In the Name of Love and Hatred! [PMMM / LoR]

Encourage her

In the end, Ai leans forward to clasp Sayaka's hand. The other blunette is so surprised she stops playing entirely.

"I think it's great that you found a dream to pursue," Ai tells her earnestly. "And I wish you the best of luck. Just be careful, please. This song has brought so much pain to so many people, I don't want it to hurt you, too."

"Oh." Sayaka squirms a little, unable to quite meet Ai's gaze. "Sure. I'll keep an eye out. And, well, thanks. Everyone else thinks I'll drop this in a few weeks." She giggles awkwardly. "Well, I guess that's what I get for trying a bunch of stuff and never picking it up again."

"Weird. How else would you find something you like doing?"

"I know, right!"

And just like that, they reached an odd sort of accord. Sayaka is clearly more enthusiastic when she returns to her practice; Ai stays to listen and they chat some more. The human girl even allows to listen to some CDs from her collection. Strings and pianos feature mainly, forming into many curious melodies the likes of which Ai never heard. Singing Machine's siren song or the Silent Orchestra's symphonies are nothing like Bach or Mozart.

"I don't think there is anything like that in the City," she ultimately confesses to Sayaka. She was never outside, but songs so peaceful feel almost alien to her.

Sayaka laughs at that. "Sounds like the place sucks even more than I thought," she quips. Ai has to giggle as well. Then her potential new friend frowns. "Say, are you going back?"

The last song runs out and leaves them in an odd silence. Ai is unsure what to say. How should she respond to such a question? She does not even know the way home. But she also knows this is not what Sayaka means. All Ai can give is the truth: "I don't know." So saying, her mind starts to wander down a familiar path again; does she want to go? "I miss the Library and everyone, but I have friends here, too. If I could do it somehow, I'd find a way to not leave either."

"Mhm, I get that. But if you had to choose, which one would you pick?" Sayaka frowns herself, only to quickly wave her arms when she notices Ai's confusion. "Not that I want to put you on the spot or anything! I'm just curious, honest!"

Ai can not help but crack a smile at that. "It's fine," she reassures the frantic girl. "I get what you mean. But I really don't know how to answer that question." Although, now that she thinks about it, why not turn the whole matter on its head? "How about I take everyone to the Library with me instead? That would be fun! I can introduce you all to my other friends!"

"Yeah, uh, let's not do that." Sayaka is clearly not enthused about that idea. "Nothing against you, but I'd rather not be anywhere near the City. Ever."

"I mean, yeah okay." Ai sighs. "That's fair. Earth is a lots nicer."

The other blunette makes a so-so motion. "Ehhh, I wouldn't say that. It's more like Japan is a much nicer country. From what I read, there are some really bad places around the world. But I don't think any of them compare to the City." She shudders, likely remembering what Ai told them on Sunday. "But yeah. I was thinking, if you stay around, there's a lot you can do here, right? You can talk to Witches and you got unlimited magic. That's got to be useful for something, right?"

"I guess so."

Ai blows an errant strand of hair aside. She thinks back to her little heist on the hospital; it has been weeks since then. But with her new outlook on life, this may be her greatest accomplishment to date. "I wouldn't mind helping out more, but there is just one of me and the world is big. It always feels like so little when you try to look at the bigger picture."

"Meh." Sayaka shrugs and strolls back to her keyboard. "I'm no good with the big picture stuff. But the way I see it, if you help people you're doing good. End of story."

It is such a simplified way to look at things. Something Ai was so prone to doing all her life. But at the same time, perhaps she needed that reminder. Not every notion of hers was wrong. She chuckles softly. "You have a point there."

After some more chatting and another CD, Ai heads out for dinner with the Shizukis. She is a little early and eagerly helps Saki in the kitchen.

The matriarch chuckles while Ai morphs her clothes to include an apron. "Such a darling girl you are," she praises. "Do you know how to cook?"

Which is the point Ai sheepishly averts her gaze. "I like the apron?" she tries, but all that earns her is a huff. Saki then takes her aside to chop vegetables.

