View source for 404/Error 404 Witch Not Found

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/09/11
|Location=Juuban Ward
|Synopsis=A princess' fruitless search for a vanquished monster leads to Homura and Madoka offering valuable information on the nature of Puella Magi, Witches, Kyubey, and Wishes before sharing time with each other.
|Cast of Characters=42,33,34
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>If doing something over and over while expecting different results is a definition of insanity, then Rune has clearly lost it. For the last few days, she has returned to where the circus witch's labryinth formed.<br> <br>Today, in the late afternoon hours, she is pacing in a circle around a 'portal' that simply no longer exists. The weather is calm, the sun is out, and nothing at all wrong or worrying is happening.<br> <br>Nonetheless, Rune paces - occasionally she leans or kneels to inspect part of the ground, but there is nothing to be found.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka has seen a few Witches in this area. Well, actually, it'd be more accurate to say that Madoka has been ''aware'' of a few Witches in this area. She only ever actually saw one, and that one got away. With her wounds fresh on her mind, and with a heart full of unresolved feelings, Madoka wanders around the streets where she first heard that strange music.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Faust was there at the hospital. Madoka could have asked her what happened to the Circus Witch. It just didn't occur to her at the time, and somehow the memory of this Witch slipped her mind until now.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Madoka rounds the corner, she comes to the place where she remembers Sailor Moon disguising herself as a cop. She looks at where the portal used to be and sees...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Rune-san?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One pink haired girl finds another, and Madoka starts wandering towards the mysterious girl from Europe. "Are you looking for the Witch?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>Blink, blink. Rune rises from her crouch, looking up and over to... "Madoka Kaname? You have the right of it. I can scarcely comprehend a demon such as that, yet... certainly, it existed."<br> <br>She begins walking up to join the other pink-haired girl, tone calm but serious. "Even though every one of my senses tells me it could not have, both your memory and my own ask that I accept the existence of something even more impossible than your televisions. I had thought to learn more of them."<br> <br>She adds, with a momentary lapse of composure, "The Witches, I mean. They weigh upon my heart far more than Tokyo's sciences."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka clasps her hands behind her back as she walks, and stops when she gets to Rune. Tilting her head to the side, she considers out loud, "We've talked about this before, haven't we? Back then, I didn't really know anything. Kyubey and others have explained a lot to me, though even now I can't say I know everything about them."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She glances over to where the portal was, when last she was here. "The entrance to a Witch's Labyrinth can move. I've seen it happen before. Just because you found it here one time, that doesn't mean it'd still be here. Puella Magi can sense them sometimes, but even for them it's hard."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning her eyes back towards Rune, she adds, "Be careful, though. I've run across two other Witches since then, and they were both pretty dangerous. I know that Homura and Teresia-san are hunting them, but you should still be careful."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>When Madoka mentions speaking with others, Rune raises an eye. "The man atop a red horse, brandishing a tremendous polearm, spoke of... ...no, I misheard you. Forgive me, at first I thought you spoke of Liu Bei." Rune refers to both historical figures, and the form one of them took when fighting Cure Wukong. Realizing her mistake, she asks: "Who is... 'Kyubey'? An associate of Homura and Teresia, perhaps? I..."<br> <br>She holds up a hand to stall a response from Madoka, wanting a few moments more to add: "...I believe I have no shortage of questions. I know not of 'Teresia', nevermind the Guardian Knights that you style as Puella Magi. Could I trouble you for your insights? Even knowing that a Labyrinth is mobile is novel knowledge to one such as I."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once again, Madoka finds that Rune has a lot of questions, but at least with this topic there's something that Madoka could help her with. She has no idea what havoc she wreaked by telling Rune about 'televisions' without really being able to explain what that means. Then again, Madoka supposes that the topic of magical monsters is probably closer to Rune's knowledge base anyways.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Liu Bei? Like the Chinese Warlord?" At this point, Madoka would believe anything, but the idea that Rune has met a historical figure is still surprising.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Okay so... Teresia Kuefer-san is a Puella Magi. She is the head of a team of five, I think she said she was from Germany." Giving Runealy a side-eyed glance, Madoka asks, "You might be more familiar with that place than me, being from Europe."