tried to intervene directly?

She needed to know. Needed to know why.

If she couldn't go there herself, then someone else would have to do it for her. And who better than a young girl ready to find her purpose in their world.

The Goddess awoke. No- not the goddess, Madoka Kaname opened her eyes.

Why was she someone or something else in her dream? It was so vivid, so real yet also so far away. If she could reach a bit further though, push herself a bit more…

"You're awake."

Madoka sat up in surprise and soon began to recall what had happened. She immediately turned toward the stranger that addressed her.

"Where's Sayaka!? Is she ok? Mami, Homura!?" She began to shout frantically.

Archer raised his hands. "They're fine, waiting in the house for you. Just have to do some last checks."

"Oh." Madoka breathed a sigh of relief. Sayaka was safe. Her friends were safe.

"You're quick to trust a stranger," the man commented.

Madoka looked back at the man and then quickly bowed her head. "S-sorry. I'm Madoka Kaname."

"Already greeting me?"

"You helped me."

"You just woke up. How could you know that?"

"I mean… didn't you? Why else would my friends bring me here and in the other room?"

The man stared at her carefully. "I did."

"Then you're not a stranger. You're a friend."

"You… really are also quick to assume things. Aren't you?"

"I mean you didn't do anything bad yet. And even if you did it's probably for a good reason? We could always just talk it out."

The man shook his head. "I am Archer," he introduced himself. "You were brought here so that I could heal you."

Madoka finally remembered the searing and unrelenting pain she had felt before she had blacked out. She looked at her arm and a very large and noticeable scar on it. "What happened?"

"Your body took in too much power. Too much for it to handle. It began to break apart from the strain," Archer replied. "Lucky for you it naturally suppressed itself after some time. Made it much easier to close the crack in your arm."

"I did this… to myself?" Madoka touched her scar gently. It didn't hurt anymore, though she would have to find some way to explain this to her parents.

"Yes. You should be careful. A God's power can be overwhelming to wield."

Madoke froze. Not because she was surprised, but rather a lack thereof. Why did that sound so natural to her?

"Since the end of the age of Gods, they should have been reduced to Divine Spirits. Whatever God you're connected to hasn't deteriorated at all. Likely because it exists in a completely different world altogether," Archer explained. "It's using you to connect to this world I believe."

Madoka held up her hands and looked at them carefully. "I'm using the power of a…"

Archer shrugged. "God. Goddess. Don't know which one. But I could recognize some form of Divinity struggling to break free from your mortal form."

"Goddess," Madoka replied.

"Do you know the God you're connected to?"

Madoka shook her head. "No. I just know that she's a girl." She then buried her face into her hands. "I… I thought I was just a normal girl," she moaned. "Now I've somehow become a Goddess."

"You hang around with a bunch of Magical Girls and received healing from a man who wields Magecraft. You are far from normal," Archer replied plainly. "Besides you're not actually a Goddess… but neither are you a complete vessel."

"What do you mean?"

"Divine Spirits are normally unable to take on a physical form in the modern world," Archer explained. "So, they are instead summoned or willingly manifest themselves by finding a compatible human body to act as a vessel. A Pseudo-Servant. That isn't the case for you. The fact that your human memories and past hasn't been sealed to protect you is proof of that. A connection has been formed and it allows you to draw on its power. However," He gestured to her arm. "Without the body of a Servant that power can easily overwhelm you if you're not careful."

"Why me though?" she had to ask.

"You could be one of its descendants when it existed in this world. Plenty of people descendant from the old Gods though it usually doesn't matter. You could also be compatible in personality and body. Either way you're likely the most suitable person available. As for why now though," Archer shrugged. "This world is weird. Magical Girls and Magi exist. I'd keep this a secret though."

"I've been keeping a lot of secrets recently," Madoka muttered to herself. Mostly to her parents. Sometimes she wished she could just tell them everything.

"It's the cross we bare, those who reside in this side of the World," Archer replied. "But I wouldn't even tell other Magi or Magical Girls about this. They likely wouldn't believe you and those that did… well neither groups are known to be morally upstanding."

"Are you saying they would hurt me?"

"Where I'm from a Divine Spirit's vessel would definitely be a valuable collectable or subject for research. And that's if you're lucky. Some would be perfectly happy to tear you apart and study the pieces."

Madoka shivered. That sounded terrible. "Maybe Mami and Homura would have some advice for me."

"You're going to tell them?"

"They're my friends. I trust them."

"Those you care for the most are also the ones most capable of hurting you."

Madoka tilted her head and stared at the man carefully. He tried to keep his voice neutral, and was doing a real good job at it, but she could detect some amount of regret behind it. Maybe something to do with being connected to a God?

"Did something like that happen to you?" she asked. "Did you… go through that?"

Archer looked at her in turn. "In a way," he eventually admitted.

"I'm sorry," Madoka replied without hesitation.

Archer raised an eye. "Why are you apologizing?"

"Because no one should go through that, it's not fair."

"The world isn't fair."

"I know but that doesn't mean it's right."

His expression changed slightly. Was that… interest?

"And why would you say that?" he asked.

"Just because the world is bad doesn't mean we can't change it for the better," Madoka replied.

"Most people fail."

"I can still try. I just… have to do what I can."

"Do you have any aspirations?" Archer asked.

"I guess I do," Madoka mulled. "I want to be more like my Mama. She's a cool and successful businesswoman. Though I guess it wouldn't so bad being a bride either. Papa seems happy staying home to take care of me and my brother, so raising my own family would also be nice."

"That's it?"

"Yea. Why?"

"Do you value your life?"

This, Madoka took the time to think about. It wasn't until several minutes had passed before she finally answered.

"Yes. I do. I wouldn't trade it for the world," she replied confidently.

Archer's mouth tilted slightly. Such a small smile yet it seemed to convey so much. Acceptance… and longing?

"That's good. I hope that you'll always feel that way."

Madoka smiled. "Thank you."

"We should talk more about your situation with your friends. Front entrance is right out that door and around the corner. I'll head there once I clean up."

"I bet they're really worried about me." Madoka stood up in a hurry and quickly made her way to the door. She turned around and bowed to Archer one last time before making her way to the house.

"Thank you for healing me."

Archer watched as a pink-haired figure quickly disappeared around the corner of his home. He then shut the door and made his way to clean up after himself. Supplies had been scattered all over the workshop and there were runes that needed to be wiped away now that they had served their purpose.

That girl was nothing like he had expected, in the few minutes he talked with her. Well, more of an interrogation than conversation but he had been curious. And that wasn't considering the effort he had to put to properly Trace and heal her body. What she was and the reason behind it was a whole other bag of worms he'd have to sort through.

No foolish dream of being a hero or aspirations to be great. Cheerful and idealistic yet also with tempered and realistic expectations. Not as naïve as initially assumed. A general awareness that her actions weren't entirely selfless, but no guilt for acting on them anyway. Someone who wanted to do something because she could, not because of some crippling Survivor's Guilt that reared its ugly head anytime she tried to enjoy herself.

A bit too willing to help people granted, would make her rather easy to manipulate if neccesary, but she was a fully healthy and functional person. Which was a very sharp contrast to Magi, Magical Girls, and well himself in general.

Madoka Kaname was a nice person. A rarity in any world.

Normally people like that would die off or become jaded with time. Probably would happen to Kaname too eventually, but he'd give her the benefit of doubt. People like her were hard to find, might as well not write her off so easily.

Plus, he kind of liked her. Kind of hard not to. She was a likeable person.

Still, the fact that she was connected to a God was a sign for trouble. Normally Pseudo-Servants weren't summoned or made unless there was a necessity for it. Said necessities tended to be World or Humanity destroying calamities that even Gaia's agents or the Counter Force were unable to handle on their own. He had hoped that wasn't the case but with his summoning and Kaname's existence…

Well, Human Order hadn't been incinerated yet and the survivors weren't being forced to jump into Singularities to restore the timeline. Safe to assume the world hadn't ended. Probably. So, they did have some time.

Tore apart the theory that he was just being paranoid though. Something definitely was going to threaten the existence of Gaia or Alaya in this world. And whatever it was, it was going to involve that girl in some way.

At least that was what his intuition told him. And that rarely failed him.

"How did you let this happen?" Mami asked.

"Well Archer's good with a bow," Kyoko replied.

"Big surprise there," Blue commented. The chick was still giving Kyoko the stink eye, but it seemed she was holding herself back.

A shame. Kyoko would've liked a good punching bag just about now. And the chick could probably take it anyway.

"And why exactly was he shooting you with a bow?" Mami asked.

"Like I said, training. Can't exactly take it easy like you Magical Girls."

"Being a Magical Girl isn't easy," Mami argued. "We might be given some base instincts and combat ability, but the improvement of our current skillsets and the development of new ones requires much hard work and study. It's not exactly simple creating muskets from ribbons."

Fair enough. Not that Kyoko would ever say that Magical Girls had an easy time achieving strength. They just had a significant advantage.

That advantage wasn't worth it though. And neither was the wish before it. It never was.

"So Yuma," Blue turned to the green haired girl. "You learning magic too?"

Yuma nodded shyly.

"Cool. What spells do you know?"

Yuma glanced away. "I haven't been learning spells yet. Archer and Kyoko have been teaching me math."

"Math?" Blue turned to Kyoko in disbelief. "Seriously? You're teaching her math?"

"Magecraft needs a sufficient background in Magic, Science, and History," Kyoko lectured. "Math to create the formulas, Science to understand the neccesary concepts, and History to give it meaning and purpose."

"How long will it take for her to use actual Spells though?" Blue asked.

"Yea…" Yuma looked at Kyoko. "How long?"

Kyoko couldn't quite look Yuma in the face. She didn't want to lie to her, but blunt honesty wasn't exactly the way to go either.

"A long time then," Yuma concluded as her expression darkened.

Blue glanced between Kyoko and Yuma before suddenly standing up and clapping Yuma on the back. The little girl yelped in surprise.

"Cheer up," Blue encouraged her. "Time goes by quick. You'll get there before you know it!"

"Really?" Yuma asked.

"Yea! And that's time you can use to grow up nice and strong. Doesn't matter how good your Magic is if you don't have a tough body you know?"

Kyoko would've argued that Reinforcement would make up for any lack of physical fitness, but honestly whatever Blue was doing seemed to be cheering Yuma up.

"I should get strong then?" Yuma asked hopefully.

"Exactly. Eat a bunch, work out, and start running. Exercising is great when your brain shuts down from looking at dusty old books all day. By the time you learn Magic-"

"Magecraft!" Kyoko corrected.

"Magecraft," Sayaka amended. "You'll be an absolute powerhouse!"

"The Dojo has a lot of weapons. Maybe I could start using one?" Yuma asked as she looked at Kyoko with pleading eyes.

"You guys have a Dojo?" Blue asked.

Kyoko sighed. "Eyes only," she replied as she ignored Blue's question. "Decide what you want first and we'll figure it out from there."

"Why don't you help… Emiya," Mami seemed almost strained to say that name, "pick something out Miki?"

"Sure. Yuma here can show me around the house." Blue glared at Kyoko. "Unless someone has an issue with it."

Kyoko glared back but otherwise didn't refuse. She might not have liked Blue, but the chick would never hurt Yuma. It would go against her idealistic principles. Besides there were enough wards set up in the Dojo to stop them in case they decided to do something stupid.

Blue took that silence as a yes, and had Yuma lead her to the Dojo.

Soon the only company Kyoko had was Mami and Pigtails, the latter of whom who had spent most of the time sitting silently in the corner. It almost made her miss Blue. She was fun to annoy at the very least.

"Is the healing almost done?" Kyoko asked.

"I've just about finished," Mami replied as she moved away her glowing hands.

Kyoko rotated her arms and stretched her body. No pain. In fact she felt really good, just a bit tired. A nap would be nice.

"Yuma has Potential," Mami commented.

And there went any chance of Kyoko relaxing.

"Yea. So?"

"If she wants to be a Magus that's fine," Mami replied. "But if you're forcing your ways onto her-"

"She doesn't want to be a Magical Girl," Kyoko bit back.

"Are you sure, or is it because of your views on them?"

"I ain't brainwashing her!" Kyoko shouted. "I gave her my opinion and she accepted it. Why do you want her to become a Magical Girl? She's a kid!"

"I agree. She is too young. But in the future, she'll have to make her own choice. If she chooses to follow the path of a Magus that's fine. I just don't want her to miss out on any opportunities due to any… personal bias we might have on the matter."

Kyoko grit her teeth. "You're just trying to take my little sister from me again. Take her along into your merry little band."

Mami flinched at her words. "Kyoko… you know I never wanted that for Momo."

"Doesn't matter what you wanted. Your little friend Kyubey still got his way."

"It was her choice in the end Kyoko. Kyubey had no obligation to stop her from making her Wish."

A wish done for Kyoko's sake, was what was left unsaid.

"And look what happened."

That also didn't need to be said.

Mami remained silent.

Kyoko shook her head. "It doesn't matter anymore. Yuma's never going to become a Magical Girl."

…

"How did you meet Yuma?" Pigtails asked, interrupting the awkward silence.

"Saved her from a Witch," Kyoko replied.

"Is she also an orphan like you?"

Kyoko stared at Pigtails suspiciously. "You seem to know a lot about me, don't you? I don't I've ever met you though."

Pigtails looked away. She was clearly hiding something. "You have a reputation… and I did some research on you."

Kyoko squinted her eyes. There was some information of her out there, mostly from the Incubator, so it wasn't impossible that Pigtails would know something. However, the people that usually looked her up were the ones that were trying to take her territory.

"N-not to fight you," Pigtails quickly amended. "I was just… curious."

Kyoko didn't believe her. Not a single bit. But she couldn't call her out in front of Mami. The Senior Magical Girl tended to be pretty protective, if not possessive, of her Juniors. Root only knows how long it had taken before Kyoko had finally pushed Mami away.

"Yuma's parents are dead," Kyoko replied. She was going to have to find a better time to confront Pigtails about her information. Preferably alone where she could easily dispose of the corpse if neccesary.

"Oh… that's bad," Pigtails replied.

"Nah. Trust me, they're better off dead."

Blue and Yuma took that moment to finally return to the living room.

"This is an awesome house," Blue commented.

"What being smart can get you," Kyoko replied as Yuma bounded her way to her. "Which do one do you want to try out?"

"The hammer," Yuma replied.

"The hammer?" Kyoko asked, confused.

"The big one."

That wasn't even a proper weapon. That was just for when Kyoko and Archer just needed to do some quick demolition work on the house.

"Are you sure?" Kyoko asked. "It's pretty heavy."

"I have to be strong to use it right? And that's what Sayaka said. I should get strong and use a strong weapon."

Well, it wasn't like Warhammers didn't exist. Still the thought of Mo- Yuma just swinging it around with her tiny frame made for a very strange image. "Sure. But let's start with a knife first while you're busy getting… strong."

Yuma nodded. "Okay."

Kyoko was busy figuring out the basic design for a hammer that Yuma could use when Ribbons finally entered the house. The lightshow on her arm had finally stopped, though there was a pretty nasty scar there.

"Madoka," Pigtails was the first one to jump and practically glomped Ribbons where she stood. They ended falling into the floor in a bundle.

"Madoka!" Blue shouted and immediately jumped into the dogpile.

Mami on the other hand simply watched with a smile. "I'm glad to see that you've recovered Kaname."

"Thanks guys," Ribbons replied cheerfully as she quickly reciprocated the embrace.

The lot of them fawned over Ribbons until Archer finally stepped into the house, much to Kyoko's relief. They were starting to be a bad influence on Yuma.

Can we kick them out now? Kyoko asked.

"We need to have a talk first," Archer replied.

Chapter Text

Explaining things to everyone wasn't as hard as Madoka thought it would be. She was almost used to it at this point, considering the last few weeks of her life.

"So, let me get this straight," Sayaka said as she stared at Madoka in awe. "You're connected to a Goddess?"

Of course, just because she had an easier time explaining, didn't mean that it wasn't tough for her friends to understand.

"That is correct," Archer replied for her. He was actually quite helpful, curtly answering questions that she wasn't quite prepared to answer.

Which were a lot. Way too many.

"I'd call bullshit," Kyoko admitted. "But if Archer says that's true…"

"Is he sure though?" Homura asked. "Couldn't he also be lying?"

Mami shook her head. "Archer doesn't lie. He'll keep secrets, but he doesn't lie."

"How did this even happen?" Kyoko asked. "Why does Ribbons just gets to play around with a God's-"

"Goddess," Madoka corrected.

"Goddess," Kyoko amended. "Play around with a Goddess's power?"

"You've seen what that power can do to her body," Archer replied as they all glanced at Madoka's arm.

"Kyoko never had that happen when she was-" Mami glanced at Kyoko who began glaring at her. "As a Magus I mean. It was never that bad for her."

"That's because there was always a limit to it. Even if she didn't use it all at once. Madoka is drawing her power from a being that is much more powerful than we are."

"What?" Kyoko blurted before looking at Madoka in surprise. "So, Ribbons here is stronger than me?"

"More raw power, but there's more to combat than raw strength," Archer replied. "It isn't necessarily a good thing either. You've seen what it does to her when she takes in too much."

"Still, that does mean she has potential that we haven't seen yet. Jesus that's…" Kyoko looked at Madoka, "That's actual real damn scary Ribbons. You could take out a whole city with that sorta power"

"How are you so sure about that?" Homura asked.

Kyoko nodded. "Because Archer could if he wanted to."

"Not that any Magical Girl would stand aside and let him," Mami commented.

"It can't be… I can't be that dangerous… Right?" Madoka asked.

Archer shook his head. "You practically have a limitless supply of energy to draw upon. You're a threat not only to yourself but others. I can also guarantee that there will be people out there that will seek to control you, should they ever learn about what you're capable of."

"B-but why? How?"

He shrugged. "Multiple reasons and several methods come to mind. Find a way to convert your power then you hook you up something big that they'd like to power. Take a loved one hostage so that you'd be forced to act in accordance with their will. You'd be treated less like a human being and more like a useful tool or a valuable collectable."

"I won't let that happen!" Homura shouted. She immediately looked away from everyone's gazes after her outburst. "Madoka needs to be safe."

"I agree with you there Homes," Sayaka said. "No way I'm letting that happen to my friend."

"It seems we're all in agreement then," Mami said.

"You guys…" Madoka almost cried tears of joy right there. To think that everyone cared about her that much.

"It seems your friends are eager to help," Archer commented. "Whether they can keep a secret and not up blow your cover when people start asking questions is another thing altogether."

Sayaka turned to Archer, annoyed. "We can do this."

"That has yet to be seen."

"You got something against us?"

"Miki," Mami put her hand on Sayaka's shoulder. "That's his way of giving advice."

"That's advice?" Sayaka asked.

"Yes," Mami replied. "He's saying that we should be prepared to maintain a proper cover, not just to Madoka but also as a group."

"Best to have matching information," Archer clarified. "Miscommunication can get you killed on or off the battlefield."

"Should you of all people be saying that?" Mami asked.

"I give clear and concise information," Archer replied.

"You could stand to be a bit more polite about it. Consider your choice of words before you insult someone."

"Pleasantries are a waste of time."

"Pleasantries foster good working relations."

"Uh guys," Sayaka interrupted. She glanced nervously between the two of them having somehow been caught in the middle of their growing argument. "What about Madoka?"

"Ah yes," Mami cleared her throat and quickly composed herself. "Is there a significant risk that her body will break on itself again?" she asked Archer.

Archer looked at Madoka. "Not right now. But if at any point she pushes herself past her limits, then it won't just end with a crack in her arm. She could potentially tear her body apart."

Madoka shuddered at the thought. The pain in the arm had been unbearable. What would it be like if the same happened to her entire body?

"That's… horrifying," Homura said.

"A gruesome sight to witness also," Archer admitted. "Along with being a slow and agonizing death. If her body doesn't completely collapse upon itself in an instant and end up destroying everything around her in the ensuing explosion."

"Jesus," Sayaka shouted as Homura flinched. "Do you got to be so graphic about it?"

"I'm just warning you of what could happen," Archer replied. "What you do with that information is up to you."

"What should Kaname do then to prevent this?" Mami asked.

"Her connection to the Goddess is always present but not necessarily active. As long as she doesn't draw power from it, then it won't strain her body."

"So Kaname simply has to avoid fighting," Mami said.

"I want to fight," Madoka demanded.

"But Madoka. You saw what happened to your arm. If you fight, you'll get hurt," Homura replied.

"I know I can get hurt, but so can you and Mami. I can't just sit back and do nothing when I can help."

"You're not going to get anything back for helping people," Kyoko commented. "Except for another crack in your arm."

"I know!" Madoka turned to Kyoko much to the red head's surprise. "I know I probably won't get anything back for helping people, but I still want to do it anyway. I was fighting to before and nothing happened," Madoka looked at the scar on her arm. "As long as I'm careful it shouldn't be a problem… right?"

Madoka glanced at Archer who shrugged.

"As long as she properly paces herself it won't be an issue," he replied.

"What should we do then, if Madoka wants to continue fighting alongside us?" Mami asked.

"Don't get into life threatening situations," Archer replied plainly. "Madoka is clearly someone who will go out of her way to help someone in trouble, even if it ends up getting her in trouble."

Madoka looked away, guiltily. She wasn't completely unaware of herself. That did sound like something she would do.

"So, your best bet," Archer continued, "is to not be in danger in the first place. A bit difficult to do if you choose to fight every Witch that heads your way."

"It's my duty and people will get hurt if I leave any Witches alone," Mami replied.

"People die all the time," Archer replied. "But if you're insistent on doing this then assume Madoka is going to tag along. She won't stop unless tie her down with your ribbons."

"Not fighting isn't something Madoka's going to do I guess," Sayaka agreed. "What about ways so that she can fight better? Make it so that she can take in more… Goddess power or whatever without hurting herself?"

"Training, practice and experience," Archer replied. "Learning to control the flow in her body so that it doesn't overwhelm her should take priority. It'll likely take a few years before she can a proper handle on it. Until then she needs to avoid pushing herself."

"What if Madoka were to become a Magical Girl?" Mami asked. "Would that help?"

"Tch." Kyoko looked away in disappointment.

Archer shook his head. "I'm not certain. Magical Girls naturally have tougher bodies to utilize. But they also have their own power they draw on. If she has too much Potential and that ends up combining with her Divine power."

"They could be incompatible, and you lose use of one or your body would destroy itself from the ensuing backlash," Kyoko told Madoka. "Or they are compatible, and you end up popping like a balloon."

"That isn't a certainty," Archer quickly amended. "A possibility but her Contract could also go well and end up making her very powerful."

"So… anything could happen?" Madoka concluded.

"Yes. And it's a risk I'd avoid if I were you," Archer replied.

"I'll keep that in mind."

"Wouldn't Kyubey know if they're compatible?" Mami asked. "He's the one that forms the Contract after all."

"I…" Madoka glanced at Homura and then Archer. "I don't want to tell him… just yet."

"Smart," Kyoko commented.

"… That is your choice Kaname," Mami replied. "It is your secret to keep, but we might need more help then what we have here."

"Don't count on us," Kyoko muttered.

"Cause you aren't going to be here soon?" Sayaka asked. "I saw a bunch of packed bags in the house. Where are you guys going?

"You're leaving?" Mami asked.

"Taking a trip," Archer replied.

"Kamihama?" Mami guessed

"How do you know?" Kyoko asked.

"Many Magical Girls have been migrating there do a shortage of Witches," Mami explained. "Mitikihara hasn't been affected as bad as other places strangely enough."

Kyoko grunted. "Lucky."

"It's dangerous though," Mami argued. "Archer can handle himself but what you and Yuma?"

"We can handle it," Kyoko waved her off dismissively. "Worry about your lackeys first."

"Are you really that desperate for more Grief seeds to sell?"

"We have other reasons to go there," Archer replied. "Reasons that we do not need to disclose."

"Someone might try to take your territory while you're gone," Mami commented.

"Why?" Kyoko replied. "No Witches here either. And we can always just take it back when we do get back."

"And your home?"

"Most people don't live to see it."

Madoka flinched. Even she knew what that implied.

"Did you kill them?" Sayaka asked.

"Only those that didn't turn back after the first warning shot," Archer replied.

"And the rest?" Sayaka asked.

"Those that choose to fight should be prepared to die themselves," Archer replied firmly. "Many that choose to come here, come for the sole purpose of taking our Grief Seeds and territory."

"That doesn't mean you should kill them!" Sayaka shouted. "Just beat them up and let them go!"

Archer looked at Sayaka. "Naïve."

"I know right?" Kyoko commented.

"What do you mean by that!?" Sayaka shouted.

"An enemy you spare will likely come back for you," Archer explained. "This time stronger and smarter. Additionally, any information that they can acquire about our territory and capabilities will quickly spread. By sparing them we'd be risking our home, our livelihood, everything we've built here. Would you be willing to do the same?"

"I…" Sayaka hesitated.

"Even if you would, we would not," Archer continued. "Whether or not you choose to remain in this side of the World, you need to reevaluate your reason for doing so. Uncertainty will get you killed, but you must also be willing to die for your beliefs. To walk the path of a Magus is to walk with death and Magical Girls put something similar at stake. If you can't do that, then you're better off going back to your normal life and forgetting all of this."

Archer's expression relaxed. "It's not too late for you. You can still choose to walk away from this. You still have that option. Whatever you decide… try to make sure it so you don't have any regrets."

Sayaka stared at him for some time before she finally spoke. "That's… the one thing I can't do. Just walk away when there are people that need my help. What sort of Hero of Justice would I be if I just ran away?"

Kyoko went stiff.

Archer's expression hardened. "I'd advise you to choose otherwise. It is a foolish and impossible dream."

"How could you know that if you haven't even tried?" Sayaka asked.

His fist clenched.

Madoka gulped. She didn't know why, but she was dearly afraid for her childhood friend's safety.

Thankfully, Archer didn't do anything. He simply took a deep breath and turned away.

"Do as you wish," he replied calmly.

"Archer. Are you-" Kyoko began to ask.

"I'm fine Kyoko," Archer replied. "It's her dream. I see no reason to interfere." He turned to Madoka. "You can put away your bow by the way."

Madoka blinked blankly before looking down. She finally noticed the bow she had accidently summoned, again. The same bow that now everyone was looking at before looking at her in concern.

With a flick of her hand, Madoka dismissed her weapon and tried not to blush from embarrassment.

Kyoko maintained her curious gaze. "You use a bow too?"

"Yea," Madoka replied before turning to Archer. "You also use one. Right?"

"What gave it away?" the man named Archer replied sarcastically.

"It's just that... Could you teach me a few things?" Madoka asked.

"Keep your stance firm. Your body needs to support the arrow." Archer told her.

Madoka nodded as she hardened her stance like he had suggested. She created an arrow, held it against her bowstring, and got ready to pull.

Suddenly, the world went dark.

Madoka could only yelp as dismissed her bow and tore the white towel off her face. She turned to Archer who held his hand out, having thrown the offending object.

"But also, be ready to move and evade at a moment's notice," Archer lectured. "You need to be aware of your surroundings, not just the target in front of you."

"I-I understand," Madoka replied as she smoothed out her Hakama and summoned her bow again. For some reason Archer had insisted that she change into a Kyudo uniform, even though they both used a Western method of Archery.

How she knew that immediately… well it probably had something to do with a certain Goddess.

She drew an arrow, glanced at Archer to make sure that he wasn't throwing something else at her, and then fired her arrow. The arrow hit the center of the target.

Madoka smiled, glad about the results.

Then the target exploded. Again.

"Oops."

It wasn't a regular target she was shooting at. If she put in too little strength then her arrow would bounce off, but too much and well these were the results. She needed to release a precise amount of energy for her arrow to stay without obliterating the target.

It was certainly a lot harder than shooting familiars and Witches. She didn't really care about how much energy she was using as long as they were destroyed.

"You have decent aim, but your control is lacking," Archer replied as he walked up to the remains of the target. He held his hands out, dismissed the wooden shards, and replaced them with a brand-new target he set down in front of her.

It was such a cool ability. Being able to create brand new objects on a whim. Her uniform had been made that way. Clean, well made, and comfortable to wear. Though how Archer happened to know all her sizes… well she didn't really want to know how much he had saw while healing her.

Sayaka whistled. "I need to learn how to do that."

Kyoko scoffed. "It's Magecraft unique to him."

"Don't know until I try."

"It is literally impossible!"

Madoka ignored their bickering as she continued to listen to Archer.

"If you put too much energy into each shot then you'll hit your limits that much sooner," Archer told her. "It's imperative that you learn to pace yourself, especially when dealing with a Witch's labyrinth and their Familiars."

That made sense. Maybe if she were to change the basic design a little. Gather more of the power into a single point so that she could more easily adjust it.

She created an arrow with those adjustments in mind. Once it was finished, she nocked it on her bow and aimed.

She released the string and let her creation loose.

This time it didn't completely obliterate the target. It did however leave a nice clean hole as it drilled straight through the wood and continued past it until struck the wall. The wall too had a nice clean hole drilled into it before Madoka had the cognizance to dispel the arrow before it could fly any further.

Also, she could apparently get rid of her arrows mid-flight. That was nice to know.

"Not quite what we're looking for," Archer mused as he poked his hand through the hole. "Decent technique though. You should keep it in mind in case you ever fight something with thick skin or armor."

Well apparently, she got a new attack out of all this. That was something at least.

It made her glad that she had yet to deal with any of the more aggressive Magical Girls that Archer and Kyoko had alluded to. If she had used one of these arrows against one of them…

No, she honestly didn't even want to think about shooting them in the first place. Not without taking a chance to talk and trying to resolve things peacefully at least.

"It's just so hard to hold back once I let it out," Madoka sighed.

"Like closing the floodgates of a dam?" Archer asked.

"Something like that."

"Well, it'll take some time before you can have precise control over your power by yourself," Archer replied as he created something in his hands.

"What is that?" Mami asked.

"Just a regular arrow," Archer replied. "Completely mundane but suitable for an experiment." He handed the arrow to Madoka. "Try pumping your power into it before you shoot it."

"What?" Madoka asked.

"Rather than you having to create a magic arrow from scratch, try imbuing an object with your energy."

Madoka grabbed the arrow and examined it carefully. It really did look like a normal arrow. Felt like one too. Or at least she assumed so. This was the first time she held an actual arrow that wasn't created entirely from her pink magic energy as Sayaka had called it.

"Are you sure Ribbons can do that?" Kyoko asked. "It took a week before my Reinforcement stopped blowing up everything I was trying to strengthen."

Madoka began to gently prod the arrow with some of her Divine power. It seeped into it naturally and with surprising ease. Like a sponge soaking up water. It also came out just as easily with a bit of prodding. If she could just make a few adjustments…

"It's not Reinforcement," Archer explained. "And I'm banking on her having a natural affinity towards-"

Madoka nocked her bow, raised it, and fired. The arrow hit the target. It didn't explode and the arrow stayed imbedded in the center.

"I did it," Madoka said amazed.

It wasn't perfect. There were several cracks that spread out from where the arrow struck a bit too hard, but it was marked improvement from violently exploding into tiny pieces.

"Bows and arrows," Archer finished with an amused expression. "Well, that proves that theory."

"It's easier to control," Madoka confirmed.

"For most people it's easier to alter and enhance an existing object rather than create an entirely new one," Archer explained as he created her a new target. "Especially when given an object they have intimate knowledge of or have a natural affinity for. It's a more efficient use of energy, giving you a higher output at a lower cost."

"Meaning Kaname get more done at less risk to herself if she carries around arrows to enhance," Mami concluded.

"Yes," Archer affirmed.

"Where would I get more arrows?" Madoka asked.

"Archery clubs or shops. Usually a few of those in a city," Archer replied as he held out his hand. Suddenly, a quiver full of arrows appeared in his hand which he then gave to Madoka. "Try this on, see if the strap fits you."

"O-okay." Madoka grabbed the quiver and held it in her hands. It was made of some tough, dark brown leather. A bit rough to touch but also very sturdy. She then took out one of the arrows. The shaft was made of some black wood while the gray metal tip was flat.

"They're blunt," Mami observed.

"They don't need to be sharp if she's imbuing them with her power," Archer explained. "Practice arrows are more readily available for purchase. And makes it easier to explain herself as an enthusiast if she's caught carrying them around."

"There are several Archery stores in Matikihara," Mami replied thoughtfully. "And we could always say she's coming back from one of them or a club if she does get questioned."

"They'd also be a good place for her to get some practice. Though there's only so much you learn on a range."

"I agree," Mami said. "I'll make sure to supervise Kaname's training in the future."

"If she starts somersaulting in the air and shouting out every single one of her attacks. Then I will shoot you with my bow," Archer warned.

Mami rolled her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with adding a little flair to your attacks."

"To intimidate, yes. Not to show off."

"Don't think I haven't heard you call out your attacks," Mami argued. "Caladbolg, Triple-Linked Crane Wings."

"It makes it easier to manifest the spells needed if they're said aloud," Archer rebutted. "Your magic has no such requirement."

Madoka simply watched as the two continued to bicker.

Boy, those two really liked arguing with each other, didn't they?

"Stop flirting with Mami and get this over with," Kyoko sighedm exasperated.

Archer simply looked at Kyoko in annoyance while Mami looked outright affronted.

"If you ever suggest that again Emiya," Mami glared at Kyoko, "Then I will not hesitate to restrain you."

"With your ribbons?" Kyoko asked.

"Of course."

"Kinky."

"Kyoko," Archer warned with his own glare.

Kyoko raised her hand in surrender. "Alright sorry."

Madoka grabbed an arrow from her quiver and continued shooting at the target. Each arrow being fired with differing outputs in order for her to test her strength and control. Soon enough she emptied the quiver and walked to the target so that she could pull them out and reuse them.

"Diligent," Archer comment.

"Mama says I should put my all into whatever I decide to do," Madoka replied as she began pulling out arrows.

"A good lesson, thoughh there are times when giving up is fine."

Mami looked at Archer suspiciously. Honestly, she had been looking at him like the entire time. "Why are you so willing to help Kaname?"

"She's a nice person," he replied. It was enough to get Madoka to blush.

"Is that it?" Mami asked.

"Do I need another reason?" Archer asked.

"… No. Kaname is a kind person."

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" Madoka muttered.

"Because you are!" Sayaka hollered.

Archer smirked. "I really wouldn't argue with your friends over this."

"Thank you for teaching me Mr. Emiya," Madoka decided to change the subject.

"Just make sure to practice consistently," Archer replied. "And don't ever let your power get to your head. It doesn't matter how strong you are, anyone is capable of killing you. A single mistake is often all it takes."

"I'll remember that," Madoka replied as she took the last arrow out of the target and placed it into her quiver. "Will I… see you again?"

"Perhaps," Archer replied. "Though that might be for fate to decide."

Normally that wouldn't be much of answer in the first place, but from a man like Archer…

Well, she certainly had a of work ahead of her if she was going to impress him the next time they met.

Archer watched from the front porch as their… guests finally left the property. He had given what advice and help he could, whatever happened to them now was on them. Hopefully, they would make the right choices in the future.

"Did you really need to go out of your way to help Ribbons?" Kyoko asked him. "I know she has God powers and all but…"

"She's a good person," Archer replied as he glanced at her. "Do you disagree?"

"… Nah you're right. Sucks that she had to end up with Mami though. Could've made use of some Divine power."

"Maybe," Archer admitted. "But Mami might make a decent mentor for her."

"Well, whatever you say," Kyoko replied doubtfully.

"Do you regret splitting up with her?" Archer asked.

"No. It didn't work between us. And it still won't," Kyoko replied quickly. "… but I guess after everything we've been through."

"It's hard to let go isn't it?"

"Yea…" Kyoko stretched her and yawned. "Well, I'm going to make sure Yuma is tucked in. Night Archer."

"Good night Kyoko."

"Oh, and one more thing," Archer said as Kyoko made it through the doorway.

Kyoko turned her head. "Yea?"

"I understand why you put a blue wig on that dummy now."

Chapter Text

He opened his eyes and found himself staring at a thick wall of brick. It didn't take long for him to turn around and notice the strange new world he had woken up in.

He was a legend, a faceless hero born from the prayers of those who suffered. For hundreds of years he had answered the call. Each time a different man taking on the mantle and recording their experiences unto him. That was who he was, not a person, but rather an amalgamation of those that created him. Those who would fight against injustice and fight the weak.

Yet when he awoke, he found himself human.

Not a hero of legend. Just a person. A person made from the memories and experiences of countless others before him.

He wasn't supposed to exist, not like this. Not this in this strange world of concrete jungles and metal rectangles that towered high into heavens.

The Throne would've given knowledge about all this and yet he had nothing to draw upon. No Master, no power, not even a weapon for him to use. Just this fragile body that quickly became sore from lying against the hard floor of concrete.

Left with little choice, he simply stood up and walked with purpose. Even powerless as he was, with none of his tools of centuries past, he could still fulfill his duty.

To help those in need.

It didn't take the man long to adapt to this world. The experiences of the men that made him never went away. It was especially true when living in isolation was something that they all shared.

There were some changes though. The world was much more technologically advanced than any of his previous incarnations had witnessed. There was no magic, or at least it wasn't apparently visible to the masses. Even if it did exist, he likely wouldn't notice, now powerless as he was.

Still this world was nice in its own ways. It didn't necessitate him having to resort to his less than savory methods if he wanted to help people.

A blessing really. For a man who just wanted to aid those in need, to no longer having to hide in the shadows. To stand in the light of day as he gathered the donated food and distributed it among the poor. Only rarely did he have to skulk in the night, mostly to stop those from doing the very things that his legend was known for.

The man smiled as the employees of the shelter and its many patrons thanked him.

It wasn't an easy life, with the little salary he received from his work making up his living expenses, but he was content.

He was content with continuing as such for as long as he existed in this world.

Purple.

Striking purple eyes and a truly impish smile. Full of ambition with a drive to achieve it. A young girl, hardly fresh out of adolescence, yet clearly not to be underestimated.

The man didn't know what he had done to interest her, but apparently he had caught her sights.

He never did like the attention, preferring instead to be unseen in the woods. In this situation he simply did what he did best.

Hide.

He did so among the masses, within the concrete jungle, and with the many other volunteers that chose to work at the shelter.

It didn't work.

Someway, somehow, he would find himself staring into that same purple again. Even if it was just once in a week, even if just for a brief period. Each time that smile would grow larger as she become aware of the game they played.

The man couldn't say that he didn't enjoy it either. The thrill of being hunted, of the experience of over fifty men being bested by a quick-thinking woman.

And so, they continued to play their games for weeks, then months. Soon those months would become an entire year.

"You're weird," the girl commented one day as she joined him with his deliveries to the homeless of the area.

"How so?" the man could not help but ask.

"It's not an act," she replied. "You aren't trying to impress anyone. You really do like helping others."

"That's right." The man didn't even try to deny it. To do so would be him denying all those that had created him. To deny that would leave him with nothing.

"It makes me mad," the girl looked at him annoyed.

"Why?"

"Because you could stand to be a bit more selfish."

"Helping others makes me happy."

She didn't believe him. That was clear as they walked in silence for the rest of his route. She still stayed with him though. Even when she tired, even when it was clear that her feet pained her, she stayed.

When he finally finished, he helped her to nearby bench so that they could watch the sunset in peace. It was there that he would finally admit the truth that he kept within himself.

"It's the only reason I'm here."

The girl looked at him thoughtfully, before turning back to the sunset.

"Maybe you should look for another reason then."

The girl grew to be a beautiful young woman.

No. She was always beautiful. It was just that now it was difficult to ignore. And wow… was she difficult to ignore.

Always forging to create her own path. Putting on an act to deceive others in her way and only ever revealing her true self around her loved ones… and him.

Then one day she had moved away from her parents to a new apartment in order to pursue a higher education. Then after seeing his place, which she affectionately called a dirty hovel, she forced him to come here. Normally he would've refused, content with his tiny living space, but she ended up complaining about how dangerous it was for a young woman to live by herself.

Sadly chivalry was another one of the things that they all shared.

That was how he had become her roommate.

"Why?" he asked her one day on their couch.

"Why what?" the woman turned and asked, ignoring the movie that they had been watching.

"Why me? Why do you care about me?"

The woman went mad, enraged by his question. He tried to do his best to calm her tantrum but found that he only made things worse.

That was another thing all the men that made him shared. They never did learn how to quite deal with the opposite gender.

He still did his best though. To try and resolve the tension between them.

Or at least he tried until she grabbed him be the face and put her lips against his.

It was at that moment that he finally received his answer.

It was months after their first kiss, the first night they ever spent in the same bed, that he finally told her of his past.

Everything.

Of all the men that he the legend once was. Of their histories and deaths. Of how he was suddenly summoned to this world as he was now.

It sounded like insanity, to have it all spoken from his lips. Even he had doubted himself in the middle of his own explanation.

And then when he finished, she kissed him again.

When any other would think of him as mad and doubt him, she believed him. Every single word. She never doubted, not for a single moment.

It was at that moment that the feeling in his chest wasn't from the many that had created him. No. This was his own.

It was then that he finally knew.

That he wanted to stare into those eyes for the rest of his life.

Despite all their planning pretty much everything that could go wrong at their wedding went wrong. What was supposed to be simple affair turned into a hectic march of dealing with one situation after another. It wasn't helped at all by his fiancé's… eccentric family and friends.

What he had once found entertaining in small doses, quickly became an issue once you threw them all together.

Seriously if he had to listen to another lecture about how a person should cook their eggs…

Their wedding up being an ordeal that aught to be recorded in legends. Something that all the previous hims would've been impressed by if they had lived to see it.

It was also the happiest day of his life.

At the altar they exchanged their vows. At the altar he took on her family name.

It was at that moment that he was finally complete.

A full name a true identity.

For he was not an amalgamation of those before him.

He was his own person.

And he would spend the rest of his life with the woman that he loved.

Chapter Text

"Now arriving at Kamihama station."

With Yuma in her hand, Kyoko stepped off the train and was immediately assaulted by the strange air of the place. She had felt it as they arrived at the city's borders, and Archer had constantly commented about how strange this city was, but even then she wasn't prepared for the sheer density of Mana in the air.

Whether it was from the vast number of Witches and Magical Girls that gathered here, or something else entirely, was yet to be seen.