She is run through the entire process of making a meal, from cleaning produce to following recipes. "And no shortcuts," Saki declares firmly while they stand before a boiling pot. "No, it is not smart to make the soup twice as hot for half the time. It just burns. You follow the recipe until you're confident enough to experiment. That's important. Do you hear me, Ai?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Faint laughter from the hallway reveals Reiji and Hitomi. Saki's eyes flash with mirth and she leans out the door. "And you two set the table," she orders sweetly. Her husband and daughter obediently troop into the room to get the dishes. Ai sticks out her tongue at them while Saki is not looking.

Overall, Ai does like cooking. Sometimes it is hectic, sometimes she just watches the pots and pans. But there is something relaxing about it anyway. No bloodshed, no high stakes. Just preparing a meal. And much to her delight, her hosts are perfectly happy with the result.

"I was meaning to tell you," Hitomi starts over dinner. She is busy taking seconds from the rice cooker. "Miss Homura asked me to pass on a message. She wants to meet up with the other Magical Girls in town. Tomorrow, at five in the afternoon. From what she said, miss Tomoe and Sayaka already agreed. She was hoping you could bring miss Sakura and little Yuma."

Ai nods and swallows. "Sure," she chirps afterward. "Did she say why just the Magical Girls?"

"I am afraid not. Although she did invite me as well, and I believe Madoka invited herself along? Unfortunately, I have, erm, other commitments tomorrow." Seeing the general curiousity her words gather, she elaborates without prompting: "Madoka may have grown a little clingier after realising how miss Homura isolates herself. I am not sure how wise that is."

"How do you mean?" Ai follows up.

"It regards her magic. I have a suspicion what it may be. Assuming I am right, I believe I should not tell anyone she has not told herself."

"Okay. I just ask her about it tomorrow."

Hitomi chuckles at that, as do her parents. Then Saki leans forward with a wry grin. "And now to the part you conveniently left out, Hitomi. What kind of commitment do you have tomorrow, eh?" Ai blinks at that, uncertain where the conversation is going. Or why her friend is suddenly flustered. Saki clearly smells blood in the water and pounces: "Could it be you finally took heart?"

"I may have?"

While Saki claps her hands in delight, Reiji snorts. "Poor boy," he murmurs. When his wife and daughter throw him caustic looks, his hands come up defensively. "Just saying! He has no idea what he's getting into!"

Ai slowly raises her hand at this point, completely befuddled. "I don't get it. Someone explain?"

Reiji and Saki just chuckle. Hitomi takes pity on her friend after a minute: "Well, there is a boy I like. I confessed my feelings yesterday and asked him out. He said yes."

"Oh. Oh! Congratulations!" Ai flows over the table to embrace Hitomi, who catches her indulgently. It feels a little odd to make such a big deal of the matter, but as long as the other girl is happy, Ai does not mind. Once she is back on her own chair, the break in decorum graciously overlooked by Saki, Ai voices her confusion: "I don't really get why you treat like such a big thing, though. I went on a date a week or two ago, too."

Hitomi was about to speak, only to get blindsided by the second statement. She stares dumbly, as do her parents. "When was that? And with whom?"

"Uhhh." Ai tries to recall, but has to shrug. "I don't think I asked his name. That was the night after that thing with the TV Witch happened. He asked me and I said yes, then we had fun." She shrugs a second time, though the Shizukis display varying reactions. Reiji just gives a thumbs up, Hitomi mutters under her breath... and Saki leans over with sudden worry.

"And you are alright? He did not do anything weird, yes?"

The question itself confuses Ai. "I don't-" she starts to say before it clicks. "Oh. No, we didn't have sex." Maybe she should have, now that they reminded her this is a thing people do. But at the same time, Ai has no idea why she should. Either way, Hitomi squirms in her seat while Reiji laughs uproariously. Even the pointed look Saki sends him does not cut off the laughter.