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka then purses her lips and considers how to answer the other question. "Kyubey is... a magical talking animal. He recruits girls who have magical potential by offering them the chance to make a wish. Those who accept his offer become Puella Magi, and have to fight Witches in order to survive. They can make any wish they want, but it better be something worth risking their life for."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka reaches over to rub her left arm, just below the shoulder. "There are more qualifiers than that. You have to have potential, and you can't already be a magical girl or your potential will be used up."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>"Liu Bei... a ruler of some region, I believe." Rune is very bad at Earth history, so she only gets the most broad strokes correct. "Someone with personal knowledge of him suggested I had some superficial similarities to Liu Bei, though I am led to understand I compare unfavorably to him." That is not quite what 'Guan Yu' said, but it is what Rune took from the encounter.<br> <br>Then she realizes aloud, "No matter. Liu Bei does not seem to be here to battle Witches. ''Kyubey'', however... offering a wish..." Rune's head lowers, eyes lidding as her voice trails. After a few seconds, she admits: "...I can easily imagine a wish worth that exchange. Perhaps I should find this Kyubey you speak of. And... yes."<br> <br>Rune snaps out of her deep thought, giving a sharp nod to Madoka. "Indeed, I am familiar with Germany! Forgive my confusion, we style Puella Magi as 'Guardian Knights' so I did not immediately recognize them." <br> <br>She then insists with an imperious tone: "Rest assured, German Puella Magi are of the utmost quality and can be trusted to give battle to demon, witch, and youma alike to protect Tokyo!" Rune has absolutely no idea who Teresia is and even less idea who Teresia's fellow Puella Magi are, but it would not do for the self-proclaimed 'Princess of Europe' to be ignorant about Europe. This would make her cover story look suspicious!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rune not knowing the details about Liu Bei doesn't really phase Madoka. She's not from around here, and it's not like Madoka is intimately familiar with European history, either. Especially not the Europe that Rune is from.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The assertion that German Puella Magi are of the utmost quality surprises Madoka, though. She certainly thinks that Teresia and her friends are impressive in their own way. "Well, they've been pretty reliable so far, but I don't really envy their position."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You can try to talk to Kyubey," says Madoka, with regards to the wish. "He might not be able to help you, though. Even if he could, I'd still be careful. He's not the most... trustworthy person. If a Puella Magi ever uses up all of her magic, she'll die. The only way to refill it is by getting Grief Seeds. You might have noticed them before, but they're the little jewel things that are left behind when Witches die."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>"You speak rightly! A Puella Magi's position is hardly enviable, yet it is admirable." Rune 'cold-calls' again, hoping that saying good things about people Madoka likes will win some esteem from the other pink-haired girl.<br> <br>Then Madoka fills in some very important information, and Rune takes a step back... 'stricken' by what she just heard, head lowered and eyes lidding. "Indeed? So that is what you speak of when you say they must give battle to survive... and thus risk their lives in a manner twofold? I still must see Kyubey with utmost haste and urgency, yet I would know... is there a straightforward method to discern any of Tokyo's Puella Magi from its other forms of Guardian Knight?"<br> <br>Her head rises, eyes locking on Madoka's with sharp intent, much sharper than the 'cold calling' she used in an attempt to gain Madoka's confidence: "I must know, that I may strive to ease their burden in battle and see them able to return to their families."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:34|Homura Akemi (34)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You won't learn as much from Kyubey as you'd like," comes a voice from one of the nearby alleyways, a dark haired girl in purple, white, grey and black as she steps out of the shadows and into the better lit sidewalk. Her eyes glance towards Madoka, who she gives a slight smile, before turning her gaze to Runealy and walking closer. "His purpose is to make contracts with girls and make them Puella Magi, and as you lack the ability to become one he'll have little interest in slaking your curiosity. Even if he did, he'll only give you the versions of the truth that best serve his ends."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura Akemi stops a short ways away, sending her gaze towards Madoka and offering an explanation, "You said you would be in Juuban, so I came to make sure there wouldn't be any uncomfortable interruptions; you've had too many of those recently." Almost as an afterthought she adds, "There won't." Not anymore, at least.