"Is something wrong Kyoko?" Yuma asked. She wasn't very sensitive to Magic or Magecraft despite the Potential that she had.

"Nothing," Kyoko shook her head and walked forward with confidence. Not the worst environment she'd been in, compared to a Witch's labyrinth at least, she'd adapt soon enough.

You really weren't kidding about this place Archer, Kyoko commented.

Something's changed since the last time I was here, Archer warned. The energy's become active, as if someone's making use of it at this very moment.

That's… concerning, Kyoko admitted.

It is. We should move with caution.

Well, that was a good way to start their trip. Hopefully there wouldn't be any other unpleasant surprises for the day.

"My name is Kyoko Emiya," Kyoko introduced herself casually to her new class.

Her new classmates began to whisper to one another, likely intrigued by the new transfer student. Not that Kyoko could blame them, she just had that effect on people after all.

"Is there anything about yourself that you'd like to tell the class Emiya?" The teacher, a bald and rather portly male, asked.

"Not really," Kyoko replied.

Why would she? She would only be at this place for the next few weeks or so. Not like she wanted to get to know them anyway.

She could only hope that someone in this room would prove to be interesting, unlike her old school. Otherwise, being here would be a complete and utter chore.

After a bit of awkward stuttering from the teacher, Kyoko was led to her seat. It was next to a window and in front of a girl with shoulder length grey hair.

Normally Kyoko wouldn't give much mind to a person like her, but this girl had the blankest look on her face that she'd ever seen. Like there was nothing there. No life in it whatsoever. Totally empty.

It kind of worried her a little.

"Hey," Kyoko greeted the girl.

The girl's eyes moved. They stared at each other in silence. When the girl didn't respond for some time, Kyoko finally gave up and turned around.

Weirdo.

"Hi…" a quiet and shy voice practically whispered.

Kyoko turned back around. "Not much of a talker, are you?"

The girl shook her head.

Oh well, whatever. Kyoko turned back around to listen as the teacher began his lecture. Not like she was here to make friends anyway.

"Sorry…"

"Where are you from?"

"Kazamino."

"Why do you wear a glove?"

"Personal reasons."

"What sort of reasons?"

"Very personal reasons."

"Why did you come here?"

"I was bored in Kazamino."

"There's so much fun stuff to do in Kamihama then! We could show you around!"

Kyoko suppressed a sigh. Apparently acting aloof and casual had drawn the attention of many of the boys, and a few of the girls, in the class. The rest, thankfully, had stayed away and were content with gossiping about her. Honestly, she preferred the gossip. At least it meant that they'd leave her alone unlike the people in front of her.

She glanced at the empty seat behind her. It was almost uncanny how quietly that girl had left the classroom the second class had ended. The girl moved and acted like a ghost, hardly interacting with anything around her.

"Why are you looking at Isuzu's seat?" one of the boys asked.

"Nothing. Just curious about my neighbor," Kyoko replied.

"Don't worry about her," one of the girls commented. "She never speaks. Always goes off alone."

"You can do whatever you want to her and she won't do anything," another girl commented. "Even got her to carry my stuff for me when the teacher asked me to carry out permission slips to the faculty office."

"Apparently Isuzu isn't coming. She didn't hand in the form on time."

"That's because I took out her permission slip before I handed them too her," the same girl chuckled.

"Well not like we'll notice she's gone anyway. All she does is just sit and stare."

"And look pretty," another boy commented.

"If you like the shy quiet type."

"More like if you prefer a doormat."

Really? These kids had nothing better to do but to pick on a weakling? Not even trying to teach her a lesson or something productive? Not that this Ren girl was faultless either considering she let them step all over her.

Pathetic. Those idiots probably wouldn't do anything if someone with half a spine showed up.

Kyoko stood up. "Excuse me. I need to use the bathroom."

"Do you need us to show you the way?"

"Nah I got this," Kyoko replied as she made her way out of the classroom. Rather than head to the bathroom though, she grabbed a quick lunch from the school store and then made her way to the roof.

Not only did she want to just get away from everyone, but she was also hoping that she could get a decent view of the elementary school building from there. Maybe even get a clear line of sight of whatever classroom Yuma ended up in.

What she didn't expect was to find the door to the roof open. She peeked her head out the doorway and found a small group of girls that had already gathered there. One with pink hair, one blonde, and one brown.

That normally wouldn't matter much, Kyoko could just stand on the other side and ignore them, but the familiar rings and marks on their fingernail was a huge red flag. She immediately ducked back into the building.

Magical Girls. Three of them. And they all just happened to be in the same school building as her.

Great.

Archer really wasn't kidding about the number of Magical Girls in this city.

Kyoko peeked her head out and continued to watch. They were talking about something. Rumors? Uwasa? Shadowy People? It was hard to get out of context. She would probably have to ask Archer later and see if he learned anything.

Actually, if what they were saying wasn't much use to her then why exactly was she hiding?

They wouldn't know who she was and even if they did, what could they do? It wasn't like they could pick a fight at school, not of the Magical variety at least, and they were already letting other Magical Girls in this city anyway. What was another Magus to the mix?

"What are you doing!?"

Kyoko jumped, pivoted on her feet, and threw a punch. Survival instincts, mostly from training with Archer. Useful at times so that she wasn't caught defenseless by an enemy.

Her fist was caught by a girl with blue hair and pigtails that glared at her furiously.

This unfortunately was not one of those times.

"What the hell?" the girl shrieked.

Shit.

Magical Girl. Didn't even need to see the ring to know that. Only they would have the instincts and strength to block a punch like that.

Not one to back away from a fight though, Kyoko glared back. "Maybe you shouldn't sneak up on people." She prepared herself to throw another fist if needed. When a regular punch didn't work then a Reinforced punch usually did the trick.

"Maybe you shouldn't be spying on my friends!" the girl bit back.

"I wasn't spying," ok she was, "just wanted to get some alone time and found them here."

The girl crossed her arm. "What are you? Shy?"

"Just didn't want to be surrounded by idiots."

The girl immediately bristled. "Why you-"

"Rena is something wrong?"

Kyoko jumped for the second time that day and turned around to find that blonde Magical Girl standing in front of her.

"Yea," Rena pointed at Kyoko. "This girl was spying on you Momoko and you didn't even notice! You need to start paying attention to things!"

"Alright," the blonde Magical Girl scratched the back of her head nervously.

"Then when I go talk to her, she tried to punch me!" Rena continued.

"You were the one who snuck up on me!" Kyoko argued.

"Who throws a punch because they're surprised!?"

"Someone who needs to survive!"

"Calm down you two," Momoko suddenly stepped in between them. She was calm and acted casual but there was clear authority in the way she held herself. Clearly the leader of their little group. "Let's not pick a fight at school."

"She started it," Rena grumbled.

"Maybe we should give her a chance to explain herself," Momoko's eyes immediately drifted down to Kyoko's gloved hand before immediately returning to her face.

This blonde chick was calm, but clearly cautious and looking for any signs of conflict. Best not to start a fight if possible.

"Just arrived at this school," Kyoko explained. "Thought I'd go to the roof and saw that it was occupied."

"Then you decided to spy on them," Rena commented.

"I was curious," Kyoko replied.

"Well, we've all had that temptation before," Momoko reasoned. "Honestly though we wouldn't minded if you wanted to join us. It's tough being a transfer student."

For some reason Rena seemed to simmer down at those words. Personal experience?

"If you wanted to make friends then you should've just asked," Rena muttered firmly, but not angrily.

"So, you want to join us?" Momoko asked.

"Nah. Not really my thing, thanks for the offer though," Kyoko replied before walking back down the stairs. She'd have to find some other place to hang out in peace.

"Don't be a stranger, you can hang out with us anytime you want," Momoko called out one last time as Kyoko took her leave.

By the end of the day Kyoko didn't give her classmates a chance to talk to her. She quickly stood up, rushed out of the classroom, and made her way toward the elementary school building of the office.

By the time she arrived at the building most of the kids had already streamed to meet their parents or head to the dormitories. Thankfully, Kyoko had become rather adept at picking out a familiar head of green in a sea of people.

It didn't take long for Yuma to find Kyoko either.

"Kyoko!" Yuma made her way through the crowds and threw herself into Kyoko with a hug.

Kyoko blushed and tried to ignore the crowd of people staring at them. Turns out Yuma was actually quite fond of public displays of affection. Kyoko, not so much.

"How was school?" Kyoko asked as she carefully patted Yuma's head.

Yuma let go and glanced away. "It was… okay."

"Are you being bullied?" Kyoko growled.

"No! No!" Yuma quickly denied. "They're nice… I think. I just don't really know how to talk with them."

"Oh…" Kyoko replied as she held Yuma's hand and led them to the dormitory.

"Do you know how to talk to your classmates?" Yuma asked.

Kyoko was probably the last person you'd ever ask that, and she knew it. Still didn't stop her from trying to give advice anyway. "Um… talk about famil-" Wait not that. Definitely not that.

"Family?" Yuma tilted her head. "Like you and Archer?"

"Yes… wait no…" Dang it. Technically Yuma shouldn't be saying much about them either. "Uh what about hobbies? You could talk about hobbies?"

"Hobbies?" Yuma tilted her head. "Training, I guess? And maybe working out. They have a nice gym. We could start using it."

"Later… but uh…" oh boy Kyoko was grasping at straws at this point. "What do you like?"

"Food," Yuma replied quickly.

"Something else."

"Having a bed?"

Wow. They really needed to get Yuma a hobby and not just something that was a basic necessity that any child should have.

Sometimes people just need someone will listen to them. Maybe Yuma could try doing that. Archer suggested.

Maybe… How's the area look? Kyoko asked. He had spending the day scouting the area for them.

Safe enough. Even if they learn you're a Magus, the Magical Girls probably won't start a fight with you. Some are more curious than others though, so don't expect them to ignore you if they do find out about you.

I could say the same thing about you, old man.

I've already unpacked your bags and cleaned your room. It's been a long first day for you two. Take an early night and we'll go out to explore the city tomorrow.

Alright. See ya.

Archer quickly left her range, off to do his own thing again.

"Well time to take a look at our room," Kyoko said to Yuma as they finally made their way to the dorms.

The building itself was large, though completely filled, and it housed a large number of students that attended the school. The genders were split by two floors, though Kyoko had a feeling that visitors and curfew weren't exactly strictly enforced around here. The room that Kyoko was assigned was on the third floor at the end of the hall. A bit of a walk, but nothing she couldn't handle.

It had taken some, convincing, and a little bit of hypnosis, to get the school to allow her and Yuma to share the same room.

They had barely arrived when Yuma jumped ahead and began exploring their shared space. Kyoko simply followed and idly examined the place.

The room itself was nice and cozy. Good size for the two of them with basic furniture and necessities provided. Desk, lights, and even a bookshelf. They didn't exactly need the second bed though. Could probably just move that out and make room for something else.

"What do you think?" Kyoko asked as she sat down on the bed that she decided they would use.

"It's smaller than our old room but I like it!" Yuma shouted cheerfully as she took opened the door to their bathroom. She immediately frowned. "There's a toilet. But no bathtub or shower."

"Yea, there's a public shower for girls on this floor."

"Oh…"

"We share a bath all the time. What's the issue? It's going to be all girls anyway," Kyoko asked.

"Because… its you," Yuma replied as she crossed her arms protectively around her body. "I don't think I'll feel comfortable around others… like that."

Well, that wasn't surprising considering how shy Yuma could be around other people. Hopefully the showers had proper stalls and doors so that they had some measure of privacy.

"Sorry," Kyoko apologized. "You're just going to have to deal with it."

"Okay," Yuma replied before sitting next to Kyoko and letting her head rest against her arm. "So, we share one bed while Archer uses the other one?"

"Nah we can just toss the other bed out," Kyoko replied.

"What?"

"Have you seen Archer ever use a bed?"

"No…" Yuma replied.

"So, we can make room for something else. Besides, it would be weird if someone walked into a girl's dorm and found a grown man sleeping in one of the beds."

"I guess," Yuma admitted. "But it seems unfair that he doesn't have a place to sleep."

"Eh," Kyoko shrugged. "I'm sure he'll find a place to take a breather."

If there was anything that they were getting out of this trip, it was Grief Seeds. With Kyoko nearby Archer essentially had free rein to hunt and explore Kamihama as he saw fit. It also helped that the pervasive sense of supernatural that now blanketed the city made it even easier for him to manifest and maintain his arsenal. It was as if the natural laws of the World had weakened here, allowing his Reality Marble to have more of a presence.

That in itself was cause for concern, especially since the same also applied to a Witch's labyrinth, but he might as well take advantage of it.

He had already hunted two Witches that night and a quick recharge from a sleeping Kyoko was all he needed before he was on his third.

Archer ducked under one of the Witch's many black tendrils and jumped away. He dismissed his blades and brought out his bow, shooting a barrage of projectiles as he evaded the gangly black limbs of his opponent. Soon the Witch's body was peppered with hundreds of projectiles.

Whittle it down, hope to cripple or immobilize it, and wait for an opening to present itself so that he could tear it apart with a powerful attack. That was usually his modis operandi for Witches and big monsters in general. Occasional there would be Witches with tricks or regenerative powers that necessitated a change in tactics, but for this one his normal strategies would be perfectly fine.

Or they would have been if a Magical Girl didn't suddenly jump up from atop a building and start the Witch with… a heart tail attached to her back?

Not the strangest weapon he'd seen admittedly, and it was effective. The tail was constantly changing length, width, and even shape in order to act as a spear, whip, flail, and mace all at once. There wasn't much technique behind it and the inexperience in its user was clear, but the constantly shifting forms made her surprisingly adaptable as a melee fighter. It could also be a decent way to catch on opponent unawares if they weren't expecting it.

The Magical Girl turned and winked at him briefly before turning her attention back on the Witch.

Well, if she wasn't an enemy and was going out of her way to distract the Witch for him.

Archer drew his arrow, primed his bow, and took aim as the Magical Girl occupied the Witch. The energy he built up and took no effort to hide was enough warning for the girl to get out of the way.

Caladbolg

Reliable, cost efficient for its output, and consistent. An excellent tool that didn't show too much of his hand when used. Best to use what he knew for certain and save his more esoteric blades for emergencies.

The Witch was crippled by the ensuing explosion and it only took a few more efforts for the combined effort of Servant and Magical Girl to finish it off.

With the Witch defeated Archer was perfectly content with departing and leaving the Grief Seed to the Magical Girl. Or at least he was until the girl ignored the falling Grief Seed and instead cheerfully made her way towards him.

Archer couldn't help but be put off by her outfit. He had seen plenty of… unique Magical Girl outfits. Some were actually pretty good, in an aesthetic sense, and others… well needless to say they weren't all winners. Especially this girl's.

She was an adolescent child, fairly tall and well grown for her age granted, but she wore what was essentially a succubus outfit. Tail included. Could just as easily be a stripper outfit for those with that sort of fetish.

Something like this on a Servant was usually fine. The vast majority of them were grown adults by the time they had been recorded by the Throne, they could wear anything and take whatever figure they wanted. But this outfit on a teenage girl? This actually bothered him, and he very much wanted nothing to do with it.

"You're not a girl, are you?" the Magical Girl asked.

"No," Archer replied.

"Are you a Magical Boy!?" The Magical Girl asked excitedly before he could think of a way to make his escape.

Archer could only stare dumbly at her as his brain tried, and failed, to restart itself.

"I'm sorry what?" he eventually asked. If it wasn't for the endless millennium he had spent as a Counter Guardian he would've completely, and justifiably, lost his composure.

This was a first. Even for him.

"A Magical Boy! Or Man! I never thought a man could be like one of us!"

No no no.

No no no no no.

If Kyoko ever heard about this... He needed to nip this in the bud now.

"I am not a Magical… Man," he nearly cringed just saying that. Didn't even know that he was still capable of doing that. "I am a Magus. I use Magecraft. I have never, cannot, and will never form a contract with the Incubator."

"Incubator?" the girl looked at him confused before putting a finger to her lips. "Incubator, Cubater, Oh! Kyubi!"

"Kyubi?" Archer asked.

"Kyubey! I call him Kyubi," the girl replied cheerfully as her transformation undid itself. She wore a school uniform that he couldn't recognize. Definitely a lot better than what she was wearing before though. "So, you know all about Magical Girls and Witches, right?"

"Somewhat," Archer replied cautiously. "I am aware of the existence of Magic in this world."

"Great!" the girl suddenly grabbed him by the arm. There was no ill intent behind it, just pure enthusiasm, so it caught him completely off guard. "I got to show you to all my friends. They won't believe me! There's like so much that we could talk about!"

"What?"

"I'm Emiri! And I'm going to take you to my counseling clinic!"

"What!?"

Chapter Text

"I… give up." Ren said quietly as she stood over the edge of the roof. She could see so much of the city from where she stood, but that was simply a reminder of why she was there. "I give up on this world."

The world was a pointless colorless place. Full of pain and sorrow.

She had tried to find something to live for, something beautiful to admire, but it simply wasn't there. Even if she did have the strength to continue seeking the ideal she wished for, it would be pointless in the end. There was no beauty in this world, nothing to fight for. That was why she was resolved to say goodbye to it all.

"Hey! What are you doing!?"

Ren turned around to suddenly find a girl dressed in a red and white dress with yellow frills at the bottom. Her hair was tied into side tails by a pair of red and white ribbons. She was petite, shorter than Ren, but that meant little considering how strangely dressed she was and how she had appeared on the rooftop so quickly.

Another Mage? Like the man who had saved her once before all those years ago? If she was anything like him…

Then she needed to jump fast!

"Don't!" the girl shouted.

Determination strewn across her face; Ren threw herself off the roof. Her resolve didn't waver even as she hurtled toward the ground.

Ren closed her eyes, content with her decision. She had no regrets this time. She was prepared for what was to come.

Finally, she hit something. But it wasn't the ground. It was too soft, too warm for that.

Ren had half expected to open her eyes to the man in black and red again. To see that disappointed look on his face once he realized that everything he had done for was pointless. Instead, it was that girl on the roof who Ren saw. Who caught her, much like that man had. Her arms were much thinner though… softer yet they belied such strength.

Why?

Ren failed to kill herself again. Could it be that it wasn't her fate to die?

The girl gave her a concerned look as she landed on the ground with Ren still in her arms. It was different from that man's expression. There was no doubt or hesitation in her face. Simply concern. "Like, what in the bejeezus *huff* are you doing!? *Huff*… *Huff*…"

"I'm sorry." It was all Ren could find herself saying as the girl looked at her. "I'm sorry… Really… Y-you caught… I.. I-I know I'm heavy…"

Ren wasn't sorry that she had tried to kill herself. She was sorry that this girl had to put in the trouble to save someone like her. Maybe it would be best to do it outside the city. Find some place where her body wouldn't get in anyone's way.

"No-No-No! That's not it at all," the girl shouted at her. "Why were you trying to kill yourself?"

"… Errr. Umm… well…"

"Yes?" the girl asked.

"…"

Ren crossed her arms and remained silent. Ever since she was a child, whenever she tried to say something, the world would disappear before they came out of her mouth. The more she tried to talk, the more it was like there was something stuck in her throat. It was why the other kids at her school made fun of her.

"…"

The teasing had been innocent at first, but then as she got older it turned into bullying. They would take her stuff, throw away finished assignments, lie to her about deadlines. She would never say anything because she never could. It made her their favorite target and eventually she couldn't take it anymore. That was what led to her first attempt at throwing herself off a building.

"…"

She didn't die though. That man had saved her, just as she began to regret her decision. She had been afraid of death back then… maybe because she still had some hope back then?

"…"

Even after the bullying had lessened, never fully stopped, it was because they grew bored with her and found a new target. It was because they would find something else, another way to express the evil in their hearts. Even if she wasn't their man target… just hearing the voices of those around her... Their dark thoughts, their hatred and contempt over the smallest of things. It just proved to her that people were ugly. This world was ugly. And that would never change in the end, no matter what she did.

If there was no way to get rid of it… then she just didn't want to live anymore.

That was why she threw herself off that second rooftop. She wanted to explain it to the girl in front of her, but…

"Geeze!" the girl exclaimed, shocking Ren out of her thoughts. "I thought time stopped for a moment there!"

"I-I'm sorry… Really…" Ren replied. Writing made it easier… but she had left the man's notebook and pen back at her house. She couldn't bring them with her this time. She didn't want to be reminded of how his gifts were wasted on her.

"Hmm… well something's on your mind, that's for sure."

"…"

"That's it," the girl said cheerfully. "Let's go see my friends! I know, like, tons of fun people. They'll make you feel better."

"Err, ummm… Friends…?" Ren asked

"Yea, Magical Girls!"

"Magical… Girls?"

The girl noticed the confused look on her face. "You're a Magical Girl, right?"

Ren simply continued staring.

"Well, you weren't surprised when you saw me, so…"

Ren shook her head carefully.

"So… not a Magical Girl?"

Ren nodded slowly.

"Oh boy… I think I just broke, like, all the rules there. Please tell me that you talked to a white cat with bunny ring ears recently."

Ren simply tilted her head in confusion.

"Well I…" the girl gave a nervous laugh. "I might be in a teensy bit of trouble here." She began muttering to herself. "How do you do the mind wipe thing on civilians again?"

Trouble!? Ren didn't want this girl to be punished for going out of the way to help her. Also, the whole memory wipe thing didn't sound very pleasant.

"I… kn- kno-…" she held her hands against her chest. She had to say it, for her sake. "Know about… magic," she was eventually able to let out.

The girl looked relieved. "That's good then. My name is Rika Ayano what's yours?"

"Ren… Isuzu"

Rika's outfit suddenly changed into a school uniform in a flash of light. The ribbons in her hair remained though. "Ren huh, that's a cute name!"

Ren didn't know how to respond to that.

"C'mon, let's go, okay?" Rika beckoned for her to follow. "You can meet other Magical Girls like me!"

"Err…. Ummm…"

Rika continued gesturing her to come despite her hesitation, so Ren had no choice but to follow. Ren didn't want to trouble her though.

How could she explain it to her? That she didn't need to put in so much effort to help her.

That she had given up on the world.

"And a left at the next corner, okay?"

"O-okay," Ren replied.

Rika… seemed a bit pushy at first, but Ren had caught her looking back at her occasionally. Most likely to check and see how she was. Rika was trying to be comforting, even though Ren had just tried to kill herself.

"Okay! Here we are!"

Ren stared at the sign. Emily's Counseling Room?

At the door they were greeted by a tough looking girl with short grey hair, similar to Ren's color but a bit darker. She quickly introduced as Akira and she talked briefly with Rika before turning to Ren.

"Oh! And who's this?" Akira asked.

"Um… Err…"

"My friend. Ren Isuzu."

Friends? Rika had already considered her a friend even though they had just met recently? Even after all the trouble she had caused her?

"Hey, Ren! Welcome!" Akira greeted Ren.

Ren didn't answer. Instead, she was trying to figure out why Rika was so sweet to her. It was so sweet, that it made her want to cry.

"So, are you a Magical Girl too?" Akira asked.

Ren shook her head.

"Oh," Akira looked at her curiously. "Did a strange white cat show up at any point then?"

Ren shook her head again.

There it was, that white cat was being mentioned again. That had to be the third time already that she heard of it.

"Ren knows about magic though," Rika said. "It should be fine."

"Oh, another Magus then?" Akira said. "You guys are just popping up out of nowhere, nowadays aren't you?"

What?

She and Rika were quickly led inside. It wasn't what Ren had expected. Definitely cozy. Lots of bright colors, comfy couches and chairs.

"Emiriin! I brought you some supplies!"

"Hey! Rikki! Thanks!"

Ren would've listened to the rest of their conversation if she wasn't staring at the man who casually on a couch at the corner of the room. Even dressed in a casual shirt and jeans, she still recognized that tan complexion and white hair.

And judging by the eye he raised toward her, he did too.

Rika and the girl called Emirin glanced between Ren and the man as they stared at each other.

"Hello again…," the man replied.

"I see you've already met Archery!" Emirin said cheerfully.

Archery? Ren watched as the man sat up a little.

"Archer. My name is Archer," he corrected Emirin.

There were a lot of questions Ren wanted to ask him, but the words just weren't coming to her mouth. It frustrated her…

Archer noticed and created a familiar looking notebook and pen in his hands. These he handed to Ren, who immediately began writing into its pages.

What are you doing here? she asked.

"I'm exploring," he replied.

"He's doing an investigation!" Emirin commented.

Investigation?

Archer shot a look at Emily before sighing. "There's something strange going. Witches from all over are gathering to this city and it seems that the Incubator can't enter either."

Incubator?

"Kyubey," he clarified before noticing the confusion in her face. "Have you not been approached by a strange white cat recently?"

No. Everyone keeps mentioning it though.

"That's strange…" Archer pondered her words. "They usually aren't one to ignore a potential Contract in front of them."

"So, you are capable of being a Magical Girl!" Rika said as she looked at the notebook. "Your handwriting is so pretty!"

Thank you. Ren blushed as she continued writing. Judging by the smirk Archer had on his face, he had noticed her reaction too. What is a Magical Girl?

"We're beautiful maidens that fight evil Witches!" Emirin replied cheerfully.

"They're girls who make a contract to fight in an endless war against otherworldly creatures in exchange for a singular wish," Archer replied plainly. "The vast majority die young in the process."

"Aw, cmon Archery. You don't need to be such a mood killer," Emirin said playfully.

"It's who I am," Archer replied though his tone was a bit lighter than usual.

"Anyway," Emirin turned to Ren and gave her a peace sign. "I'm Emiri Kisaki. Nice to meetcha!"

Oh wow. Now that Ren took a good look Emirin- er Emiri was a gorgeous girl. Very excitable too. That made it all the more impressive that Rika was keeping up with her.

"Anyway Ren! This is a counseling room!" Rika informed her. "And people come to Emily here for advice about their problems."

So, it was actually Emily. Not Emiri. The girl certainly had a strange, yet endearing way with names.

"By the way Emily is also a nickname," Archer informed her. "Her actual name is Emiri, but she has multiple nicknames."

Alright, this was starting to get confusing.

"Anyway, this is a place created for Magical Girls to talk about their problems and hang out," Rika continued, "But with Archery here-"

"Not you too," Archer groaned.

Rika ignored Archer and continued. "They opened their doors up to anyone who knows about Magic! If something's bother you or something this is the place for you! People are all like, I felt so much better after I talked to Emily. Even Archery!"

"I never said that."

"But you don't deny it either!"

Archer went silent.

Well, that certainly explained to Ren why she had been brought here. Though it was certainly strange that both people who had prevented her suicide at one point had already met and were in this same room.

How long have you three known each other?

"Rikki and I have known each other for years," Emily replied. "And I ran into Archery here during a hunt a few days ago! I invited him back to the office and here we are!"

Archer shrugged. "Not like I had much choice in the matter."

"We try to keep him company!"

How have you been? she asked Archer.

"Fine," he replied. "What about you. Have you found what you're looking for?"

Ren hesitated to write her next words. Telling Rika how she felt was one thing, but in front of all these people and Archer? She couldn't lie, but… she didn't want to tell him the truth either. She didn't want to see that disappointed look on his face.

"You are clearly still looking. That's fine it's never easy in the first place," he told her.

Was she really still looking? She thought that she had given up.

Ren glanced at Rika who shot her a sympathetic glance.

Did you find yours?

When they had first met, Ren knew that Archer was different. It wasn't just about him being a Magus, but rather she knew that there was something about him that wasn't entirely human. She didn't know why, but she just did. She also knew that like her he was also seeking something to tie his existence to this world.

Archer gave her a weary smile. "I did."

So, he had found it… That was nice. Good for him. Maybe she too could find her answer after her death then.

"So Renki, something bothering ya?" Emily suddenly asked her.

Renki?

After some strange conversation about ambience, Ren was dragged to talk with Emily, Akira, and a few other Magical Girls that would come in soon after. For some reason they would all end up giving her gifts which included a half-used bottle of nice smelling hand cream and some chamomile tea.

"… Thank you," Ren said quietly. She was never really good with speaking in a group and a notebook wouldn't help. It was actually made harder because of how kind they were to her. Thankfully, they never demanded that she speak while still going out of their way to keep her involved. They never blamed her for being quiet and made her feel… comfortable.

It also helped that Archer was there, having been dragged to the group by Emiri. He didn't talk much either, but he generally helped draw attention off Ren whenever she was feeling uncomfortable. It was… nice and almost amusing seeing this grown man try to remain stoic among a group of teenage girls. The occasional smirk and chuckle made it clear that he was failing, though he didn't seem all that bothered by it.

He really did look content with his life now…

So why was he able to find his purpose when she couldn't?

Archer watched as Ren, Emily, and Rika left together now that the office was closed. There was a spring in Rika's step, though in reality that was an act meant for the other girl.

Between the guilty look on Ren's face and the concerned ones that Rika constantly shot toward her, it wasn't hard for him to figure out what had happened. People that failed to commit suicide were often repeat offenders until they finally succeeded.

But… there was something there in the way that Ren looked at Rika in return. Fondness? Admiration? Gratitude?

Whatever their relationship was, hopefully the cheerful girl who hid her guilt behind a bright smile would be able to bring hope to the one who had given up on the world. Maybe Rika could do what he never could and save her.

"Those two would make, like, a totally great couple," Emiri- er Emily had commented to him in private before she had left.

Archer had raised an eye to that at the time. It was a hell of an assumption to make, but then again, this girl might've been classified as a Heroic Spirit through her intuition alone. It was uncanny how quickly she discerned people and situations with just a single look. It was only made more impressive by how she would say the most outrageous, yet uncannily effective solution to a problem.

Normally that sort of intuition from someone was something he'd take measures to avoid, but there was a reason why Emily's counseling room was so popular in the first place. Even he had been somewhat placated by her presence. Which would be to Kyoko's amusement if she were to ever learn about this.

Hmph.

His Master would laugh but wait till he decided to sic the Emiri on her.

Writing always made it easier for Ren. It was a way to communicate, a way to record her thoughts, and a way to give form to the stories within her head. She enjoyed writing because it helped her imagine a world where things could be better. A world that she would want to live in.

Now though, in the sunset, Ren realized that writing might also be a crutch for her. A crutch that she relied too heavily on.

With the light now fading away, soon she would have no way to talk to Rika. Even though Rika had introduced her to so many people.

Emiri, Hinano, Kanoko.

So many wonder people trying to help yet she still couldn't talk. Wasn't she just letting them all down? Letting Rika down.

Even Rika looked disappointed at this point and Ren couldn't blame her. Who wouldn't be disappointed in her?

"… Hmmm. Okay, how about this?" Rika suddenly said as they sat at a bench in the park.

"Huh?" Ren replied.

"You don't have to talk, Ren, but will you listen to my story?"

Ren nodded.

And then Rika told a story. A story of a selfish Magical Girl that made a wish that affected the lives of others. A Magical Girl who wished that the person they loved would reciprocate that love in turn.

A charming wish, Ren had felt. And yet Rika looked so sad telling it.

Then Rika continued. A Magical Girl who wanted to be loved back by someone who had already loved someone else. That wish made the target of their affections forget the person that they used to love. And so, the Magical Girl stole the love of the person that they had loved. And she knew. The Magical knew that her lover had had someone before she made the wish. She still made it anyway.

By the time the story was finished, Rika looked pained.

"I'm a disgusting human being, aren't I?" Rika asked with a false smile on her face. She frowned. "You must really hate me now…"

Ren remained silent.

"You might've thought I'm nice because I said I'd listen to what's bothering you. But you now see the truth… This is who I really am."

Truth… What was the truth that Ren saw at that moment? At this young, pained girl, in front of her?

"It's fine if you want to leave now," Rika continued. "I don't really deserve to be friends with anyone. Not after what I did. You deserve someone better than me."

No… That wasn't the truth.

"… I don't hate you…" Ren replied. "You… feel bad… about what you did… No… I'm sure… You're… a good person."

This was the truth. The truth that Ren could see at that moment.

"And so… no… I don't hate you!" Ren finished; her expression determined.

Rika looked at Ren, relieved. "Haha, I'm glad… I'd be seriously bummed if you did. I'm really, really glad…"

Maybe it was because of that relief but for a minute there… it looked like Rika was going to cry.

"That's my dark confession," Rika said.

"Why?" Ren asked. "Why did… you tell me?"

"I mean, it's not fair, is it? Just asking you to do all the talking… It's not fair right. I figure if I want you to open your heart to me, first I need to open my own."

Her heart… her weak heart. It was because she was so weak… that Ren had chosen to leave this world in the first place.

"The only thing I could think of to do was to tell you my own secret," Rika continued. "Do you feel like talking at all? Do you feel like we've gotten a little closer now?"

It was all for her. Rika told her that story so that there wouldn't such a distance between them.

Ren… felt so happy. And so, she wanted to share what was inside her heart too.

"I… I… I," Ren tried to steel herself. Her gaze, her heart, for this very moment. She wanted to talk. She had to. She needed to tell Rika!

"I… Ummm…."

But she couldn't. She still couldn't. Why was she like this? Why couldn't she speak? Why couldn't she do something for the girl in front of her that had already given her so much?

"Uh… uh… uhhh…"

Ren cried. She cried because she couldn't do anything. She was miserable, pathetic. She hated herself so much.

"Um! Ren!? Ren…?" Rika was rattled. Worried. All because of her.

"S-sorry…" Ren sniffled.

"Oh no, I'm sorry," Rika replied. "I didn't mean to try to force you…"

No! No!

"Please don't misunderstand, okay? Just because I told you about myself doesn't mean… I'I'm not trying to say that you have to tell me! Okay?"

Ren knew that. She knew that! But she couldn't do anything!

"But still, I'm sorry… That was wrong of me… I wasn't trying to force you, I shouldn't have asked. But anyway yea! That's it. I just want you to feel better, that's all… That's the most important thing."

All Ren could do was sniffle as she shed the last of her tears.

"I bet you've been through some really hard stuff… I probably can't even imagine how bad you've had it. But right, That's it! You got all those presents today from everyone!"

"Yeah," Ren finally replied.

"They gave them to you so you'd feel better, Ren. Everyone was thinking about you when they gave them to you, right? Even Archery gave you something and he's usually an old fuddy dud! Isn't that… Isn't that enough reason to live?"

… What?

"I mean, I know there's lots of horrible things in the world," Rika smiled. "But there's also shining, beautiful things too… As long as you have just one… I think you can keep going no matter what bad stuff comes your way."

Those words…

"I mean, think about it… The only thing worse than all that bad stuff… The worst thing of all would be, if you didn't have a single shining, beautiful thing in your life."

That was the truth. That had spoken to her all those years ago by a certain man in Red and Black. The only difference now… was that there was something beautiful that Ren could see.

The presents in her lap had caught her falling tears. The light of the setting sun reflected in the teardrops. In that moment those presents… they became her shining, beautiful things.

"I… I won't die…" Ren replied. There was beauty in this world. Something that she could finally see for herself. In the presents given to her be friends. In the kind, beautiful Magical Girl in front of her. "I… will live… I'll keep on living."

Rika looked happy. "That's good… that's really good."

Eventually the day ended, and Ren had found herself on an empty street with Rika. They stood at a quiet intersection as Rika said her farewells.

"Well… I'm going this way, so… take care of yourself," Rika said.

There was one last thing that Ren had to say before they finally departed. What she had to say. She just needed the strength, to let her voice out. Just this once!

"Um!"

"Huh?"

"Thank you… Rika…"

"… No problem. Anytime."

Rika finally left and Ren left was left alone to walk home.

The beauty of the sunset, of everything that she had been given. As long as she carried that hope… then she could live… to find more of the beauty of this world.

Ren stirred at the sound of water dropping. It took her a few seconds to realize that wasn't something that she should be hearing in her bedroom.

She opened her eyes and saw nothing but darkness above her. Darkness and stone walls that seemed to stretch high above her into the void above. No moon, no clouds, just darkness. She turned her head and saw herself surrounded by a circle of rubble.

No. Not rubble.

Ren realized as she sat up.

Gravestones. She awoke and found herself in a graveyard.

… Was she dead? After all that, she just died in her sleep?

She looked down and saw that she was still wearing her pajamas.

Strange how those came with her upon her death. Actually… was death supposed to feel this cold?

Ren shivered and hugged her body.

She didn't like this. Death was supposed to be a release, wasn't it? It was freedom from all the pain in the world. So why was she so cold and hungry.

Why was she so lonely?

The tears fell in a wave as she cried.

She didn't want this, not anymore. Not after she had finally found something beautiful in her world. Not after she had finally resolved to live.

Why did this happen? Why now? Was this her punishment? Did she deserve this for all the times she took her life for granted?

"I want to go back," Ren sobbed. She wanted to be with her friends. She wanted to be with Rika. There was still so much that she needed to say to her.

"Who are you!?"

The tears flew from Ren's face as she turned her head and found herself looking at another woman that stood before her. Her hair was blonde, and she wore an elegant black coat and skirt that reached her knees. She seemed to radiate beauty, elegance, and authority.

Ren couldn't help but be mesmerized at the sight of her.

"Who are you!?" the woman commanded, and Ren was compelled to answer.

"R-Ren Isuzu," Ren looked around once more. "Where am I?"

The woman put her arms on her waist and took an authoritarian stance. "The Underworld of course!"

"The… Underworld?"

"Yes, the Underworld!" the woman confirmed. "And you're a wayward spirit that needs to cross over already so I can continue doing my job!"

"Your job?" Ren looked at the woman curiously. "Who… are you?"

"Ereshkigal! The Goddess of the Netherworld!"

A/N

There really wasn't much to change in the final part of Ren's MGS story in Magia Record… because well its pretty good as it is. I can only hope I did it justice with the rest of my writing.

Also, Goddess of Death just seemed to work with a Magical Girl that was so closely associated with Death and Purity.

On another note, Rebellion sequel movie announced!

LET'S GOOOOOOOOO!

Chapter Text

"Goddess? You… rule this place?" Ren asked.

"Yes…" Ereshkigal sighed before holding her hand out. "And you need to pass on properly. After I make a nice little cage for your soul to rest in."

So, this was the true afterlife. All Ren had to do was let Ereshkigal guide her and she'd finally be able to pass on. To leave the old world behind.

To leave Rika behind.

"No…" Ren whispered.

Ereshkigal turned and looked at her. "What?"

"No!" Ren shouted as she pushed the Goddess away. "I don't want to go."

Ren immediately turned and ran. She didn't know where, but she knew that she had to get out of here. She had to get back to her old world.

"What just…h-hey! Get back here!" The Goddess shouted as she gave chase.

That just made Ren run even faster. Even as her feet became sore from running on the cold stone. Eventually she came upon on a gate, its large stone doors laid shut.

"Alright stop! There's no point in running anymore you can't get past!" Ereshkigal shouted. "Just come back so you can finally be at peace."

Ren didn't listen. She didn't care how heavy those doors looked. She held are up and pushed against them with all her might. Rather than stopped by their immense weight, they moved, almost with ease. She passed the gate and then turned her head briefly to see how close her pursuer was. She stopped on her feet once she realized that Ereshkigal had stopped running and was now looking at her in surprise.

"How did you open it!?" Ereshkigal shouted. "It shouldn't be possible." The Goddess paused and looked at the gate. "I command this realm. The dead should have no authority over it!"

"I…" Ren looked at the gates and then her herself. "I don't think I'm a spirit. I'm… not dead."

The Goddess looked at her with wide eyes. "What!?"

"I'm not dead."

"Then why are you here!?"

"I… don't know."

"That doesn't explain anything!"

Ren looked sullenly at the ground. "Sorry…"

Ereshkigal looked… disappointed? "Really? This had to happen while I have other things to do." The Goddess beckoned Ren over. "Come on then. It seems we need to have a talk."

"But… I don't want to pass on!"

"I won't force it. Not until you're actually dead," Ereshkigal assured her. "I was… mistaken back there. My apologies."

The apology from the Goddess was enough for Ren to hesitantly step over the boundary.

"You are an exception. Probably," Ereshkigal explained as she gestured Ren to follow. "At least that's what I can assume."

"An… exception?" Ren asked as she followed the Goddess.

"I'll explain later. You should feel honored, I can count on my hand the number of humans that were ever allowed to enter this realm while they lived. A Goddess has standards after all."

"How long have you been here?" Ren asked.

"I have held that title for thousands of years," Ereshkigal said simply.

"You look… so young."

The Goddess reached over and grabbed Ren's cheek. "Says the green horned child."

"Ow…"

"You need to show some respect to your elders."

"Okay…"

"And look up when people are talking to you," Ereshkigal lectured. "Acting all sullen like that is disrespectful when someone's trying to be nice."

Ren wasn't sure how the Goddess treated her constituted anywhere as being nice, but she still apologized anyway. "Sorry."

"And stop apologizing over nothing… it's hard to make friends that way."

Eventually Ren was led to a stone table with a lone chair that Ereshkigal promptly sat on. The Goddess then waved her hand and a chair made of bone appeared on the other side. "Well? Sit."

Ren did as she was told. The chair was surprisingly comfortable despite appearances. It was also a relief for her bare feet which were still sore from running on bone and stone.

"What was the last thing you did before you came here?" Ereshkigal asked.

"I was sleeping… in my bed," Ren explained.

"You weren't wandering around a graveyard? Anyplace where the border might be weaker?"

"No…"

"Then you're likely here in mind and spirit, but not in physical form," Ereshkigal sighed. "Of course."

"What do you mean?" Ren asked.

"It was a phenomenon back during the Age of Gods and most commonly recorded by the Greeks. Your consciousness is here, but your body is elsewhere."

"A dream?"

"In a way, it's more of an out of body experience that can go past the boundaries of space, time, and reality. Normally this happened to demi-gods. Neither of your parents are Gods, are they?"

Ren shook her head.

"And you also ended up in the Underworld of all places," Ereshkigal mused. "No living person can come here, even only in sprit. You have to be dead…" The Goddess snapped her finger, "Or already between a state of life and death!"

"Between life and death?" Ren asked.

"Tell me. Have you had any near-death experiences? Something that would have placed you on the border between the world of the living and the dead?"

One, actually two events came to mind.

"I… wanted to die," Ren replied.

"What?"

"I tried… to kill myself… twice."

Ereshkigal looked at her dumbfounded. "And you were afraid of passing on, why?"

"I was saved," Ren replied. "I… want to live… now. For them."