Once he is done, the older Shizuki woman sighs and explains: "While there is nothing wrong with what you did, Hitomi's situation is a bit different."

"Not to mention," the girl herself adds, "that I had to worry about Sayaka's reaction, too. I know she was also interested in the same boy." Hitomi's brow scrunches as she muses; Ai just listens attentively. "For some reason, she barely made a fuss when I sat her down to talk about it. As if she had not been crushing on him for the last year or two. That was confusing. She even wished me good luck."

As alienated as Hitomi is, Ai can vividly imagine the situation. She can guess why Sayaka was so calm about it, too. But for her fellow blunette's sake, she decides not to speak of The Pianist to anyone else. Knowing what that melody did to people may create more opposition she does not need. Nonetheless, Ai has to quip: "Maybe she found a new love recently."

"Like who?"

Hitomi tilts her head in wonder, which only makes Ai want to mess with her more. So she keeps going: "I don't know, maybe Mami? She is pretty."

"But two girls would be forbidden love."

Now it is for Ai to stare in befuddlement. Hitomi looks back without flinching, at least until Saki nudges her daughter's shoulder. "Hitomi, dear. There is something you should always keep in mind when you say that." Seeing that she has her and Ai's attention, the older Shizuki grins mischievously. "The forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest," she whispers.

Silence reigns after that. Ai is still a bit confused, Hitomi blushes luminously, and Reiji puts his head in his hands.

"Saki, no."

"Saki yes! Nothing wrong with picking up a cute girl or two! More than my loser of a husband did, too!"

"Mother!"

"Just remember you married that loser."

With her husband exasperated and her daughter scandalised, Saki laughs victoriously. Ai joins her a moment later over how silly the whole situation is. Everyone calms down afterward, which especially Hitomi seems grateful for. The conversation slowly turns back to more normal subjects.

Unfortunately for Ai, she learns of something that sours her mood; much like she suspected, a number of teenage girls went missing. A half dozen of them, aged between twelve and seventeen. All of them related to someone she killed, all vanished over the last week. Then another wave of disappearances, another dozen friends of these girls. Reiji swears his Yakuza are not involved, which is probably why he brought it up at all. Ai assures that she believes him, well aware this has other reasons. Kyubey seems to form every contract they can in expectation of Walpurgis.

It makes sense, too; if the city is about to be destroyed, overcrowding or conserving resources no longer matters.

She still does not like it. In the solitude of her futon, Ai sheds silent tears for her unintended victims. She has the cross clutched to her chest, hoping against hope that at least the Witches they birth can be happy.

The next morning, she immediately heads out to visit graves. No more magical girls confront her, but that hardly cheers Ai up. Just because they did not make it to her does not mean they do not exist. With that thought in mind, she asks Saki about Japanese customs. Proper burials she can not do on her own, especially without bodies. But after a break for work, Ai organises an incense burner. After conferring with Kyubey about how many contracts were born due to her actions, she lights twenty-one sticks and watches them slowly burn down.

No one comments on the palpable scent when she arrives to the meeting. Mami and Sayaka are clearly befuddled, though. Kyoko and Yuma were too; the younger girl gave Ai a big hug and neither asked questions. Homura is the only one who does not react; although she does send a glare to Kyubey riding on Ai's shoulder.

Now six magical girls and Madoka are settled at Homura's table. The map Ai saw last time is nowhere to be seen. Tea was offered and accepted, Yuma happily munches on a few cookies. "So," Kyoko starts without much fanfare, "what did you want with us? This looks pretty important if we're all here."

Homura nods ever so faintly. Then she glares at Kyubey. "You. Leave."