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Runealy Waldia-san, if you have questions about Puella Magi I can do my best to answer. I can't promise to tell you everything, but I can shed some light on our situation." She holds up the back of her hand, just visible behind the small round shield on her forearm it's visible, along with a large diamond shaped purple gem. "All Puella Magi will have a gem like this of some kind or another on them when transformed." She considers a moment before noting dryly, "Also, you can try asking."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rune's bluffing continues to work. As well as it can. Largely because Madoka isn't predisposed to question it. Also in part because she knows that magicals have to keep secrets, and she's not going to blame Rune for keeping her own. Madoka would help Rune out even if she couldn't believe a word she said. That's just her nature.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"How to tell them apart? Umm..." Madoka hesitates. She taps the side of her chin and tilts her head to think. The harder she thinks, the more she headtilts, until she's actually starting to lean to the side. "General vibes? I mean they have a jewel on them. Sometimes the jewel turns into an egg." Madoka has no idea how little this narrows it down. "They are a bit more varied than other types magical girls, actually."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka has to actually think about this question. She's never had trouble identifying someone as a Puella Magi if she saw them in henshin, but she couldn't actually explain why.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She hears Homura's voice, and excitedly turns to look. Madoka doesn't feel the need to verbalize just how happy she is to see the Puella. Her beaming smile should say it all. "Homura~! Thanks for keeping this place safe."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka says this without considering once how many bullets were likely spent today, or how many IEDs went off.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Eheh, Homura-chan will likely know more about this than me," says Madoka.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>The sudden voice causes Rune to jolt in place, startled. "Hn?!" Her head snap-turns to face Homura, remaining tense. "Truly this is so? I would be unable to contract with Kyubey, and thus have no legal means to gain a wish?" She silently wonders whether this means she could steal a wish from Kyubey, and decides that might be worth trying later on.<br> <br>"Regardless, Though, you speak of interruptions... and 'too many of them', at that. Madoka," Rune turns to face the other pink-haired girl again, "Have you come under attack recently, be it by witch or demon or any other manner of monster?" Rune's tone is low, disapproving of the possibility. "I shall renew my vigil for them if this is so, much as I will remain alert for Tokyo's Puella Magi. A jewel of unusually varied design, a jeweled egg... and an example thereof," She gestures with an open hand at Homura's jeweled hand. "It may prove impractical to ask them their nature while giving a true fight, so telltale hints such as these are of tremendous value if I am to see them protected!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:34|Homura Akemi (34)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura's smile warms a bit more when Madoka greets her. Seeing that reception from that particular person would have a hard time not making her happy. She considers a few ways of how to respond to the thanks given and opts for one of the simpler ones, "You're welcome." Truth be told if she wasn't patrolling here she'd be doing it somewhere else but there's no reason not to be gracious.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's right," Homura agrees, stating the truth without explaining it overmuch. She's not entirely sure how much Rune has talked to Madoka, so she isn't going to out and out state that she's a Magical Girl, though that deduction could still be made. "Even if he could, I'd advise against it. His Wishes come at a cost people aren't always willing to pay."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She lets Madoka speak for herself when it comes to being attacked, but the additional mention of it darkens her expression a little. "Aiding them when you can is admirable, but be careful to let them know that's your intention, especially when a Witch is involved. Madoka just told you of the consequences of running out of magic, and the Grief Seeds Witches drop are the only way to replenish it once expended. Our lives are unfortunately often boil down to a simple matter of magical rationing and logistics, and that's something many don't realize before it's too late."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It isn't always doom and gloom when talking about Puella Magi, but it often feels that way, when you're trying to be as honest as you can without sending people into a blind panic.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Rune questions the 'interruptions' that Madoka has gone through, she reaches over to touch her left arm again. "I ran into a Labyrinth to save someone. We barely made it back out. Witches are especially dangerous for someone like me."