The Goddess looked at her with sympathy. "Well… I guess that means something considering you ran away from me. Normally a failed suicide or isn't enough though, or else I'd see plenty of other humans like you down here. And even then, why did you pop in the heart of my domain and not anywhere else?"

"I don't know," Ren admitted.

"Well, whatever the reason… actually I do know, but… it's not something you need to know. You're here now. And you'll probably show up again anyway. Got plenty of chances to figure things out in the future."

"I'm… coming here… again?" Ren asked.

"No probably not here, this is likely a one-time thing for you, while you're still human at least," Ereshkigal replied casually. "I just have a method to visit you once you get back to your world and time."

"Does that… mean I can go back home?" Ren asked hopefully.

"As soon as you wake up, yes. On that note," Ereshkigal suddenly leaned over and tapped Ren on the head. Ren was suddenly covered in a faint blue light that quickly faded.

"What did you do?" Ren asked.

"You might be alive technically, but at this point you're more akin to spirits than most people. It gives me some dominion over you, allows me to form a connection as neccesary."

"Connection… with me? Why?"

"You'll see soon enough," Ereshkigal replied as she relaxed in her seat. "When you do wake up, I imagine you'll be much more sensitive to the border than you were before. Nobody walks out of the Underworld completely unscathed, at least not without my blessing."

"Oh… what do I… do now?" Ren asked.

"You'll probably need someone out there that can help you out," Ereshkigal replied as she reached into her dress and pulled out a miniature cage.

"It's… pretty," Ren commented.

"Oh… uh… thanks. I made it after all," the Goddess handed the cage over Ren. "When you wake up, I'm going to need you to hold this while you recite a certain chant."

Ren opened her eyes and found herself lying in her bed once more. She quickly sat up and examined her body.

She had to check after what had to be the strangest and most vivid dream she ever had, if it actually was a dream. Time passed there at a pace that seemed to match reality, or maybe it just seemed like that because she was a poor conversationalist. Either way it was the longest and most vivid dream she ever had. She was surprised to find that she actually felt well rested when she woke up.

Nobody leaves the Underworld completely unscathed…

There wasn't exactly a way to confirm whether or not she was on the border of life and death as Ereshkigal had described. Not without trying to kill herself again, which would be redundant at this point. It would also make Rika sad.

Everything was still there on a cursory look, thankfully, but so was the cage that the Goddess had given her. That was still on Ren's lap.

It really was pretty and well crafted. How long had Ereshkigal spent on making these?

A question to ask later, after Ren had done as the Goddess requested.

"A base… of silver and steel…"

The incantation had taken much longer than neccesary due to Ren's difficulty speaking. That and the fact that her room began growing in a crackling red light that caused her to pause even further at certain points. Thankfully, the light had faded by the time she finished though there were now three pairs of red marks on the back of her hand.

Ren looked at the marks carefully. They would be difficult to hide. Maybe she should start wearing a glove? Like that transfer student Emiya did?

The doorbell rang.

Ren continued to examine her hand. They were a bit flashy… but kind of pretty.

The bell rang again. Ren quickly got up and made her way to the door.

Her parents must've gone out while she was still asleep. They usually let her sleep in when that happened. Said it was preferable to her walking out alone in the middle of night.

"Hi…" Ren greeted quietly as she opened the door.

"Hi Ren!" Rika greeted.

Ren froze.

Rika was here. And Ren was still in her pajamas, her hair was still a mess, and she hadn't even brushed her teeth.

"Did I… come at a bad time?" Rika asked, worried.

"No, I… slept in," Ren replied before moving aside for Rika to enter. "Could you… wait inside?"

"Sure," Rika replied before looking at Ren's hand. "Are those tattoos? Did you get them after we split up last night?"

"I uh… drew on it… I thought it would be pretty," Ren lied. She hated lying to Rika but she it wasn't like she could actually explain what had happened to her. Not without spending hours on end stuttering and confusing her even further.

"Oh uh… it's pretty?" Rika replied.

Ren quickly led her friend to the living, got her a cup of tea, and quickly made her way to the bathroom.

After furiously brushing her teeth and fixing her hair, Ren washed her face and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

Alright. This was the first time she had a friend come to her house. Honestly, it was the first time she ever had a friend.

"I can do this…" Ren whispered to herself. "I can… I can…"

She wiped her face dry with a towel and tidied up her pajamas. Once she was somewhat presentable, she went back to the living room where Rika was waiting.

Rika who sat on a couch in her home. The sunlight streaming from the window fell on her blonde hair and caused it to shine.

"You have a nice house Ren," Rika said.

"Thank… you," Ren replied before fiddling with her fingers. "Why are you here?"

"Well, I wanted to see if you were fine… I was worried I was being a bit overbearing last night," Rika looked away guiltily, "though now I realize that showing up at your house unannounced might not have been the best idea."

"N-no. I'm glad… you're here," Ren replied. "I was just… surprised. Is there… anything you want? Something to drink?"

"No I'm fine. Wait actually, um," Rika looked at her hopefully, "I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out again? With Emily and Hinano. We're going to get some new clothes."

Clothes shopping? The only time Ren did that was with her parents or by herself. Never with friends… did she actually know what would look good. Were any of her current outfits even fashionable?

"Oh um…" Ren stuttered. She wanted to go. She really did, but if she did then she'd probably just ruin their day.

You should really just go with her!

Ren let out a small yelp which surprised Rika.

"Uh… are you okay?" Rika asked, concerned. "You seem a little worried… Is it me?" Rika began to look crestfallen. "I can leave if I'm bothering you."

"N-no…" Ren immediately replied. "It's… not you. I have… a headache."

What was that?

It's me.

Ereshkigal?

No, the other Goddess you summoned, Ereshkigal replied sarcastically. Now go talk to your friend!... She'll worry

Ren felt something warm touch her forehead. Ren looked down to find that Rika had put her hand on her head. She immediately began to blush.

"I don't think you have a fever." Rika said. "Maybe it's stress? Was last night a bit too much for you? I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault… I get them sometimes," Ren lied. "I should be fine… soon."

Rika looked relieved and let go of her head. "Oh, thank God. I was worried yesterday was too much for you."

"No," Ren replied. "Y-you're never too much… I want to… be with you today."

Rika smiled. "That's great!

Ren stood smiling lightly in front of Rika for some time. She really did like being with her.

"Uh… maybe you should get changed," Rika suggested.

Ren blushed as she realized that she was still in her pajamas. "R-right," she said before quickly running to her room to get an outfit to wear. Unfortunately, that proved to be a herculean task. One that had left her standing in front of her closet for minutes on end scrambling to think of something that would look good and wouldn't completely embarrass Rika and her friends.

Go for the black button down, checkered skirt, and blue ribbon for your hair.

Ereshkigal?

The Goddess suddenly appeared next to her in a flash of blue light. "Do we really need to go through this again?"

"H-how are you here?" Ren asked.

"You summoned me," Ereshkigal explained. "We are officially Master and Servant."

"Master and Servant?"

"I'll explain the details later. Anyway, the incantation you used was to summon a Servant and that cage I gave you was the connection needed to ensure that I would be the one would the one brought here. Quite ingenious if I'd say so myself," the goddess said smugly.

"Why are you here?" Ren asked.

"Because… it can be pretty droll being in the Underworld for a few thousand years. A lady like myself… we need to explore, and this was an opportunity to explore another world. Your world and time to be precise."

"Why didn't you… show up earlier then?" Ren asked. "If you were… already here."

"I… wanted to keep myself discreet for a bit," Ereshkigal admitted. "This world… was not what I was expecting."

"… Were you overwhelmed?" Ren asked.

"N-No!" Ereshkigal blushed. "A Goddess does not get overwhelmed by such trifle things. Anyway you were messing up with your friend, so I decided to help."

"Uh…"

"Is that really all you have to say?"

"Sorry…"

"Stop apologi- never mind. Just wear that outfit and look pretty for your friend."

Ren began changing her clothes in front of the Goddess who began to tug and make additional adjustments as she dressed. Once she finished, Ren looked in the mirror and saw that she looked… good.

"T-thank you," Ren said.

"My fashion sense is as impeccable as always," Ereshkigal replied smugly. "Elegant and feminine, nothing like my sister. All she knows is to seduce people by flashing as much skin as possible."

"You have a sister?"

"A story for another time," Ereshkigal said before suddenly fading away.

Now go with your friend. I'll make sure you don't mess anything up.

Okay.

Ren made her way back to the living room to show her outfit to Rika. To her delight Rika seemed to like it.

"Your clothes are cute," Rika exclaimed.

"Thank… you." Ren replied.

Rika reached over and grabbed her hand. "Let's go! I have so much I want to show you today."

Ren smiled as she was led away.

Mami traversed the streets of Mizuna Ward as she made her way the rumored Shrine. From the information she had gathered the Mizuna shrine could apparently help you find the person whose name you wrote down. It wasn't like there was anyone that she was looking for… but looking up these Rumors and whatever Supernatural events were happening in Kamihama was probably her best bet at figuring out the mystery of the city.

It was a request from Kyubey after all. That was the reason that Mami was here. The only reason. It definitely wasn't because Kyoko was somewhere in the city too. Kyoko already had Archer, and he was more than capable of keeping an eye on her. But if Mami did happen to run in on them by chance, then she wouldn't be completely unwilling to lend them her aid if they needed it.

You know, just because she happened to be in the area. No other reason apart from that.

When she finally arrived at the steps of the shrine, Mami wasn't entirely surprised to find a trio of Magical Girls- one of them unconscious it seemed and carried by another- running away from some sort of strange monster. It definitely wasn't a Witch, probably was one of those Rumors or Uwasa she had heard about.

What she was surprised to see though was the unconscious Magical Girl flying off the back of the one carrying her. A veritable cloud of long white cloth began to exude from the Magical Girl's body until she took on her true form. A Witch. Said Witch then proceeded to destroy said Uwasa in a single blow.

Mami had barely processed this when the cloth suddenly unraveled and the Witch fell onto the ground, disguised as a human once more. The other two Magical Girls were confused by what they had witnessed, but they still approached it.

This was a Witch that had somehow disguised itself as one of its own. That was putting on an act playing human. Those Magical Girls had just seen it reveal its true form and yet they were still so lax around it. Either they were Witch's themselves… or they were under the Witch's influence.

There were occasions where Magical Girls could be affected by a Witch's Kiss. Mostly when they were exhausted or let their guard down.

If that was the case, then it would be best to dispatch of the Witch right now and free them from its influence. This Witch was dangerous if it could keep multiple Magical Girls in their thrall especially one as aged as the one in blue.

High School or even College student most likely. A veteran Magical Girl.

"Why would back away from that Witch please?" Mami asked as she finally revealed herself to the trio.

"Who are you?" the Magical Girl in blue asked.

"Mami Tomoe," Mami replied. "What about you?"

"Yachiyo Nanami."

"Tsuruno Yui," the one in orange replied.

"Iroha Tamaki."

"There's no point in giving me a false name," Mami said to the Witch. "I saw everything."

"She isn't lying," Yachiyo defended it.

"Then you are truly under its influence if you still can't realize its deception." Mami raise her rifle and pointed it at the Witch that dared to disguise itself as a pink haired girl, much like her Junior back in Mitakihara. "I'll have to destroy it and free you both."

The two Magical Girls stepped forward, only to be stopped by the Witch they protected.

"Yachiyo, Tsuruno, wait! You're too exhausted to fight her," the Witch said.

"We're not going to let her hurt you," Yachiyo replied.

"Then I'll fight her. My Soul Gem replenished itself after… whatever just happened."

So, the Witch was still determined to put on an act and "protect" them. That wouldn't matter soon enough though.

Mami put a finger on the trigger, prepared to match the Witch's challenge, when she noticed a black figure rapidly approaching from her periphery. She barely had time to jump away and return fire as a spear stabbed the spot where she had been standing. The person holding it pulled their weapon back from its thrust and gave chase.

No wait. Not a person. It was some sort of shadowy figure with the shape of a human. A man at that and from what she could see from the black fog it emitted, its only clothing was a helmet and some very tight looking underwear.

Not very pleasant to look at. Thankfully the fog made it difficult to get a clear view of its figure and the spear and shield it held was something she could focus on instead of its body.

Behind the spearman another trio of shadows began to engage in combat with the Witch and the two Magical Girls.

Mami would have to deal with that after she dealt with the opponent in front of her.

She lifted her gun and took a few cursory shots. Each bullet was deflected with the shadow's shield before it pointed its spear at her and charged.

Clearly a skilled enough fighter despite its lack of clothing.

Mami attempted to bind it with her ribbons, but those were quickly noticed and cut down by her opponent's spear. Once it got close, she was forced to intercept its swing with one of her muskets.

Strong. Enough to match if not slightly surpass her physical strength. She was never much of a melee fighter despite the practice that Archer had forced on her years ago.

She ducked under a shield bash and tossed the musket into the figure's face. It exploded in bright yellow light. Nothing destructive, she'd get caught in the explosion that close, but it served well enough as a makeshift flashbang.

Blinded, the figure flailed, though it was clear it could still sense her presence judging by how it was still swinging around her general direction.

If it was really that determined to fight her up close. If that's the case…

Mami took a risk and jumped in past the tip of her opponent's spear. She then, reluctantly, grabbed the figure's bare arms in an attempt to stop it from swinging its weapons. It was working, momentarily, until it decided to rear its leg back for a powerful looking kick.

Thankfully Mami had bought just enough time for her ribbons to shoot out of the ground and bind the figure while its limbs were occupied. The shadow still tried to kick but it was thrown at an awkward angle, so it merely grazed her. Even that graze was enough to make her wince a little though.

A direct hit definitely would've broken some ribs. On top of possible sending her hurtling down the cliff behind her like a scene off that movie she had scene.

Oh! That movie! No wonder this guy seemed so familiar! And loud despite never actually saying anything. That just brought the question of who was bringing these movie characters based off of real- life history, with great creative liberties taken granted, and bringing them into reality?

Definitely a line of inquiry that she could take after she had dealt with this thing.

It was a simple matter to toss the shadow to the ground and put a musket to the side of its head.

She pulled the trigger.

The figure, with a new hole in its head, quickly fell apart and almost seemed to melt away into the shadows.

Well… that certainly wasn't like any Witch or Familiar she had fought before.

Her opponent dealt with, Mami turned towards the Witch and her two protectors.

Tsuruno was clearly exhausted and Yachiyo was busy holding off two of them to protect the Witch who was firing what crossbow bolts she could.

That Witch seemed fully content on putting on the act, even when it was clear that these Shadowy figures were aiming to kill it too. Or perhaps its weakness was the one thing it wasn't putting an act for and it would truly die if its protectors fell?

There was a very simple solution to this all. Simply walk away and let them get killed. The Witch needed to be dealt with and the Magical Girls protecting it had drawn their lots despite it almost killing one of them.

That was the smart thing to do. Something that Archer would've approved of…

Mami lifted her rifle and fired.

Which was why she was going to do the complete opposite.

The bullet struck a shadow in its calf providing enough distraction for Yachiyo to swing her spear down and disarm it with sheer force. The old- at least old by Magical Girl standards- girl then swung her spear sideways, decapitating the hooded shadow in a single smooth swing before putting her full focus on the other shadow. Forced to defend itself against Yachiyo, the shadow was helpless as a number of rapidly fired pink bolts- courtesy of the Witch- struck its back and sent it to the ground. Yachiyo then tossed her spear in the air, grabbed it by the shaft, and dug her feet into the ground. The resulting throw would've made an Olympic Javelin Thrower proud, as the spear flew cleanly through the air and struck the last shadow straight through the chest. Both spear and shadow continued traveling until the weapon embedded itself onto a distant tree trunk with the shadow still hanging from it.

The shadow struggled briefly before going limp and then promptly fading away.

Impressive enough skill, even when exhausted. She was clearly an adept fighter.

"Why did you help?" Yachiyo asked once she had caught her breath.

"Even if you are under the Witch's thrall, we have too few Veterans as it is for us to be killing each other," Mami replied.

"I'm not letting you hurt Tamaki."

Those shadowy figures had already forced a change in plans. Mami could probably subdue the three of them and kill the Witch as needed as exhausted as they were, but that could also leave them all open to attack from any other shadows that could still be nearby. An unknown enemy was the worst to deal with. It would be best to come back after she acquired more information on them.

"I'll retreat for now. But we will meet again… Tamaki."

Mami was reluctant to use the false name that the Witch had taken on, but there was no point in antagonizing them any further. She turned around, exited the park, and made her way back to Mitakihara.

She had plenty of questions and there was much investigation she would have to do in Kamihama. One thing was certain though. There was no way she was going to let any of her Juniors step into this city.

Chapter Text

"Hey Yuma," Kyoko said worryingly. "Maybe you should take a break."

"I… can… handle it," Yuma said between gasps as she continued to run on the treadmill.

When Yuma had suggested they start training afterschool Kyoko had assumed that the girl meant running around the field or something. So having Yuma drag her into the school's indoor gym and start trying to lift one of the weights had certainly come as a surprise. Thankfully Kyoko had convinced her to skip the weights and use the treadmill instead. Not that had made much difference apparently, considering how the girl was insistent on running herself on the highest speed she could muster.

"Don't just run yourself ragged," Kyoko lectured as she lowered the machine's speed despite Yuma's objections. "It's about getting into a steady pace that is tough, but something you can keep for a long time. That's how you build endurance."

"But it's not that bad." Yuma caught her breath as she lowered her speed to a brisk walk. "I can handle it."

"You ever hear the story of the tortoise and the hare?"

Yuma did not look amused. "Everyone's heard that one."

"The point still stands. Don't run yourself ragged before you reach the finish line."

"The hare was at least capable of finishing the race if it wanted. I'm not. Honestly, the tortoise was stupid for getting into that challenge in the first place."

Kyoko flicked Yuma's forehead.

"Ow!"

"Don't be cheeky with me. Just let your Big Sis take charge of your training. I know what I'm doing."

"Big surprise," Yuma grumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!"

Despite Kyoko's worries though Yuma was keeping a good pace now that she was being forced into a light jog. Months of Archer's food and care had helped to compensate for a lot of the growth that Yuma's body had been missing. Soon the girl would be as fit and healthy as an eleven-year-old could be.

Physically at least. Mentally… well Archer had much to say about that. Yuma worked hard though, that was the important part. And Archer was always an advocate of how hard work trumped natural talent.

Content that Yuma wasn't going to get herself thrown off a speeding treadmill, Kyoko went back to the weight rack and lifted her own set of weights. Doing it with a human body and without Reinforcement was rough but increasing her body's base capabilities would increase her overall strength when it was enhanced.

She continued lifting even as another person stepped into the room and stopped at the empty weight bench next to Kyoko.

"Huh didn't think to meet you here," a familiar voice commented.

"Momoko. Right?" Kyoko continued lifting her weights.

"Yea. Don't think I ever got your name though."

"Kyoko Emiya. The girl on the treadmill is Yuma Emiya."

"Oh sisters," Momoko looked at Yuma who continued to run on the treadmill. "You don't look alike."

"So I've been told."

Momoko laid down on the bench next to Kyoko and began to lift her own set of weights. Weights that were significantly larger than what Kyoko was currently lifting.

They went about their reps in silence and Kyoko did her best to at least match the pace of the Magical Girl. She was making good effort until Momoko asked a question.

"Are you a Magical Girl?"

Kyoko fumbled and nearly dropped the weight onto her chest. Thankfully, she recovered and was able to put it back on the rack before she sat up and turned to look at Momoko.

"You kept glancing at our rings before. Regular people can't see them," Momoko clarified nonchalantly as she continued lifting her weights.

Ah damn it. Kyoko had forgotten about that.

"I'm not a Magical Girl," Kyoko replied as she laid back down. No longer seeing any need to hide, she put a bit of Reinforcement into her arms. She then switched to using weights that matched the ones the Magical Girl was using.

"What are you then?" Momoko asked.

"A Magus."

"Magus?"

Kyoko gave her a brief summary of the existence of Magi, Magecraft, and its functions.

"Interesting," Momoko mused.

"Surprised that you Magical Girls aren't the only source of magic in this world?"

"Nah… ok kind of," Momoko admitted. "But I don't really mind. We can use all the help we can get here."

"Only in Kamihama," Kyoko grumbled.

"Yea. I heard it can get pretty rough outside the city. Not as many Witches to go around."

"Well yea, considering all the Witches are heading here."

"We kind of realized that too," Momoko replied. "Still haven't figured out why, though we do have some people investigating it."

"Really?"

"Well mostly the rumors and Uwasa, but I'm sure they're connected somehow. At least that's what my gut is telling me."

"You're putting a lot of faith into a gut feeling."

"Yea… Rena tells me that all the time. We're still alive though, so I guess I'm doing something right."

"Whatever," Kyoko grunted before looking at the Magical Girl. "What's this about Uwasa anyway?"

"Dealt with one before actually. Caused a lot of trouble, moreso than a Witch and it didn't even drop a Grief seed."

"What are they?"

"Not too sure. Have some friends that are investigating it, but we still haven't figured why or how they got here. What we do know is that any rumors that you here spread among the people in this city likely has an Uwasa that matches it. So, if there's a rumor of a something or someone kidnapping little girls..."

Kyoko narrowed her eyes. "What are you implying?"

"Just keep an eye out for your little Sis over there," Momoko gestured her head toward Yuma who was still running on the treadmill. "Uwasa aren't exactly picky when it comes to targeting civilians, especially those aware of the existence of Magic. Even Magical Girls are vulnerable. Had a couple of friends get kidnapped and brainwashed by one before we were to beat it and freed them."

"I mean Magical Girls fall victim to a Witch's Kiss all the time."

"Only occasionally," Momoko argued. "And we at least have some resistance over a Witch's kiss. Uwasa though… they can mess with your head in an instant. Don't even realize what happened until it's too late."

"Sounds like Uwasa are trouble then."

"Definitely and they aren't even the only new thing that showed up. Apparently an old…"

"Acquaintance?" Kyoko finished, having noticed Momoko's hesitance.

"Yea… acquaintance," Momoko replied reluctantly before sighing. "She was my Senior at one point, but we had a falling out."

Kyoko could understand what that felt like. "So, what happened to this acquaintance of yours?"

"She was attacked by some shadowy figures."

"Shadowy figures?" Kyoko asked. "You sure it wasn't just a Witch or familiar?"

Momoko shook her head. "Nah. Yachiyo's been at this for a long time. If she says it's not Witch or Familiar… well it's best to listen to her. Apparently, they're shaped like people past the dark fog they emit and they fade away like shadows once you kill them."

Why did that sound so familiar? Kyoko would have to ask Archer about that.

"Tough too," Momoko continued. "Even she had trouble with one of them. Granted she was exhausted after fighting an Uwasa, but she is strong. If she's telling me to be careful about them-"

"Yea I think I get what you're saying," Kyoko admitted. No leaving Yuma alone now. They would have to make sure someone was watching her at all times.

"What's wrong with this place?" Kyoko asked. It was a good question considering the Witches on steroids, Uwasa, and now shadow people with Magical Girl strength that just happened to pop up in this city.

"Wish I could tell you," Momoko replied. "Keeps things interesting though."

Kyoko cracked a smirk. "Glad I'm not the only who can have some fun."

Momoko shrugged. "Gotta find what fun you can. If said enjoyment just happens to come from fighting deadly monsters on a regular basis, then who am I to judge. Although it is nice to have other hobbies."

"Really? What do you do?" Kyoko asked, now interested.

"Rena will take me along to autograph signings or concerts."

"That big breasted Tsundere!?" Kyoko couldn't help but blurt. ""What for? Heavy metal bands? Boy groups?"

"Female idols."

"Really?"

Momoko chuckled. "Yep. Rena is a nice person underneath all that though, just a bit rough. But, yea she's obsessed with idols. Drags Kaede along with us when she can. I enjoy them, big fan of Sayu Sayu actually, but Kaede… well not so much. Funnily enough even though Kaede complains she still comes anyway. Probably because she knows that it makes the two of us happy."

"Seems like you're taking advantage of the girl," Kyoko commented.

"Honestly, its Rena I'd be worried about when it comes to her and Kaede. Doesn't even realize that Kaede has her wrapped around her finger half the time."

"You got a weird group. Don't you?"

"Yea… I wouldn't trade it for the world though."

"Do you have any idea what this Momoko girl was talking about?" Kyoko asked Archer as the three of them, Yuma included walked along the sidewalks of Kamihama. They didn't have many chances to have an outing with the three of them, or at least one where Archer was actually physically standing next to them. Kind of hard for Yuma to talk to him when he Astralized due to a lack of a Servant/Master Contract.

"I have my suspicions… but I won't be able to confirm until I see them myself," Archer replied.

"What does your gut tell you then?"

"Shadow Servants."

"Shadow Servants?"

"Essentially weaker copies of Servants," Archer explained. "They're not as strong and don't even have access to Noble Phantasms. They can be much easier to mass produce and summon though and can threaten real Servants with sufficient numbers."

"So could there be a shadow copy of you Archer?" Yuma asked. They had already given her a brief overview of Servants in general. It had become a necessity that she be bit more informed about these things now that they were in Kamihama.

"Possibly, though there are countless other Servants they could make copies of. It can be quite random, though odds for certain Servants are influenced by the environment," Archer replied.

"Shadow Servants… along with Witches and Uwasa," Kyoko mumbled. "All of that and still no explanation of why or how they exist here in the first place."

"It could be the interference of another Servant. Possible, considering I'm here," Archer theorized. "Or it could just be something else altogether pulling the strings… The point is we don't necessarily have to stop it. Just figure out what it is and pass that information along to the Incubator."

"That was the plan in first place," Kyoko agreed. "The Magical Girls can deal with it… probably."

Her stomach suddenly growled. "Dang it. Let's-" She was interrupted by an ice cream stick that Archer held in front of her. "Thanks," she said as she grabbed it.

"I'm more or less prepared for your stomach at this point," Archer replied as he handed another stick to Yuma.

"Well hopefully you have something to drink," Kyoko replied as she devoured the ice cream. She caught sight of a peculiar looking store just as Archer began pulling out a bottle of water. "What's that?"

The owl sign was interesting, but it was selling… water? Seriously, just water? Not even packaged or bottled or anything, just water being served in cups from what she could see on the counter. There was already a pair of customers in front of it, Magical Girls actually judging by their rings. Normally Kyoko would've walked away but… there was something strange on one of their heads.

"Is that a… mini-Incubator?" Kyoko asked.

"I thought they couldn't enter this city?" Archer replied.

"Yea. They shouldn't. They can't."

"Maybe Ky- the Incubator lied to us?" Yuma asked.

"It doesn't lie. It's omits truth but it can't lie," Archer said. "I'm assuming you want to go inside and investigate?"

"Yea."

"It's fine then. Just don't pick a fight."

The three of them entered the store.

"Ah another customer," an old man behind the counter announced Kyoko's entrance. The two Magical Girls turned to her before their eyes ultimately widened and focused on Archer.

Yea he tended to do that. Tall, tan, white hair, and surprisingly handsome from an objective standpoint. And this was coming from a person who didn't care much for men.

"Would you three also like a cup? It's free," the old man said.

"Free? How do you stay in business?" Kyoko asked as she looked at the three new cups placed on the counter. She of course made sure to keep an eye on the Minicubator that had tilted its head and looked at Archer curiously.

"I do it out of the goodness of my heart," the old man replied.

Well, if an old man was going out of their way to be generous.

Kyoko walked up to the counter and looked inside the cups. Clear, looked like water. The short blonde with pigtails and the pink haired girl with that insanely long braid looked interested too. Actually, pinkie was oddly familiar for some reason.

"You wouldn't happen to have a sister or something, would you?" Kyoko asked.

"I do!" Pinkie shouted much to her surprise. "Do you know Ui?"

"Mokyu!" Minicubator commented.

Kyoko took a second to recover before shaking her head. "No, no one named Ui. Just someone that looked like you."

"What did she look like? Maybe she changed her name?"

"Little shorter than you… how old are you?"

"Fifteen."

"Then I she's only a year younger. Has her hair tied into twin tails by two red ribbons."

"Oh," Pinkie looked disappointed. "Sorry, that doesn't sound like Ui. She's my little sister… I've been looking for her."

"Mokyu." The Minicubator was actually patting her head as if to comfort her. That was… weird.

"How long have you lost her?" Kyoko asked carefully.

"Months now. I've been doing all I can to find her."

Kyoko let out a deep breath. "Damn… I'm sorry about that." It wasn't like her to apologize like that but… well missing little sister. It was enough for Kyoko look back and make sure that Mo- Yuma was still with them.

"It's not your fault," the pinkie reassured with a smile that couldn't be classified as smile at all. It was just… sad. Not very sincere. "It's mine for getting my hopes up."

Kyoko scratched the back of her head. "What does your sister, Ui, look like?"

"She has pink hair that's a bit lighter than mine. It reaches a bit past her shoulders. She's also eleven and a very sweet girl. She's been in the hospital most of her life so she might be a little weak moving around."

"What for?"

"She was sick… very sick," Iroha perked. "But she got better after I… uh she got better."

Kyoko glanced at Pinkie's ring.

Yea not hard to figure out how that wish was used...

"Look if I happen to run into your sister… I'll let you know. Also let her know that she's looking for you." Kyoko wasn't going to make any more promises than that, but if these two sisters could just happen to be reunited while they still had the chance to… "What's your number?"

"T-thank you," Pinkie said as she took out her phone. It actually took much longer than was neccesary to add the girl to her contacts because she was apparently completely incompetent with her phone. Like seriously how does a teenage girl not know how to use a damn flip phone? Even Yuma had a smartphone that they used to stay in touch with her.

"I'm Iroha Tamaki," Pinkie introduced herself after she finally worked things out with her phone. "And my sister is Ui Tamaki. I'd be really thankful if you did find her."

"Mokyu! Mokyu!"

"Kyoko Emiya. And don't get your hopes up alright? We'll see what happens."

"Well, I'm Felicia," the blonde girl huffed, apparently somewhat annoyed at being ignored.

"Yea uh sure," Kyoko replied before turning to Iroha. "You two friends or something?"

"No… we just met here, a few seconds before you three came in," Iroha replied as she looked at Archer and Yuma. "Are they your family?"

"Yea… sure that's pretty much it," Kyoko replied.

"Your dad looks weird," Felicia commented.

"Felicia! That's rude," Iroha said, shocked.

"Nah that's true," Kyoko said.

"You'd think my daughter would listen to me more often," Archer said with a smirk.

"Oh, screw it Archer."

"And your little sister is so well behaved," Archer moaned. "The apple really does fall far from the tree."

"Anyway," Kyoko decided to focus her attention on the water and on the old man on the counter who had been waiting patiently behind it. "Let's just grab our free water."

"Are you sure that you should be drinking something from a random stranger?" Archer asked.

"Why not?" Felicia asked. "It's free stuff!"

"I mean… I am a little thirsty," Iroha replied. "And he seems nice enough."

It's not like you're sensing anything weird from those cups, Kyoko mused.

Everything in this city feels weird, and as a Servant I'm even more sensitive to it, Archer argued. It's messing with finer senses. For all we know-

Yuma immediately grabbed a cup from the counter and drinking from it before either of them could stop her. The girl's eyes immediately lit up.

"It's tasty!" Yuma said happily before gulping the entire thing down.

Felicia grabbed a cup of her own and drank it messily. "It is."

Iroha succumbed to peer pressure and grabbed a cup of her own.

Kyoko watched the three of them carefully. Once she saw that they hadn't fallen or starting choking from some sort of poison, she took a cup of her own.

Well, in for a penny, Kyoko mused to Archer before gulping down her own cup. It was… sort of sweet actually. And incredibly refreshing. By all rights it had to be the tastiest water she ever drank.

"What about you, old man?" blondie asked Archer. "You getting a drink?"

"Isn't a rude to call him old?" Iroha commented.

"But he's got white hair… and that old grumpy man face!" blondie argued.

"I think I'll pass," Archer replied.

"Then I'll take your cup!" Felicia replied.

"Sorry only one per person," the man at the stand said.

"Gwaaaaaah!" Felicia out a scream of some sort of frustrated animal. "But he's not even taking it! And you're giving them out for free!"

"He already gave you a cup for free," Iroha tried to appease Felicia. "Wouldn't it be rude to ask for more? Maybe someone else would want a cup?"

"But they're not even here! I am! It's their loss!"

Wow… was it saying something that Yuma seemed to be more mature than this girl was?

"Let's not start something over a cup of water," Archer tried to intervene.

"It's really good water!" Felicia shouted.

"… It, kind of is," Yuma admitted and the pinkie nodded in agreement.

"What about we leave the poor man alone," Archer gestured to the man who ought to have the patience considering how he was still composed despite the commotion in front of him, "And get some water elsewhere."

"What, are you getting it for me?" Felicia asked.

"Sure," Archer agreed before pulling out the bottle of water originally meant for Kyoko and handing it to her.

What are yo-

Her clothes are old, and her shoes are frayed. She seems to be keeping herself fed… but it doesn't look like an easy life.

Kyoko looked at the blondie carefully and saw what Archer had pointed out. It didn't take her long to figure out why Archer acted the way he had.

"Why don't we leave the old man to his business," Archer suggested to them.

"Fine," Felicia conceded.

They all left the store and made their way back onto the street. They talked together for a bit until they were out of sight of the store.

"What exactly are you doing by the way?" Archer asked Felicia.

"I'm a Mercenary!" Felicia replied proudly.

"A… mercenary?" Archer asked.

"If you need to beat something up then I'll do it!" Felicia said confidently. "You just gotta pay me!"

"Uh…"

Felicia turned to Iroha as Archer hesitated. "What about you. You need a mercenary? I can help look for your sister. You just gotta pay now!"

"What's to stop you from just running off with her cash?" Kyoko asked.

"If you pay then I'll do the work. That's what a mercenary does!"

"Most mercenaries are only able to get payment upon proof of completion. Only the ones with a reputation are able to ask for the full amount or a partial amount up front," Archer explained.

"I got a reputation!" Felicia shouted.

"A good one?"

"…"

"Anyway, if you want to get paid maybe you should actually find something about her sister and then you, can negotiate with her," Kyoko suggested.

"Fine…" Felicia grumbled. "Make sure to get your cash ready once I find your sister," she said before finally walking away.

"… But how am I supposed to meet with her if we didn't even exchange phone numbers?" Iroha asked.

"Just, don't bother with it," Kyoko replied. "Well, we're heading off now. I'll shoot you a text if I find anything."

"Thank you," Iroha bowed her head. "I hope you three have a pleasant day."

"Mokyu!"

"Polite girl," Archer mused as the pinkie walked away for her Minicubator.

"Reminds you of Ribbons?"

"Yes… surprised they aren't siblings."

"What do you think about the Minicubator?"

"It's obviously infantile… and yet it doesn't seem to act like an Incubator whatsoever. The fact that it's able to express emotions and actually sympathize with something… it could be a mutation of its species." He shrugged. "My instincts are telling me it's not a threat."

"Maybe. Doesn't mean I'll trust anything that comes out of its mouth."

"There is certainly something sinister about the word Mokyu."

"Hah, hah. Still going to stab it if it approaches me," Kyoko replied when she felt something fall on her head. Before she had a chance to move Archer had already reached for her and Yuma's heads. He pulled out what looked like to be a piece of paper from each of them. His expression hardened as he looked at them.

"What is it?" Kyoko asked as she looked at Yuma. If it was just piece of paper carried by the wind that ended up in her hair, then it could just be attributed to a freak accident. For it to happen to Yuma at the same time though, and for those papers to have the same exact shape.

Archer turned the papers around for them.

24

"What does that mean?" Yuma asked.

"Text Iroha now," Archer demanded. "See if she had a piece of paper fall on her head."

Kyoko quickly texted the message as Archer requested.

Yes. I did. Iroha took an unnecessary amount of time to reply.

24?

Yes. What does that mean?

Kyoko turned to Archer.

"It means we have to revisit that water shop," he said.

Chapter Text

It didn't take long to figure out what the slips of paper represented. It was a countdown, one for each hour, that much had become quickly apparent to them. Unfortunately, the water shop had outright disappeared, so they had spent an entire day looking around with no leads. Which was bad because they had no idea what would happen by the end of the countdown. It couldn't be good though.

"Kyoko… will we be ok?" Yuma asked.

"We'll be fine," Kyoko replied curtly as she went around the block. At this point she was just blindly looking around the area the shop had been for any clues. Nothing yet though.

Bad enough that Kyoko let herself get marked, but Yuma too?

Any updates? She texted Iroha.

Ran into Felicia. Has paper fall on her too. Doesn't care. Wants payment for help.

Just leave her. We need to figure this out. Kyoko waited impatiently for a response.

Never mind. She'll listen. Promised her food.

Like that "mercenary" would be any help.

Any luck Archer?

There's a strange creature talking to some girls.

What's it look like?

Like some sort of cardboard cutout of a cartoon man… it's kind of hard to describe. The girls don't even notice something's wrong with it. I'll try and get closer.

Careful, don't want the creepy old man listening in on a group of adolescent girls getting caught by the cops.

… Do you really have to put it that way?

Kyoko grabbed Yuma's hand and dragged her toward the school that Archer had talked about. Eventually they came upon the creature Archer had been talking about and observed it from a distance

"Is that a familiar?" Yuma asked.

"No, it'd have a labyrinth… Archer you learn anything?" she asked the Servant that appeared next to her

"Not really. It seems to be trying to gather a crowd first," Archer replied. "Might need a few more people."

"Alright I'm going in with Yuma. Watch our backs."

"Pretend it has you fooled like the others."

Kyoko quickly inserted herself and Yuma into the small gathering. It seemed that their entrance had finally gotten the creature to start speaking.

"Have you heard? Have you heard? This is the hottest gossip in Sankyo Ward!"

"No way! Are you serious! I can't believe it!" one of the girls there shouted excitingly.

"Like I'd ever believe somethin' like that," another girl said.

"Have you heard? Who told you?" the creature asked.

"What exactly are you talking about?" Kyoko asked.

"Don't you know? Haven't you heard?" the creature continued.

"My friend here was just telling us about the latest rumor."

"Friend? But it's a weird monster thing," Yuma suddenly blurted.

At Yuma's outburst the creature suddenly vanished.

"Huh? Who was I talking with?" one of the people there began to ask.

"Damn it," Kyoko cursed. Well there went that lead.

"Sorry," Yuma apologized.

"No, it's not your fault. Should've warned you to stay quiet," Kyoko mumbled.

"Did you two need something?" a girl asked them.

"Nah, don't worry about it. Sorry for botherin' you," Kyoko replied. What were they supposed to do now?

"Excuse me, there's I'd to talk with you about."

"Huh?" Kyoko turned to look at the tall, slender girl, with long blue hair that approached her. Damn that was actually a pretty body. A bit slender at the top, but she definitely had the figure of a model. "Who are you?"

"I'm Yachiyo Nanami, a Magical Girl."

"Wow, so you just come out and say it?" Kyoko asked.

"You both are, aren't you?" Yachiyo tilted her head toward Yuma who was staring at the Girl with wide eyes.

"I'm Kyoko Emiya, and we're Magi. Not Magical Girls."

"Magi?"

"Kyoko," Yuma began to tug on her sleeve, "she's that model we saw in that magazine!"

Kyoko snapped her finger. "Oh, yea that blue chick wearing that dark dress. Didn't think you'd be a Magical Girl."

"What is a Magi?" Yachiyo asked again.

"The short of it, Magical Girls aren't the only things out there fighting Witches… and other things," Kyoko conjured a bit of fire on her fingertip and took off her glove to prove that there was no ring. Only the Command Seals showed, and they wouldn't mean much to this girl anyway. "Well, now that that's all out there, what do you want, anyways?"

Yachiyo mulled over Kyoko's hand before looking back up to her face. "I was interested in the creature that vanished." She said as she crossed her arms.

"What was it, anyway?... It was spreading rumors… something to do about Uwasa?"

"You know about Uwasa?"

"Heard something about it from another Magical Girl. Never seen one though." Another piece of paper fell onto Kyoko's head.

9

"Damn it," Kyoko cursed as she took the other piece out of Yuma's hands.

"Those papers... have you two…?" Yachiyo asked.

"Yea. A countdown. Regular as clockwork."

"Did you two happen to drink some water…? From somewhere with an owl sign on it?"

"Yea! How'd you know that though?"

"My fr- assistant has the same thing happening to her," Yachiyo explained. "She along with a few other girls all drank from the same store and they all started having this happen to them."

"Pink hair. Smiles a lot… but always in a sad way?"

"You know Tamaki?"

"Yes. So, you're the friend she's been talking about."

"She's my assistant. Our relationship is professional," Yachiyo quickly replied.

"I dunno. She sounds pretty found of ya," Kyoko replied as she looked at Yachiyo carefully.

College student. Certainly, looked and acted like a grizzled veteran.

"You wouldn't happen to know a Momoko would you?"

Yachiyo tilted her head. "Yes. How do you know her?"

"We go to the same school."

"The same school Tamaki attends? That's also attached to my university."

"Huh, Small world. So, what do you know about this countdown?"

"Not much more than you," Yachiyo replied. "We've been investigating the creatures that have been spreading rumors in a hope of finding Uwasa."

"And now Yuma and I are caught up in it cause we were thirsty," Kyoko grumbled.

"I have a proposal for you. How about investigating this with me?"

Kyoko was about to refuse when she felt a familiar rough hand on her shoulder.

"That seems like a good idea," Archer replied before glancing at Kyoko. We're on a timer and in unfamiliar territory. We need as much help as we can get… and she seems competent.

Yachiyo stared up at the man suspiciously. "And you are?"

"Someone involved with the world of Magic."

"Not often you see a man involved with this world."

"The world's a big place."

Yachiyo nodded in agreement before looking back at Kyoko. "I'm assuming you know him."

"Yea," Kyoko replied.

"And he's worried about what will happen to you two once the timer goes down?"

"Yea."

"I tried warning them not to drink suspiciously free water," Archer commented.

"A good warning. Too bad none of the people we know seemed to realize this," Yachiyo replied.

"Agreed."

"Let's go find another of those creatures," Yachiyo suggested. "They tend to show up where people gather so they can spread rumors quickly."