The bunnycat tilts their head, but hops from Ai's shoulder. Mami says something about not being so antagonistic, but no one acknowledges her. Kyubey toddles away and to a nearby shadow. Just before they vanish into it however, their head turns back so far it would break any human's neck. "I imagine you already know my recommendation for dealing with Walpurgis." Homura stiffens. Mami gasps and Kyoko becomes very attentive. Kyubey's expression remains unchanged. "How many times did you face her, Homura Akemi? You must have failed every time, else you would not be here. And even if you were successful, Mitakihara will-"

They are cut off by a bullet through the forehead. The gunshot's echo rings around the room. Several voices shout Kyubey's name. Mami's ribbons snap outward, but Homura flashes away. The blonde is teary-eyed. "How could you?" she demands shakily.

That is, until Ai takes her arm. "Stop being dramatic, Kyubey just comes back."

"...what?"

She wordlessly points to where a new Kyubey is already cannibalising the old one. Mami stares in abject confusion, as do Madoka and Sayaka. Kyoko whistles. "Well, damn. That explains how you keep surviving."

"Quite. Conventional forms of death are but an inconvenience." They finish their meal and sketch a bow to the magical girls. "Now, I believe you wanted me gone." And so they vanish into the shadows.

Gazes wander back to Homura, confused and distrustful. Ai frowns, wondering just what the purpose of this was. Her taciturn friend is scowling for some reason. With no answer forthcoming, she decides to ask: "What was that about?"

"Sowing distrust," Kyoko pre-empts Homura. "He provoked you into offing him. I've seen shit like that before." She nods to the other girl, still lounging on her couch. "So, what's this about Walpurgis? And sit down already," she adds toward Mami, who slowly takes her seat again.

Homura does likewise, her blank mask firmly in place. "Walpurgis is what I wished to talk to you about. She is coming to Mitakihara. In nine days, she will attack the city." Shocked gasps follow from Madoka and Sayaka.

Yuma just looks on in confusion. She slowly raises her hand, fidgeting ever so slightly when Homura's gaze settles on her. "Is this about the weird space thingy over the bridge?"

"It isn't," Ai chimes in. "Kyubey told me that's something else and probably harmless. I get what you mean though, whatever it is gives me the creeps. Walpurgis is supposed to show up above the harbour. And from what I heard, she can destroy the entire city on her own. Including Kazamino."

The youngest of the girls present clearly does not like to hear that. She hops out of her seat with an indignant cry. "We can't let her! I don't want that!"

"Of course we won't," Sayaka agrees without hesitation. Mami nods too, though she nibbles on her lip in worry. Kyoko just ruffles Yuma's hair.

Meanwhile, Madoka is looking straight at Homura. "What did he mean, you fought Walpurgis before? I don't understand." The pinkette flinches. Her shadow mimes snapping its fingers while she rubs her forehead. "I, have we, have we met before?"

She is clearly lost, but her question silences the room. No one speaks, all eyes on Homura. She stares back until, slowly, ever so slowly, her gaze lowers to the ground. Her lip quivers before falling still. Then she looks up, not at Madoka, but at Ai. She searches something within the Abnormality's eyes. Ai has no idea what, but her encouraging nod seems to give it to the other girl.

Homura takes a deep breath.

"I am a time traveler," she says. "I have gone through this month before. I fought Walpurgis... and failed." She has trouble admitting to it. Everyone else is hanging on her lips. "Kyubey may have a point that the battle will be hard-fought. But." Homura leaves a pregnant pause, gaze settling on Ai once more. "Before this loop, this much power was never gathered together. You in particular are completely new, Ai. With all of us, I know it is possible."

Ai has no idea what to think. Playing with time is something she knows theoretically; TimeTrack is a Wing of the world for a reason. She heard some applications of their technology, slowing down or speeding up the flow of time in specific areas. That Homura has something akin to a Wing's Singularity in her pocket is... impressive.

Everyone else's reactions are mixed. Madoka is clearly overwhelmed while Sayaka frowns up a storm. Mami is thoughtful, Yuma confused... and Kyoko nods.

"Makes sense," the redhead declares. "Without Ai here, I kinda doubt we'd have Yuma around. Mami and I wouldn't have made up. And, uh, no offense, but you're the exact kinda girl Mami wouldn't get along with."