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka turns towards Homura and mentions, "This spot is close to where I came across a different Witch. Not the one that hurt me. A different one, whose Labyrinth I decided not to enter. I think it's... no longer with us, but I never actually asked."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She scratches the back of her pink fluffy hair and laughs a little awkwardly. "I guess I keep getting into trouble, actually. I don't always have someone around to protect me, either."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Homura's advice, Madoka nods along, nonverbally agreeing with everything said. "If there's a misunderstanding, the Puella Magi might think you're after the Grief Seed, and you don't really want one of those things if you can't use them. They can be pretty dangerous." She doesn't quite clarify why.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>"No... in this matter, nearly any price would suffice for a Wish," Rune insists, though her tone has leveled out by now - she is much calmer, and seeing the warmth between Madoka and Homura has taken away most of the alien princess' tension.<br> <br>And thus, Homura's warnings draw a gasp. "Y... indeed, you have the right of it!" Madoka reinforces the warning, and Rune faces the other pink-haired girl with visibly wavering eyes. "I shall ensure they know I am a benefactor and not seeking to deprive them of that which they must have to survive! Both of your your insights may well have prevented me from committing grave mistakes... ones that could never be undone nor set right with an eternity of apologies!"<br> <br>This horror gives way to a sharp nod at Madoka. "However, be assured of two things. First... though I am ill-suited to provide you with safety as she does," Rune indicates Homura with a nod before facing Madoka again, "I may offer you safety's half-measure: Protection. Second and more importantly, I witnessed this Witch's demise personally... and I believe the 'Seed' manifested at that time. Shall this suffice as evidence that it will never again torment the citizenry of Tokyo?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:34|Homura Akemi (34)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tokyo is a remarkably dangerous city when you can see everything that's happening," Homura notes about Madoka repeatedly getting into trouble. That there was another Witch somewhere in Juuban isn't really a surprise to the veteran Puella. There's likely others around nobody is yet aware of, waiting for the chance to draw in unsuspecting victims. The city is large, and the Witches know well enough to hide.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A small gesture is made towards Runealy, "I'm glad to hear it. You don't strike me as the kind of person to make mistakes like that when they know the consequences." The way she says that makes it seem like she knows people that would.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks down, then, towards the ground. How many times has she been this, the bearer of bad news? But for Puella Magi who continue to live, repeatedly telling others about the particularly nasty enemies they face is a never ending task. "That isn't necessarily true. If any Familiar's escaped the Labyrinth before it was destroyed they still pose a danger. If they find enough victims they'll grow powerful enough to manifest themselves as full-fledged Witches."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now she gives another smile to Madoka, though this is a pained, apologetic one. "Destroy any if you find them but be careful when you do. Some Puella Magi are willing to sacrifice people if it means getting another Grief Seed out of the deal. That's something that has been the cause of fighting among our kind in the past." She doesn't add that those who fight others to kill familiars are at a distinct disadvantage compared to those that fight to protect them. Spending magic to get more magic is more efficient by far than spending magic so you don't get more later.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They can do that math on their own, if they want to dwell on it though.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka smiles at Rune's offer, and nods. Then Rune clarifies that the Witch died, and Madoka's eyes widen for a moment, before she relaxes. "Thank you. If it dropped the Seed, that's proof enough for me. I was wondering if it was still around, but I don't know what I'd do if I found it. Call Homura, probably. Thanks for offering your protection, Rune-san."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Homura drops the bomb about Familiars, Madoka blinks. "So... a Familiar that escapes its Witch's Labyrinth can itself become a Witch?" That makes sense, actually. Witches have to come from somewhere, right? Of all the traumas that Madoka has faced, that one doesn't really bother her much. Well, aside from the fact that killing a Witch doesn't necessarily get rid of it. It just means she has to treat it like an infestation instead of a one shot deal.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The other bit of news is... a bit darker. Her eyelids narrow, and she frowns. "Oh. I see. Somebody would do that, wouldn't they?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She reflects upon that for a moment. Maybe it'll be something she thinks about later.