Unfortunately, even with Yachiyo's help, Archer's expertise, and Yuma's morale support, they still couldn't find another one of those creatures. Eventually they a break at some old Chinese restaurant where they met back up with Iroha and Felicia.

"Hey, you're Yachiyo! You're super famous!" Felicia shouted excitedly.

"Iroha…"

"Y-yes?" Iroha asked.

"Cut your ties with this girl, at once!" Yachiyo demanded.

"That's what I told her!" Kyoko agreed.

"Huh, so you weren't just being a jerk for once," Yuma commented.

"What was that!?"

"Nothing."

"Isn't that a bit drastic, you two!?" Iroha replied.

"You're quite famous in your own right, Felicia Mitsuki," Yachiyo said.

"I know, right? As a super tough mercenary!" Felicia said.

Yachiyo crossed her arms and looked at her sternly. "No, as a bad one. So horrible that's there no point in quantifying it."

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

"Knew she was trouble," Kyoko grumbled.

"They say her eyes turn red when you see a Witch, and you go completely berserk. There's no denying your strength… But that frenzy puts your allies at risk. You're volatile and should be avoided."

"What the heck!" Felicia shouted. "So maybe I caused a little bit of fuss here and there!"

"Unless the job doesn't care about collateral damage, most people aren't keen on employing a destructive, uncontrollable force," Archer commented.

"No way I'm going to let Yuma around anyone that can't control themselves," Kyoko continued off of Archer.

"It's also apparently common for her to switch sides if the enemy offers her a better deal," Yachiyo continued off of Kyoko. "Magical Girls have too many enemies as it is to be worth getting involved with her."

"Constantly shifting allegiances means that they won't hire you unless they're certain that they can an amount no one else can compete with," Archer continued off of Yachiyo. "And they're only willing to do that if said mercenary has proven that they're capable. It's also better to hire someone that can actually commit to their contract."

"Ughhh…"

It seemed that Felicia had no reply to that.

"A frenzy… that part might be true…" Iroha commented.

"How bad we talking about here?" Kyoko asked.

"She…" Iroha glanced guiltily at Felicia. "May have grazed me when a Witch showed up."

At least Felicia had the decency to look ashamed by that. "I just… lose myself around Witches. I have to kill them. They killed my parents."

"I swear is there a single Magical Girl that doesn't have a tragic backstory?" Kyoko grumbled.

"One," Archer replied. "But she's all the way back in Mitakihara."

"The point is that you've already seen her in a frenzy Iroha," Yachiyo said. "It's best if you just send her on her way."

"I can't just… What should I do?" Iroha asked

"Mokyu!" the Minicubator said from a nearby table.

"You're right. I'd be worried about her. She doesn't know anything about Rumors…"

"You can understand it?" Kyoko asked.

"Yes," Iroha replied.

"And you trust it?" Archer asked.

"Kyubi has been helping me find Ui. It also gives me advice."

"Apparently only Iroha can understand it," Yachiyo informed them. "… It seems to have little relation with the actual Incubators."

"What is it then?" Kyoko asked.

"I still don't know."

"Well as long as it doesn't start asking for Contracts," Kyoko grumbled.

"Mokyu!"

"And I guess I did promise her dinner," Iroha replied.

"Dinner?" Yachiyo asked.

"Exactly!" Felicia shouted. "I'm not leaving until I get my food!"

"That's really how you got her to come here?" Kyoko asked.

"Yes," Iroha replied. "Anyway, I'm going to stick with Felicia."

"That's my Iroha! Nothin' like this close-minded old bag!" Felicia shouted cheerfully.

"Hey!" Yachiyo crossed her arms again.

"Hey now, Felicia!" Iroha said concerned.

"Honestly the only old bag here is Archer," Kyoko commented.

"Kyoko!"

"You can't call Yachiyo an old bag. She's not even that old!" A brown hair Magical Girl. In her hands were three plates of fried rice. "And I'm sure that Archer here has plenty of worldly experience!"

"Whaaat? Who the heck are you?" Felicia asked.

"I'm the Mightiest Magical Girl, Tsuruno Yui, in the flesh!" Tsuruno shouted.

"Loudest too," Kyoko commented. Apparently this girl's default voice was loud. "What's with the food, I don't think anyone ordered anything."

"If you're going to help out Yachiyo then you need full stomachs!" Tsuruno replied cheerfully as she set the three plates in front of Archer, Yuma, and Kyoko.

"Where's my food!" Felicia shouted.

"You need to respect your elders! It doesn't matter how old and grizzled they are, they have plenty of good things to say!"

"Old and grizzled…" Yachiyo mumbled as Iroha patted her on the shoulder in comfort.

"You're just saying that," Felicia argued. "Just like you're calling yourself the Mightiest. I never even heard of you."

That quickly devolved into an argument that both Yachiyo and Iroha had to get in between to stop. Kyoko decided to ignore them and instead focus on her food.

She took a bite and paused.

"Something wrong?" Archer asked.

"Nah its ok… Still food," Kyoko replied before looking at Yuma whose face was also quite perturbed. "I'll finish whatever's left over if you can't."

"Yea that sounds about right," Iroha commented, having apparently resolved the argument by taking responsibility for Felicia. "Tsuruno tries her best but…"

"Mokyu!"

"Is it really that bad?" Archer asked as he grabbed a spoon and took a bite.

"It's not bad," Kyoko repied. "Just-"

"Aggressively average?"

"Yea."

"What's wrong with it?" Tsuruno asked.

"Spice mix is decent and the scrambled egg is actually quite fluffy. Takes a lot of effort to get it to that texture," Archer explained. "However, it's all overpowered by the sesame oil." He took another bite. "It's also somewhat greasy because you used too much. I'd suggest using less and switching to a more neutral oil. Don't try to finish it all Kyoko, it'll be bad for your stomach."

"I'm not wasting food."

"Which is why we'll pack it up for later and I'll find a kitchen to fix it. The dish does have some potential, it just needs a bit of work."

"You cook too?" Felicia asked.

"Yes," Archer replied.

"Well I can work for you if you cook me something!"

"Already switching allegiances," Yachiyo shook her head. "Anyway, we should start talking the Familiar like creature we ran into."

"Agreed," Archer replied.

It only took a brief explanation from the two of them to get everyone up to speed. By the time they finished four new pieces of paper had fallen.

7

"This is getting real old," Kyoko grumbled as she lit up the paper.

"Wow! You really can use Magic without a Soul Gem!" Felicia shouted.

"Magecraft. Not Magic. Know the difference"

"It's strange though," Archer said as he looked at the paper that had fallen on Yuma's head. "I don't sense any Magecraft or from this paper and neither do I sense anything from the method that transfers it here. Usually there's some trace I can follow back, but it really as if it's appearing out of thin air."

"So we're dealing with a power unlike our own. Outside of Magic or Magecraft," Yachiyo mused.

"What? How does that help us?" Felicia asked.

"It means that we should prepared for the unexpected," Archer replied.

"Damn it, nothing," Kyoko cursed as the strange figure they heard about just happened to be a really colorful, non-magical, cardboard cutout.

They had split up into three different groups to cover more ground and hopefully find more clues. Needless to say, her group wasn't having the best results.

Kyoko blamed their E-rank luck.

Any luck on your end? Kyoko texted Iroha.

Felicia and I found the familiar like thing.

Kyoko's eyes lit up. Finally a lead.

What did it say?

It talked about a water being offered by a man. The water makes you feel amazing if you drink it… but it's actually cursed.

Oh boy. That didn't sound good.

Cursed how?

… After 24 hours, the misery you washed away with that water will cause a disaster.

Yea. That definitely wasn't good.

Kyoko immediately forwarded the texts to Archer and Yuma as pieces of paper fell on them.

5

"Five hours until disaster strikes," Archer said.

"What do we do?" Yuma asked.

"Well obviously we need to find the source of this rumor and shove a spear up its-"

Meet us at this location, Kyoko was suddenly texted by an unknown number with a pinned location attached.

Who is this?

Yachiyo.

How did you get my number!?

Archer gave it to me. He's in the group chat.

Kyoko finally noticed the group chat that included all the people that happened to be involved in this case. She turned and glared at Archer.

He shrugged. "Best to communicate as well as we can."

Be careful, Yachiyo continued, There's a group that seems to be protecting the Rumors. We have Felicia pretending to be bought out by them so that she can act as a double agent.

"How likely is it that she actually betrayed us?" Kyoko asked.

"Likely," Archer replied. "Wouldn't be too hard to get her back to our side though. She's… simple."

Kyoko sighed. "Guess we should expect a fight then."

"I know a place we can drop Yuma off. She'll be safe there," Archer replied.

"What!?" Yuma shouted. "But I want to come."

Kyoko kneeled down and gently held Yuma by the shoulders. "I know you do, but it's dangerous. You're just not ready yet." She held her hand out and Archer placed a familiar iridescent dagger in her hands. "You are ready for this though."

"But that's-"

"Rule Breaker. I know." They had already told Yuma how this particular weapon functioned.

"Kyoko… are you-"

"I'm not going to let myself up and die," Kyoko replied, "But sometimes bad things happen. We have to prepare for that."

"Bu-"

"Look," Kyoko pushed Rule Breaker into Yuma's hands. "I don't have to be dead for you to use it. I could be knocked out or taken hostage. In that case we don't want them to gain control of Archer if he does escape. So, if you can stab him with this, then we can keep him and you can find a way to save me. You're basically my back up."

"Your… backup?"

"Yes, in case Archer or I end up in trouble, then you can use this to help save us."

"Save you… I'll be useful?" Yuma asked.

"Yea, you will. You always are."

"Are you sure Yuma will be safe with that Emiri chick?" Kyoko asked as she and Archer they made their way toward the meeting point. She didn't know how Archer had met that girl or that mad scientist midget that worked in a high school lab, but it was certainly a story that she wanted to hear when this rumor situation was dealt with.

"They're competent."

"…"

"Hinano is at least. Emiri is enthusiastic. They'll do their best to keep an eye on Yuma."

"You think that midget is capable of taking care of Yuma?"

"She's actually eighteen… and a veteran Magical Girl. Was apparently a well-respected leader in her area before she took a back seat."

"Seriously!? She's three years older than me!? But she's even tinier than Ribbons! And those long sleeves make her look like a chipmunk!"

"A question she asks herself all the time. Don't ever mention her size around her, it won't end well."

"If you say so," Kyoko replied as Yachiyo's group came into view.

"Felicia might've betrayed us," Yachiyo said as they arrived. "We were supposed to meet with her here so that she could take us to their base."

Kyoko rolled her eyes. "Big surprise."

"Where's Yuma?" Iroha asked.

"Somewhere safe."

"That's good. I'd be worried if I had to take Ui somewhere dangerous."

"Mokyu!"

"What are we supposed to do now then?" Kyoko ignored the piece of paper that fell on her head.

2

"Tsuruno followed Felicia. She can take us to where she last saw her," Yachiyo replied.

"Good," Kyoko cracked her fists. "Now let's go teach this merc a lesson."

Chapter Text

"How many times has this mercenary chick switched allegiances so far?" Kyoko asked Archer.

"Twice I believe," he replied.

"Nuh huh," Felicia said as she led them to the Uwasa's supposed location, "I was working on another job before I met all of ya. So that makes it three!"

"That doesn't make it better!" Kyoko shouted.

"I'm just glad we didn't have to fight you," Iroha commented.

"Well… I gotta protect Mister Cow," Felicia replied.

How Iroha convinced Felicia to work with them again after convincing the mercenary that something bad would happen to her stuffed animal if they didn't deal with the rumor, Kyoko didn't know. Apparently pink haired girls in general were really good at talking with people.

Sometimes, when you have nothing left, you're prone to making brash decisions, Archer told her.

Are you defending her?

Just stating a fact. I've seen it plenty of times.

Eventually they passed the school grounds of a place called Sankyoin academy and arrived at an entrance to some underground sewers.

"Well, this is about as cliché as you can get," the genre savvy Kyoko commented.

"Sewers are labyrinthian in nature and people tend to avoid going down them," Yachiyo explained. "It makes them good places to hide."

"Are we going to talk or are we going to fight some rumors!" Felicia shouted at them.

"Quiet," Archer hissed. "If we start making loud noises, they will know that we're here."

"We should be as discreet as possible," Yachiyo said as she led them inside. The tunnels were dark, damp, and smelly. Perfect place to be hiding something important. "We don't have time to waste fighting the people that are protecting the Rumor."

"Alright!" Tsuruno whispered, though it was hardly much of a whisper considering the default volume of her voice. Seriously how was a whisper so frustratingly loud yet technically within reason for a stealth mission? "Time for the mightiest to go stealth mode!"

And then the cloud of bats came.

"Aaaaaaaaaah! Don't come near me!" Iroha let out a girly shriek.

"Hey, c'mon, don't freak out so much over a stupid little bat! We need to be quiet!" Felicia started shouting.

"Waaaaaah!" Tsuruno let out an even girlier shriek. "It hit my face!"

"Calm down. You have worse things living in your restaurant," Yachiyo replied calmly.

"Yachiyo! You're the worst!"

"Kyaaaaaah!"

"This is what I get for working with children," Archer said as he pinched his brow in frustration with one hand and got a blade ready with the other.

"Hey, I wanted to just go about this with just the two of us," Kyoko reminded him as she took out her spear.

"Like you're any better!"

"Who's there!?"

"Aaah! They found us!"

"Of course they found us! You're all so damn loud!"

"Kettle calling the pot black, Kyoko!"

"Quick into mighty battle formations!"

"What the hell are mighty battle formations?"

"Yachiyo!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Who are you?" Archer decided to ask one of the hooded Magical Girls that approached them. Alongside the Magical Girls were two shadowy figures. It was difficult to mistake what they were with the information that they had been given. "And why do you have of Shadow Servants with you?"

"Shadow Servants?" Yachiyo asked.

"Ah the rumored Magi," one of them replied. "These, Shadow Servants as you call them are our soldiers."

"You know about us?" Kyoko asked.

"Yes… we've heard rumors of you and we wish to avoid a conflict."

"Who are you?"

"We are the Wings of the Magius."

"Wings of the Magius?" Kyoko asked. "What you also got Magi in your group?"

"A few though our ranks consist mostly of Magical Girls. We serve the Magius and our organization acts as their wings so that they can achieve their goals."

Why is there always a cult when there's Magic or Religion involved? Archer asked.

"We are the Black Feathers, as designated by our robes," the hooded girl continued.

"And what's your goal?" Yachiyo asked.

"To save all Magical Girls. Our mission is to free all Magical Girls from their curse."

Kyoko froze. "Like free them from their Contracts?" she asked.

"I… can't say."

"Then how does protecting Rumors achieve this?" Yachiyo asked.

"…"

Another piece of paper fell.

1:00

"Now they're counting by minutes," Kyoko grumbled before turning back to the Black Feather. "You have anything else or are you just stalling for time?"

Kyoko only received silence. She then replied back with a Flame Step followed by a swing of her spear. "Cmon! They don't know anything else!"

The other Black Feathers immediately jumped at Kyoko, chains and scythes coming out of the sleeves of their robes. The pair of Shadow Servants likewise brandished their own set of knives and swords.

Koko shot a ball of fire at one of them and then began exchanging blows with another. The rest of Black Feathers were then intercepted by the rest of her group.

"Don't kill the Magical Girls. Just knock them out or cripple them," Yachiyo shouted.

"Act as support!" Archer commanded Kyoko as he rushed forward, now donning his iconic Red and Black armor. He crippled a pair of Black Feathers with a single sweep of his twin blades and started trading blows with the two Shadow Servants. "You can't take the same hits we can!"

"Fine!" Kyoko replied as she took a step back and let the Magical Girls and Servant take the brunt of the fighting.

"Wow! He's awesome and he can transform too!" Tsuruno shouted as she pointed a pair of twin fans and shot out a steady stream of flames at their enemy. "Your dad is like a-"

"Oh, please not again," Archer pleaded.

"Magical Boy!"

"No!" Archer shouted as he threw his blades, beheading a Shadow Servant and crippling a Black Feather. Yachiyo then rushed to his front, covering him and giving him enough room to start using his bow. "Do not call me that!" he demanded.

Kyoko was definitely going to call him that. In the future. If they got out alive.

Manipulating the fire created by Tsuruno, Kyoko added her own flames to it and shot it forward with rather explosive results. A good portion of the Black Feathers were sent flying with a new collection of burns and missing limbs. She then made a gun sign with her left hand and pointed it at the few that remained standing.

"Gandr."

A curse rune that drained physical health, straight from a surprisingly cool chick she had seen in Archer's memories. Took a bit before she finally got it down, but it had its uses. It was a relatively inexpensive spell and she could make up for her lack of precision with rapidly firing a bunch of them at whoever happened to be within eyesight.

It sucked being relegated to support, but it wasn't like she wasn't used to it whenever she had to fight with Archer. It was the reason why she had liked hunting alone back in Kazamino, to finally get some action up close.

"You got a lot of tricks!" Tsuruno shouted as she jumped forward and used her fans to spar a Black Feather. Sparks flew as their weapons connected.

"Magi have to be prepared!" Kyoko shouted as she continued shooting Gandr. In reality though she had already used up most of her ranged tools. Reinforcement was being relegated for repositioning and her Illusions, which were often used to mislead or hide the angle of her attacks, could only work if she was within spear swinging range of her enemy.

She couldn't mess with the battlefield or create clones of herself like she could in the past, not that she particularly missed it considering where that particular power had come from. Still, her experiences from that time gave her a very personal awareness of what she should be aiming for.

Body shots weren't effective. Granted it took Magic to heal wounds, but Magical Girls didn't really bleed out or mind losing an internal organ or two so they could ignore those in the middle of a fight. Generally, your best bet was to aim for the limbs in order to cripple them and slow their movement. It wasn't fatal either, they could always reattach the limb or have a healer grow them a new one, but it was enough to put them out of commission.

The Shadow Servants though were another issue, being significantly stronger and tougher than the average Black Feather. Thankfully, lethal force was allowed against them. Something that Felicia took advantage of when the hammer she held suddenly become three sizes larger and she slammed it down on the Shadow Servant that Archer had disarmed and kicked away. What was left was essentially just a black smear in a freshly made crater.

Turns out Mercenary Girl wasn't all just talk. Her swings were reckless, and you had to give her a very wide berth anytime she swung, but damn if that thing didn't hit hard.

"We're clear!" Archer shouted as he grabbed a Black Feather's arm midswing and then slammed her head into a wall. "Move forward!"

"Cmon old man, we at least got an hour left! Plenty of time!" Felicia shouted, though she still chased after him.

"Will they be ok?" Iroha asked as they ran by a few Black Feathers that had been on the business end of a giant hammer.

"Yea. They'll probably just forget how they got here," Felicia replied.

"Memory Manipulation?" Archer asked.

"I just use my hammers to POW some memories as they're fighting. A lot easier to hit someone when they don't remember that you're going to hit them again!"

Well, that was certainly effective. Mind manipulating magic in general was incredibly dangerous, even against Magical Girls and Servants. Thank the Root its user in this case was… well dumb.

They continued running until they exited the tunnel and arrived at a circular area of the sewer, the remaining light from the setting sun streaming from a hole above. In the back of the area, in front of the only other exit out of the place, stood two figures hooded in white.

"Five hundred yen they call themselves White Feathers," Kyoko commented.

"They said that they only have an hour left, right?" one of the White Feather's began speaking.

"I heard them. They said they only have an hour," the other said.

"Right?"

"But that has nothing to do with us. After all, we'll have to stop them here."

"Please just succumb to misery and undergo hardships for us."

"Right?"

"What is your goal?" Archer asked. "How do you plan to achieve this… dream of yours."

"It is the dream of all Magius and Magical Girls. To finally be saved from our fate."

"Right?"

"But I guess that doesn't matter much to a Master and a Servant."

"Right?"

So, they knew that Archer was a Servant. Not a big surprise at this point, tough that didn't really bode well at all for them.

"Magus and her Servant," Iroha looked between Kyoko and Archer. "He's your Servant? Does that mean he works for you?"

"No. He isn't even human. Is he?" a White Feather teased.

"A spirit of legend of summoned called upon through time and space," the other answered.

"To serve."

"To fight."

"To kill."

"To die."

"Right?"

"Right?"

"Ignore them," Yachiyo said though she glanced briefly at Archer's form. "We don't need to listen to anyone that have to keep themselves concealed."

"But. We are not like the other Black Feathers," a White feather replied. we are perfectly happy to reveal ourselves."

"Right?""

They threw off their white robes and-

"Root damn it, of course it had to be a pair of creepy twins," Kyoko said in disbelief. "What's next? Putting us in a room of deathtraps we need to escape from?"

"That's an interesting thought isn't it, Tsukasa?"

"It is, Tsukuyo."

"Stop giving them ideas Kyoko!" Tsuruno shouted.

"I'm not and they're creepy anyway!" Kyoko shouted. "Whatever. let's just beat them up. Clearly the Rumor they're protecting is right behind them."

"We have said that we have no choice but to stop you," Tsukasa said.

"Oh yea! You and what army!?" Felicia shouted.

Felicia was answered by five shadow servants that came from above and a large group of Black Feather that streamed from the tunnel behind the twins.

"Felicia," Yachiyo said.

"Yes Yachiyo?" Felicia asked.

"You are no longer allowed to speak."

"Agreed," Archer replied as they were charged at by the veritable army of Magical Girls and Shadow Servants.

Yuma continued to stare out the window of the classroom she had been left in. It had only been a few hours since Kyoko and Archer left and yet she already wanted them to come back. She was nothing without them… actually, what good was she with them? What else did she do apart drinking that water and getting them into this trouble in the first place?

Getting her and Kyoko cursed just because she was thirsty.

No… she wasn't useful at all.

Her hand caressed the hilt of the weapon that she kept hidden in her bag. Rule Breaker… she knew how it was supposed to be used. But if that situation ever came, was there anything that she could do?

Kyoko would always tell her that she was useful, that she was needed, but that was only because of one thing. Because Yuma could act as a little sister, a replacement. She knew it ever since the first night that she and Kyoko slept together. The night when Kyoko grabbed her onto her in her sleep and called out Momo's name.

Yuma was always meant to replace someone. Her asking Archer about Momo's identity was just confirming that. At first it was a small price to pay for a warm bed and food. If it meant living in a home with people that didn't try to beat her every other day. That was why she had been fine with playing her role and putting on the act.

But then something changed.

She was always grateful for their care, even knowing the reason behind it, but then she began to want more. She wanted more than just being a replacement. But being herself wasn't good enough. It wasn't good enough for Kyoko, it wasn't good enough for Archer, and it definitely wasn't good enough for Yuma Emiya. If she even deserved to be called an Emiya.

"Don't worry Yumi. They'll be back soon once they get rid of this curse on you and your Sis," Emiri said cheerfully as she patted Yuma's back.

"It's not me that I'm worried about," Yuma replied.

"Archery's strong! I'm sure he can handle it."

"Anyone can die… it doesn't matter if you're strong or not."

"Oh no, Archery's been putting his lectures in your head. Hasn't he?"

"He has a lot of practical advice," Hinano replied. She was a Magical Girl that was only a bit taller than Yuma was despite being eighteen and less than a year away from attending college. "Wouldn't kill you to listen. Would mean less trouble for me in the long run."

"He can learn to lighten up a little though! Like have you ever seen the guy smile? He should smile, I'd bet he'd look great."

Actually, now that she thought about it, Yuma had never seen Archer smile either. And she lived him for months now. Did Kyoko ever see him smile?

"He definitely won't smile for you," Hinano commented. "Or anyone we know for that matter."

"You're just mad because he rejected you."

If Yuma had been drinking something, she would've spit it out all over window. "What!?" she shouted as she swerved her head toward Hinano.

"Do you really have to bring that up in front of her!?" Hinano shouted as she gestured to Yuma. "And that was before I knew he had his own kids to take care of."

The diminutive Magical Girl crossed her arms and looked away. "Besides that, there's nothing wrong with me asking him out. I'm an adult… at least in most Western countries."

"Is it strange that you're not an adult in Japan until you're twenty and yet the age for consent and marriage are much lower?" Emiri pondered.

"Don't get any ideas Emiri, you're still thirteen."

"W-why would you ask him out?" Yuma asked with wide eyes.

"Because he's mature… and he actually treats me with respect unlike some people," Hinano replied as she glared at Emiri. "He treated me like the mature woman that I am rather than a kid, so I wanted to get to know him better." She turned back to Yuma. "I'm sorry I asked. I didn't want to try and take him away from you and your Sister."

"You're probably just not his type," Emiri teased. "Too bad for him. He can't appreciate your cuteness, and I'm sure that there are people can."

"Shut up," Hinano grumbled. "One day I'll get a proper boyfriend that will treat me like an adult."

"I don't think it matters for Archer anyway," Yuma said. "He always says no when someone asks him out… it doesn't matter who asks." And boy were there a lot of people interested in his looks on the street.

"Is he not interested in women?" Hinano asked.

"Oh!" Emiri put a fist to her hand. "I bet he's gay!"

Yuma shook her head. "He's not gay either. He loved a girl… but apparently he couldn't be with her."

"Unrequited love?" Hinano sighed. "I get that."

"Then he just has to keep trying!" Emiri said. "If it's true love then he's gotta work for it and never give up!"

"No, he can never be with her," Yuma explained. "It's impossible now… she isn't even here anymore I think." At least that was what she had assumed from what vague remarks Kyoko could gave her about Archer's past. Archer on the other hand was a complete stone wall when it came to such topics.

"Oh…," Hinano shook her head. "I've gotta apologize to him later. Don't need to add my love problems to his."

"I guess we can't force him into a relationship then… but that's surprisingly romantic though," Emiri mused. "For his heart to be so loyal to someone even after they've passed on. Nut maybe they'd want him to move on to."

"Archer and Kyoko, I think they're all stuck in the past," Yuma commented.

They both pined for something that they had lost, something that they would never be able to get back. Yuma on the other hand… she just wanted something that she never had in the first place. The question was whether or not she deserved it.

"I want to be better for them. So that they can move on," Yuma gripped her sleeves, "But I'm weak and stupid. I can't understand Archer's lessons even though so slowed down for. Even in school… I work so hard and I'm barely passing. I'm trying so hard to become a Magus like Kyoko wanted… but it's impossible."

Hinano stared at Yuma pensively before grabbing a chair and dragging it to a nearby cupboard. She then used the chair as a stepstool so she could reach a cabinet and unlock with her key. Inside were a bunch of empty glass vials and beakers which she began to take out and put onto the table in front of Yuma. Hinano then kneeled down in front of another cupboard and took out a bunch of different colored liquids in a variety of containers. She arranged them on the table creating a veritable rainbow of assorted chemicals.

"When I was your age, I was a clumsy Magical Girl," Hinano told her as she put on a pair of goggles. I actually had to become when because of accident I caused. Wished to not be killed by the poisonous fumes and fire that I created."

Yuma eyed the large variety of colorful vials on Hinano's desk and arms. She did her best to discreetly angle herself towards the doorway.

"You don't have to run, I got a handle on all this now," Hinano reassured her as she began to meticulously arrange the chemicals on her desk. "What I'm saying is that I wasn't always competent. Back then I never imagined I'd be leader of the chemistry club or in charge of teaching science to the elementary school kids here, but here I am."

Hinano took out an empty vial and began pouring a several liquids into it. Yellow fused with green to make blue. Then a bit of red to make purple. Then some brown to muddy it all up.

"What I'm saying you can't predict how your life will turn out. Things might seem bad now, but there's also a good chance that it'll get better. That you'll be better."

Yuma grabbed her hands and looked down. "I just… feel like such a burden."

"Kids are supposed to be burdens," Hinano replied curtly as the mixture became black. She then added several clear liquids into it. "You know how much trouble Emiri causes on a regular basis?"

"Heh, heh," Emiri winked without an ounce of guilt. "Well, you're always so reliable Senpai."

"And you need to stop making me worry," Hinano grumbled before turning back to Yuma. "Emiri is a few years older than you are and she still needs help. I needed a lot of help few years ago myself. Still do. So don't worry about being a burden, let your family take care of you. That's what they're there for."

The black mixture was then boiled down and turned into some thick gloopy substance before a considerable amount of water was added to it.

"But how can I repay Kyoko and Archer?" Yuma asked. "For dealing with me?"

"Once you've grown up, live your own life. Or even take on your own little brat to raise. Any parent will be proud to say their kids grown up and taking care of their own." Hinano filled the vial with ice, transferred some of it to a cup, and then offered it to Yuma. "Here. Drink this."

"Uh… what?"

"Just drink, it's safe."

"I d-don't think I should."

Hinano took the glass and immediately gulped it down. "See perfectly safe." She brought out another cup and filled it. "Now drink."

"Okay…" Yuma grabbed her cup. She stared into it, muttered a prayer to herself, and then tentatively took a sip. Her eyes went wide as the liquid hit her tongue. "Its-"

"Cola was an accident," Hinano explained as she handed another vial to Emiri. "What was intended to be medicine became one of the most popular drinks in the world. Your family might have certain expectations of you and if you want to follow them go for it, but it's perfectly fine if you become something different from that. You might turn out even better that way."

Not become a Magus? But that was the first and only future that Kyoko had given her. If she couldn't be a Magus… then there was only one other alternative she could think of.

To become a Magical Girl.

It would mean disobeying Kyoko and Archer. It would mean that the promises she had made to the two of them would become lies. She would be a bad girl and they might actually hate her for that. But if that hatred meant that she could be there for them when it mattered, that she wouldn't just be another replacement for Momo…

But wait, Momo had become a Magical Girl before she died. Wasn't Yuma just doing the same?

Yuma looked at Hinano and Emiri carefully. "What's being a Magical Girl like?"

"Emiri don't encourage her to make a wish like you did Rika," Hinano said.

"I know I learned my lesson," Emiri replied.

"Good."

"Is it really that bad?" Yuma asked. "To be a Magical Girl? Kyoko and Archer said it is but they're the only one I talked to about this."

"It depends," Hinano replied. "I don't mind my wish to survive, but there are plenty of Girls that do regret theirs. And many more that can't handle the responsibility of hunting Witches. A wish should never be wasted, but its fine if it's never used in the first place."

Hinano put her arms on the table. "Your family is important, but a wish like that, just for the sake of helping them. It doesn't sound like something that any of you would be satisfied in the end."

"But they're all that I have," Yuma shuddered in her seat. "I can't lose them. Before Kyoko and Archer, I had nothing. All my Mama and Papa did was act like I wasn't there or hurt me when they did."

Hinano squinted her eyes. "Your parents beat you?"

"I didn't love them. They hurt me. And then they were killed by a Witch. And then Kyoko saved me. Then she gave me food, bed, and a home. So, I have to do something for her."

Hinano looked at her pitifully before sighing. "Have you talked to your family about this? The ones that actually care for you?"

"They won't like it."

"If not about being a Magical Girl, then just about how you're feeling in general. They won't be able to help if you don't talk to them. And if you take too long to do that, then you'll probably end up doing something that you'll all regret."

Regret…

Yuma would regret everything if she let her family die because she did nothing.

Chapter Text

Grapple with current opponent. Strike coming from the back. Lean forward at a close to 90-degree angle. Slight graze, acceptable, counter with own swing and likely amputate the limb.

Mind's Eye (True). The ability to calmly grasp the enemy's strength, the situation, and deduce the available means of survival. Not the result of talent, but through his lifetime of fighting opponents far stronger than he was. Even as a Counter Guardian he could never quite compare to a vast majority of Servants in raw power.

Parry, kick away. Lower guard and blades to side. Present center and head as open targets.

Fighting as he did had its risks. A single miscalculation, one misstep was all it would take to for a fatal blow to land. It wasn't a way of fighting for anyone that valued their life. He never did touch much stock in his though. Besides, it was best to have a chance of winning by putting one's entire life at risk than inevitably falling after being continuously cut up in a drawn-out fight.

This was why he preferred to end his fights quick. Just because he could analyze his opponents didn't mean his opponents weren't capable of doing the same given enough time.

Archer threw his blades at a Shadow Servant. As he created a new pair he leaned back as another took a swing at him. He took a slight cut to his shoulder and replied by gutting it with his sword.

Four left. One crippled.

Some blows were unavoidable, that was fine, so long as it wasn't fatal or affected mobility. It was the inevitability of fighting four Shadow Servants at the same time and trying to kill them as quickly as he could.

As it was, Kyoko was dealing with her own Shadow Servant fairly well, but the rest of the Magical Girls were severely outnumbered by the Black Feathers and the twins.

Felicia slammed her hammer knocking down several Black Feathers. However, the opening she presented allowed another to strike her in the belly with their chain. Felicia was able to get up and swing her hammer again, though there was now a bleeding cut on her side.

Reckless and dangerous. Could do a lot of damage but she needed support.

All four remaining Shadow Servants charged him. Before they could reach him though several bolts flew at them. One of them was forced to turn around and deflect the bolts leaving an opening in their charge.

Archer glanced at Iroha who received a small cut on the leg from a Black Feather she had turned away from.

Even when besieged by several Black Feathers, she was still set on helping her allies rather than dealing with the opponents in front of her. She ended with a good number of wounds from her efforts, but her efforts weren't in vain at least.

With the charging Shadow Servants out of sync he was able to step in and weave between their blows. He parried the one with a missing arm then led another Shadow Servant's blade straight through its chest. He jumped away and began firing from his bow.

Three remaining. The arrows weren't meant for them though. They struck down the Black Feathers that had been harrying Iroha.

Simple repayment of a favor. Plus, she reminded him of someone he happened to like.

Her Servant was getting cut up. Granted it was likely intentional and probably an acceptable risk for Archer to take those hits rather than draw out the fight, but it still wasn't that Kyoko wanted to witness. Unfortunately, she couldn't do anything about it until this Shadow Servant she was fighting was dead.

It was this thing, probably a child wielding some sort of woodcutter's axe, but damn if it wasn't strong. If she wasn't blocking it with her spear the axe would've sliced through her like butter.

Kyoko stabbed her spear into the ground and pumped Od through the shaft. Flame erupted from the ground as pillars, burning and temporarily putting the Shadow Servant off balance. She smiled as she pulled out spear out and prepared to thrust, only to have it deflected by a black chain and sickle.

"Stop getting in my way!" Kyoko shouted in frustration as she blasted the Black Feather with a fireball only for another to jump at her from above. She had to twirl her spear around and use its shaft to block a swing coming overhead. Another one then came for her while she was being occupied.

They knew jumping on a Servant would just get them killed. Instead, they were letting the three remaining Shadow Servants keep Archer at bay while they went for their true target.

Get the Master and you get the Servant.

The sound of a flute reached her ears and by the time she realized what it was, it was already too late. Kyoko's head was left ringing as the sound Magic or whatever it was began to bash around in her skull.

Those twins and the flutes they used as weapons were incredibly dangerous. Sharp notes created soundwaves that pushed Yachiyo and Felicia back any time they tried to get close to them. Lighter and more intricate melodies could also create sound directed to mess with and immobilize targets in an area. As for how Kyoko could tell the difference, well blame that music theory class she had to take as an elective.

"Damn it," Kyoko cursed as another note struck her head. The Shadow Servant had recovered and threw its axe at her. She blocked it with her spear, but the sheer force of the throw knocked her weapon out of her hands.

Crap.

Kyoko backhanded a Black Feather in the face and grabbed the other's weapon before they could swing it. Hand to hand was not her forte though and all she could do was grapple with the girl as the others slowly closed in.

This was bad.

She was about to use a Command Seal when the Black Feather was suddenly skewered in the side by a spear. Not hers though. This one was blue and silver with plenty of engravings and jewels dangling off it. Then ten more of the same spears came and rained down on the Shadow Servant.

Taking the chance given to her, Kyoko tackled the Shadow Servant as it was knocking spears aside, drove it into the ground, and began punching it in the face with a Reinforced fist. She landed a few good punches before it kicked her away. It then took a spear to the face.

"Thanks," Kyoko said begrudgingly as she got back up.

"They're focused on you," Yachiyo said as she walked over and tossed Kyoko's spear back to her. "I'm assuming it's because you're his Master?" The Magical Girl gestured towards Archer who had taken down another Shadow Servant leaving just two remaining.

"Yea, something like that," Kyoko admitted as she grabbed her spear and batted aside another Black Feather.

Yachiyo lifted her weapon aloft and multiple copies of it appeared in the air around her. She then swung her weapon down and sent the spear towards the remaining Shadow Servants. Archer replied in kind with his own Traced armory of swords. Besieged by bladed weapons turned projectiles on both sides, the remaining Shadow Servants were quick to fall.

"We need to find a way to deal with those twins," Yachiyo said. "They're blocking the path to the Uwasa and they know that we're on a timer."

"I'm assuming earplugs aren't going to work?" Kyoko grit her teeth as another melody caused her ears to ring.

"Not likely no," Yachiyo replied as she shot out several spears at the twins only for them to be knocked aside by a shockwave.

"The area works to their advantage," Archer said as he walked up to them. "Plenty of echo and surprisingly good acoustics for a sewer."

"Are you going to enjoy the music or are you going to blast them with a Noble Phantasm already?" Kyoko asked.

"Can't risk collapsing the sewer or getting us caught with something too big," Archer mused as he observed the twins. "The shockwaves are short ranged, and their mental attacks will likely only work if that sound reaches our ears."

Yachiyo crossed her arms. "You're saying we should overwhelm them with an even louder sound?"

"… Should I start screaming then?" Kyoko asked. She could be quite a shouter when she needed to be.

"I have a more efficient solution," Archer replied as he held out his hand and created… a gong.

A giant Chinese Gong.

Kyoko and Yachiyo didn't even need a warning to cover their ears.

Archer summoned a mallet, grabbed it with both hands, and slammed it the gong straight center. The ear shattering roar reverberated throughout the sewer and completely overwhelmed whatever noise the twins created. They tried blowing on their flutes again, only for Archer to do the same. This repeated, again and again, until the rest their group quickly closed the distance on the twins.

"I'd suggest you surrender," Archer said with his gong prepped once more. "You Soul Gems don't have any magic left in them."

"Fufufufu."

"What's so funny?" Kyoko asked Tsukuyo. Or wait, was it Tsukasa? No, this one actually had a chest so definitely Tsukuyo.

"Yes, that's definitely perfect timing for us," the other flat as a board twin said.

"Right?" Tsukuyo said.

"Huh?" Iroha said.

"You Soul Gems are tainted and that's perfect…" Yachiyo said. "Do you mean…? You… could it be…"

"You are all very fortunate," Tsukuyo said.

"Unfortunate yet fortunate," Tsukasa said. "After all, you'll be able to witness with your own eyes."

"The proof that Kamihana is the place where Magical Girls can be freed."

"Yachiyo!" Tsuruno shouted. Could those two be planning to…!?"

"Yes, it's the same as Tamaki. They plan on bringing that thing out."

Kyoko grabbed the gong for Archer so he could take out his bow and point it at the twins.

"Bringing what out?" Archer asked as he primed his next arrow, this one clearly meant to kill.

"It's a super cool finishing move!" Tsuruno shouted. "Go! Iroha. Bring yours out too!"

"Even if you tell me to, I just can't suddenly do it!" Iroha replied.

"Even if you can, don't!" Yachiyo replied. "If it relies on your Soul Gem being tainted then it's too dangerous!"

Archer fired his arrow, but it was blocked by something strange that began to sprout from both of the twin's bodies. It stretched out, contorted, and surrounded them, until Kyoko could finally recognize what it was.

"Witches are coming out of their bodies!?" Felicia asked.

"Seriously!? Iroha did this!? How the hell are Witches coming out of their bodies!" Kyoko shouted.

Kyoko. Archer's eyes were wide. Where do Witches come from?

Don't they just show… up… you don't think?

If this is the fate they wished to be freed from…

"This is a reflection of our emotions," Tsukuyo sat trapped within a gilded cage. "Something released from within ourselves."

"This is our Doppel," Tsukasa floated, drowning within a marble of water. "Proof that we can be freed."

"Now, as we please…"

"Now, as we wish,"

"Isolate us from all noise!"

"Disconnect us from all bonds!"

The twins in their new Witch-like forms flew up in the air. Kyoko barely had enough time to toss the gong aside before Archer grabbed her and carried her out of the way from the incoming projectiles.

"I don't think your gong is going to work anymore!" Kyoko shouted to Archer as he carried her against his side. They along with the rest of their group were busy evading or deflecting the constant stream of red and blue magical bullets.

"I'm aware," Archer said as brought out Heracles's stone axe with a single hand and threw it at the twins like the world's largest boomerang. They were forced to evade, briefly interrupting the stream of bullets and allowing him to toss Kyoko to the front of the tunnel that led to the Uwasa. He then pulled out his bow once more and began firing. "I'll hold them off! The rest of you deal with the Uwasa before your time runs out."

"Archer, I don't think you can handle those two by yourself!" Kyoko shouted, ignoring the slip of paper that fell onto her head.

"We'll hold them off," Yachiyo said as she joined Archer's side. "The rest of you go!"

"Got it! Let's go!" Felicia shouted.

"Right behind you!" Tsuruno followed.

"Stay safe," Iroha said as she followed the two.

Kyoko gripped her fist. Yachiyo was strong, strong enough to be able to fight at Archer's side at this moment. Kyoko knew this… and it frustrated her.

"He's strong and he's been at this longer than all of us combined…" Kyoko said to Yachiyo. "But he's suicidal and doesn't give a damn about his own life. He has a long history of sacrificing himself for the sake of others. You stop him from doing that! You keep him safe!"

Yachiyo nodded. "I will."

The two stared each other in the eye for a brief moment before Kyoko finally turned around and made her way towards the Uwasa.

"Hrunting."

The pitch-black arrow flew through the air and continuously sought its target. Tsukuyo's attempt to evade it were in vain as it flew directly for her and struck the sphere surrounding her.

"Tch."

The Doppel's defenses were surprisingly tough though. Hrunting was able to crack the sphere slightly, but before it could pierce any further Tsukasa rammed her sphere into the arrow and broke it in half. He might've been able to pierce it with successive shots, but they focused their fire on him before he could do so.

As he evaded Yachiyo tried to strike them from behind only to be pushed back by another shockwave as they blew on their flutes. She tried using her own barrage of spears turned projectiles but those dealt minimal damage after bouncing off their shells.