"You would be surprised," Homura retorts mirthlessly. "There were times where I got along splendidly with Mami Tomoe. But I chose to keep my distance some time ago." She does not elaborate while Mami ponders. Meanwhile, Homura nods to Kyoko. "But you are correct in your other assessments."

The blonde speaks into the ensuing silence: "So I take it you know more about us than we would have told you?"

Homura meets her gaze evenly. A soft "Yes" is all she says. Mami's expression smoothes out.

Then it is Sayaka's turn to speak up: "I don't know how much of this I can believe. Seriously, time travel is kind of out there." She groans and rubs her head, then peeks to her childhood friend. "What do you think, Madoka?"

The pinkette flinches out of whatever train of thought she had. "I don't know," she murmurs. "I don't think she is lying? And with how Kyubey said it, I think he believes Homura is a time traveler, too?" She slumps forward. "It's just, if Walpurgis is really this strong, what if everyone's power is still not enough? Maybe I should-"

"No."

It is with this denial that Ai realises what nagged her about the revelation. If Homura went through this month more than once, chances are she figured out the truth about Witches. Madoka has an incredible potential, meaning Kyubey obviously wants her to contract. A Witch born from such potential would be devastating.

"But-"

"No. You must not contract with Kyubey."

"I agree," Ai enters the discussion. Others who were about to speak up turn her way, but she looks straight at Madoka. "You get a single wish for a lifetime of battle. Don't use it willy-nilly. We don't know how well we will do just yet, now do we?" She tries a winning grin, well aware of Homura's calculating look. Madoka nods slowly.

"Speaking of that," Homura segues, "I was meaning to ask about something you mentioned a little while ago. If we want to destroy Walpurgis, preferably without losing half the city, we need all the power we can get." Ai tilts her head at the other girl, only to pale when she says what she wants: "Synchronisation with you. Do you think it can be done?"

Ai averts her gaze. She wants to say no, but Homura has a point. Something on par with the most powerful Abnormalities Ai knows requires special means to attack. At the same time, the risks are great. In the end, she mumbles softly: "Are you willing to risk your life and mind on the attempt? In the worst case, you will die."

One could hear a pin drop in the wake of her reminder.

Homura closes her eyes for a long moment, takes a deep breath, and seeks Ai's gaze. "I now know the risks and gladly take them."

"Same here," Kyoko adds with a soft wave. Ai's head snaps to her, prompting a grin. "What, you think I'm chickening out? Besides, I trust you to be gentle."

"Me too!" Yuma cheers.

Ai desperately wants to say no. Before she can, Mami speaks thoughtfully: "I certainly understand the sentiment. We can always test how well this technique works, especially with miss Miki on hand. I will not shy away from the risks either, for my hometown." Sayaka nods along resolutely, making her decision quite clear.

"Um."

And then there is Madoka, fidgeting in her seat. "I know it is dangerous, but I want to try, too." All eyes are on her again, but she firms up instead of wilting. "I, I know you don't want me to contract. But maybe I can do something to help with this. I want to help!"

Her words prompt an argument. Kyoko is in favour of letting Madoka try while Homura and Sayaka disagree. Mami and Yuma stay out of it.

Meanwhile, Ai's mind races. Her nature mellowed out, so she is... not confident, but reasonably certain she can synchronise with a normal human without killing her. How well Madoka can take it, she does not know until she tries. The magical girls will take it better, but their pink-haired friend definitely made her choice. Not to mention that she has a point; her potential may even allow to do something interesting.

And then there is everyone else. All of them accepted the risks without hesitation. But should Ai allow them to try? She does not know. Does she really want to merge her body and mind with any of them?

---

Pick any number of girls, but make only one vote

[] Attempt to synchronise with...
-[] Kyoko
-[] Homura
-[] Madoka
-[] Yuma
-[] Mami
-[] Sayaka
weight: x1

[] Make the attempt with everyone
weight: x1

[] Do not synchronise with anyone
weight: x1

WoG: Synchronising with Madoka will not kill her.