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>"I had scant idea what to do with the Seed at the time," Rune admits to Madoka. "Now however, I know how to respond to any further ones I encounter. Regardless, my offer is long-standing and binding - if I am able to provide protection, I shall. Homura is more suited to granting protection and happiness both, however."<br> <br>Then her gaze snaps to Homura. "From my perspective, Tokyo is remarkably dangerous even upon first glance. Your steel carriages travel at alarming speeds, and your other televisions are either inconceivable miracles or unimaginable horrors. I deem Tokyo dangerous, even without the struggle between Puella Magi. When that weighs upon my thoughts, I wish to scream."<br> <br>Her eyes narrow, voice edged with tension. "I wish to scream and shout and deny it all, and hotly insist that none among us, be they Puella Magi or Guardian Knight or any other manner of Tokyo's protectors, could knowingly suffer a monster to escape and prey upon innocents. Yet I cannot; I am forced to consider the idea that some of us might see no other means to survive... and ponder an even greater calamity: That they could have the right of it."<br> <br>Rune's gaze lowers, eyes lidding and voice softening. "It is trivial for me to insist I cannot allow a monster to escape and become a Witch. Yet if I understand you rightly, such a policy might condemn a Puella Magi to the grave? Is this so?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:34|Homura Akemi (34)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It can. I don't think it's particularly common but fighting the same Witch multiple times is possible. Luckily once you've defeated it once you might know the best strategy at how to defeat it a second time. Eliminating Familiars of particularly powerful Witches is an understandably high priority." After another thought Homura notes, "I destroy any I come across either way." She probably shouldn't take it for granted that people will understand that about her.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Runealy wishes to scream? "You're not the only one that has that reaction. Still, it's better to know ahead of time than to have it sprung on you." As the 'European' girl continues speaking Homura nods, "That's right. It's been said that only a Puella Magi who knows what it's like to live that life has the right to judge another Puella Magi. The truth is that it's often a painful struggle just to survive. The worst part is Kyubey hardly ever tells anyone about any of it, unless they know the right questions to ask. Even then, he'll try to answer evasively so they aren't scared off of it. Though he'd be quick to tell you most people given the chance to make a Wish take it immediately."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura shakes her head, "It isn't trivial. It's a terrible choice to have to make, but I wouldn't say killing familiars is directly condemning a Puella Magi to the grave. Some might disagree with me, but there are people of all kinds that are more concerned with their own personal survival than others."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mention of Homura 'providing happiness' makes Madoka blush lightly. "Eheh, well, she's like my best friend! It's always nice to hang out with her. Even if it gets kinda dire sometimes."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Rune's insistence that technology is terrifying kindof... reinforces something that Madoka suspected. Her suspicions don't really jive with her praise of Puella Magi, though. ''Was'' Rune talking out of her butt earlier?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka supposes that it doesn't matter. Rune doesn't seem like a bad person, and she genuinely needs help. There's no law of equivalent exchange when it comes to information, Madoka decides.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The topic of whether or not a Puella would die if Familiars were hunted down, though... It makes Madoka shiver. Is the value of a magical girl's life greater than any other's? She rubs her left arm again. "I think if it were me, I'd be hunting Familiars too. There's not much point if I can't protect the innocent. If doing that causes a Puella Magi to suffer, then I'd probably just give her a Grief Seed if I had one."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's a heavy topic to consider," adds Madoka, dropping her hand to cross her arms. "Some Wishes might be worth it, but there's nothing that I need that badly."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka does turn her eyes towards Runealy to ask, "If you had the opportunity, what would you wish for?" After a moment, she realizes how personal that question is. "O-oh, but... you don't have to answer if you don't want to."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>"It ''is'' trivial, insofar as it is simple for me to posture and say I shall not suffer a familiar to live. I am not the one who has to weigh my survival against another's, in that scenario. Tokyo's Puella Magi are not so fortunate as I." Rune insists back to Homura, then...<br> <br>...Then she softens slightly, facing Madoka again. "A most treasured friend is one who can stand beside you in matters both dire and joyful. I believe I may have someone fitting that description, and am delighted you have such a boon companion in Homura. As for my Wish?"