To make matters worse, the shells seemed to be regenerating from whatever damage they had received. That meant that-

"We need either a concentrated strike to break through their defense or hope we can outlast their Doppels," Yachiyo finished his thought for him as they dodged and deflected yet another simultaneous barrage from the Doppels.

"The latter means leaving the Uwasa to Kyoko and your friends. Can they handle it?" Archer asked as he threw several pairs of his blades into the air. Triple Linked Crane Wings might not break the shells, but it could certainly knock aside a good number of bullets heading their way.

"If the Uwasa is as strong as the previous one we've fought." Yachiyo deftly deflected several projectiles with her spear. "Then I'm not certain. Not with the Magic they've used up already."

"Iroha can use a Doppel, correct?"

"Yes... but."

"She'll probably just use it anyway despite your warning, if it means protecting her friends. And if your friend uses her Doppel, then will she be able to defeat it?"

"It's… likely yes."

Good, that meant that Kyoko was likely then he was at the moment despite the countdown. Now all he had to do was survive this… and maybe have a little fun in the process.

"So, you do think of Iroha as a friend," Archer commented as the twins suddenly reared their Doppels back before flying toward them in an attempt to run them over.

Yachiyo glared at him as she jumped over Tsukasa's Doppel. "Are you seriously trying to tease me?"

"Might as well, while I still have the chance," Archer smirked as he wielded Heracles's axe once more and used it to absorb the blow of Tsukuyo's sphere. He then reared his weapon back and swung it like a baseball bat, slamming the Doppel and sending it straight toward the other twin. Didn't seem to do much damage granted, but the jarred expressions from being bounced around and the annoyed looks they sent him after made it more than worth it. "Also trust me, if someone like that is fond of you, then you're probably never going to chase them away."

"You're surprisingly casual about all of this. Wasn't your Master worried?"

Archer shrugged as he used the axe as a makeshift shield against the next barrage. "I've been at this for a very long time. Kyoko worries about me more than she should. Besides the situation is bad but it hardly goes up to top ten worst things I've gone through."

"Did you survive all of them?" Yachiyo asked. "I'm assuming as a summonable spirit of legend that you're capable of dying multiple times."

"… Usually."

"Unfortunately, I don't think death is going to be as temporary for me."

Archer sighed. "People die when they're killed," he muttered under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing. Just… nostalgia."

"Huh… this really is different from a Witch's barrier," Kyoko commented as she made her way through whatever realm the Rumor had created. Compared to a Witch the design of this place felt almost more… deliberate. As if it had been carefully constructed, no matter how insane it seemed to be.

This time Kyoko caught the piece of paper as soon as it appeared.

00:20

They needed to hurry but-

"Gyah!" Iroha screamed as another bat hit her face.

"Ouch!" Felicia shouted as she was smacked in the head by another falling rock.

Apparently now that they were inside the Rumor's home anyone who drank the water was now subject to its misery.

"Why haven't I been affected though?" Kyoko asked herself. Nothing unfortunate happened to her yet, which was oddly strange considering the Luck stat that she and Archer likely shared.

"Ah!"

Kyoko turned to Tsuruno who punched her palm. "My magic makes me super lucky! Maybe that's why you're not affected, because you're close to me."

"There are Rumors coming!" Iroha shouted as a large group of… owls in buckets of water came to attack them.

They quickly moved forward to fight and things quickly devolved into chaos soon enough.

"Aaah! Felicia, don't hit me with your hammer!" Iroha shouted having apparently developed a Pavlovian fear response to said weapon.

"I'm sorry! I dropped it!" Felicia shouted as she somehow tumbled over Kyoko's spear.

"Get out of the way!" Kyoko shouted as she did her best not to accidently skewer the mercenary.

"Iroha get on!"

"Waaah! Tsuruno let me go!"

"Wait no! That's perfect!" Kyoko shouted. "Everyone huddle around the Genki girl!"

"Genki Girl!?"

It turned out that yes, Tsuruno's luck did apparently cancel out some of the Uwasa's misery. Granted they had to huddle very closely to Tsuruno, and Iroha seemed very uncomfortable riding her shoulders, but it was better than the alternative.

Eventually they arrived at another wide area where the Uwasa high above on a raised platform. It was a giant gold cup with a large eye attached to its toe. It overflowed with a sweet liquid whose scent permeated the area. Hovering above it were a medley of gigantic monstrous flies that were apparently attracted to the Uwasa.

They barely had time to observe it though before a giant boulder slammed down in front of them and knocked them all over.

"What the hell!?" Kyoko shouted.

"We were lucky!" Tsuruno exclaimed.

"How was that lucky!?" Felicia shouted.

"If it didn't bounce off that other over boulder there we would've been pancakes!"

"What other boulder?" Felicia asked.

"That one!" Iroha shouted as she tackled Felicia out of the way.

Soon they were all being assailed by a constant stream of debris from above. It also seemed that the closer they got to it the worse things got.

"Can you get a good shot from here?" Kyoko asked Iroha as she rolled under another giant rock.

"I tried!" Iroha replied as she continued firing at the Uwasa. "It's tough."

00:10

"We're running out of time!" Felicia shouted.

"I know that!" Kyoko shouted.

This was bad. Tsuruno was the only of them who was closing the distance on that thing, but even she was starting to have her progress impeded by the flies and debris. It seemed that her luck was starting to hit its limit.

"Tsuruno, it's too dangerous! Get back!" Iroha shouted.

"How can I be the mightiest if I can't save you from this curse!" Tsuruno shouted. She didn't stumble even as her body was being cut up by the falling debris.

"Are you an idiot!" Kyoko shouted. "Get out of there! Stop playing the hero, we'll figure something else out! And how are you even going to get up there anyway!"

Tsuruno didn't answer as she started using the falling boulders as stepping stones to reach the Witch.

Kyoko simply stared in shock. Why didn't she think of that?

Tsuruno jumped from boulder to boulder, relentless past the falling debris. She swung her body, opened up her fans, and let loose her flames. A majestic yet fearsome dance that was just as likely to burn away its user as it was to burn away the rubble around her. It was impressive, beautiful almost, and Kyoko was almost rooting for her.

Unfortunately, a bright flame burned out quickly, Kyoko knew that quite intimately. It was why she wasn't surprised when the flames faltered for just a moment and allowed a large rock to strike her on the skull.

"Tsuruno!" Iroha shouted as the Magical Girl began to fall.

Kyoko simply shook her head and turned away. There was nothing they could do. Soon the Genki Girl's body would hit the ground and be buried by the rubble. All that mattered now was trying to find another way to defeat that Uwasa.

Then Kyoko felt it. An energy coming from Iroha. The same one that the twins had been emitting.

Kyoko grabbed Felicia by her scarf and high tailed it out of there.

"What are you doing!?" Felicia shouted. "We need to help!"

"Trust me! We do not want to get caught up in that!" Kyoko replied as she dared to look back.

It started with her hair. It extended, lifted itself up, and began to tangle itself into countless large threads. The threads then became large bands of cloth.

Iroha was aware this time. Of the change her body went through. Of the terrible form she would have to take.

The cloth became her bindings, that wrapped around her eyes and ears, made her blind to the world around her. Blind to herself, so that she would not have to look upon it.

Her body was jerked into the air, almost as if being strangled, and she could feel her Doppel take shape around her. It's shape casting a dark shadow over everyone who stood beneath it.

Giovanna. The Doppel of Silence.

A cuckoo, a parasite, that refuses to look at it itself. That hides away from anything that it does not wish to see or hear, all while calling for someone. Cowardly and afraid of acknowledging the reality it concealed. The reality it tried to conceal with its cloth.

And she let it.

The bindings flew out, quickly closing the distance between it and the platform. They caught Tsuruno and gently lowered her to the ground. Then they enveloped the sky. Covered the area above, catching all the rubble that fell and tossed it aside.

Finally, she moved. Giovanna sprung itself forward, using its cloth as leverage. It flew into the air until it towered high above the Uwasa.

The Uwasa tried to attack, send out its flies, and spray her with its poison.

The pain, the anguish, the doubt, Giovanna ignored it all as it gathered its cloth above her. Even as she was being torn apart, she continued wrapping it until it formed a giant ball.

Then she swung.

Giovanna struck, pulverizing the Uwasa in an instant and completely collapsing the platform where it had once stood. It then attacked. Again and again, until all traces of the Uwasa finally faded. Until she was the only monster remaining.

Her job done, she gently lowered herself to the ground and released her form.

It was there that the bindings around Iroha's eyes finally released themselves and she was finally allowed to breathe.

"They sacrificed to demons that were not gods, to gods they had never known, to new gods that had come recently, whom your fathers had never dreaded," Kyoko whispered to herself as the Doppel faded and the world returned around them.

"What are you saying?" Felicia asked.

"Nothing… just realizing how messed up this Contract actually is."

A/N

Enjoy the new chapter. Also thanks to Ryouko, Inkrael, and Bacon on the ANAI discord for editing and helping me brainstorming a few new ideas.

Chapter Text

"Three cheers for Iroha!" Tsuruno shouted while lifting her can of soda in the air.

"Hip, Hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Mokyu!"

Kyoko simply watched as everyone else, apart from Archer, Yachiyo, and Iroha herself, lifted up their drinks and cheered. That included Emiri and Hinano, who happened to tag along after they went back to pick up Yuma.

Well, Emiri mostly dragged Hinano here when Tsuruno had given her the invite. She also dragged along Archer with her other arm, forcing the rest of the Emiya family to come with in the process.

Kyoko would be annoyed but, well free drinks. And ones that weren't going to curse her. Probably.

"Thanks everyone," Iroha blushed as she looked down at her own cup. "I didn't really do that much though."

"That bloody smear that used to be an Uwasa says otherwise," Kyoko replied. It was hard to imagine how a girl like her could cause so much destruction… but considering what Magical Girls turned into…

"You certainly had an eventful day," Hinano commented. "I've also been hearing about these Rumors wandering around in my area." She sighed. "It means I'm going have to start getting active again."

"Oh my God. Senpai is finally coming out of retirement!" Emiri shouted.

"I never retired. I just the others take charge of the area. Going to have to reconvene with them so we can properly investigate the Magius."

"Be careful," Archer warned. "They're strong."

Yachiyo nodded. "He and I only managed to hold the twins until they were forced to retreat after the Uwasa was defeated. They're still out there along with a good number of the Magius."

"They're clearly recruiting Magical Girls from within this city and the surrounding areas," Hinano said. "I'll see if one the girls in my area could spy on them for us."

"I can do it!" Emiri shouted.

"You'd make a terrible spy."

Kyoko simply returned to drinking her juice. She'd take the free drinks and let them cheer as much as they want, but there were other things in her mind that demanded her attention.

Do they not realize it yet or are they still in denial?

For the majority of them… probably the latter, Archer replied. It would be something hard to accept if I was their age.

That Magical Girls eventually becomes the very things they hunt? That the Incubators seem to be intent on turning young girls into monsters?... I could've ended up like them.

If it wasn't for Momo…

Yea… if it wasn't for her… Kyoko took a deep breath and set down her juice. She had been wondering for years now why Momo had made the wish she had made before her death. Now Kyoko had finally gotten an answer. It made sense… but it hardly gave her any closure. I still miss her.

I do too.

"Is everything alright Kyoko?" Yuma asked.

Kyoko turned and smiled for her. "Yea. It is."

Archer stood outside at the back of the restaurant, having left the building halfway through the party. He didn't much mind the company actually but there was someone he needed to talk to in private. Someone who happened to catch the signal he sent them and stepped out of the back door soon after he did.

"There was something you wanted to talk about?" Yachiyo asked.

"You know the truth behind Magical Girls, don't you?" Archer asked.

Yachiyo crossed her arms. "I do."

"How did you find out?"

"I… saw one of old teammates transform in front of us after using up their magic."

"And the others," Archer tilted his head towards the restaurant. "Don't you think you should tell them. I'm sure they've become aware that something is wrong with their Soul Gems if it can call out a Doppel, but a confirmation from their leader would be nice."

"I'm not their leader."

"Seems like it to me."

Yachiyo closed her eyes, gripped her head, and sighed. "It doesn't change anything. Whether they know or not the Magius have to be stopped."

"Even if they have a method to save Magical Girls? The Doppel's are essentially proof of concept."

"Even then. Whatever it is they have to run this system, requires the existence of Uwasa and Shadow Servants. You've seen the damage the trouble they've caused already."

"True… many innocent lives are becoming victims to what the Magius has planned," Archer agreed. "But how many Magical Girls throughout the years could be saved with this system? How many people would be spared from the Witches that they would become?"

"I have thought of that."

"And?"

"If we put everything into pure numbers and logic, then we're no better than the Incubators."

Archer closed his eyes and hid a smirk. "Well said."

"What will you do now?" Yachiyo asked.

"Whatever Kyoko wants," he replied.

"And what does she want?"

"I can't say… as a much as I try to predict her over the years, she still finds ways to surprise me." Bringing Yuma into their household had been probably one of the biggest and most recent surprises Kyoko had given him. Not that he particularly minded that one.

"On the off chance that she does want to join the Magius, then I will do what it takes to stop you."

"I'd like to see you try," Archer replied casually as she turned around and stepped back into the restaurant. That wasn't the end of it though as another Magical Girl came out of the building, waiting for her place in the line.

"Are you here to ask me out again?" Archer teased.

Hinano huffed. "I already apologized; would you just drop it?"

Archer raised his hand in surrender. "Alright, alright."

Best not to get her too angry at him. Women enraged were frightening creatures indeed.

"What do you need?" Archer asked.

"Yuma is thinking about being a Magical Girl," Hinano informed him. "She thinks that she's weak and useless, nothing but a burden to you and Kyoko."

Archer closed his eyes. "I'm aware."

"And?"

He looked at Hinano. "What she's going through emotionally, is something that Kyoko and I can do little about it. If we did, it would just make things worse."

"How are you so sure about that?"

"Because I once went through a phase like that in my youth. I was weak, constantly throwing myself into dangerous situations and doing whatever it took to acquire some measure of power, with little regard to my own well-being. All so that I could protect, literally anyone in front of me. Despite attempts from those close to me to help subside my more… self-destructive impulses, I ignored all of them and ultimately led myself to ruin."

Archer held out his hand and traced a knife which he began to toss in his hands. "Yuma desires power to protect those she holds dear and I can give it to her as a temporary measure. But in the end, she will never be satisfied until it comes from her own hands, whether through the works of a Magus or the contract of a Magical Girl. Unfortunately, the former might be too slow for her."

"Does Kyoko know about this?" Hinano asked.

He shook his head. "No. If she did, her reaction would be… volatile. Understandable considering the circumstances, but that would just as easily push Yuma away and into Contracting anyway."

Archer reared his arm back and threw the knife into a nearby alleyway. It struck the Black Feather that had been spying on them. They ultimately ran away with a knife sticking out of their arm. "I can almost always tell when something is going wrong and the countless ways to make it worse, but I can't think of a single solution to resolve this situation. At least without tearing them apart."

Even the revelation of the eventual fate of Magical Girls might not be enough to dissuade Yuma. Especially if a situation would arise where he or Kyoko were in serious trouble. After today's events… well it was more likely than unlikely at this point. People that made Contracts thrived on the desperation of those signing them after all. That was a near universal truth.

Things would be fine if they could just return to Kazamino and back to their previous status quo. Yuma would not be nearly as pressured to Contract and they would have more time to devote to her training. He would just have to hope Kyoko would want to go back. Honestly, he wasn't too sure how she'd act now that they had been caught up in this Uwasa business and the Magius's plan to save all Magical Girls.

"Well, all I can say is good luck with that," Hinano replied. "It's going to be a pain having to keep track of all the Magical Girls in my area again, but if they really are being recruited by the Magius."

"You might end up fighting against girls you're familiar or even friendly with," Archer mulled. "That's never a good thing. Even ignoring the emotional toll, the fact is they'll be familiar with your abilities and tactics and inform their colleagues accordingly."

"Well, it's not like I kept what I could do a secret anyway. Besides I have more than a few formulas I've been keeping in the back pocket for emergencies. They'll regret underestimating a Veteran." HInano sighed. "Still, I should probably check on some girls when I can. Make sure they don't end up getting convinced to do something stupid in the first place."

"Well, there's only one thing I can say," Archer smirked. "Good luck with that."

The streets were dark by the time the party had ended and Archer left with Kyoko and Yuma. They would've left earlier but well… he needed to give Tsuruno some advice on her cooking. Hopefully things would improve and if not… well he did what he could.

The streetlights illuminated their path as they made their way back to the dorms. It was quite, peaceful, and a perfect time to drop some valuable information.

"Magical Girls become Witches," Archer said plainly.

"What!?" Yuma shouted as Kyoko simply stayed silent and watched.

"It's something that Kyoko and I just learned. They become the monsters that we hunt… and the ones that could just as easily end up killing us."

"T-that's horrible," Yuma stammered.

"It is. The Contract is even worse then we assumed." He shook his head. "The Incubator truly had us all deceived."

"Isn't there something we could do for them?" she asked.

"… Not at the present. Nothing that I could do really. The best we can do is to put them down…"

If he couldn't confront Yuma directly about her desire to be a Magical Girl, then it was best to tell her what they had learned. That would dissuade her from making a Contract without alienating from him or Kyoko. In the end it was important that this remained her choice and that they didn't take away any autonomy from her.

"In the end Magical Girls are going to get killed by Witches, each other, or become Witches themselves," Kyoko finally commented, having realized what he was doing.

Good, simplify it. Make sure Yuma gets the message.

"Wow…" Yuma stared at the ground.

"Yea its bad, everyone back at that party are doomed. Good chance Archer and I might end up hunting them by the time they inevitably turn."

"Gathering and selling Grief Seeds seems to be in bad taste now that we know what they are," Archer mused.

"Eh," Kyoko waved him off. "At that point we're just handling the corpses. Nothing human left in them to worry about. You could think of us as funeral directors. We're putting them down and putting the remains to good use."

"Grim, but accurate."

"… They aren't doomed," Yuma eventually replied.

"Didn't you hear what I just said?" Kyoko asked.

"I did…," Yuma raised her head and looked them both in the eye. "When I was being bullied by Mama, I always thought it would be better if I died…. But when I was attacked by the Witch and about to die… I still wanted to live. Even if they do turn into Witches someday… someday isn't today."

That…

"Everyone dies someday," Yuma continued. "Even us. That doesn't mean we're doomed or should choose to stop living anyway. That doesn't mean we should give up on them while they're still fighting."

"That's…" Kyoko stared at Yuma in surprise. "Very mature of you."

It really was. Yuma was more than the hardworking child Archer had initially assumed and… he was proud of her for surpassing his expectations.

But it also complicated things. She wasn't afraid of dying. Not that she was suicidal, she had plenty of desire to live, but she was even more willing to act or sacrifice herself than he had initially assumed. She wouldn't be afraid of turning into a Witch if she chose to become a Magical Girl. All previous attempts to dissuade essentially amounted to nothing, he would have to find another way to stop her from Contracting.

"What do about Ky- the Incubator?" Yuma asked. "Are you still going to tell him anything about this?"

"Nah," Kyoko replied. "No need to tell it anything or look for anything else. Let's go back to Kazamino once this exchange program is done."

"Are you fine with leaving things unfinished?" Archer asked. "What about Oriko Mikuni?"

"This whole Magical Girl and Witch nonsense has nothing to do with us," Kyoko replied. "As for the information the Incubator wants, well screw it. I don't have to fix the problems it's caused, but I'm not going to be responsible for whatever extra crap it ends up doing if we were to give it any more information. We'll find another way to deal with Mikuni. Let the Incubator deal with the crazy Magical Girl cult… honestly I'm almost rooting for them at this point."

"What about the people the Magius end up getting involved in their actions?" Archer asked.

"Not our responsibility. If you want to go and save the innocent… that's fine, but I'm not going to put us all in anymore danger."

Archer sighed. "What you desire takes priority over any personal feelings I have on the matter. Besides… I am rather keen on returning home. It's much safer there… and we could finally focus on Yuma's training again. I believe she's ready for the next step."

If making becoming a Magical Girl less appealing wouldn't work, then he would just have to push further on Yuma's path to becoming a Magus. If she made sufficient progress, there then she wouldn't have any need to Contract.

Hopefully.

"Really?" Yuma asked in astonishment.

"Yea," Kyoko replied as she rubbed Yuma's head. "We still have to make a Magus out of you. Isn't that right?" She suddenly turned and smiled evilly at Archer. "Magical Boy."

Archer feet stopped moving and he quickly grabbed Yuma by shoulder. "Yuma"

"Yes Archer?" Yuma asked, confused as to why he had grabbed her.

"Stab me with Rule Breaker."

"What!?"

"Stab me with Rule Breaker right now!"

"Or do you prefer Magical Man?" Kyoko asked.

"Just do it!" Archer nearly shouted.

"Okay!" Yuma took Rule Breaker out of her bag. She closed her eyes as reared back her arm and thrusted.

"Auuuaaaagh!"

Unfortunately, Yuma was a bit short in comparison to him so her stab struck… a less than desirable area. The weapon still worked though. And the process of transferring Command Seals was completed. By the end of it the back of Kyoko's hand was bare.

"Why did you stab there?" Archer groaned.

"You told me to," Yuma whimpered as she stared at the marks on her hands.

"Eh, you're a Servant. You'll live." Kyoko patted his back as she grabbed Rule Breaker from Yuma's hands and used it to stab Archer's back. "There we go," she said cheerfully as she held up the Seals that reappeared in her hands. "Feels weird not to have them. You're still stuck with for the time being by the way."

"I hate you…" Archer groaned.

"Love you too Archer."

Parmigiana, Brie, Camembert, Muenster, so many different types of cheeses but only enough money for one piece. Truly a conundrum of the ages, one that Nagisa had experienced countless times already. If only there was a way she could just take it all without anyone noticing.

Wait, no, she was a good girl. She wasn't supposed to steal. Just like she wasn't supposed to try and eat any Magical Girls or Humans that she came across.

Even if the ones wearing yellow did look pretty tasty…

Nagisa slapped her cheeks much to the cashier's surprise.

No! No eating people! Cheese is enough! Cheese is everything she ever wanted.

Eventually settling on a nice homemade Mozzarella, Nagisa made her way out of the store with her prize in hand. She made sure to purposefully ignore the Pink Kyubey that tailed her from a short distance away.

A little spy that a certain Goddess had sent to make sure Nagisa kept to her task. The Goddess could be surprisingly overprotective over her stewards, though now that Nagisa thought about it, the other messenger of the Goddess never needed to have a pink Kyubey following her…

Something to ask about once she finished with this mission. It would probably take a while to get done, but well she had all the time in the world.

As for her mission, well she essentially had free reign of Kamihama so that she could find the reason why the Goddess couldn't save the Magical Girls of this Record. That and she would report on the human known as Madoka Kaname if she ever ran into her. Apparently, the Goddess had given her access to her power and wanted to see how the other her was progressing with it.

The first part was a priority though, or at least Nagisa made it a priority so she could explore a new city. Magical Girl heaven was nice and all, but it could get a little boring after a couple of years. Sue her.

After finishing her cheese, and wanting more, Nagisa stepped into an alleyway and transformed into a Magical Girl. She looked around and made sure no was around before reaching into herself.

Then out from her stomach popped out a single circular long eared familiar. Pyotr the Witch of Sweets' minions, whose goal it was to search for cheese. They could also be used for scouting, but she couldn't really expect much from each one.

Which is why twenty more popped out of her body until she had a small army of her familiars in front of her. Some had halos over their heads, while others had nurse's hats.

"Now you know your mission," Nagisa commanded her troops with the most authoritative tone she could muster. "You are to fan out and find whatever traces of Magic it is that is affecting this city." She pointed a finger and waved it at all of them. "Stick to the sewers and shadows, run away if you're seen, and don't eat any people… Cheese is fine though and also pick up any loose change you find."

With the order given, Nagisa's troops moved out to fulfill their mission. They would be fine on their own, even if a Magical Girl did find them, they'd just assume that it was just a rumor summoned by an Uwasa. No one would be able to track it back to her, which she definitely wanted to avoid.

Kind of hard to explain how a Witch like her existed when she wasn't allowed to tell them how she had received Salvation in the first place. And that was assuming they were willing to listen to her and try to kill her on sight.

"Now where to go next?" Nagisa mulled to herself as she turned around and noticed the Pink Kyubey sprinting in her direction. "What's wro-" she yelped as she was tackled in the chest and sent to the ground.

It quickly became apparent why the Pink Kyubey did this, when a Magical Girl suddenly leaped down and stabbed where Nagisa had just been standing with a knife.

Nagisa quickly pushed the Pink Kyubey aside and stood up.

That was close! She hadn't noticed her presence at all. Had she been watching that entire time?

The Magical Girl wore a grey hakama patterned with black and a purple kimono fringed with white. Around her waist was a large a black ribbon, its long tails fluttering behind her as she walked, and her face was hidden by a white fox mask. In her hand was a highly decorated ornamental knife. For some reason all of Nagisa's instincts were screaming at her to not let that weapon touch her body.

"Uh… I can explain what you just saw," Nagisa began saying, only to realize she couldn't. She wasn't actually allowed to explain how or why she had achieved Salvation in this timeline. "Uh… I'm a nice Witch."

The fox masked girl simple brandished her knife in silence.

Nagisa had no choice but to take out her trumpet in turn.

A/N

Enjoy the new chapter. Thanks to Ryouko, Inkrael, Bacon, Chad, Crusader, Sa'Kage and the other people on the ANAI discord for editing and helping me brainstorming a few new ideas. Also thanks again to Bacon for coming up with titles for some of these chapters.

Chapter Text

Nagisa and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Nagisa blew on her trumpet, sending out a barrage of red bubbles that quickly surrounded the fox masked Magical Girl.

That should stop her from getting closer. Now they could just talk this out. They were about the same height and were probably around the same age, or at least the same age when Nagisa had fallen to despair, so she really didn’t want to fight her.

The fox masked girl stared at the bubbles blankly, or at least Nagisa assumed so under the mask, before moving forward and stabbing one of them with a knife.

“Wait!” Nagisa shouted. “They explo-”

The bubble didn’t explode though. Neither did any of the other bubbles that that girl’s knife seemed to touch.

Nagisa raised the trumpet to her lips and shot out a bubble beam, hoping to knock her back. Instead, the girl simply raised her knife and intercepted the beam. All the bubbles quickly disappeared into nothingness wherever they struck.

Oh boy. That was not good.

Nagisa ducked under the girl’s first swing but was unable to get out of the way of the second. She simply whispered a prayer as she raised her trumpet to block it.

A loud clang filled the air and Nagisa found that her prayer had been answered. Her trumpet had blocked the strike, though she was unable to do anything about the straight kick to the gut.

“Ooph,” Nagisa let out as the air expelled from her lungs and she was sent to the ground. She didn’t actually need to breathe… but well it wasn’t pleasant. She quickly got up, likely surprising the other girl with her quick recovery, and began to hop away.

That girl’s knife seemed to cancel out any Magic it hit, but it couldn’t break through a Magical Girl’s weapon. It meant that Nagisa at least had some line of defense, no matter how small it was. It was certainly better than learning what that thing could do if it ever touched her body. Charlotte might be able to handle it through sheer mass and force alone, but people would definitely notice if she did it before she set up a labyrinth. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the best at doing that, compared to her other Messenger at least, and needed time to form her labyrinth.

Nagisa quickly ducked as a spear made of asphalt flew by her head.

She glanced back and saw the girl still giving chase. The girl reached her arm out, grabbed a nearby lamppost, and somehow ripped a good chunk of it apart. The material she gathered then shifted in her hands and formed into a spear of aluminum and electric wire.

Oh boy. What did the Goddess call it? Magecraft? That wasn’t good, especially when Nagisa still had that knife to consider.

Eventually they reached the end of an alleyway.

Nagisa blew on her trumpet and used the bubbles as platforms to hop out of it and then quickly scanned her environment. Soon enough, she found what looked to be an abandoned building and made her way toward it.

If she couldn’t use her magic directly, then she just had to use the environment instead. The knife was meant for Magical attacks and there was only so much the girl could alter with her Magecraft.

As Nagisa entered a building through a window, she blew on her trumpet. Bubbles flew out and spread throughout the building. It’s walls, ceilings, and floor, every single hole and crevice she could find. She would’ve liked to completely cover the place with her Magic, but she had to stop and turn around once the girl hopped through that same window.

“We don’t have to fight,” Nagisa said. “We can be friends.”

“You’re a Witch,” the girl finally spoke. She sounded young. They really were the same age.

“I’m a good Witch!”

“There are no good Witches.”

“Uh huh!”

“Nuh huh,” the girl replied before rushing forward, dual wielding her weapons.

“Sorry,” Nagisa replied as she began blowing on her trumpet, detonating the bubbles underneath the floors.

Rather than fall through the floor though, the girl reached out with her spear and had it somehow sink into the remaining floor. She then used it as leverage as she vaulted toward Nagisa.

Nagisa then blew up the bubbles in the ceiling, blowing it up and sending it collapsing toward her opponent. The masked girl simply reached out and turned the falling wood and stone into a makeshift shield. Left with no other choice, Nagisa blew up the bubbles underneath herself and used the newly made hole as an escape route. She then ran through a doorway, into a hallway, and blew up several holes in that hallway’s floors and walls. Nagisa quickly jumped through one of them, hoping to confuse the girl with the rest as she gave chase.

That entire time, Nagisa’s mouth never left her trumpet, constantly streaming bubbles to set up traps and create new escape routes. She needed more time and more bubbles in case she couldn’t get away, which meant continuing to lead this girl on a merry chase as long as she could.

This continued on for several minutes, until Nagisa paused for a second and noticed that the girl was no longer behind her. She stopped blowing on her trumpet and listened for any sounds of movement.

A light crash underneath.

Nagisa silently jumped through a hole and made her way back up. She had already set up the bubbles she needed, but if she could just get away unseen, then maybe she wouldn’t have to use them. Once she reached the top floor, Nagisa made her way toward a large inviting windowsill. She would jump out of it and escape into the night.

Or at least she would, until a hand suddenly came out of the wall and grabbed her in the face.

Nagisa was slammed to the ground as the rest of the masked body’s broke through the wall and left behind a nice Magical Girl shaped hole. Bits of wood, concrete, and plaster scratched Nagisa’s body as she desperately tried to slap the girl’s hand off her face with her trumpet. She only got a few weak swings though before the girl grabbed Nagisa’s hand, wrenched the trumpet out of it, and then lifted Nagisa by the face before slamming her into another wall.

Ouch.

Unable to do anything else, Nagisa simply commanded every bubble she had set up to explode. The place shook, but that didn’t help much at the moment as she was stabbed with a knife and thrown straight through a doorway.

Nagisa whimpered as her transformation undid itself and she hit the floor. Her Soul Gem was still there, but she could no longer seem to draw from it. Even Charlotte was silent. It was a wonder how she was still conscious and had control over her body.

“I’m a good Witch. You don’t need to hurt me!” Nagisa said frantically as she looked around the room she had been thrown in. No windows, no other doorway apart from the one the girl was blocking.

“There are no good Witches. They’re monsters that all need to die,” the girl replied as she slowly stepped forward.

Nagisa had always been warned about Witches and the Incubators, but right now this murderous Magical Girl with a very sharp knife seemed scarier than any of those things.

Before the girl could stab Nagisa though, a loud rumbling could be heard throughout the building, the worst of it coming from the very bottom. The foundations of the place had finally broken, Nagisa had been worried that she hadn’t put enough bubbles down there.

The girl pounced, but Nagisa quickly rolled to the side as the entire room tilted and began to collapse into the floor below it. Nagisa closed her eyes and prayed as they fell into the destruction and the building collapsed around them.

It was a miracle, likely from the Goddess, that Nagisa hadn’t been completely crushed and was able to dig herself out of the edge of the rubble. Her Soul Gem was intact, and the wounds were just really really painful, but not fatal. That was how she was able to limp away from the wreckage despite looking like a near mangled corpse.

Nagisa had to be quick though. A collapsed building likely wouldn’t kill the other girl, not with her Alteration, but it would at least keep her busy trying to dig herself out.

Thankfully at some point Nagisa’s magic returned to her, which allowed her to transform again and quickly run away despite the bleeding. It seemed that the girl’s ability to cancel magic had a certain range, or maybe it was only for a brief period. Either way she was relieved to have Charlotte returned to her. She was also relieved to sit down in a park she had found and start healing some of her injuries.

They really hurt.

Nagisa leaned against a slide, bleeding profusely onto the ground, as she began the long process of knitting her wounds.

After she dealt with the more critical injuries, mainly the ones to her internal organs and limbs, she realized how tired she was.

Still bleeding, she closed her eyes and let her head rest against the wall. These injuries wouldn’t kill her so she could leave them alone for the time being. All she really wanted was to take a nap.

Then she felt a pair of hands grab her chest.

Nagisa stopped breathing.

This was it. She was going to die. Not even get sent to the Goddess. No, this time it would truly be over.

She opened her eyes, ready to accept her fate. Instead of a purple kimono though, Nagisa saw a white dress with blue frills. Instead of a dagger she saw what looked like a giant Bento Pick that you’d find in a packed lunch. Instead of a white fox mask she looked into a pair of concerned blue eyes.

“It’s okay. I just want to help,” the girl said to Nagisa. They also seemed to be around the same age.

“Thank you,” Nagisa sighed as she relaxed and let the girl do her work. Eventually her wounds were healed, though the girl’s Soul Gem was notably darker. “Do you have a grief seed on you?”

The girl shyly glanced away. “No. I was going to hunt tonight but… then I found you.”

If the girl fought the Witch now, she could get killed or fall to despair. Nagisa didn’t want to happen, especially since she used so much Magic to heal her in the first place.

“What’s your name?” Nagisa asked.

“Riko Chiaki.”

“I’m Nagisa,” Nagisa replied cheerfully. “Nagisa Momoe. Could you close your eyes for a second?”

“Why?” Riko asked.

“It’s a… surprise! Yes. A surprise!”

Riko looked at her confused before eventually closing her eyes. “Ok…”

Nagisa quickly grabbed the gem off her belly and put it against Riko’s Soul Gem. It only took a brief moment for her to absorb the girl's darkness and then put her gem back on her belly.

“Oh, a Grief Seed!” Riko cheered happily with her eyes still closed.

“You can open them now,” Nagisa replied.

Riko opened her eyes and smiled at Nagisa. “I’m glad you’re okay!” She began to frown. “You looked really hurt back there. What happened to you?”

“I was fighting a Witch,” Nagisa lied. “I got it, but it really hurt me. I used up the seed on me and you.”

“Well, I’m sure we can find another one.” Riko offered a hand and Nagisa took it.

“I don’t want to fight anymore tonight,” Nagisa whined as she was pulled up. “I just wanna get some sleep.”

“Do you need help getting back home?” Riko asked.

“No…” Nagisa glanced away.

“Nagisa… do you have a home?”

“I do!” Nagisa quickly denied it. “It’s far away right now. Like really far away.”

“What about your parents?”

“I don’t have a Mama or Papa,” Nagisa replied quickly. “Someone better takes care of me.”

“But they’re not here right now?”

“No…”

“Then do you want to stay at my house tonight? My parents aren’t coming back until tomorrow afternoon.”

Nagisa looked at Riko carefully. The Goddess had told her not to go to a stranger’s home or van, whatever that meant, but Riko seemed really nice. Also, it’d be nice to have a friend her age.

“Sure.”

Using the makeshift shield she had made from some of the falling stone, wood, and concrete, the fox masked Magical Girl slowly dug her way upwards. She had been able to protect herself from most of the debris, but it was still a pain having to dig herself out of the wreckage.

If that Witch was still alive, then it would pay.

Eventually she saw small beams of moonlight and with one last push was able to emerge from the rubble. She took a deep breath and reveled in the night air before looking around for any sign of that Witch.

No sign of it. The Witch had escaped.

She gripped her knife tightly.

Whatever. She’d find it again. And she’d make sure to put it down. It wasn’t the first time she had to track down a particularly evasive Witch while living on the streets.

“Could I ask why you felt a need to destroy a building we were planning on renovating?”

The girl turned and found herself facing another Magical Girl. This one with blue hair, a blue eastern style outfit, and a pair of long claws on her hands. A martial artist most likely, someone who excelled in hand to hand combat.

“It was a Witch,” the girl replied as she made sure her mask was secured to her face. “Who are you?”

The blue Magical Girl put her hands together and bowed slightly. It was respectful, but brief and left little openings that the masked girl could see. “Meiyui Chun. Third generation of the Blue Seas family, and that was our territory you destroyed.”

“I told you it was a Witch,” the masked girl replied.

“A Witch would’ve had a labyrinth and caused little damage to its surroundings upon its defeat,” Meiyui argued.

“It was a weird Witch. Disguised itself as a little girl. I’m going to hunt it down.”

“You’re rather young to be hunting by yourself. Especially at this time.”

“We’re Magical Girls. It’s what we’re Contracted to do.”

“It doesn’t have to be alone, nor should it be done in a way that causes this much destruction,” another voice called out.

The fox masked girl turned around to find that she had been surrounded by three more Magical Girls. One with green hair and a staff, one with grey hair and gauntlets on her firsts, and one with purple hair and a long sheathe that held a pair of swords on each end.

Likely one ranged and three melee combatants. A single scratch with her knife would take away one girl’s magic but the rest would quickly notice and adapt accordingly.

“I’m sorry about the building. Is there anything we can do so we don’t have to fight?” the fox masked girl asked as she discreetly glanced at the girl with the staff. Looked like the smallest and most demure of the group. That would be her best bet at breaking free.

“I am Nanaka Tokiwa,” the Magical Girl in purple stepped forward. “As for what you can do.” Nanaka seemed to appraise the fox masked girl carefully. Like Meiyui, Nanaka seemed to put on an air of poise and elegance. “Tell me, what are you doing in Kamihama? We have not seen you around”

“I hunt Witches,” the girl responded curtly. “Kamihama has a lot of Witches.”

“How long have you been here?” Nanaka asked

“… Couple of weeks.”

Or at least that was what the masked girl assumed. She had lost track of the days recently, fully focused on hunting the many Witches that seemed to gather in Kamihama. She was a soldier in a war she had committed herself to, one that wouldn’t end until her death. That was the price for her Contract, the one she had accepted to save a girl she once called family.

“Alone?” Nanaka asked

“Yea,” the masked girl replied.

Nanaka seemed to ponder her words. “You certainly seem capable… and we could use another Magical Girl for our mission.”

“Mission?”

“Yes. We have an enemy we must hunt.”

“A Witch?”

“My magic allows me to discern our true enemy. The one that manipulated a Witch to interfere with our lives.”

“Revenge then, well if I run into them, I’ll tell you.”

“No,” Nanaka stepped forward. “What is your magic?”

“I don’t want to tell.”

“Then perhaps a duel with me.”

“And if I refuse?” the masked girl asked.

The girl with silver hair stepped forward only to have Nanaka stop them by holding out a hand. Nanaka must’ve been the leader of this group then.

“I propose to you a duel,” Nanaka offered. “One on one. If you win, you’ll be allowed to leave and your debt for this building will be repaid. If I win, you’ll work with us until our mission is complete.”

“You’ll be my opponent,” the fox masked girl asked as she looked at her opponent properly.

Nanaka’s ability to discern her enemy would likely have little to no application in combat. That meant the swords she had in her hand were likely her only method of attack.

There would be no Magical attacks that the girl’s knife could erase, and she couldn’t destroy a Magical Girl’s weapon itself. However, all it would take to end the fight though was single scratch.

“Fine. I accept,” the girl replied as she took a stance with her knife.

Nanaka grabbed the hilt of one her blades and pulled out a fairly plain and average length katana. There was a tassel and some decorations on the hilt but nothing strange about the blade itself. That blade had a longer reach than the girl’s knife though, that meant she would likely have to take a hit if she was going to land a scratch.

The fox masked girl lowered her stance and presented several openings to her opponent.

That was fine. She was used to getting hurt after all.

Nanaka rushed forward and began to thrust.

The girl tilted her body slightly to take the blade in her stomach while she swung with her knife, only to find that blade never came. Instead, she found her knife blocked by the hilt of Nanaka’s weapon.

A feint.

Once it became clear that baiting Nanaka wasn’t working, the girl decided to take several quick swings. These two were all blocked and soon she found her knife locked against the flat of the sword.

Poise and elegance, that was what Nanaka seemed to have in spades. Almost like an artist on the battlefield.

“Your intention is clear,” Nanaka said as she pushed the girl away with a single swing of her blade. “To purposefully take an injury in order to land even a glancing blow with your knife. Your Magic is applied to the blade itself, but it would bring dishonor for one of the Tokiwa family to be struck by such shoddy bladework.”

The masked girl stepped forward and swung again. Each time their blades connected sparks flew and the sound of clashing metal reverberated through the air. Like miniature fireworks being lit up and shot every time they swung. It was a strange, almost rhythmic battle, unlike anything the masked girl had fought before. It soon became clear though that one of them was just a beat too slow

“Aggressive, like a wild beast,” Nanaka commented as she sidestepped another swing. The blade flew harmlessly by her side, not even scratching her hair that seemed to move naturally with the wind. “That might work against Witches and more reckless Magical Girls.” Nanaka grabbed the masked girl’s arm midswing and then jabbed her in the stomach with the hilt of her sword. “But not one trained with the blade.”

The girl gripped her stomach after she was knocked back. Nanaka had held back on purpose, otherwise she would’ve likely broken a few ribs.

It made the girl mad.

She put a single hand to the floor underneath her.

Analyze the structure. Fill the openings with Magical Energy. Undermine the target’s existence in the World.

The stone and brick turned to putty in her hands as she went through the steps of Reinforcement. With the material’s existence now undermined, it was now more susceptible to manipulation.

Analyze the resulting material. Create a diagram within the mind. Change the structure.

And then the trigger in her mind, the one she used to complete her Magecraft. A knife stabbing forward, cutting down all her enemies.

Stone and brick hardened and warped to become sharpened steel. Her Alteration complete, the knife in her hand, the Magical Girl swung it at her assailant. She didn’t draw blood, but the surprise of the attack had forced the Magenta girl to back away.

“Interesting,” Nanaka said calmly and with poise, as if she wasn’t wide eyed just seconds ago. “That isn’t a part of your Magic.”

The Fox remained silent as she took her stance, her twin daggers held to her sides. Reminiscent of a man she once knew, another person that she had left behind for his safety.

What would he think if he saw her like this? To see her care little for her own life like he did his own?

“A dual blade style… I shall answer in kind then,” Nanaka said as grabbed the top end of her sheath and pulled out a second katana of the same length. She hung the now empty sheath along her waist before standing composed with the twin katanas in her hands. “For that is what is demanded of me, as is the pride of the Kashin-ryu.”

The masked girl charged, both blades at the ready. A single strike with her ornamental dagger. That was all it would take to end things.

Four blades danced in the air. If what was before could be called an ensemble, than this would be an orchestra. The roaring sounds of steel against steel as the masked girl swung with near reckless abandon.

And yet no matter how much the girl swung, no matter how much steel clashed against steel in her frenzy, she could not land a single hit.

A powerful wide swing from Nanaka was enough to force the masked girl back, the difference in their reach clearly apparent. The Magenta girl then crossed her arms and held her blades above her head.

Instincts were what saved the masked girl in that moment. Or perhaps it was bone chilling fear, the imminent realization of death in front of her that forced her to jump back. What was a beheading blow instead became one that snapped her head to the side and threw her onto the ground.

The girl’s mask fell off, miraculously still intact, though her face was revealed for all to see. A face she hadn’t let anyone see since she had left her old home.

“You truly are a child,” Nanaka commented.

The girl picked up the mask and returned it to her face. “We’re all children here,” she said with grit teeth as she stood up and raised her blades once more.

“Perhaps,” Nanaka admitted. “But you are clearly the youngest one here.”

“What does that matter?”

“You’re inexperienced. Clearly dependent on your Magic to finish fights. When forced to use your blades for extended periods it is clear that there is no beauty in your swings,” Nanaka said as she lowered her blades to her sides. “You lack technique and proper instruction. Most importantly of all though is that you have no pride in your blades. Such weapons swung simply as tools… they will never touch me.”

Beauty? Pride? What did that matter? These daggers were meant to kill. To destroy her enemies, slaughter as many as she could with the little time that she had. How dare this woman, this Magical Girl, lecture her on things that she didn’t understand?

If Nanaka had so much pride in her blades, then she would have to be the one to topple her from her lofty pedestal.

Pushing her Magical Circuits to the limit, the masked girl created a pair of daggers from the ground that she then threw at her opponent. Then another pair. Then six more. Dagger after dagger thrown as projectiles in quick succession as she closed the distance with her opponent once more. Countless knives were created, thrown, swung, and destroyed in the ensuing melee. It got to the point that the girl was grabbing the debris from the air just to have some sort of makeshift weapon to swing.

Eventually the masked girl threw a knife, forcing Nanaka to jerk her head to the side. She then swung with a bare fist.

Nanaka raised her arm to block the punch.

Midway through the swing the masked girl Projected a mundane dagger from thin air and finally struck the Magical Girl’s arm. It barely got through the cloth, and it wasn’t the ornamental dagger, so all that resulted was a small scratch that could easily be ignored.

It was still the first strike the masked girl had been able to land though.

Nanaka immediately retreated.

The masked girl was unable to follow simply because she was too exhausted from her assault. She was quite grateful for the mask at the moment, it made it hard for others to see how much she was struggling to breathe.

Nanaka glanced down at her arm and looked at the scratch. “I underestimated you. That was my mistake.” She tensed her arms and took a stance. “I won’t do that anymore. I’ll end this now.”

The lack of formality, the sudden steel that Nanaka’s voice took, that was all the warning the girl needed to raise her knives to block the next attack.

“Kashin-ryu first arrangement.”

Nanaka took a single step forward.

“White Camelia.”

A single swing that didn’t even reach her, and yet the girl could hear a light whistle in the air.

The masked girl didn’t blink. Didn’t even realize what happened until her knives shattered in her hands. And then blood erupted from her body from a singular strike to the chest. Like a geyser, the flow could not be stopped, and she fell to her knees.

The strength left her body as the rest of it fell. She didn’t even hit the ground before she blacked out.

Chapter Text

The Caged Pink Camellia

The girl groaned. Her eyes had barely opened before she closed them shut and dragged the blanket over her head. It was warm, nice, and comforting. Nothing like most mornings.

She hated mornings. She'd always wake up tired, and thirsty, and cold, and needing to go to the bathroom, sometimes all at once. Eventually sleep would win out though, like it did at this moment when she closed her eyes and let herself drift into her dreams.

Dreams were nice. They were much better than her life while awake.

It was nice… until she remembered what happened last night.

The girl sat up and reached for her Soul Gem, only to find it wasn't there. She looked down at her hand and found that her ring was gone, likely taken by the people that captured her. The girl then felt her chest. No pain and a quick glance under the white kimono she now wore revealed an unblemished chest.

Also, someone had taken her training bra. Not that it mattered much currently, but it'd be nice to have.

She reached for her face, ready to secure her mask as was her habit. However rather than the cold comfort of the food she felt the bare skin of her cheeks.

Anyone could see her face now.

The girl quickly brought the blanket over her face once more.

She hadn't stopped wearing a mask ever since she had left her old home. Even when not transformed she had taken to wearing a regular mask that she had bought from a festival.

Only once she had confirmed, once again, that there was no one else in the room did she peek her head out.

She had been left in a basic tatami mat room for sleeping, though there was enough hanging furniture to judge that the owner of this house had money. The futon she had been sleeping in was clean, luscious, and comfortable. Even now she was tempted to bury her back inside and go back to sleep.

The door opened and light streamed into the room. The girl quickly brought her blanket back up and hid her face.

"You're awake," a voice she recognized as Nanaka's said.

"Where's my mask?" the girl asked.

A brief shuffling and then several other pairs of footsteps entered the room. Likely Nanaka's entire group. That only made the girl drag more of the blanket over her head. Even if they had seen her face already, it didn't mean she liked being exposed to them.

"Here," a voice the girl didn't quite recognize said.

The girl blindly reached out with her hand until she finally felt the familiar wood of her mask on her fingertips. She grabbed it, brought it under the blanket, and quickly put it on. Once it was secured to her face, the girl reluctantly pulled the blanket off her head.

She had been correct to assume that all four of Nanaka's group were in this room. Including the green haired one who had been the one to hand her the mask.

"I'm surprised you were wearing a mask even outside your transformation," the grey haired one said. "Name's Akira by the way."

"Why did you bring me here?" the masked girl asked. "And where's my Soul Gem?"

"It was part of your agreement," Meiyun replied. "As for your Soul Gem, it's somewhere safe. We didn't want to risk you running off just yet."

"Yea, you're part of our team now," Akira said. "Welcome to the gang!"

"Some welcome," the masked girl mumbled as she put a hand to her chest. Even if the wound was healed, memories of that cut were still fresh in her mind. As were the memories of the Magical Girl who had dealt that wound in the first place.

If that had been a Witch or even another Magical Girl, then she'd be dead. Her vengeance would've ended then.

"Sorry," the green-haired girl apologized. "Nanaka can be really scary when she gets serious. I healed you, but well you were unconscious for a while there... I'm Kako by the way."

"That fact that you forced her to go all out, even for a moment, is impressive," Meiyun commented.

"Still," Arika winced as she pointed to her chest. "Nanaka really wasn't holding back there. Thank god Magical Girls don't scar."

There would be no mark there at all, but the masked girl could still feel that pain of the cut in her chest and breasts. Not that there was much of a distinction between the two at the moment, but she'd probably grow there. Eventually. If she survived that long.

She looked down at where her ring would be. She was more than prepared to put her knife to her Soul gem once the time came. Better than becoming a Witch. And honestly tempting at the moment considering her current situation.

"So, what now?" the masked girl sighed. A deal was a deal and as much as she hated it, she wasn't going to go back on it. She wasn't a liar after all.

"Now you go home and recuperate." Nanaka finally spoke.

The masked girl finally turned to the one that had cut her down and saw that she was now wearing glasses.

Huh… those actually looked pretty good on her.

"We will call upon you when you are needed," Nanaka continued.

"Fine... Just give me my Soul Gem and let me know when you want to meet up again," the girl replied as she got up only to have her hand grabbed by Kako.

"Do you have a home?" Kako asked.

"Why are you asking?" the girl replied.

"I mean, your clothes were pretty dirty and we had to give you a good wash to get rid of the grime in your hair. Your pants are a bit short too and even your underwear had some holes in it."

Nanaka's gaze became steel and the masked girl shivered as she was intimately reminded of what happened last night.

"Tell us the truth," Nanaka demanded. "Do you live on the streets?"

"Yes," the girl was forced to answer. Lying was not an option, nor was staying silent at the moment. Doing either of those things would likely end up with a sword through her chest again. "B-but I've been like this for three years now! I can handle it."

She didn't actually steal the clothes, she hated stealing, but once in a while a Witch left behind a corpse or two in its labyrinth that was relatively intact. Corpses of kids around her age that happened to wear clothes that could fit her. Corpses that would disappear once the Witch was killed so there was no issue… acquiring some shirts, pants, and shoes for her to use.

Underwear was something a bit too… personal for her to take from a corpse though. Those she had to buy at a discount store with whatever money she could pick up from the corpses.

Once again, not stealing if they're dead and their bodies would disappear anyway.

"You are no longer on the streets," Nanaka said. "And I am not having you return there in your current condition. A flower should be allowed to bloom in the proper environment."

"Flower?" the masked girl asked. What was with Nanaka and her obsession over flowers? Even her attack names were flowers.

"You'll be staying with me," Nanaka replied. "It works out. This way you're also available for training."

"Training!?"

"I won't have a beautiful blade like yours sullied with such an ugly arrangement. You will learn under me as is the pride of the Kashin-Ryu."

"What is the Kashin-Ryu?" the masked girl asked. Nanaka kept on mentioning it. "Some sort of Kendo style?"

Nanaka pushed up her glasses before looking at the girl and smiled. "Flower Arrangement."

The girl blinked. "What?"

"Flower arrangement," Nanaka repeated. "You will learn how to properly present flowers."

"That's it? You aren't some sort of awesome swordsman trained by a cool ancient family?" the girl began shouting. She couldn't help raising her voice, it was just that crazy. "Not even a samurai or something on some cool quest? You just make flowers look pretty!?"

"Yes." Nanaka's gaze hardened once more. "Do you have a problem with that?"

"N-no," the masked girl stammered.

"Good," Nanaka smiled again. "Now tell us your name."

"My… name?" the masked girl asked. She didn't have one. Not since her old home was destroyed in that fire. Not since she had left her remaining family to protect them.

"We will need your name if you're going to work with us in the future. Unless you'd prefer me to give you one." Nanaka put a finger to her chin and pondered for a moment. "The Lily is both sweet and innocent. Perhaps that's what we should be calling you."

"No!" The masked girl quickly shot that down. There was no way she was going to let herself be called a flower. "I'm…" As she struggled to come up with a name her hand began touching the edge of her mask. "Kitsu."

"Kitsu?" Nanaka said doubtfully.

"Kitsu. My name is Kitsu," Kitsu replied.

Ren smiled at the gloves she now wore. Rika had picked them out when Ren had become self-conscious about the marks on her hand.

White cloth with shades of light blue. Pretty and comfortable, something Ren never would've thought to choose herself. They really were a wonderful gift.

"Let's make sure you don't scare off anyone thinking they're Yakuza symbols or something. They're going to be there since you accidentally used a permanent marker," Rika had said when Ren had lied to her about why the marks wouldn't go away.

It was a necessary lie… but it still made Ren feel guilty. She didn't like lying to Rika. Especially when she received a wonderful gift for it.

Unfortunately, it's necessary. Unless you want to explain to your friend why a Goddess is hovering around you, Ereshkigal's voice overpowered the low drone of her classmates.

I want to… I just need to be able to say it myself.

Do you really trust her that much?

I do… she saved me… she's a good person.

Well… I guess you should do your best to cherish her then.

Ren looked at her gloves again. She really would do her best to cherish them.

"New gloves, Isuzu?"

The smile fell off of Ren's face as she looked and saw one of her classmate's standing in front of her desk. A familiar face, one of the many that had bullied her previously before they became too busy with other things. Ren's permission slip for the class trip did disappear though recently… the same ones that this classmate had been in charge of.

Ah, the bullying was starting up again. Wasn't it?

"Are you copying Emiya now?" the classmate began to gesture toward the newly arrived transfer student that sat in front of Ren.

"No…" Ren replied. "They were… a gift."

"From your mom?"

"My… friend."

"This is the first I'm hearing about you having a friend," one of the girls said deprecatingly. "Well come on, tell me about her."

"I…" Ren struggled to find the words.

"Unless she doesn't exist and you're just making it up."

No! Rika did exist! And she was a good person!

"She…" Ren struggled to speak but once again found the words trapped in her throat, much to her frustration.

Do you want me to smite them? Never actually got a chance to do that to the living, but apparently it's all the craze for Gods in my time… Not that I would go around doing it willy nilly. Just the people bothering you.

No! I need… to do this… myself. Also killing is bad.

Alright… just be careful. Also you of all people would know that death isn't as bad as some people make it out to be.

"They look nice," the same girl commented before starting to tug on the glove's cloth. "Why don't I try them on? I'm sure they'll look great on me."

"No…" Ren replied as she pulled back.

"Come on!" The girl started to tug even harder, to the point that the marks on Ren's hand began to show halfway. "What is that? A tattoo? Is that what you're hiding?"

Where did I put that lance…?

"No!" Ren shouted as she pushed away the girl's hand and pulled the glove back onto her hand. "They're mine! A gift! I won't…" she took a deep breath, "let you take them away!"

It was the first time she had ever raised her voice in the class. By the Great Below, it was the first time she had ever raised her voice and it left the entire class wide eyed and staring.

The girl, initially shocked by Ren's reaction, quickly grew annoyed. "You know tattoos aren't allowed in this school. I could tell a teacher-"

"Back off."

Both Ren and the girl turned to Emiya in shock. Emiya normally acted aloof and kept to herself, she rarely got herself involved with others. Especially Ren.

"Back off," Emiya repeated. "She already told you no. She's got boundaries. Respect them."

"Emiya!" the girl protested. "But she-"

"Look, are you seriously going to make trouble over a pair of gloves?" Emiya asked. "Like if you want a pair, you can just buy some yourself. Don't need to start a fight over them. Unless you can't afford it, and you're just desperate to take them from someone else."

"That isn'- of course I can buy them," the girl said as she tried to match Emiya's glare.

Emiya simply crossed her arms and held her ground. Eventually the girl's composure fell apart. "I-it's not like I need them anyway. They're ugly, they suit you, Isuzu."

"They're not ugly," Ren growled. Say what you will about her own fashion sense, but don't say a damn thing about Rika's. "You don't know any better."

"Whatever."

The classmate finally went away and allowed Ren to collapse in her seat. She had barely said a few lines and was already exhausted.

Good job.

… Thanks.

Ren looked up at Emiya who was still standing in front of her.

"T-thank you," Ren said.

"Roof. After school."

Ren blinked. "What?"

"Roof," Emiya suddenly leaned in and growled. "After. School. Ends."

Whatever voice Ren had gained previously quickly faded away until all that remained was an intimidated whimper. "Ok…"

Ren had been more than prepared to go to the roof after classes had ended. What she hadn't been prepared for was Emiya grabbing her by the arm and quite literally dragging her there.

That was going to be hard to explain to the class… assuming that she could actually open her mouth to do so. Maybe it'd be better to just write them all a note…

Once they reached the rooftop, Emiya released Ren's hand and positioned herself between Ren and the door.

There was no escape at that point. Not unless Ren was willing to throw herself off a roof again. And honestly, that didn't seem so appealing anymore.

"Are you working with the Magius?" Emiya growled.

"Magius?" Ren asked.

"Magical Girl cult. Doing crazy stuff to save Magical Girls."

"I… don't know," Ren admitted.

"Then where did you get those Command Seals?"

"Command… Seals?" Ren asked.

"The marks on the back of your hand. Proof that you've got a Servant hiding somewhere."

"Servant?"

"Do you seriously have no idea what I'm talking about? Did your Servant not explain it to you?"

"No… not yet," Ren stared at her glove and then the one on Kyoko's hand. "You… have one too," she realized.

Emiya took a step forward only to have her way barred by a large double ended black and white lance with a circular hilt in its center. The tip of it was aimed precariously at the red-haired girl's neck.

"You should learn to act with more tact," Ereshkigal said. "Especially to the Master of one of my status."

Emiya's eyes grew wide as she stepped back.

It was weird though. It wasn't just all shock that Ren could see in Emiya's eyes. There was also a glint of recognition.

"Did you two… meet before?" Ren asked much to Ereshkigal's surprise.

"No… not personally," Emiya replied.

Suddenly a man appeared behind Kyoko and pulled her away from the spear. A man in red and black that Ren knew quite well.

"Archer…" Ren said.

"Wait, you know her?" Kyoko asked her Servant.

"Yes…" Archer said cautiously as his eyes focused on Ereshkigal. His eyes seemed to have a light of familiarity behind them. "Ren and I are well acquainted at this point. She wasn't a Master when we last met though, this must've happened quite recently."

"Is that why you seem so familiar to me?" Ereshkigal asked as she set her lance down. "I swear we've met before, but it wasn't me. Maybe… my Master or the body I inhabit?"

"Yea, Archer, could you explain why she looks like that girl from your memories?" Kyoko asked.

"Oh! So you do know the girl I'm currently residing in," Ereshkigal shouted excitedly.

"Psuedo-Servant," Archer sighed.

"Isn't that what you thought Ribbons was at first?" Kyoko asked.

"Yes." Archer replied.

"Huh… so we got an actual Goddess here," Kyoko mused.

"Th-that's," Ereshkigal blushed briefly before shaking her head, smiling smugly, and putting her hands to her side. "That's right! I am the Queen of the Great Below! The Goddess of the Netherworld, Ereshkigal!"

"I'm well aware," Archer sighed.

"Now…" suddenly, all of Ereshkigal's bluster went away and she began to fidget on her feet, "Could you tell me about you? It's for the… girl whose body I'm currently inhabiting. I'm just satisfying her curiosity."

"That's-… it's not that important. Who I used to be no longer matters," Archer replied before crossing his arms.

Ereshkigal stared at him pensively for a few moments before sighing. "Fine. If you don't wish to say anything. Let's just focus on the present then. What shall we do now then?"

"Archer and I," Emiya answered for him, "Are going back to Kazamino soon. You two can do whatever it is you want here."

"You're… leaving?" Ren asked.

"Yea exchange program is ending in a week. We're going straight back to Kazamino and staying there… You should also get out of here while you can," Kyoko suggested.

"Why?" Ren asked.

"There's this cult that's recruiting Magical Girls and summoning Shadow Servants to do some… shady things. It's going to get real dangerous here soon, so you should get out while you can. They seem to be very interested in Masters and Servants in general."

"The… Magius?" Ren asked.

"Yea," Emiya confirmed. "We dealt with them. Almost died in the process. It ain't worth sticking around here anymore. Let someone else deal with whatever's going on here."

Ren began to shuffle on her feet. She appreciated that Emiya had gone out of her way to warn her, but there was no way she was going to leave her home now. No way that she was going to leave Rika. "Thank you… but I want to stay."

Emiya shook her head. "Your funeral. Just… keep standing up for yourself like you did back there. Most of the kids back there are spineless, be a little tough and they'll back off."

"So, you were trying to help… back there," Ren commented.

Kyoko snorted. "I just think there's better things to do than pick on the weak. If you're going to start a fight, do it with someone that can throw a punch back. It's more fun that way."

"I was weak… I still am," Ren admitted. "But… I want to get stronger."

"That's a good attitude," Kyoko said begrudgingly. "Make sure to keep it. Then maybe you'll be interesting enough to talk to."

Ren nodded. "Thank you… Kyoko."

"You're welcome… Ren."

I'm surprised… you're fine with Archer leaving, Ren commented to Ereshkigal as they made their way home. Didn't you want to learn more about him?

A man like that… there's no point in pushing him into something that will make him uncomfortable. Trust me, I know… besides I might've taken a look at their address in the school's registrar.

You did what?

Kazamino isn't that far away. It wouldn't take much time to just drop by whenever we wanted.

Unannounced?

That's the surprise.

It was rude and all to drop in on someone unannounced, but Ren couldn't help smiling lightly at Ereshkigal's excitement.

He's a good man... He saved me when I threw myself off the roof for the first time.

So, he's the reason you ended up with me?

… That might've also been Rika.

Ren stopped walking as a white wisp suddenly floated by her. She watched as it made its way over the railing and into a nearby river.

What was-

A wayward Wraith. Souls of the dead that remain attached to this world due to past grudges, regrets, and other unfinished business they had in life. I said that you'd be sensitive to these things from now on.

Is it dangerous?

Normally they can't interfere much with the physical world and their existence will degrade with time since they are no longer bound to this world. However, they can sustain themselves if they consume the souls and minds of people to convert into energy. Also, the boundary of this world is quite thin… who knows how much damage a single spirit could cause if it accumulates enough energy or starts to gather with others?

What should we do then?

My job as the Goddess of the Underworld. You shall act as my assistant.

Assistant?

Follow it!

"Ok," Ren said as she carefully got over the railing and walked carefully down toward the river. The spirit eventually stopped right next to the riverbank… It didn't take her long to figure out its origin.

Drowning victim. Common enough, no matter what era you're in. This one probably isn't going to drag you in with it at least.

Probably!?

Ereshkigal appeared next to Ren, handed her a small cage, and gestured toward the spirit. "Now put it in here."

"What?" Ren asked.

"Remember how I said you're basically on the edge of the boundary. That means you can perceive and interact with spirits like these. It also makes you vulnerable to their influence, but that's what I'm here for. Plus, most spirits won't pick a fight now that I've given you a bit of my authority."

"So… you want me… to capture it?" Ren asked.

"Yes… I prefer guiding spirits peacefully, but sometimes force or control is necessary. The point is to only apply whatever force is needed to get it in, nothing more," the Goddess looked at the spirit wistfully. "The dead deserve to rest, no matter what they did in life or what duties that still need to be completed."

"Ereshkigal…"

The Goddess turned back to Ren and frowned. "Now go ahead. The dead shouldn't be kept waiting."

"Ok," Ren nodded before making her way toward the spirit. She didn't make a single sound as she moved, a result of years of practice sneaking out of her house at night in order to take her walks. She was able to get within arm's reach of it before it finally noticed her presence and seemed to face its head toward her.

It began to back away… in fear and regret.

Ren could see it. It's death. The boy it once was, who had fallen in trying to pick up a ball he had dropped. Whose body was found later that day. He wanted to play. He wanted to go back to his family.

Tears gathered in Ren's eyes.

But he couldn't do that anymore. All that she could do was guide him from his pain.

Rather than bring the cage forward, she held out a hand and offered it to the spirit. Rather than steel, she offered it the warmth and comfort of the living.

It moved forward slightly and then back, before slowly inching its way toward her hand. Eventually it laid against her hand, and she could feel a bit of warmth leave her body. The spirit only took a little bit and made its way to the cage once it had been comforted by the warmth she provided.

"I would not suggest doing that in the future," Ereshkigal commented as Ren made her way back to the Goddess. "You were lucky this spirit didn't take advantage of your generosity. Exposing your body like that, could've risked a more aggressive wraith draining you completely or even taking over. You don't exactly have a Goddess's body to work with."

"I know…" Ren replied. "But… I don't regret it... He just wanted… someone to touch him… one last time."

Ereshkigal smiled slightly as she took the cage from Ren's hand. "Well… that kindness isn't so bad either. Just be a bit more careful in the future." The Goddess held the cage up and muttered a few words before both the cage and spirit dissolved into motes of light. "There. It's passed on. Sent to the afterlife."

"It was… pretty," Ren said as she reached for the remaining drops of light before they too faded from her hand.

The Goddess blushed before frowning and shaking her head. "It's been a long time since someone praised my duty like that. Most find death and things that associate with it… distasteful."

Ren could understand that… people didn't really like to talk about death that much. And even she was afraid of dying now that she had something to live for. But that didn't mean death was bad. It didn't mean that the person watching over it was bad.

"You're… a good person," Ren eventually replied. The bashful if not grateful look the Goddess had given her told her that she had spoken the right words.

"Well… let's go back to your home then," Ereshkigal said as she disappeared into the air. And prepare for our little visit to Kazamino.

Chapter Text

To be a Magus was to walk with death. One must always be prepared to die for their craft, to cast aside their humanity for the sake of something greater than themselves.

That was supposed to be the essence of Magecraft, but Kyoko had made a few adjustments to that, especially with regards to Yuma's training.

Kyoko watched as Yuma held the pipe in her hands and pumped her Magical Energy into it. Lines of a faint green color emerged from where the girl touched and slowly spread from there. It was slow, but steady progress and it seemed like Yuma would finally get it this time.

Then the pipe began to fall apart where Yuma's Magecraft had spread. It practically disintegrated where she held it, the pipe falling back to the ground with two large hand sized holes.

She made it further this time though. Progress from the last five pipes they had to go through today. And certainly, progress from the first time Yuma had tried to cast a spell.

It had taken a few hours to get all the metal shards out of Yuma's hands. Yuma didn't cry back then, scary enough. Didn't even flinch when Archer had to extract each shard by hand.

"Don't worry about it, I must've gone through hundreds of those before I finally got Reinforcement down," Kyoko reassured Yuma. It wasn't an exaggeration either. Kyoko had once gone through hundreds of pipes in just a few days, all for the sake of fast tracking her Magecraft when she had first learned she could use it.

"I know. You already said that," Yuma replied curtly before grabbing another pipe and continuing to work once more.

Unlike Kyoko though, Yuma only had one Magical Circuit to use, so they had to make sure that she wasn't overdoing her Mageraft. Thankfully it was a fairly good quality circuit, it came from Kyoko's own body after all, so it was able to handle the strain that Yuma put on it over the last week. And Yuma had been driven to finally start practicing Magecraft once had returned to Kazamino and prepared a room in the house to act as her workshop.

It was nice to be home again, even if they hadn't exactly completed their mission. The Incubator wasn't pleased with the information they had given to it, or lack thereof, and had reneged on its part of the deal. That was fine though, they would find another way to hunt down Oriko and her cronies. Then once they were dealt with, they could just go back to their regular lives.

Anyway, Yuma's workshop wasn't much to look at currently, just a few beginner manuals that Archer had made for her and a whole lot of pipes to work on. Yuma seemed quite happy to have a room to call her own though. She had also been outright elated the first time she attempted to cast a spell, though that eventually turned to frustration as she continuously failed to get her first spell done right.

"Just keep pushing through," Kyoko suggested as another pipe fell apart in Yuma's hands. "It's what Archer did as a kid, and it's what I did too."

"I know," Yuma sighed. "I'm just not gifted like her I guess," she muttered.

"What?" Kyoko asked. Who was Yuma talking about if not herself?

"Nothing," Yuma said as she reached for another pipe. This one barely lasted a few seconds before breaking cleanly in half.

"Damn it," Yuma cursed as she covered her face with her hands. "Just… damn it."

"Are you ok?" Kyoko.

"No!" Yuma shouted. "I… it's nothing."

Kyoko was worried. It wasn't like Yuma to be this frustrated or lash out like this and she had been like this for the last week.

What are the chances that Yuma is hitting puberty and is starting her moody pre-teen phase? Kyoko asked Archer who was still in the kitchen.

Not likely, considering that you're still in the middle of yours, Archer replied.

Archer!

It's… not something that we can fix for her. She has to be the one to deal with her issues herself. The most we can do is act as her support.

Kyoko trusted Archer's judgement and what he said had to be true. Still… there had to be something that she could do.

Then an idea popped up in her head.

It wasn't a good one. Honestly, it sounded like something that blue-haired idiot would've thought of. But Yuma had reacted well to that same idiot. Maybe acting like her briefly wouldn't be too bad?

"Come on," Yuma moaned as another pipe fell apart in her hands. She went to reach for another only for Kyoko to grab it before she could.

"That's enough for today," Kyoko said. "You've been at it since lunch and it's almost time for dinner."

"Almost. That means I still have time to keep going," Yuma reached for the pipe only for Kyoko to pull it away further.

"Not if you're going to have to clean yourself up," Kyoko argued.

"You and I both know Archer's fine with us getting to the table dirty," Yuma rebutted as she jumped for the pipe this time.

Kyoko simply hopped away. "Nuh huh. You're going to have to do better than that." She held the pipe in her hand like you would a sword. "You're going to have to beat it out of my cold dead hands."

Yuma stared at her blankly. She then blinked, shook her head, and then stared at Kyoko again. "What!?"

"That's right. You gotta fight me for it," Kyoko raised her voice. "You gonna just sit there or are you going to do something about it?"

"This isn't a game Kyoko," Yuma growled as she jumped for the pipe.

"Is that it?" Kyoko taunted as she pushed Yuma away with a hand. "Is that all ya got? This is a battle! Fight me or are you just going to sit there and do nothing!"

"Fine!" Yuma shouted as she grabbed one of the many other pipes in the workshop. Any of which she could've used to continue practicing her Magecraft. Instead, she took Kyoko's provocation and held it in both her hands.

"I'm going to bash this over your skull!" Yuma screamed bloody murder as she raised her stick and charged at Kyoko.

"You look you two had some fun," Archer smirked as Yuma and Kyoko finally arrived at the dinner table, Kyoko with a few fresh bruises on her arms and side.

"Yuma's tough," Kyoko replied cheerfully as she sat down and took a good look at their Western style dinner.

A succulent meatloaf, some mac and cheese, and collard greens.

Damn, it all looked good. It took all of Kyoko's self-control not to start digging in until Yuma had finally taken her seat. Once Yuma did though, Kyoko didn't hesitate to start stuffing her mouth.

"Don't patronize me," Yuma grumbled, having apparently learned that word at some point. "You let me hit you on purpose."

Ooph. Busted.

"Fihe I dwid," Kyoko admitted with her mouth full. She chewed a bit before swallowing. "But it made you feel good to hit me, didn't it?"

"… Yea," Yuma reluctantly admitted as she picked at a piece of meat and put it into her mouth.

Mission Success. Turns out Blue could be useful for something. As long as she wasn't actually here to piss them off with dreams of being a Hero of Justice.

Maybe they should visit her sometime. Let her know about the fate of Magical Girls. Stop her from pursuing her foolish dream by showing her what happened to all Magical Girls. Including her beloved Mento-…

Damn it. Mami.

She… her wish was just to live. And yea she played the goody two shoes and all that, but it wasn't like she deserved what would happen to her.

Honestly, no one deserved that. Not even that blue idiot.

Kyoko reached into her pocket and took out her phone. She sorted through her contact list, which was a lot larger now thanks to that foray into Kamihama, and eventually found Mami's number. Even after this long, it was probably the same as always.

Need to talk. Friday, after classes. Meet you in the regular spot, Kyoko texted before putting away her phone. Hopefully Mami would remember where it was. It was the one place they had deemed neutral territory to meet, though they never used it since they split up.

"You're going to meet Tomoe?" Archer asked, eyes not leaving his plate as he ate.

"Yea. She deserves to know about this," Kyoko replied.

"Are you sure she'll react well to what you're going to tell her?"

"It's Mami… it should be fine."

"Thank you for the meal," Yuma said as she stood up and tried to make her way back to her workshop.

Keyword: Tried.

"What are you doing?" Kyoko asked.

Yuma paused briefly before turning around. "… Cleaning my-"

"Archer is the only one that does cleaning around here," Kyoko interrupted Yuma's lie. "You're not practicing Magecraft anymore today."

"Bu-"

"Sit down and watch some TV," Kyoko demanded. It was weird that she had to tell a kid to watch more television, but Yuma needed to learn to sit down and relax. "Then we'll take a bath before going to bed. You've had enough for tonight."

Yuma made fists with both her hands. She opened her mouth, closed it, and then looked away with a conflicted expression. "Fine," she said reluctantly before going back to the living room and switching on the TV.

Police have not yet found the culprits responsible for the destruction of the sewer system that runs beneath Kamihama.

Kyoko immediately perked her head and turned toward the News Broadcast on the tv.

It is believed those responsible consist of a large group. Witnesses report hooded figures wielding archaic weapons leaving the site soon before the destruction was discovered.

"The actions of Magius have not gone unnoticed," Archer commented. "Even by the civilian populace."

"Well what else would you expect? Picking a fight like that without a labyrinth," Kyoko replied.

"You realize that we're responsible for a good portion of that."

"And we're back in Kazamino. They won't track it back to us. Probably."

Archer grunted before standing up to clean up the table and move the dirty plates to the sink. "Fair enough. But we should keep our heads down for the time being. I don't think the Incubator will take kindly to what the Magius are doing or the fact that they risk Magic's secrecy in this world."

"Well, whatever happens, we're just going to have to deal with it," Kyoko sighed. "What are you doing tonight Archer?"

"Planning to double check and double down on our Bounded Fields. Maybe scout out the perimeter if I have the time," he replied.

"Alright sounds good," Kyoko said as she sat down next to Yuma to watch some television.

Eventually, a bit after Archer had left for the night, they took their bath and headed straight for bed. They took the same position as usual, Kyoko on the right holding onto Yuma, and Yuma on the left being held by Kyoko. Normally they would've just gone straight to sleep like that… but there was something that Kyoko needed to do.

"Hey Yuma." Kyoko said she held Yuma in her arms.

"Yes Kyoko?" Yuma asked, her voice muffled by Kyoko's chest.

"What's bothering you?"

Yuma's immediate response was to push herself away, but Kyoko simply tightened her grip.

"You haven't been... you recently," Kyoko continued as Yuma struggled. It was like trying to hold down an angry koala. Yuma's hair was getting long and fluffy enough to be mistaken for one actually. "I know it was tough in Kamihama, but we're back home. We won't be going through that again."

It was a bit mean to do this in bed, but it was the only way Kyoko was going to get an answer from the girl. Any previous attempts to get an answer had ended with Yuma deflecting and giving a vague response before walking away.

... Maybe Yuma actually was going through puberty? Kyoko had noticed that Yuma's breasts had started to grow when they were in the bath.

Eventually Yuma stopped struggling and let her body go lax. It took a brief moment of silence, during which Kyoko was worried that she had actually suffocated the girl, before she finally responded.

"I don't want to say," Yuma's voice came out muffled. Rather than move away she scrunched herself up and moved herself closer so that it would be harder to hear her.

"Why not?" Kyoko said as she lowered her head closer to Yuma's so that she could listen better. Her chin was practically resting on top of Yuma's head.

"I'm worried," Yuma said.

"Worried about what?" Kyoko asked.

"I'm worried about you. And Archer." Yuma's voice trembled. Kyoko didn't need to look down to know that the girl was beginning to cry. "You two are always in danger and there's nothing I can do."

"Yum-"

"No!" Yuma pushed Kyoko away and began to beat a fist against her chest. "You listen to me! Every day you go out there I'm afraid you're going to die. That Archer is going to die. That I'm finally going to be left alone!"

Yuma grabbed Kyoko's shirt tightly. "I don't want to be alone. I was always afraid that Mama was going to abandon me. That's why I always tried to be a good girl when she beat me. It's why I tried to be a good girl for you and Archer. But that didn't work so I decided to try and be a Magus. Be the hard-working little sister that you wanted. But that still didn't work!"

Yuma looked up at Kyoko, tears flowing freely down her eyes. "What do I need to do to get you to stay? What do I need to do to make sure you're safe? Am I not enough?"

Yuma's eyes closed, her fists clenched, and her mouth curled. As if she was struggling with what to say next. Eventually the words came out of her mouth and it shook Kyoko's entire being.

"Am I not good enough to replace Momo?"

Something threatened to come out of Kyoko's throat at the moment and it took all her will not to let it out right there. It took everything she had, not to lose what little composure she could keep.

"Don't talk about her," Kyoko looked away and said with grit teeth.

"Why not!?" Yuma asked as she tried to angle herself to look Kyoko in the face. "If I'm going to replace her then I need to know what to do."

"Replace… her…" Kyoko whispered to herself.

"Yes. Replace her. It's why you took me in, isn't it?"

"Just stop," Kyoko begged.

"Why not?" Yuma insisted, like a child would when they wanted to know something they shouldn't. "Why can't you just tell me."

Kyoko grabbed Yuma's shoulders and screamed. "Because she's dead and you're not! There's nothing to replace. She's gone. Even when I dream about her at night, even when I mistake you with her, she's still gone." Kyoko didn't know when her eyes had grown wet, didn't even know that she was still capable of crying until the tears had finally come out.

"You're not though. You're still here," Kyoko said as she hugged Yuma again who had simply stopped moving in shock. "I can't lose you too. I can't lose Archer. Without the two of you… I would be better off burning in that fire with Momo. Just a lonely idiot with a broken dream."

That dumb, stupid dream.

"You know," Kyoko continued. "I wanted to be a hero once. Thought I was going to save everyone. Even became a Magical Girl so I could do that."

Yuma stared at Kyoko, wide-eyed. "You're a Magical Girl?"

"Was… Momo made a wish before she died that got rid of my Soul Gem… I'm starting to figure out why she did it though. She didn't want me to become a Witch…" Kyoko could see it again, the sight of Momo's body hanging from the ceiling. It was memory that was still clear as day, the dim light of that purple Soul Gem still shining in her mind. "And she killed herself, so that she wouldn't become one either."

Kyoko held up her hand for the two of them to see. The Red Marks of her Command Seals were still as bright red as always. Bright enough that she could usually forget the red stone that used to rest on her ring finger.

"Is that why you don't like Magical Girls?" Yuma asked.

"Part of it… yea," Kyoko admitted. "I also hate heroes… because that dream, trying to help people, just made me lose everything in the process."

Kyoko sighed. "My dream killed my family, and my wish forced Momo to sacrifice herself for me. I lost everything because I wanted to be a hero… and I won't let that happen again." Kyoko put her hand on Yuma's head. "I'll stop hunting for Witches. I'll still train because I have to in case we get attacked… but we don't need to get involved with that anymore. As for that bitch Oriko… well fuck her, someone else will get her. God knows how many people she's pissed off acting the way she does. I'll stay safe for you. Alright?"

Yuma didn't move for a long time, as if she was processing everything that she had just been told. Kyoko was about to let her go, get up, and sleep in the guest room, when Yuma suddenly shifted herself closer to her. Closer, until they were back in each other's arms.

"You promise?" Yuma asked. Her voice soft and almost pleading. She might have started growing recently, but she still seemed so small in Kyoko's arms. Small… yet warm and full of life.

Kyoko nodded as she continued to stroke Yuma's head. "I do."

The night was young, silent apart from the restless snores that came from Kyoko. Snores that told Yuma that it was finally time to move.

Yuma opened her eyes; her sight having adjusted to the dark. She carefully maneuvered herself, shimmied her way out of Kyoko's arms. Kyoko might've been a deep sleeper, but she was also a hugger and that meant having to work for every inch. Thankfully, by the time Yuma had gotten out of bed, Kyoko had hardly stirred. Apart from tightening the grip on the body sized pillow that Yuma had left in her place.

"Thank you," Yuma whispered before making her way to her workshop.

Momo was dead, but Yuma was alive. Yuma was Kyoko's little sister.

It made her so happy. So relieved that Kyoko had promised to keep herself safe.

But even if Kyoko tried her best to keep her promise, it didn't mean that others would let her. There was no telling what Witches would do, what the other Magical Girls would do. What the Magius might end up doing in Kamihama.

So, Yuma had to be strong. For her sake. For Archer's sake. So that she could keep them safe if that time ever came.

She stepped inside her workshop and grabbed another pipe.

Every Magus had a trigger to activate their circuits. For Archer it was bullets being loaded into a gun. For Kyoko it was a candle being lit in the dark. And for Yuma it was a hammer smashing down on an anvil. Steel against the steel, a firework of sparks with each strike.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

The anvil finally dented and her Circuits activated, her Magical Energy pumping into the pipe as she attempted Reinforcement once more.

With Archer gone hunting, it meant that Yuma probably had a few good hours to practice her Magecraft.

Yuma kept her breathing steady, even as the pipe fell apart in her hands. Then she grabbed the second. Then the third.

It was slow, arduous. Each spreading light risked destroying the pipe, destroying her progress, making this entire night useless. She had to command it. Force her Magecraft to obey her orders. Everything was perfect in her head. She just had to make it a reality.

And so, she made use of the extra time she had received. Again and again. As the broken pile of pipes soon grew around her. One exploded in her hands. No metal shards in her skin, but it did burn her palms a bit. She ignored that and continued casting.

She was used to the pain after all. Mama and Papa had made sure of that.

Yuma lost track of the time. Lost track of how much of her Circuit she had used up until it was nearly empty. There was only a bit left. Just enough for one more spell.

She forced herself to cast one last time.

Understand the inner structure of the object. Fill the openings with Magical Energy. And finally Reinforce its purpose of existence.

Those were the three sentences she focused on. Not on the pain in her hands, not on the exhaustion that wanted her to stop and fall right there. Magecraft, her Magecraft was all that mattered. She would be a Magus.

Because she wanted it.

The pipe didn't break. The faint green lines that came from her hands soon spread throughout the entirety of it. And then with one last push, she finished it.

She looked at the pipe in awe. A Reinforced pipe. Something that could be used as a weapon. She had finished it. Completed her first spell.

"Yes," Yuma breathed a sigh of relief as she ended the spell and dropped the pipe on the ground. The rest of her body followed immediately after.

She was sore, everything hurt, and she was pretty sure a part of her was smoking? Yea that was smoke coming from her body. That couldn't be good.

Yuma tried to push herself back up.

She couldn't just lie down here. She didn't know what time it was, but she spent a long time here. She had to get back to bed before Kyoko woke up.

If Kyoko saw her like this. She would… she would…

Yuma opened her eyes. The room was dark, but she could see some sunlight coming out of the corners of the curtains.

It was morning now… and for some reason Kyoko wasn't in bed.

That was weird, normally Yuma was the first to wake up.

Wait… how did she end up in bed?

Yuma quickly sat up, wide eyes, and was barely stopping herself from panicking.

If Kyoko had seen her like that. If Kyoko had found out…

"Hey, you're finally awake."

Yuma yelped before immediately turning to Kyoko who stood at the doorway.

"You had a nightmare or something?" Kyoko asked, dressed in her school uniform.

Yuma simply stared.

Kyoko wasn't mad? Did she not know what she had done? Or did she not care?

"Aren't you mad?" Yuma asked.

"That you overslept?" Kyoko shrugged. "It's fine you can miss school for a day. You've been working hard for the last week and after last night... Well, I think you deserve a day off. Even got Archer's permission."

"Overslept?"

"Yea. You were out like a rock. Didn't expect you to wake up at all this morning…" Kyoko looked at her carefully. "You sure you don't want to go back to sleep?"

"I-I'm fine," Yuma said as she looked down at her pajamas. They were the same ones she used last night, but they were clean. There wasn't a single piece of leftover metal or dust from last night on them.

It was almost as if what she did last night didn't happen, but the way her body hurt a little as she moved said that it did.

"Well, I'll be heading to school then. Archer will be on my a- butt if I'm late again, Make sure to grab some breakfast with him." Kyoko said and began to walk away. She stopped just before she was out of sight. "And Yuma… you're my little sister. And no one's going to take you from me."

Yuma smiled. "Thank you."

Kyoko left, but it wasn't until Yuma heard the front door open and close, that she finally got out of bed and grabbed a pencil from her desk. It was a cheap thing. Disposable. Something she didn't mind losing.

She didn't lose it though. Her Magical Energy stuck to it and soon she had a Reinforced pencil in her hands. Something had just clicked last night. In her head or body, she didn't know, but whatever was stopping her before was gone. Even if it was just one spell, the fact that she could use it not just on pipes but everything around her… It made her proud of herself.

Pride… That was something that she never thought she could feel.

Yuma put down the pencil and made her way to the kitchen. There she found Archer sitting at the table with a bowl of cereal and a glass of juice already set up for her.

"Morning," Archer said.

"Good morning," Yuma said as she took her seat. She started to eat, though one of her eyes was kept on him that entire time.

Did he know about what she did?

"You were really tired last night," Archer commented.

"Yea…" Yuma replied hesitantly.

"Kyoko told me it was because you two finally had a good talk. I'm relieved, I'm surprised that there's anyone in this household capable of communicating."

Yuma couldn't help but chuckle. Even she could tell that that had been one of the Emiya household's biggest flaws. "It was… a good night."

"Exhausting too. Especially when you kept practicing until you knocked yourself out."

Yuma's spoon stopped moving. She stared at him wide mouthed, until Archer reached over and closed her mouth for her.

"You're going to catch a fly with that," he said.

"Y-you know?" Yuma asked before she realized what he had said.

"I do," Archer gestured with his hand. "Hard not to, considering the state you left yourself in for me to find you. Had to heal you and inject you with a bit of energy so you could move around in the morning."

Yuma looked at the table. "Then if you know, why didn't you-"

"Tell Kyoko?" Archer shrugged. "Because that wouldn't have helped anything. It was something you had to do and neither of us could stop you unless we kept watching you all the time."

So, Archer knew. He knew all along. She was kind of stupid thinking that she could fool him. "I'm sorry," Yuma apologized.

"Don't apologize if you don't actually regret doing it," Archer replied curtly.

"Bu-"

"In the future, make sure to push yourself under my supervision," Archer continued. "I'll make sure you don't take it a step too far."

Yuma blinked as she processed his words. "You're going to keep helping me? Behind Kyoko's back?"

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her. And I can understand why you need to do this," he replied. "Still doing it without me like that, it won't go unpunished."

Yuma froze.

Punishment? Whenever Mama and Papa punished her, they hit her. What was Archer going to do?

"You're going to start helping with chores around the house," Archer said. "Laundry, weeding the garden backyard, making the beds. Kyoko was right when she said I was the only one here that did the cleaning. Need to start changing that."

"T-that's it?" Yuma asked.

"What? You want more to do?" Archer asked.

"No. It's just-" Wait… why was she arguing about this? She was getting off practically scot-free! "Yea. That's fine."

Archer smirked. "Now go clean up and get dressed. We've got a long day to work while Kyoko's at school."

"Okay!" Yuma said excitedly as she made her way to the bedroom and quickly got changed.

It made Yuma feel bad that she had to lie to Kyoko, but she could use Reinforcement now. And Archer was going to help her get even stronger. Soon… soon she would be able to protect them.

Fully dressed, Yuma was about to make her way to the kitchen when the front doorbell rang. Probably Kyoko who had forgotten something. Wasn't the first time this happened no matter how much Archer lectured her for being late for school.

It was probably the bag. Yep. Definitely the bag that Kyoko had left in their room.

Yuma rolled her eyes and shook her head before grabbing the bag and heading toward the front door. She opened it and held it out for Kyoko.

"I know you forgot this Kyo-" Yuma froze once she realized that Kyoko wasn't there. Instead, there were two people standing in front of her. One was a Magical Girl in black and the other a Magical Girl in white.

Yuma… didn't even need to ask for the white one's name. She knew it already.

"Hello there," Oriko introduced herself. "I am Oriko Mikuni. Could we borrow your Servant for a moment?"

Chapter Text

"Get down!"

Yuma barely had time to register Archer's scream and duck down before a bunch of arrows suddenly flew past her, flying towards the two Magical Girls at the entrance. She didn't need nearly as much time to turn around and run back into the house as they exploded.

Oriko. The person that had killed Momo. Why was she here?

A red and black blur shot by Yuma. The muscles on Archer's arm flexed as he wielded a giant stone axe with a single hand.

"Nine Lives," he swung with all his might, "Blade Works!"

Yuma had heard about that technique from Kyoko, and was told how cool it was. But to finally see it herself…

The entire front of the house exploded. It was like a truck had come crashing out of the house, ramming through everything in its way. The force of the blow was even enough to send Yuma tumbling forward. She scrambled to pick herself up as she dared to look back.

Nine large gashes throughout their front yard. Nine devastating strikes of immense power, but no Magical Girls. No traces of them whatsoever. It was like they were never there.

"Yuma," Archer lowered his voice so only Yuma could hear. "Use the escape tunnel."

"We have an escape tunnel?" Yuma asked.

"Under the carpet in the living room."

"My, that was quite an entrance," Oriko and the other Magical Girl reappeared at the edge of the destruction. "Should I assume that you're not willing to parley?"

"Go now," Archer commanded as he stepped toward the two. "Trace on," a jagged crimson longsword appeared in one of his hands. "Trigger off." In the other appeared a peerless sword almost pulsing with power and holiness.

"Please stay safe," Yuma begged as she ran back into the house to the sounds of fighting in the background. She didn't immediately run for the basement though, instead she went to her room first to grab her phone.

"Welcome back Kyoko," Kyoko's Math teacher greeted her from his desk. "I hope you enjoyed the Exchange Program."

"It was… interesting," Kyoko replied.

"Kamihama is an exciting place," the teacher replied. "I have relatives that live there, it's always quite fun when I visit."

"Yea, sure," Kyoko resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This guy was actually a pretty good teacher, so she was at least putting some effort into being civil. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Yes actually. You've always been exceptional in my classes. Would you consider being an assis-"

Kyoko's phone began to ring.

"Sorry, one sec," Kyoko said as she took out her phone and put it to her ear. "Yuma? What's u-"

"Archer and I are being attacked by Oriko!" Yuma's voice screamed on the phone.

Kyoko immediately froze where she stood. She gripped her phone tightly and her voice trembled as she replied. "I'll be there soon."

"Emiya," the teacher looked at her, concerned. "Is something wrong?"

Kyoko didn't answer. Instead, she immediately ran from the faculty office, straight past a hallway full of people, and jumped straight out an open window.

An open window. On the third floor.

Needless to say, everyone that witnessed it immediately screamed out in terror when they saw her go out the window. That terror then turned into confusion as she landed neatly on the ground and ran across the school grounds. She then leaped over the school gates with a single jump and made her way back to her home.

It didn't matter if anyone saw her, she couldn't waste any time in keeping Magic secret. Yuma and Archer were in trouble.

She ran as fast as Reinforcement could take her, her Magical Circuits pumping as much energy as she could into her legs. It was only a few minutes before she could see several explosions and magical blasts flying from the direction of their house.

Archer what the hell is going on!? Kyoko shouted to him once their mental connection had been established.

Being attacked by Oriko and Kirika again. Stay back, I can handle it!

And Yuma?

Using the escape tunnel.

We have an escape tunnel? Kyoko shook her head. That was a question for later. Hold on, I'm coming right there.

No! Archer shouted. Stay back!

You don't tell me what to do!

For the love of-

Archer wasn't holding back this time and anyone in the vicinity could see what was happening. How they were going to explain this to the neighbors… Well honestly that was the last thing from her mind right now.

Kyoko ran past several civilians who were quite reasonably running away from the destruction that was being thrown around her home. Eventually the entrance of her home was in sight. It wouldn't be good to just run into all that though without a plan. So instead, she hid herself behind a nearby wall, took out her spear, and peaked around the corner to take stock of the situation.

Archer was busy trading blows with Kirika while Oriko stayed back. Krikia was suffering from multiple gashes, wounds, and burns that peppered her body. At one point he cut halfway into the shoulder and would've gotten the entire arm if Oriko hadn't forced Archer back with her metal balls. The injuries hardly seemed to bother Kirika though, that black weirdo was still giving off that creepy smile even as she was getting cut up.

Crazy psycho then. Archer really didn't give justice to the crazy off his description alone.

Fortunately, the other one, Oriko, was busy helping to keep Archer at bay. That meant at one point her back was wide open for Kyoko.

Not one to pass up an advantage, Kyoko didn't hesitate to Flame Step forward. A single charged leap straight for the one that killed Momo. Even with that slowing field Kirika had set up, Kyoko had still reached Oriko before they noticed anything. Once she was in range Kyoko thrusted with her spear and skewered Oriko from the back.

Or at least that was what was supposed to happen.

Before her spear could touch Oriko, the Magical Girl disappeared. Vanished. Like she was never there. It happened in an instant.

No wait actually she was still there. Just at the other side of the yard looking at Kyoko with a smug grin.

"Stand down."

Kyoko immediately turned to look at the hooded figure that somehow got behind her.

"We only need your Servant. I don't need to hurt you," the hooded figure, apparently a girl, said.

"Over my dead body!" Kyoko shouted as she thrust her spear again. Her movement was still slowed by Kirika's magic, and the hooded girl had no issue sidestepping the strike. Kyoko converted the thrust into a swing, only to end up striking nothing but air. After her swing she immediately began scanning the area around her and found the hooded girl standing just off to the side, right next to the front door of the house.

Some sort of teleporter? It would explain how they got here without setting all their Bounded Fields off.

Didn't matter in the end. If all she did was teleport then all Kyoko had to do was keep her occupied, keep chasing her around until Archer dealt with the other two. It would only take a few more exchanges for Archer to quite literally tear Kirika apart. After that, Oriko would be finished.

Kyoko tensed her legs briefly before going for another thrust with her spear.

"I believe that's enough toying with her," Oriko suddenly said. Kyoko glanced briefly as the white Magical Girl raised her hand up. A hand with three pairs of red marks on it. "Shall we finish this, Assassin?"

"Kyoko, get away!" Archer shouted.

Oh. Shit.

It finally processed in Kyoko's mind how absolutely screwed she was.

It happened in an instant, while Kyoko was in the middle of her thrust. First Archer had shouted, and then the hooded girl disappeared where she stood again. Gone in an instant. Then Kyoko suddenly felt a roaring fire erupt in her shoulder.

"Aaah!" Kyoko shouted as she dropped her spear and grabbed where she had been shot. Assassin now stood behind her, a semi-automatic pistol in her hands. A pistol that she had pointed at the back of Kyoko's head.

Kyoko's body ran cold, it chilled despite the gaping wound she now had on her shoulder.

"Stop moving or the next one goes through her head," Assassin demanded.

Archer immediately lowered his blades. He wouldn't be fast enough. Not enough to stop that bullet from immediately going through Kyoko's skull.

"Now then we have much to discuss before we bring you back to Kamihama!" Oriko said cheerfully as she lowered the metal balls that floated around her. The Bitch won. And she knew it. "Before that, I do believe that you are capable of summoning a weapon that can transfer Servant Contracts. Would you please hand that over to Kirika."

Kyoko snarled at Oriko. "What are you-"

"Stop," Assassin demanded as she pushed the barrel of her gun directly against Kyoko's head. The cold steel, the heated air of that hollow chamber, it was enough to get Kyoko to finally stop moving.

Kyoko was helpless to watch as Archer dismissed his blades. Kirika stepped forward, ready to receive Rule Breaker once it was created.

No...

They were going to take away her Servant. They were going to take away Archer. And she was too weak to stop them.

"No!"

Neither the Servants nor Magical Girls had time to react before a large construction hammer blasted through the front door and smashed Assassin in the face. The Servant was sent flying, like a person hit head on by a speeding van, all the way to Archer's shed which she crashed into and then buried by the collapsing wood and rubble.

"I won't… let you... hurt my family," Yuma gasped before dropping her hammer and collapsing to the ground. Her body was smoking. Burning from the inside, from overuse of her Magecraft.

In any other situation Kyoko would've been proud to see her perform her first spell. Now though, with Yuma's body smoking, burning from the inside because of overuse of Magecraft, it left Kyoko with nothing but a crushing guilt and overwhelming despair.

"Yuma…" Kyoko croaked before forcing herself to move and grab the girl with the one arm that she could still use.

She had done this to Yuma. Done because she was too weak to protect her.

Kyoko

She couldn't protect anything. She was going to lose everything she had, all over again.

Kyoko Emiya!

Kyoko snapped her head toward Archer who had resumed his fight with the two Magical Girls.

Are you going to sit there or are you going to protect your little sister! Archer's voice shouted in her head.

It was the wake-up call Kyoko needed. Despite the roaring pain in her shoulder, Kyoko still grabbed Yuma and did her best to slowly carry her away from the battlefield.

They had to get away. Yuma's blow, as powerful as it was, wouldn't keep a Servant down for long and Kyoko wasn't going to get very far on her own. Archer was the only one still capable of running and even he would have trouble getting away as long Kirika still had her magic active, especially while carrying the two of them.

They needed something. A miracle. A prayer. Anything.

"The Distant Seas of the Heavens," Kyoko jerked her head along with everyone else there as they turned toward the source of the new voice. Standing on top of a neighboring building was a familiar pair. A Master and her Servant.

"The Prison of Earth. The Fury of the Realm of the Dead is at my heels! Appear, Shrine of Fever. Time to repent." Ereshkigal took out her lance, jumped off the roof, and stabbed it into the ground. "Kur Kigal Irkallaaa!"

The ground began to rumble around them as the earth itself seemed to rise to enact penance against the Goddess's enemies. Beams of light erupted from the ground and began to consume everything in their path, including the two Magical Girls in front of them.

Whether or not it was actually enough to kill them with that teleporting Servant of theirs was yet to be seen, but Archer wasn't letting them stick around to find out. Taking the opportunity given to them, he grabbed Kyoko and Yuma in his arms before leaping away.

As he ran, Kyoko glanced back. The destruction of the Goddess's Noble Phantasm seemed to spread, until it completely consumed their home. She could only close her eyes in despair and look away.

Getting hit in the face by a Reinforced hammer hurt. It didn't do any permanent damage, not to a Servant, but it still wasn't fun being bashed and sent flying straight into a wooden shed. The fact that the person who did that to her was an eleven-year-old that wasn't even a Magical Girl… well needless to say she wasn't exactly pleased with her recent performance.

Wasn't exactly pleased with the performance of her Master either.

"That little kid sure gave you a beating," Kirika mocked the Servant as she dug herself out of the rubble.

Once the Servant was free, she took off her ruined hood, revealing the long raven locks and indigo eyes underneath. Her gaze was cold, her movements elegant yet also somewhat stiff, as if she was constantly holding something back.

"If I wasn't a Servant, that child would have taken my head," Akemi said as she glared at Oriko. "A warning would've been nice."

Granted losing her head wouldn't be fatal thanks to her Soul Gem, which remained intact even as a Servant, but it was still time and energy Akemi would have to take to regrow it. And once again, it wasn't pleasant having to regrow an entire head.

"My apologies," Oriko appeared genuinely remorseful. Or perhaps that was just from her pride taking a hit. She didn't like unforeseen events or people either. "I didn't consider that child threat enough to use my Magic on… Apparently I was wrong to underestimate her."

"See that you don't make that mistake again," Akemi commanded. They couldn't afford any other unexpected obstacles in their mission.

"It all worked out in the end though," Oriko reassured her. "Whether or not we control him, so long as Archer returns to Kamihama then we will be on the path to the future that we both seek."

"It's a dangerous game you're playing, telling that man where you are," Akemi replied. "That entire family is not one to be trifled with considering what the youngest did to me. There is also that other Master and their Servant to worry about."

"Ereshkigal. Goddess of the Underworld I believe," Oriko informed her. "Certainly powerful, but something we can deal with. They don't take priority, Archer does."

If it wasn't for Oriko's ability to see the future, Akemi would've thought that her obsession toward Archer would've been a liability to their mission. Even then, it was still very annoying, bordering on creepy.

Still better than her being obsessed with Madoka at the very least.

Speaking of…

"I'm going to return to keeping watch over Madoka if you have no other need for me," Akemi said as she prepared to Astralize.

"Actually, could you hand this letter over to the Magius?" Oriko said as she held out a letter for the Servant. "You can do whatever it takes to get it to them."

Akemi sighed but grabbed the letter anyway. Best to just concede this to them rather than start another argument. "What's in it?"

"Just letting their leaders know that they should do their best to remember their Big Sister."

"Is Yuma ok?" Kyoko knelt next to Archer as he Traced Yuma's body. Her shoulder still hurt, but at least it had been bandaged after the bullet had been taken out.

A Servant holding a semi-automatic handgun. Clearly modern weaponry, someone that should've been a rarity if not outright impossible to summon in normal circumstances if Kyoko had remembered her lessons correctly. Then again though things hadn't been normal for her since the day she summoned Archer in her father's church.

"She overtaxed her Magical Circuit and it's generating more heat than her body can handle," Archer said as a flume of smoke suddenly came out of Yuma's body. "I've let out the heat… but there's significant internal damage that I have to deal with."

Kyoko held a breath. She knew already but hearing it from Archer's own mouth. It was just a confirmation of all her failings. She put a hand to Yuma's head who began to squirm to her touch.

"You did good," Kyoko whispered. "You did really good."

"She worked hard to protect us," Archer told Kyoko. "We have to do our best for her."

"I know. I know."

Kyoko didn't turn to face the Master and Servant that landed behind them. Didn't have to. They had proven back there that they were trustworthy enough.

"I'm… sorry about your… house," Ren replied, guilt strewn across her face.

"Don't be sorry," Kyoko replied as she glanced at that pair. "It's fine, we're all alive."

In all honesty losing her home, the place that she had lived in with Archer for years… it devastated Kyoko. It was a place of comfort, a place of stability, a place that she always thought they could return to. And now it was just gone.

Kyoko gripped her fist and took a deep breath.

She couldn't break down though. Not now. Not ever. She had to be strong. For Archer. For Yuma.

"Are you okay?" Ereshkigal asked.

"I'm fine," Kyoko growled as she looked toward the direction of Kamihama. "Obviously we can't leave Oriko alone now. She'll just attack us again. We need to get to wherever she's set up and tear that little Soul Gem of hers off her cold mangled corpse."

Anger. Rage. Bloodthirst. A new goal in mind. Those were much better things to focus on rather than moping over what they had lost. She would not allow herself to wallow in despair.

"Before that though we need to treat Yuma," Archer reminded her.

"Unfortunately, I work much better with the dead than I do the living," Ereshkigal admitted.

"I'll do what I can, but it'll take time and I don't think we should do it here," Archer gestured to the cold, windy, and very exposed rooftop they all stood on.

"We're close to Mitakihara right?" Kyoko asked. "Then we both know someone who would lend us their place."

Archer sighed. "I was worried you were going to say that."

Turned out that Mami wasn't even in her apartment when they arrived, so they didn't even need to ask to use her place. They just Altered the lock on the balcony window and walked right on in.

Better to ask for forgiveness than permission after all… or at least that was what Archer liked to say.

The first thing they had done once inside was lay Yuma on the couch so that Archer could work on healing her.

"Trace… On," Archer said as blue lines emerged from his palms and spread from where he made contact with Yuma's chest.

Kyoko simply took a seat next to him while Ren and Ereshkigal sat at the other side of the carpet. They watched him work in silence, allowing him to perform his craft in peace.

"The damage is more extensive than I initially assumed," Archer commented a few minutes later.

Kyoko's blood froze. Her shoulder ached. It took everything she had not to let loose the anguish she was keeping trapped within her body. "Does that mea-"

"She'll recover. No permanent damage if I have anything to say about it," Archer said with steel in his eyes. He was determined to do whatever it took to facilitate Yuma's recovery. "Treatment and recovery will be long though… and she'll need days if not weeks before she'll be moving about again."

Kyoko nearly cried right there as a great weight was lifted off her body. If Archer said it, then Yuma would definitely be fine. They just had to be there for her when she finally woke up. "Take as long as you need… I'll be here."

"We'll… be here too," Ren said.

It wasn't exactly necessary for Ren and Ereshkigal to stick around… but Kyoko appreciated it.

Hours went by as Archer worked, as Kyoko constantly fed him Magical Energy so that he could continue to use his Magecraft. She ignored the soreness of her muscles, the dryness of her tongue, and put off that inexplicable need of using the bathroom up until she could hold it in no longer.

Kyoko looked at her face in the bathroom mirror after washing her hands.

She could barely recognize herself. Her dirty and blood-soaked face, her mangled hair, and bloodshot eyes. Even after washing her face her eyes still remained red, tears beginning to gather at the corners of them.

Kyoko slammed her fist into the white porcelain sink and let out a guttural growl.

Nothing Reinforced though. Didn't want to break Mami's apartment.

She just… had to let some of it out or else she'd break at that moment.

It wasn't until that she was somewhat presentable, so that Ereshkigal and Ren wouldn't have more to worry about her, that Kyoko finally left the bathroom and returned to her original spot. By then Archer was close to finishing.

"I've done all I can for today," Archer said as he took her hands off of Yuma. "She needs to rest, recuperate her energy, before I continue working tomorrow."

"Will she wake up?" Kyoko asked.

"Eventually, now that the worst of the damage has been healed. She won't be able to move around though, we need to be there to reassure her."

"I know."

"Also please open the door," Archer told Kyoko. "It's a friend."

Kyoko glanced at him curiously before walking up to the door and opening it. She wasn't entirely surprised to find Ribbons standing behind it, her arm raised and ready to ring the doorbell. Archer had always liked that girl.

Ribbons on the other hand was completely surprised at seeing them.

"What are you doing in-" Ribbon's eyes went wide as she saw Yuma on the couch. "Oh no! Is she ok!"

Kyoko didn't even try to stop Ribbons as she sped by her to go to the injured girl on the couch. "She's fine… or she will be," Kyoko told her.

"What happened?" Ribbons asked.

"We…"

"We were attacked," Archer answered for Kyoko. "And we came here… because we needed a safe place to heal and rest."

Ribbons looked back at Kyoko and finally noticed the bandages on her shoulder. "Are you-"

"I'm fine," Kyoko reassured her. "Yuma… took the worst of it."

"Ok…" Ribbons looked worried, but she apparently still had the decency to turn and bow her head toward Ren and Ereshkigal. "I'm Madoka Kaname. It's nice to meet you."

"Ereshkigal."

"Ren… Isuzu."

"Did you two also get hurt?" Rib- no Madoka asked.

"No… we're fine," Ren replied.

"You don't have to worry about us," Ereshkigal seemed to blush at Madoka's concern. "We only came by to lend out aid at the last minute."

"More like saved our asses," Kyoko replied. "You… honestly shouldn't have done that."

"Why not?" Ereshkigal asked, annoyed.

"Because Oriko and her cronies will remember your faces," Kyoko replied. "You've just made yourselves targets, just to save a couple of strangers."

"You… aren't strangers," Ren replied. "I wanted to help… my friends."

"I'm not..." Kyoko stopped herself from saying anything more. She hated owing anyone anything, but Ren and Ereshkigal had saved her family's life. It was something that Kyoko didn't think she could ever repay them for. "Thanks… for helping us out there."

"… You're welcome."

"I'm glad you're all getting along," Madoka said with a gentle smile. Her presence could bring up the mood in any situation. "Hopefully when Mami and everyone comes back, they'll be able to help you."

"Where is Mami anyway?" Kyoko asked.

"Mami went off to Kamihama to investigate something for Kyubey. When we haven't heard from her in two days… Homura and Sayaka went after her. I wanted to come… but my family got worried about me going out by myself after," Madoka carefully shifted the sleeve that covered the scar on her arm, "I hurt myself. And they needed someone to stay behind to keep the Witches and familiars under control, so I was the one who had to stay."

It clearly bothered Madoka that she was the only one that had to stay behind, even as she tried to reason it to them and herself.

"Why would Pigtails bring Blue?" Kyoko asked. "It's dangerous for anyone to go there… unless-"

"Yea…" Madoka replied, guiltily. "Sayaka Contracted recently. Mami was training her before-"

"That Blue idiot. That wannabe Hero of Justice!" Kyoko began shouting much to everyone else's, apart from Archer, surprise. "After all the warning Archer and I gave her she still goes off and does-"

The same thing Kyoko had done all those years ago, in spite of Archer's repeated warnings.

Kyoko gripped her forehead. Now she was starting to get a headache. A really bad one, it was like something was pounding against the inside of her skull. It wasn't until she forced herself to breathe and calm down that it finally went away. "She has no idea what she's gotten herself into. She's basically signed a death sentence with that Contract."

"What do you mean?" Madoka tilted her head. "Sayaka might be… reckless, but she really does want to protect everyone. And I'm sure Mami and Homura will keep her safe while she's learning."

"It's not going to stop her from eventually trying to eat the same people that she's trying to protect," Kyoko bit back.

"What?"

Madoka's face… It was too much for Kyoko to look at. To the point that she had to turn away. Such kind eyes, struggling to understand what it was that she was being told.

"Madoka," Archer looked at Madoka, pity strewn in his eyes. Pity that stemmed from a man that had to tear a young girl's entire world apart. "Magical Girls become Witches."

Chapter Text

Madoka wasn't sure how long she cried after Archer had told her everything. How long she wept in the arms of Ren and Ereshkigal. Her body shuddered, her eyes became puffy, and mucus began to fall out of her nose. It wasn't a pretty sight, but that was what it was like when someone cried. And trying to hold it back… that would just make it worse.

Mami. Sayaka. Homura. The truth of what Kyu- the Incubator did to her friends. What he might have done to her if she had accepted. And she would've accepted, if she never had this power to help people in the first place. Even now she was wondering if it was going to be enough. Was there anything that she could do to save them all?

Her friends, all the Magical Girls out there. They couldn't become Witches. They didn't deserve that. No one did.

Madoka heard a sniffle and looked up to find that Ren also had tears in her eyes. "Are… are you?"

"No… My friend… Rika," Ren began to cry.

"I'm sorry," Madoka said as she and Ren held onto each other. Ereshkigal was also there, doing her best to comfort the two of them. Even though they had just met, Madoka could tell they were nice people. That was why it made things a little easier to be with them.

It took some time, a long time before Madoka's tears were mostly shed. When she forced herself to catch her breath and turn to Archer.

"T-t-there has to be something we can do," Madoka pleaded to him. She couldn't just sit around and do nothing. There had to be something they could do. That she could do.

Wasn't that why she was given this power in the first place?

"… Not on our own, not with what is currently available to us," Archer told her.

"But is there a way?"

"There is an organization in Kamihama… the Magius," Archer informed her. "They say that they're seeking the salvation of all Magical Girls."

A faint light, a glimmer of hope had brought in front of Madoka and she immediately latched onto it. "Do they- can they really help?"

"They say they can… but their methods involve the sacrifice of regular people and disposing of anyone that gets in their ways. We've dealt with them, they're dangerous and don't care who ends up getting caught in their schemes."

And just like that, that hope had been snuffed out.

"B-but they can't just hurt people! Even if-"

"If the sacrifice of hundreds or even thousands could bring salvation to Magical Girls, prevent their Witches from being born in the first place… I could see why their actions would be considered reasonable," Archer replied. "We can't save everyone. When confronted with that reality… it's best to just choose the method that saves the highest number possible."

"We can't think like that!" Madoka suddenly began shouting at him angrily. He and Kyoko both looked at her, shocked by the fact that she could be mad. Honestly, she didn't even know she could get that mad until now. "If we do that… then we're no better than the Incubator!"

Archer closed his eyes and chuckled to himself. "You're right."

"How can you laugh in a situation like this!" Ereshkigal shouted at him.

"It's… fine," Ren said as she looked up to her Servant.

"That's just Archer. He can act like an ass… but he means well," Kyoko replied as she kneeled down to stroke Yuma's head.

With one arm still holding onto Ren, Madoka wiped away the tears from her eyes and looked at Yuma. Even if she was still trying to find a way to save her friends, there was still someone that needed help right now. "Is she going to be okay? I know Archer said so, bu-"

"It's going to take time," Kyoko replied. "Even after Archer finishes healing her, she'll probably need a week or two to recover."

"Are you… going to be here that entire time?" Madoka asked. "By yourselves?"

"Have to." Kyoko gripped her fist again. "With our home destroyed this is the only place we can use. And even then, that Oriko bitch might come for us again."

Oriko… why did that name sound so familiar to her?

"What about you?" Madoka asked Ren and Ereshkigal. "Do you have a place to stay?"

Ereshkigal shook her head. "We were planning to stay at Archer's house for the night when we visited."

"Which was unannounced by the way," Archer interjected. "But… thanks for coming anyway."

Ereshkigal smiled at him. "But yes… My Master and I currently don't have a place to rest. We'll probably just stay here for the night too."

"Then why don't you stay at my house tonight?" Madoka suggested. "You all can. There's enough room if you share and we can help watch over Yuma."

"Won't that inconvenience your family?" Archer asked.

Madoka began to fiddle with her fingers. "It's just that… I don't think you should be alone here. Any of you. And I know that Papa and Mama will want to help after we explain things to them."

Or she thought they would. Ever since she had come home with that scar on her arm and very little to explain it, her parents had been more eyeful of her. Asking her more questions, making sure that she was being safe. It had made it a lot harder to help Mami and Homura out with their hunts. And then Sayaka had contracted to heal Kyousuke's hand, which just made Madoka worry even more. She loved her childhood friend… but yea Sayaka had a tendency to put herself in danger. Especially when it came to helping others.

At this point Madoka couldn't just sit aside while other people suffered. If she could do something to help, even if it was just offering her home to them, then she would do it.

Archer looked at Yuma, then Kyoko, then Ereshkigal, then Ren, then the entirety of the apartment, and finally Madoka. He locked eyes with her. His were full of steel, but there was also something underneath it all. Something that wanted to see the light of day again.

Eventually he nodded in concession. "I think… that would be a good idea."

There was something wrong with the man's daughter. He knew that. It was not difficult to see considering the long amount of time she spent with her friends. Especially that one time when she came back with a scar that dragged from her right forearm up to a spot close to her shoulder.

An injury that had come quickly and been healed just as fast. Only magic could explain something like that… but he could feel it no longer. Not since he came to this world.

He sighed to himself as he continued washing his dirty cookware in the sink.

He could've gotten answers if he confronted his daughter, forced it out of her. But in the end, she was so much like he was.

That kindness, that readiness to help people, it was beautiful and pure. Something that he and his wife so admired in their daughter. She really was a good girl.

It was a shame that the world was often not kind to such people.

The doorbell rung and the familiar steps of his daughter could be heard… along with a group behind.

Heaver, aggressive, meek, confident, a whole array of different steps from people that Madoka had yet to bring to this home so far.

He continued scrubbing the pan and put on the brightest smile he could. It was time to see what his daughter had done this time.

"I'm home," Madoka announced her arrival as she stepped into her house and then glanced back at the assorted group behind her. "And I uh… brought some friends."

It wasn't the first time Madoka had brought a group of friends over, but this one was a bit different. She knew Papa would do his best to be nice, but she wasn't entirely sure how he'd react to them.

"Oh," Papa's voice came out of the kitchen. "How many? It's a bit of a surprise, but I'll try my best to make sure there's enough food for all of them."

That was Papa for you. Always making sure everyone was fed, even back in that food bank he used to work at before he married Mama. It was also the same place where they had first met. Apparently, he had always been enraptured by her eyes.

Madoka wanted to be like that one day. Find that one person with deep purple eyes who she could spend the rest of her life with.

"It's fine," Archer called out from the living room. "Two of us… have already eaten and I can order some food to be brought here."

"Madoka… could you step into the kitchen for a second?" Papa asked.

"Okay Papa," Madoka replied as she led the group to sit on the couch before stepping into the kitchen. Papa was cleaning some dishes, but he looked a bit tense for some reason.

"Madoka… where did you meet that man?"

"He was a friend of Mami's. His home got… destroyed and his family needed a place to rest. I know I should've asked for permission first, but they-"

"It's fine Madoka," Papa replied as he put the last dish in the wash basin. "Could you just go upstairs and check on your Mama and Tatsuya really quickly? Tell her that we have a certain visitor."

"Mama came back early!" Madoka said excitedly.

Papa nodded. "She did."

"Hey, sorry to bother you, but is there a bed we can put Yuma in?" Kyoko stepped into the kitchen. She turned back to the living room. "Your couch is great and all, but Archer says we should put her somewhere more comfortable."

"I can show you to the guest bedroom," Madoka replied.

"Actually, Madoka. Could I speak with your friend?" Papa asked.

"Sure," Kyoko replied. "Just show Archer where he'll carry Yuma." She told Madoka.

"Actually, I'd prefer it if Emiya stayed downstairs."

"I guess I could have Eresh carry her," Kyoko conceded. "But why wo- wait a minute how do you know my-"

It took a few seconds for Madoka to process what happened next. To realize that her father had suddenly grabbed Kyoko by her bandaged arm, twisted it painfully behind her back, and put a knife to her neck.

"Madoka. Sweetie. Please go upstairs right now."

"Papa!" Madoka shouted as everyone gathered near the kitchen to see what the commotion was. "What are you doing!?"

"Get away from that man! Madoka! I won't have you near him until we know what he's here to do!" Papa shouted to Madoka as he pulled Kyoko back even further and glared at the arriving Archer. "What are you doing here? Emiya?"

"How do you-" Archer began to take out his blades only to pause as he looked at Papa closely. His eyes widened a few seconds later. "Huh… didn't expect to see you here."

"I could say the same of you," Papa said.

"Uh Archer? Shouldn't you be doing something about this?" Kyoko asked, clearly sweating from having a knife put to her neck.

"Would you mind letting Kyoko go? We mean you no harm," Archer replied. "As long as we can prove that we mean him no harm then he won't do anything. That and not go after the innocent," he informed Kyoko.

"My priority is my family," Papa replied with more steel than Madoka had ever heard him use before. He never got this angry. Even when she or Tatsuya misbehaved, he always chastised them calmly. Seeing him like this scared her.

"I was summoned," Archer replied. "As was Ereshkigal to this world. As for the reason why." He shrugged. "I honestly had no idea at first. It might have something to do with whatever's going on in Kamihama."

"So, then you have no reason to go after me or my family?"

"None at all. In fact, I'm surprised you have such a pleasant daughter."

"Madoka. Do not associate with this man. At all," Madoka's father replied before finally releasing his grip on Kyoko.

Kyoko quickly made her way back to Archer. "So can someone explain to me what exactly is going on?"

"I admit, I would like some answers too," Ereshkigal said.

"Yea…" Ren commented.

"I could also use some answers too," Archer said. "When and how did you end up in this world?"

Before Papa could answer, Mama walked down the stairs, Tatsuya in her hands.

"Tomohisa sweetie. Tatsuya's getting hungry ag-" the purple haired woman stopped at the end of the stairs and stared at the small gathering in her living room. "I'm assuming we have company?"

"Yes, Junko," Tomohisa sighed.

"Servants… and their Masters?"

"Yes."

"Mama you know about this!?" Madoka shouted.

"Meow." Amy then casually walked into the living room, made its way past everyone there, and began rubbing Ereshkigal's leg.

"Seems like Amy likes her," Mama commented.

"Mama!" Madoka shouted.

"Sorry sweetie," Mama said. "I think we all should sit down and do this over a cup of tea. They are our guests after all."

Papa smiled. "Yes, you're right." He went to the kitchen and put away the knife as if he wasn't brandishing it against Kyoko's throat just seconds ago. "Why don't you all take a seat in the living room? Emiya can help prepare dinner for all of you." He looked at Archer. "Assuming your skills are still up to par."

Archer scoffed. "I've fed an entire Grand Order. I can handle a little dinner party."

Dinner was a bit awkward. The food was good, turns out Archer was just a little better than Papa was at cooking, not that she'd ever tell Papa that, but most people were a bit preoccupied with all the unanswered questions in the air.

Especially Madoka. She had a lot of questions to ask her parents.

"The food is delicious," Ereshkigal said, one of the few people along with Kyoko who was actually eating with fervor. "Suitable for a Goddess."

"You've improved in the kitchen greatly," Archer said as he looked up at Papa.

"I've had to take care of the family while Junko was at work. Madoka was a picky child when she was younger."

"Sorry," Madoka apologized as she continued to pick at her own food. Eventually she couldn't even do that and put down her fork so she could look at her parents directly. "Papa, Mama. What am I?"

Mama and Papa shared a look.

"You're our daughter," Mama replied.

"Not who," Madoka replied as she put her hand between her chest. "What am I? Am I… human." Or something else. Something that shouldn't even exist here.

"Technically you're a Semi-Servant," Archer replied. "I never expected to see one here, normally the World wouldn't allow the existence of such beings."

"The World's influence here is weak," Papa replied. "I was worried at first, when Junko first became pregnant, but Madoka has never had any issues with existence."

"Issues with my existence?" Madoka asked while she pointed. "Is there something wrong with me?"

"A Semi-Servant is a miracle child of a human and Servant," Archer informed her. "Despite being stronger and more magically inclined, on top of whatever abilities or even Noble Phantasms you could develop or receive from your bloodlines, you and your brother are still fully human. You don't have to consider yourself as anything but human and as long as the World's influence remains weak here you should be fine."

"And if it doesn't?" Madoka asked. "What if it becomes active?"

"Both you and your brother would die within days. There are ways to circumvent that beforehand, mainly by tying your existence to a ritual object or even to this city."

"Like Erice?" Papa asked. "Madoka and Tatsuya wouldn't be able to leave the city in that case… but anyway it likely won't be necessary. I've been here for decades, and Gaia still hasn't done much to interfere."

"How did you end up here?" Archer asked him. "And in that state?"

"Unlike you two I wasn't summoned," Papa's eyes became distant. "I was brought here and as a human no less. A human with all the memories of the Robin Hood's before me."

Kyoko choked on her drink. "You're Robin Hood!?" she shouted after she had finished after she finished coughing. "Ain't he supposed to be English?"

"Yes," Papa nodded. "Everyone of us were English, faceless heroes born from the prayers of the British people. It was a title passed on to those who assumed it, to those who wished to answer the pleas of the common folk. So, it was rather strange for me to wake up one day as a Japanese man and a human at that. My knowledge and skills still remain, but I was given none of the power or even the arsenal allotted to me from my legends."

Papa was Robin Hood. The righteous thief?

"Is that why I'm so good with a bow?" Madoka asked him.

"And when did you have a chance to use a bow?" Papa asked. "Does it have something to do with that scar on your arm?"

Madoka looked away shamelessly.

"Sweetie… I don't blame you for doing what you did. You always wanted to help people… I'm just ashamed that it took until now for me to finally notice what was happening."

"Even your senses are off?" Archer asked.

"I am completely human. I have no power and I can't even sense magic anymore. It's no excuse for me to not realize what was happening with my own daughter, even when I knew that something was going on."

"Papa…"

"Madoka," Papa turned to her. "Could you please show me your bow. I want to see it."

Madoka nodded as Mama put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She held her hand out and summoned her bow. She let Papa take and hold it, having long since learned how to keep it manifested even outside of her hands.

"It's beautiful," Papa said as he admired the wood and eventually cupped the pink flower at the top. It was still a bud, having yet to bloom as she hadn't used its power, but even then he seemed almost enraptured by it. "It really suits you. You're a wonderful girl."

"Thank you," Madoka said as she blushed.

Papa then handed the bow for Mama to look at.

"Your father's right," Mama said as she admired the bow. "It really does match you. Beautiful, pure." She began to tug on the wood. "But strong and flexible where it needs to be."

"Bow!" Tatsuya cheered happily from Mama's arm as his fingers touched the bow. "M-doka bow!"

Having her family see it, accept that part of her, it made Madoka happy. It didn't matter that they knew something about this all along. In the end she could still rely on them.

"You have a good family," Kyoko took a brief break to comment before going back to her food.

Ren nodded in silence before looking back at Ereshkigal. Apparently, they could talk to each other telepathically, so Madoka was sure that whatever conversation they were having was nice.

"Bow!" Tatsuya cheered again.

Madoka dismissed her bow once she realized her brother was getting a bit too handsy with it. Not that she particularly minded him holding it, but it just wasn't a good idea to give a toddler a potentially dangerous weapon. Even one as cute as her brother was.

"Bow," Tatsuya looked disappointed. It also made Madoka want to summon her bow again, just for him.

"So how long are you planning on staying?" Papa asked Archer. Madoka turned to watch the two of them as they spoke.

"It'll take a week or so for Yuma to fully recover. Until then Kyoko and I can find another-"

"Then you can stay here for a week," Papa replied curtly. "We have enough room and I know you can behave yourself in my house." He turned to Ren and Ereshkigal. "Will you be needing a place to stay too?"

Ren shook her head. "No…"

"Only a night or two. We only have this weekend before we have to go back to Kamihama," Ereshkigal explained. "We'll make sure to come back next week though, to check on all of you."

"I wan, bow," Tatsuya whined.

"Sorry sweetie," Mama apologized to him. "We'll get you your own bow later."

"Myy bow?" Tatsuya tilted his head.

"Yes, your bow," Mama said.

"Bow."

"What do you plan to do after Yuma recovers?" Papa asked. "Your home was destroyed wasn't it?"

"So long as Oriko remains she'll always be a threat to us, especially with her foresight," Archer replied. "We have no choice but to head to Kamihama and get rid of her if we are to ever return to some semblance of peace."

"There's a war going on there, Emiya," Papa pushed up his glasses. "I don't need to be there to tell you that. If you go there again, I'm not too certain you'll ever get out."

"We don't have a choice," Kyoko bit out, frustration clear on her face. "She's already been responsible for killing someone in my family, I'm not letting her do that again… I won't."

"Well… I can certainly understand fighting impossible odds to protect those around you," Papa sighed. "Just be careful, if something happened my daughter would be sad."

"I would," Madoka confirmed. "Please be careful out there… Actually could I-"

"Tatsuya!" Mama suddenly shouted in panic. "Put down the crossbow!"

Wait, what?

Madoka turned around and saw that Tatsuya was holding a crossbow, one that just appeared in his hands. A real one. With a very sharp pointed bolt primed and ready to shoot.

"Tatsuya!" Madoka shouted and moved only for Papa to reach him first.

"Bow!" Tatsuya said happily as he raised the crossbow precariously into the air.

"Tatsuya," Papa said carefully as he brought his hands closer. "Why don't you give me the crossbow?"

"No!" Tatsuya huffed and carried his crossbow away from Papa's arms. The bolt was now dangerously pointed at his own head. "My! Bow!"

"Tatsuy-"

"I got this," Archer said as he gently pushed Papa aside and held out his hand. In it, a toy crossbow appeared. This one colorful, soft, and loaded with a foam bolt. "Do you want this instead?"

"Okay!" Tatsuya said cheerfully as he haphazardly tossed his crossbow aside to grab the toy. Mama barely caught the weapon before it disappeared in her arms. "Bow!"

"Sometimes you need to give children what they want," Archer said smugly as he looked at Papa. "They have no concept of right and wrong, just their own needs you need t-"

Archer was interrupted by a foam arrow that flew right into his mouth.

"Bow!"

"You sure taught me a lesson," Papa said smugly as everyone else laughed.

Kyoko laid restless on the futon that had been laid out for her. Her eyes staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, her ears primed to listen to the gentle breathing of Yuma on the bed next to her.

Even if they couldn't share the same bed, there was no way that Kyoko wasn't going to be in the same room as her.

Kyoko thought a lot about what had happened earlier today. How Yuma used her first spell to smash that Servant in the face.

Only… it probably wasn't Yuma's first spell in the first place. Yuma had been practicing when Kyoko didn't notice, likely in her sleep. Archer would've known, he always knew, but Kyoko couldn't exactly get mad at him for supporting her.

In the end she could only blame herself. Blame herself for not supporting Yuma enough. Blame herself for how Yuma ended up.

If she had been smarter. If she hadn't just dived in and let herself be captured by that Servant. She should've stayed away like Archer had told her to. Even if he couldn't beat Oriko and her Servant, he could've probably gotten away. He had lots of tricks like that.

She needed to be better. After years of training as a Magus, training with Archer, it was only now that she felt so incredibly incompetent. She realized that she was the one holding him and Yuma back.

Kyoko let out a deep breath and closed her eyes.

She wanted to go back. Go back to their old home. Go back to that time when they had just brought back Yuma to their home. Just go back to those relatively peaceful days again.

In the end though, she knew. She knew that those days would never come back now.

A land of ash. Hills of it that cascaded around her and perpetually surrounded by a fog with a thickness almost like smoke. A fog that threatened to choke her as it entered her lungs.

That was where Kyoko had found herself now. She tried to put an arm to her mouth and use the sleeve of her shirt to filter out some of the fog.

It didn't help much. It also didn't explain how she ended up here.

"You hate it here. I do too."

Kyoko turned to the source of her voice and found herself looking at… herself. Or just a fake copy of herself. Some black figure, obscured by fog, that clearly took her form.

"Who the hell are you?" Kyoko growled.

"Do you need to ask?" the fake replied. "Or are you just being purposefully ignorant? Hiding yourself from the truth, like you always do."

"That doesn't answer my question," Kyoko shouted and immediately regretted it as she took in a mouthful of fog. She began to cough heavily, trying to clear out her lungs.

"Your family. You need them. You need them so much, yet you don't realize how much harm you've done them. You're a parasite feeding off their love. You're going to doom them, just like you did your father. Just like you did your mother and Momo."

"Shut... up!" Kyoko said between wheezes. It was too hard to breathe. She needed to get out of here.

"Fine then. Ignore the truth. Just remember this. You might be returned to your human body, but the Soul, the Soul remembers what has been done to it," the fake her said. "Twisted, perverted, altered by an alien creature, just because of a foolish dream."

"This is a dream," Kyoko gasped. "This isn't real."

The fake stepped forward and Kyoko stepped back in turn. She wasn't letting that… thing anywhere near her.

"Fine then. Pretend this is all a dream," the fake mocked her as it tilted its head and somehow smirked at her past all the fog. "Just know that when you've lost everything and fallen into the deepest despair once more, I'll still be here."

"So that's what this is all about," Kyoko replied. "You just wanna take over my body. Well, you're not having it!" The fake disappeared but Kyoko still continued shouting, even as her lungs burned. "I'm not going to end up like you! I'm going to survive, like I've always done. There's no way I'm going to become a-"

Kyoko opened her eyes and immediately sat up as she put a hand to her sweating head. A dream. That was all that it was. She was no longer surrounded by fog, no longer standing on a land of perpetual ash.

She got up and looked at the bed. Looked at the little bundle of green that slept close to her.

Kyoko grabbed Yuma's hand and held on tight.

She was back in the bedroom, the room that the Kaname's had given them. She was a human. There was no way. It was impossible. She was a human. That was all a dream. She wasn't even a Magical Girl anymore. She wouldn't become one of them. A Witch.

Right?

Chapter Text

"Have you heard anything from Sayaka and Homura?" Hitomi asked Madoka next to their lockers after school had ended. "Kyosuke and I are worried."

Madoka, who had been discreetly taking stock of the equipment she had hidden in her backpack thanks to magic, shook her head. "They told me that they're still waiting for the results."

Three Scattershots, Four Explosives, Two Grapples, One two three- seventeen Regular arrows, and one Piercer as Sayaka dubbed it. The last one was the hardest to make and took the most effort to charge, so that was to be saved for emergencies.

Plenty of shots left for today's hunt but as Mami said, you could never have too much ammunition.

"That's a shame," Hitomi replied with a concerned expression. "I can only hope they can find what's wrong with Akemi's heart."

The excuse they had given Hitomi was that Homura needed to go to a doctor outside the city due to complications with her heart and Sayaka had gone with her to support her. It had given them a few days of excused absences from school and with Golden Week next week they wouldn't be missing much else. It also helped that Sayaka's were off on their own business to Kyoko, so they wouldn't have noticed her going elsewhere.

"I'm sure they will," Madoka said, mostly to reassure herself. "Homura, Sayaka… they'll be fine."

"Do you want to go with me to grab some cake?" Hitomi suggested. "It's been a while and I have some free time now. We could also go visit Kyosuke in the hospital. With his hand healed they say that he could be discharged soon."

Madoka wanted to go, she really did, but with everyone else gone she was the only one remaining that could patrol the area for Witches. If she didn't… so many people could get hurt.

"I'm sorry," Madoka apologized. "My family has something planned."

It was a bit of weight off her shoulders now that Mama and Papa knew about what she did, but it still didn't make it easier being unable to explain to Hitomi and Kyousuke why she no longer had time to hang out with them.

"You and Sayaka have been busy recently… ever since Homura showed up. Not that I blame her or anything!" Hitomi quickly amended. "But if there's something going on and you three need some help."

"Thank you Hitomi," Madoka said with the best smile she could muster. "But we'll be fine. I… can hang out with you this weekend."

"That… sounds good. Kyosuke could be discharged by then so the four- er three of us can spend time together again."

Madoka was quick to agree. Maybe Sayaka and Homura would return by then. That was a nice thought.

With plans made the two of them went to the entrance of the school only to find someone waiting by the entrance. Someone whose red hair and casual outfit made her standout from everyone else there.

"Kyoko? What are you doing here?" Madoka asked.

Kyoko got off the wall she was leaning on and uncrossed her arms. "Your father wanted me to pick you up… and help out with your," she glanced at Hitomi, "Business." She opened up a pack of Pocky, put one in her mouth and held another stick out to Madoka. "Want one?"

"S-sure," Madoka replied as she took the stick. She didn't put it into her mouth immediately though.

"Kyoko?" Hitomi asked as she looked at Kyoko carefully.

"This is Kyoko Emiya," Madoka quickly introduced her friends to each other. "Her family has been staying at my home for the last few days. Kyoko, this is Hitomi Shizuki."

"Yo," Kyoko casually greeted with a wave of her hand.

"... Kyoko…" Hitomi muttered to herself. "I'm sorry Emiya, but do you know Sayaka Miki?"

"That idiot?"

"So, you are the girl that Sayaka picked a fight with in Kazamino!" Hitomi shouted upon her revelation. "Madoka, how did she start staying in your house? Is she causing you any trouble?"

"Um well, her father and mine knew each other. And they've been perfectly nice. They haven't done anything to me," Madoka quickly defended Kyoko.

"Family friends then?" Hitomi asked while still looking at Kyoko suspiciously.

Kyoko sighed. "My beef is with Blue. I have no issue with Madoka, I actually kinda like her."

"So, you won't cause her any issues?"

"Nah. If anything Archer and her father want me to help her out today. You don't have to worry about me messing with her."

It took a few seconds, several long seconds, before Hitomi finally bowed her head. "Apologies. I should not have accused you of anything. It's just that with Sayaka gone someone has to take the task of watching over Madoka."

"I can handle myself," Madoka looked away and muttered with a light blush on her cheeks.

"Yea I can understand that," Kyoko agreed. "She's a bit too nice for her own good… but she is tougher than she looks."

Madoka looked at Kyoko in surprise.

Hitomi nodded before turning back to Madoka. "So, this is the family business you were talking about."

"Y-yea. Sorry," Madoka apologized again.

"That's fine. I know what it's like to have to stay connected with family friends," Hitomi said with a reassuring smile. "I hope you two have a good time." She then turned to Kyoko. "And please, keep an eye on Madoka."

"Will do."

Satisfied with her answer, Hitomi left, leaving Madoka alone with Kyoko.

"Are you really here to help, Kyoko?" Madoka asked.

"Yea," Kyoko admitted. "Archer's still busy checking on Yuma and your parents wanted one of us to back you up."

"Thank you," Madoka said gratefully.

"Let's go patrolling then."

"Actually, there's a Witch close to the school," Madoka informed her. "I had to wait until school ended before I went for it though."

"Lead the way," Kyoko said and let Madoka lead her to the labyrinth.

It was a short walk to the entrance and once they arrived Madoka put her backpack on the ground and began to dig through it. She pulled out her quiver and filled it with all the arrows she had available.

"You're still using the quiver Archer gave you?"

Madoka nodded as she slung the quiver across her back and summoned her bow. "It's a wonderful gift and I've been making arrows like he suggested."

"Glad to see someone's listening to him at least," Kyoko sighed before taking a spear out of a satchel and used it to slash an entrance into the labyrinth. She stepped inside and Madoka was quick to follow.

The labyrinth this time was a technological spectacle. All sorts of machines, gadgets, and equipment made up the walls and were scattered throughout the room. The scattered objects provided convenient stepping stones to avoid what looked like a giant current of electricity that ran on the entirety of the floor. It would hurt to fall into that.

Madoka prepped herself and used her enhanced strength to follow Kyoko as she jumped from platform to platform. Eventually they landed on the screen of a giant monitor where a group of large familiars waited for them. They looked like handheld gaming devices. The same she had seen some of her classmates, and Sayaka, use in class while the teacher wasn't looking.

"Alright," Kyoko said as she hefted her spear. "I'll go first you stay back an-"

Madoka had already stepped forward, nocked her bow, and primed a blue tipped arrow before Kyoko had time to finish her sentence. She shot the arrow straight up in the arrow. At the very apex of its flight it shattered into numerous pink fragments that began to storm down on the familiars below. By the time the arrow was spent only a few familiars remained.

"Or you could just do that," Kyoko mused before she flashed forward in an instant and skewered the remaining familiars. "Looks like you can handle yourself."

"Mami's been training me, and I've been hunting alone for the last few days."

"Good." Kyoko's face took on a wild look. "Means I can go all out without worrying about keeping an eye on you."

Considering what happened to her recently, Madoka was more than willing to let Kyoko release her violent impulses in the labyrinth. "Go ahead."

And go ahead she did. Like a raging bull Kyoko rammed into everything that they ran into in the labyrinth. She actually could have been hurt if Madoka hadn't been watching her back. Thankfully Madoka had become very used to covering for aggressive fighters thanks to Sayaka.

Kyoko hopped off the monitor and quickly descended using the platforms. Rather than follow that same path, Madoka took out a yellow tipped arrow. This arrow though was shaped more like a harpoon and she slammed one end of it into the ground. She then pulled out the top, aimed the shot, and fired. The tip would fly, carrying with it a magic enhanced rope that tightened and went straight once the tip had landed onto the farthest platform she could aim for.

Madoka then dismissed the string on her bow so she could put it on top of the rope, grab onto the ends, and slide down her newly made path. She ended up getting to that platform around the same time Kyoko did despite the lead the Magus had.

"Where'd you get one of those?" Kyoko asked as Madoka rolled on her landing and quickly stood up next to her.

"Mami suggested it, helps me and everyone else get around easier" Madoka said as she straightened her skirt, it had gotten caught in her leg during the roll. She thanked the Goddess that she wore shorts underneath ever since she started doing tricks like that. Apparently Magical Girls didn't have that issue, their outfits or some sort of light diffusing magic made sure of that. Either that or they simply didn't care. Mami had talked about seeing some rather… risqué outfits in the past. Outfits that made some of the doodles of Magical Girl outfits in her notebook look suitable for nuns in comparison. She wouldn't say anything about nuns though. Archer had warned her not to talk to Kyoko about churches, fire, or hanging in general.

Madoka didn't know what exactly happened to Kyoko, just that it was some sort of tragedy from what she could get from Mami and Archer, but those three topics didn't paint a pretty picture.

"Always coming up with new ideas," Kyoko sighed. It wasn't weary or annoyed though, it was somewhat wistful. "Did she have you call out your attack names yet?"

"She suggested it…" Madoka blushed. "But I don't think I can do that."

"Good. Once you start it's almost impossible to stop… also it really gets annoying when people around you expect you to shout it out every time you have to use that move."

"How long have you fought with Mami?"

"Long enough."

That wasn't much of an answer, but before Madoka could ask any further Kyoko had already gone ahead. Madoka simply followed.

She really did want to know more about Kyoko. Yes, she and Sayaka fought a lot. But seeing how she cared for Yuma and Archer, how she was willing to help her with her patrol, well she couldn't be a bad person at all.

If Kyoko and Sayaka could just talk… then maybe they'd be able to get along. Maybe even be really good friends. That was what Madoka wanted. For all her friends to get along.

It wasn't long until they finally got to the Witch, some sort of giant toy robot. One that Madoka could imagine Tatsuya playing with. Its hands were long, sharp claws, its feet were spiky blocks, and its eyes were a crystalline red.

Madoka yelped as she ducked underneath the laser shot in her direction, the heat of it singing a few strands of her hair.

And apparently it could shoot laser beams from its eyes. Tatsuya would definitely love this if it hadn't been out to kill them.

"Don't wimp out on me now, Madoka!" Kyoko shouted as she somersaulted over a swinging arm and jammed her spear into its chest. It cracked slightly before Kyoko's weapon bounced off. "Tch, tough."

"Just keep aiming for that spot!" Madoka shouted as she knocked and fired a red tipped arrow at the same spot. It went off with the force of an RPG, which Madoka was very familiar with at this point considering how much Homura liked to use those, and caused the cracks to spread even further.

"A little hard to do with it swinging at me," Kyoko shouted as she ducked under another swing and angled her spear to deflect the laser beams that were shot at her. "Just keep firing, I'll distract it."

That meant Madoka had to work quickly, before Kyoko risked getting herself hurt. She quickly unloaded her remaining Explosive arrows one after another. The three consecutive explosions blasted an ever increasing hole into its chest and the Witch stumbled back on the third.

With the Witch now forced back, Kyoko twirled the spear in her hands, gripped it with her underhand and took a wide stance. Flame erupted from the spear and enveloped the weapon just before Kyoko threw it with all her might. The flaming projectile slammed straight into the hole, piercing through the chest and coming out the back of the Witch.

"It's no Gáe Bulg," Kyoko muttered as shook her wrist. "But that definitely works."

"That was really cool!" Madoka praised.

"Took me months to get that working… You've pretty good with your powers, how long have you had them?"

"Almost two months now."

"That's it?" Kyoko asked as they watched the Grief Seed fall to the floor.

"Mami says I learn quickly," Madoka admitted. "B-but's it not that fast and it's only because I have her and Homura to teach me."

"Mami must love teaching you then," Kyoko reached down to grab the Grief Seed. She then began cupping it, staring deep into the blackness behind the clear crystal.

"Is everything okay?" Madoka asked.

"I know it doesn't do anything for me," Kyoko suddenly began to mutter. "Shut up."

"Um, sorry?" She wasn't even sure what she was apologizing about.

Kyoko looked at Madoka, as if she just remembered that she was still there. "It's nothing, just talking with Archer."

"You can talk to him with your mind, right?"

"Yea. Comes with the whole Master, Servant Contract," Kyoko showed off the red marks on your hand. "Actually, if you're a Semi-Servant could you be someone's Servant… Could you also be the Master of a Servant?"

"That…" was actually a really good question. "I don't know. Maybe you could ask Archer?" Madoka suggested.

"Nah, he's out of range."

But didn't she just say she was talking with Archer?

"Anyway," Kyoko tossed the Grief Seed. "You can have this."

"Are you sure?" Madoka asked after she caught it.

"Yea. I'm human. Don't need to use it," Kyoko replied. "You might not either, but your friends do. Besides, I owe you anyway."

"That's really nice, thank you."

Kyoko scoffed. "It's not that nice... Just delaying the inevitable."

Yuma opened her eyes to an unfamiliar room. Once again she wasn't entirely sure how she ended up in this or how she got there in the first place.

And then she remembered.

She didn't panic this time though. Somewhat because she was already used to ending up like this and mostly because, excuse her language, she felt like absolute shit.

Everything hurt. And she meant everything.

It was a struggle to turn her head much less try to sit up and get out of bed. And when she did turn it she found herself looking at a pair of large brown eyes looking at her excitedly.

"Mama!" the boy, a toddler apparently, began shouting. "Y'ma awake now!"

"Meow."

And there was also a cat at the foot of her bed. That was nice. She liked cats.

The first one to open the door and step into the room after the toddler called was Archer and then a woman right behind him, who Yuma could only assume was the boy's mother.

"Tatsuya! How'd you get here?" The mother asked. "I was sure he was in his crib."

"Crafty like his father I'd imagine," Archer replied before he kneeled down next to Yuma and looked her in the eyes. "How do you feel?"

"Terrible. Everything hurts," Yuma admitted she tried to sit up and was able to do so this time with Archer's help. Her back and neck were propped up by several pillows laid against the head of the bed.

"Well, that's what happens when you overuse a Magical Circuit. It produces too much heat and ends up burning your body from the inside out."

Yuma had a feeling that was what happened. She knew what she was doing the second she had picked up that hammer. "Where's Kyoko? How is she?"

"She's fine. Out hunting right now."

"By herself?"

"With Madoka, do you remember her?"

"Pink Girl with Ribbons."

"Yes," Archer nodded. "We've been staying at her family's house. They know about Magecraft and Servants."

"That's nice." Yuma tried to get out of bed only to have Archer stop her with a hand. "Ow…"

"You still need to rest," Archer said as he sat down and put his hand on top of her chest. His magic spread through her body, leaving her feeling tingly and a bit cooler than before. "Should help with the pain, but she shouldn't move around too much."

"Can you… heal me more?"

Archer shook his head. "I've done what I can. There's no permanent damage but your body needs to heal by itself. Is there anything you need?"

"Thirsty," Yuma croaked.

Archer turned to the woman. "Junko, could you get us some water? And also start heating up that light broth I have stored in the fridge."

"Of course, Archer," Junko agreed before grabbing Tatsuya and carrying him out of the room.

"Anything else?" Archer asked.

"Bathroom?"

"… I'll go get a pan."

After that embarrassing situation had been dealt with, mostly by Junko constantly reassuring her, Yuma was finally allowed a drink of water. It did wonders on her parched throat and the broth soon after was a welcome addition to her tongue. Light and tasty, she swallowed it easily and she could feel it warm up her stomach slightly.

"We'll get you some solid food in a few hours, once your body's adjusted," Archer informed her as he stood up and stepped aside. "Also get ready for some visitors."

Visitors?

Loud, heavy footsteps could be heard down the hall. They rapidly converged onto the room, until Kyoko rushed into the doorway, took one look at Yuma, and quickly threw herself in that direction.

Yuma barely had time to prepare herself before Kyoko had already completely enveloped her in her arms.

It hurt, a lot actually. But Yuma didn't mind so much. She even returned the hug with her own, in spite of how much her arms groaned when she did so.

"I'm fine, Big Sis," Yuma tried to reassure her. "I'm better now."

Kyoko remained silent and continued to hold onto Yuma's body. It was only after some time, when Archer had put a hand on her shoulder, did Kyoko finally let go.

Her face, her eyes. They seemed more… tired.

"Kyoko, have you been sleeping?" Yuma asked.

"I have," Kyoko replied. "Don't worry about me. How do you feel?"

"My body hurts, but Archer says I'll get better."

"Archer told me that… but it's nice to hear it from you."

"Kyoko… are you mad at me?" Yuma finally decided to bite the bullet and ask Kyoko the question that remained at the back of her mind. "For overdoing my Magecraft? For practicing behind your back."

"No…" Kyoko replied, much to Yuma's relief. "You did what you had to, and that's what saved us. In the end what happened to you is my fault."

"It isn't-"

"Oriko is my problem. My responsibility. She still is. You… you shouldn't have been forced to get involved with that."

"But she was after Archer." Yuma quickly looked at Archer. "Not that I blame you bu-"

"He is my Servant. My responsibility," Kyoko replied. "You both are. Whatever happens… I'll do whatever it takes to keep you two safe."

The look on Kyoko's face… Archer couldn't see it from where he stood, but Yuma could. It wasn't the confidence, the determination that she normally showed, instead it was resigned. As if she had already accepted whatever she would have to do next.

"You actually can act as a Master of a Servant or even be summoned as a Servant of a Master, though for the latter it won't likely be the you as you are now. Probably a future, if not alternate version of you," Archer informed Madoka as he helped Papa in the kitchen. They were cooking a special dinner now that Yuma was awake. "It can get very confusing. Even I'm not fully informed on this because of how rare they show, even across the multiverse."

"Multiverse?" Madoka asked.

"Multiple timelines. A Servant like me can show up in a countless number of them. I can count on my hand the number of times I've actually seen a Semi-Servant. When they do show up though… Well, unbelievable things happen. There was one Semi Servant that inherited the Ame-no-Sakahoko once held by Izanagi and Izanami, though I didn't really talk with her much back in Cheldea. You taking on the power of a Goddess doesn't seem that strange anymore considering the context."

"Erice and Voyager always were an interesting pair," Papa commented as he roasted vegetables in a pan.

"Still have no idea what sort of Servant Voyager actually was." Archer cut up the potatoes he peeled and dumped them into boiling water. "I would've used my Tracing on him, but his old Master was incredibly possessive of him. Didn't want to risk getting consumed by her demons."

Papa shivered. "I've seen it. It was not pretty."

"Well, they always had you cleaning up the messes the Servants created," Archer commented.

"And they always had you working in the kitchen. Tell me, how often were you actually brought in for combat?"

"They had more other Servants more suitable… and worthy of such a role. Neither of us were very suited to the limelight."

"… Fair enough"

It was strange whenever the two interacted. They liked to bicker a lot and argue… but they worked surprisingly well together. Even Mama commented how compatible the two were whenever they worked around the house.

"Does Ereshkigal remember anything?" Papa asked.

"Not about that time, no."

"So, you do know Ereshkigal," Madoka commented. "She always seems so comfortable around you."

"Building up your Harem again, Emiya?"

"Really? In front of your daughter?"

"She's kind. Not stupid. And back in Cheldea there was actually a betting pool on who you ended up with."

"Do you know anything after I was dismissed?"

Papa shrugged as he added salt. "As much as you do. Most of us were sent back to the Throne after Solomon was dealt with. If something else did happen after that, then I haven't received those memories yet."

"I guess it doesn't matter in the end," Archer said as he took out an ice bath, which he then proceeded to dump the cooked potatoes into. "We have our own issues to deal with now."

"You do," Papa replied. "I don't have any powers and I have my family to think about now."

"You've changed."

"And you haven't… are you sure you should be going to Kamihama?"

After taking out patting dry the potatoes, Archer began to crush them with a masher. "As long as Oriko remains a threat, Kyoko and I won't have peace. She needs to be dealt with."

"I understand why your Master would have to go… but what about Yuma?"

"…"

"You were going to have her stay with us? Weren't you?"

Madoka looked at Archer in shock. "You were going to leave Yuma with us?"

"She'll be safer here," Archer replied. "Oriko is clearly aiming for me, and Kyoko won't ever let them take me without a fight. Yuma on the other hand has little to do with this."

"But she's your family," Madoka replied.

"And that's why we have to keep her safe. We don't aim to abandon her but if something happens to either of us, it'd be nice to have some reassurance that she'll be taken care of."

"I'm fine with taking in a child in need." Papa looked at Archer carefully. "But only if they want it."

"I don't think Kyoko would like it either," Madoka commented.

Archer shook his head. "I'll convince Kyoko. She'll understand why we have to do this. As for Yuma, I'll give the news to her gradually. We won't leave anyway until she's sufficiently recovered."

Chapter Text

Ren shivered as she led another soul into one several cages hanging on her body. They were all made by Ereshkigal, all meant to allow her to capture and house spirits. Whether willingly or not, and it was usually the latter.

There were just so many dead in this abandoned building within Mitakihara. So many wayward spirits that needed guiding. Apparitions and Wraiths alike.

Apparitions were simple enough for Ren to dispel, using the practice and advice she received from Ereshkigal. They were just leftover thoughts, fragments of souls that had already departed that then gathered together to form an entity with a primitive drive to live. They could be considered a projection or recording of those who once lived. For most people they were harmless and even those with spiritual abilities were unaffected as long as they had enough willpower.

Ren wasn't entirely sure if she had enough willpower to resist them herself if she was being honest, but Ereshkigal's blessing was usually enough to make that a moot point. It also made her capable of making use of them.

She lifted up her hand and dispelled the apparition in front of her with a short burst of power. Once the apparition was dealt with, she summoned a white wisp like entity to illuminate the dark hall of the abandoned building she was traversing.

For each one Ren dispelled she also took a small piece, acquiring just a tiny bit of knowledge. She didn't take too much, to prevent them from getting root in the physical once more, but enough that she started to learn from them and became a bit more creative with her powers. She started calling them spells, for lack of a better term.

However, she had to be careful when using them. Each spell used up a bit of her vitality, both spiritually and physically, and she needed as much of it as possible when dealing with the Wraiths. Unlike the spirit of that drowned boy back in Kamihama some of these wraiths could be particularly… volatile.

Ren yelped as the dark otherworldly shadow of a wraith lunged at her from a nearby corner, barely avoiding it. She could feel the heat and life of her body leaving her body though just a tiny graze on her arm.

The wraiths that mistook her for a corpse to take over were especially dangerous. Even more so when they realized she was alive and sensitive enough to them that they could actually interfere with her physical body.

That was the issue with being close to the border like Ren was. So many things that couldn't affect most people could now affect her, drain her life and even take away her will to live.

She very much wanted to live now though.

Ren stared at it carefully as it slowly turned itself around and seemed to observe her in turn. Along its body she noticed and mentally traced the solid, black, zigzagging scribbles that began to appear on its body.

That was another thing she had gained from the fragments of the spirits she helped to pass on. She started seeing these strange lines when she focused her eyes. They were easiest to see on spirits, but she sometimes saw a few on a passing object or a random person on the streets.

She honestly didn't know what they were, or if they even mattered at all. So instead of worrying about those lines, Ren simply lifted up a cage and slammed it atop the wraith's head when it tried to lunge for her again. The strike disoriented it enough that she was somehow able to grab it with her hand, ignore the chill that spread from her palm, and forcefully shoved it through the cage door.

"Well, that's one way to do it." Ereshkigal materialized as Ren closed and locked the door. "I would've suggested blasting it."

"I… didn't want to risk it… Too tiring."

"That's because you're only using your body's lifeforce to power your attacks. Apparitions aren't just a source of leftover knowledge, but also power."

"You… want me… to use the Apparitions?"

"Yes. It's more efficient that way. With a bit of practice you can also start commanding wraiths to strike or possess your foes. That is the Authority you have over the dead, the gift that you received from me," Ereshkigal said smugly.

"But wraiths… are people," Ren replied.

"They were. Then they died. Now in death they can still serve a purpose before they pass on. Some Wraiths are less cooperative than others but if you're confident in your Authority then they will be compelled to listen. Compelled to let you give them purpose before finally letting them depart in peace."

Confidence… that was not something that Ren had much of. Apparitions were one thing, but she didn't think she'd ever start commanding Wraiths anytime soon.

Ren began handing the cages over to Ereshkigal only to have the Goddess stop her before the last one. The cage that held the same wraith that just attacked her.

"That soul belonged to a murderer that once stalked these halls," Ereshkigal informed Ren. "Although every soul deserves to pass on, that doesn't mean that it can't work for it. Keep it on you. Find a use for it before you let it pass on."

Ren wasn't sure she'd ever find a use for a Wraith, especially one as violent as this one, but she still hung it on her waist anyway. Wouldn't be too much of an issue to carry around as only those with some form of Magical ability could see it. Rika would see it though.

Maybe it was about time she told Rika everything.

They continued traversing the building. Going from hallway to hallway, passing room by room, and going through every corner that the Goddess detected a spirit within. Spirits that Ren could practice on and for those that were outside her capabilities, Ereshkigal dealt with herself.

Still though… Ren didn't know why Ereshkigal had her do this. The Goddess would've been enough, so why did she have to be involved. Ereshkigal never told her… and Ren had trouble asking why even though there had been plenty of opportunity to do so.

"People like us… with dominion over their realm… we are the few that can truly understand the dead," Ereshkigal commented as she led Ren up a flight of stairs.

"It's… lonely," Ren commented. "That's why… spirits gather. For them… and us."

"You are a strange human," Ereshkigal commented. "One who couldn't find her place among the living and yet can seek her purpose among the dead… Perhaps we are kindred spirits in that way. Strange it would be a human from a faraway land and time that I could connect with the most."

They stepped into what looked like what used to be a reception area. Likely to lead guests or customers to offices on this floor. They quickly began to make their rounds of the place.

"I'm… trying to get better. Trying to… be happy… with the living," Ren said as she spotted an Apparition in the corner.

"That's the luxury provided to you as a human."

"You can also… stay. Live with us… in this world."

"I'm a Servant and a Goddess. We are vastly different beings, you and I."

"We're still friends… you can be friends… with Rika too… There are lots of good people… that you can be with… You aren't alone here."

Ereshkigal paused. The Goddess's mouth lifted slightly in a smile and somehow Ren could see the faint blush on her cheeks in the low glow of the wisp above them. "This world is interesting. The flower, wind, stars, and above all the person I chose as Master. One day I'll create a city in my domain that surpasses even all of that… but until then. Yes, I will enjoy my time here. If you'll continue having me."

"I will," Ren smiled as she dispelled the Apparition.

Interesting. You have developed a command over death itself.

Ren yelped as she looked for the source of the voice in her head.

Though I guess that's to be expected from Contracting with the Goddess of the Underworld. To think that Servants have been summoned to this world… it was always within possibility but not enough that I could consider it. At least until I observed your fight in Kazamino.

"Who are you?" Ren asked.

A white cat with bunny ears suddenly stepped out from around a corner. Its large eyes seemed to be staring straight into Ren's soul.

I am Kyubey. Messenger and companion of Magical Girls!

Ren's eyes widened in realization.

A white cat. One who Archer had warned her about years ago. The same one that had done something unspeakable to Rika.

"You-"

Make a wish with me and become a Magical Girl!

Ereshkigal stabbed it with her lance before Ren had a chance to refuse it.

"You disgust me with your presence," the Goddess growled at the corpse.

Normally Ren was against violence, but after what it did to Rika she had no room for compassion for it. No room for pity. She just wanted it dead. Thankfully her Servant was very much of the same opinion.

Perhaps you should let your Master answer herself. Another one of its bodies appeared on the rotting counter.

"What… did you do to Rika," Ren shouted as her body shook in rage. "You… took her soul… stuffed it into a gem… and forced her to become a Witch!"

The sheer atrocity of what this creature committed was only made all the clearer to Ren once she started working with Ereshkigal to exorcise spirits. To have the very soul of a living person warped and twisted beyond recognition. To become a Witch as it had been described to her… It made her want to cry.

So, you know.

"A corrupted imitation of a nature spirit that was designed to fail." Ereshkigal put hand to her waist. "That is what Magical Girls are. Then as Witches, in their continued failure to properly manifest a Marble Phantasm, they instead form a localized Reality Marble. That is what the girls you Contract become and these breaks in reality that they create then are converted into energy that you harness. Am I correct?"

It all makes sense now, Ereshkigal told Ren mentally, With the knowledge this body imparted on me. I just need confirmation.

The true implications and fundamentals of the Magical Girl Contract would be beyond what even you could fathom… but that is a way it could be interpreted from a human's understanding.

"Why…" Ren's voice trembled. "Why would you do this to her? To them? No one deserves to have that done to their soul!"

It is to prevent entropy. The heat death of the entire universe. Their transformation is a small price to pay for the entirety of the universe, is it not?

There was just no point arguing with it. It would never see that what it was doing was wrong. It couldn't see the beauty present in the world or the ugliness it left behind with its actions.

Rika… another one I Contracted. It has been a while since I last spoke with her, cut off from Kamihama as I am. What is happening over there?

"Just go away," Ren said.

You've become rather fond of her… I wonder what you would do for her.

The Incubator didn't try to evade the bone spikes that jutted from the floor and impaled it where it stood. Another of its bodies appeared in a hole in the ceiling above them.

"How long are you going to play this game," Ereshkigal said. "You're wasting all of our time at this point."

A wish is a desirable thing. It could even be used to revert what has been done to Rika. It certainly wouldn't be the first time something like that has happened.

Ren froze. The chill in her body no longer came from any wraith or apparition that inhabited the building.

Think about it. Perhaps you value her soul more than you do your own, the Incubator said before finally departing.

Ren's body trembled, tears gathering in her eyes as the weight of the Incubator's words weighed her down. It was only because of Ereshkigal supporting her body, that she did not collapse to the floor at that very moment.

She wanted to live now. She did. But she also wanted Rika to live. She wanted Rika to be saved.

"Ren," Ereshkigal rubbed her back gently. "Don't listen to it. I am the Ruler of the Underworld. I command the spirits and the souls of the departed. I'm sure we can find a way-"

"Let's just… finish cleaning… this building," Ren wiped away the tears from her eyes and looked up at Ereshkigal. "Please."

"… Okay."

"How was your day?" Tomohisa asked politely as Ren and Ereshkigal arrived last at the dinner table.

"We were approached by a certain rat," Ereshkigal explained.

Ren simply took her seat in silence and let Ereshkigal do the speaking.

Archer and Tomohisa immediately narrowed their eyes.

"The Incubator," Archer said.

"Yes, and it confirmed a theory of mine," Ereshkigal replied. She then recounted the night's events, the conversation with Kyubey, and what Witches were.

By the end of it, Archer had closed his eyes, crossed his arms, and seemed to mull over her words. "The Incubator remained vague, but we can assume that your hypothesis is correct or at least very close to what is happening."

"A soul that was taken out of the body, converted into something like a Nature Spirit, and then stuffed into a new vessel that couldn't process grief or magic usage," Tomohisa said.

"Yes," Archer confirmed. "We now know the end result… but we don't know the method. The Incubator clearly has access to power or technology beyond what exists in this world. Trying to reverse that likely wouldn't be possible with what's available to us, and that's assuming we could figure out how it does it in the first place. Even now I can't Trace the structure of a Soul Gem even though I know its purpose."

"Like how most people know how a car works but would be unable to fix it themselves once they opened up the engine," Junko simplified it for everyone else there. "They simply don't have the tools or the knowledge."

"And the Incubator is the only mechanic," Ereshkigal sighed. "Or at least that's what I can assume judging by the knowledge this vessel imparted to me."

"You'll be safe enough from its presence once you return to Kamihama tomorrow," Archer told Ereshkigal. "Still, the rat has a tendency to manipulate situations if it feels a Contract is worth the effort and it doesn't have to be there to do that. And you'll also have to careful of whatever's going on in that city."

"No place seems to be safe," Tomohisa shook his head. "I don't think I can even see the Incubator in my current state. It could approach Madoka anytime and I wouldn't know it."

"You just have to trust our daughter," Junko reassured him before turning to Madoka. "You're a good girl. I know you'll do what's right when the time comes."

"But will the world repay her for that," Kyoko grumbled. "Does the world ever do anything for people that do the right thing?

"Kyoko," Archer said.

"Your daughter should be more worried about staying alive, then anything else," Kyoko continued. "How's getting herself killed doing something good, good for anyone. Especially you guys."

"Kyoko!" Archer said more sternly.

"I'm just saying. She should think about how her family feels rather than-"

"Please stop." The words had left Ren's mouth before she could even think them. "Don't deflect… your own feelings."

Kyoko simply turned and stared at Ren, open mouthed and wide eyed. Everyone else at the table remained silent and observed Ren as she spoke.

"Just because it happened to you… doesn't mean it'll be the same… for them."

"What do you know about me?" Kyoko growled.

What was once a glare that would've sent Ren shivering, hardly fazed her at all. "Being mad at yourself… and at them… doesn't help. If you hate everything… without seeing the good… then you won't have a reason…to live."

Ren returned Kyoko's glare with her own hardened gaze. They were both people that had experienced pain in this world, perhaps that was why she could understand her. Just a little bit at least.

"Kyoko," Madoka finally spoke. "I know you're worried about me… but I'll be fine. And Yuma and Archer will be fine too. Everything will work out eventually. I know it will."

Madoka scratched the side of her head. "Besides, I don't think I'd ever do something like sacrificing myself for the greater good. I like helping people, but I don't think I'm brave enough to do something like that."

"Don't worry about Kyoko, she can be rude sometimes," Yuma reassured Ren while she dropped by to visit the girl in her room.

Yuma seemed to be recovering well enough. She was able to sit up, move around a bit, and seemed to be in a good enough mood.

"I'm just worried… I hurt her somehow," Ren replied.

"Bis Sis has got some thick skin… if you avoid talking about certain things. She says a lot of mean things but she can take it herself. Or at least that's how she is usually. I don't know… she's been quieter recently."

"Maybe she's still worried about you," Ren suggested.

"Maybe… Archer says I'll be fine though. Once I'm fully healed, I'll get up and… hit her with my hammer! Not hard, but enough to show her that I'm good now."

"I think they left your hammer… back in your old home…" Ren looked away guiltily. "Just before we… destroyed it."

"Oh… I'll just have Archer make me one then. You know he also made that spear for Kyoko."

"I heard he can make a lot of weapons."

"That spear isn't a copy though. It's actually an original he made with his own hands!" Yuma said excitedly. "I want something like that now that I can fight…" Yuma frowned. "I also want to hit Oriko. She won't get away with hurting Kyoko and Archer again."

Ren smiled. Normally she'd be worried about a young child expressing such bloodlust, but well exceptions could be made. "Ereshkigal has also been… teaching me." She held up her hand and produced a lightly glowing wisp. "I'm not very good… but it's nice… to be able to do something."

Yuma gazed appreciatively at the floating wisp. "I wonder what other spells I could learn, now that I can use Reinforcement."

They continued to make small talk, until Yuma yawned and finally prepared to go to sleep. Ren exited the room and closed the door behind her, only to notice Archer standing nearby in the hallway.

"She's really excited to fight with you and Kyoko," Ren commented.

Archer remained silent.

"Are you really… going to leave her here?" Ren asked.

"It's for the best," Archer replied. "She'll be safer here."

"Is being safe… worth it? If she has to be left behind… by her family?"

"…"

"The beautiful things… in this world… for her... are you and Kyoko. Do you really… want to take that away from her? After she worked… so hard to find it?"

Archer remained silent and Ren took that as a sign to walk away. Not before informing her Servant of where he was.

Archer didn't move a single inch as Ren disappeared into her room. Neither did he move when Ereshkigal appeared next to him. She had been seeking him after all, and it was best they spoke in private.

He would just have to do his best to ignore her… familiar appearance.

"Ren's right, you know. You'd be denying Yuma the people she cares for the most… I don't think I could ever accept something like that either," Ereshkigal commented.

"You care for Ren, don't you?" Archer asked.

"I… do. She's shy and quiet… but she's one of the few people ever to show my kindness. Even knowing what I am."

"Then what would you do to protect her?"

Ereshkigal glanced away.

"That's why you've been training her, haven't you?" Archer continued.

"The dead need… they deserve to have a shepherd. If she can fulfill that role for this world… I admit that might've been the reason why she was brought to me in the first place and why I was summoned. But yes, I also want to keep her safe. Try and prepare her for the dead that would try to consume her now that she exists at the boundary… She is probably the one person in this world that could understand them and me the most. And yet-"

"Those with the kindest of hearts are often the ones hurt most by this world. Especially those who make it their goal to protect others," Archer sighed. "It takes a selfish or perhaps a broken person to survive it."

"Perhaps, but maybe its not worth living that way."

Archer shook his head. "Kyoko, Yuma, and I. We're all broken. In different ways, but broken nevertheless." He looked at Yuma's door. "It might hurt her… but I know that Yuma could live on without us. She's shown that she can stand on her own now."