<br> <br>It is a deeply personal question, and one that chills Rune's demeanor; she answers Madoka with a very low, soft voice. "You merit and deserve an answer as best I can provide. Earlier, I spoke of mistakes that cannot be taken back, nor adequately apologized for even if given an eternity to do so. I know of one I would undo in an instant, setting it right and ensuring my..." Her throat tightens as she catches the mistake in wording, and corrects it, "...ensuring that Europe would be safe forever. Safe, as in both protected and happy. Even with Homura's warnings... even at such dire cost to myself as a Puella Magi's struggle to survive... I would make such a wish, and deem it a favorable exchange."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:34|Homura Akemi (34)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura sighs inwardly. It'd be nice if she could spend more time with Madoka that didn't involve the evil, the terrifying, or the morally quagmireous. Having everything revolve around the magical world is something that just needs getting used to though. Even doing something as simple as going and seeing a movie can turn into danger. Can and did.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I wouldn't think about it too much. It might come up in the future but it's something probably best handled case by case. Once you start comparing the value of one life verses another you start heading down paths of 'logic' that can lead to dark places. Not every slope is actually slippery, but that particular one has a proven track record of leading nowhere good." That's most of human history, even, but she's trying to avoid the philosophy discussion, not egg it on.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Runealy answers Madoka's question the Puella watches coolly. She knows a lot more than Runealy would ever suspect, but letting that fact be known wouldn't lead anywhere productive. Instead she goes about it in a different direction. It's a harsher one, but in her mind valid. "A wish like that doesn't exist. You might think it does but life is way too complex to be able to just wish that everyone is happy forever. If it's that vague, Kyubey can't grant it in the first place. Then when you get to specifics, you have to be very careful what you're wishing for will actually achieve your goal. You might think undoing one mistake would solve everything."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She studies Runealy for a few moments before deciding to speak a little further, "For example, could Europe be protected and happy forever if you were dead? Somehow I don't think it would. Too many girls have made the mistake of wishing for the happiness of others without realizing that the survival rate for Puella Magi is, to be honest, abysmal. You may as well go into it assuming your dead as a starting point and try to see your Wish still makes sense in that context. I'm not going to say there's never a good wish, or a right time to make one, but it's like I told Madoka before; it has to be a very last resort."<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly Homura snorts and looks away, "Someone wishing for that to be permanently written across Kyubey's face could save a lot of people a lot of trouble."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka listens to Runealy's answer. The gravitas with which she speaks, and the things she alludes to, cause Madoka to stand up straight. Her heart goes out to the 'European'. She also gives a sideways glance to Homura, recalling a previous conversation about the conviction needed to survive as a Puella Magi. Her answer... kindof surprises Madoka a little bit. Homura hasn't exactly been a strong advocate for making a Wish before, but this seems very pointed. There's a specific idea that she's trying to crush here.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately for Homura, and everyone else in this timeline, it kinda works. Hearing that such a Wish is either impossible or ill advised is enough to dissuade Madoka from placing herself on the altar. Even if she doesn't know that's what Homura's after.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning to Runealy, she says, "Well... even if that's the case, Rune-san, don't give up just yet! There are many kinds of magic in the world. You might find something that helps you sooner or later."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka's hands go behind her back again. "If I see something like that, I'll let you know okay?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She frowns for a moment, and then adds, "Though... you wanted to know more about Witches, didn't you? I guess we kinda strayed from that topic. Do you have other questions?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>"You speak rightly, Homura." Rune's lidded gaze shifts to the veteran Puella Magi, but Rune refuses to make eye contact. "Yet... even were the exchange to be my life for all of Europe's, I know precisely what mistake I would undo and the exact fashion in which it would be set right. You may deem it impossible for me to obtain, and you may be correct yet again. However, I will pursue such a wish if I find the means to make it so."<br> <br>If Homura was trying to steer Madoka away from certain conclusions, Madoka in turn is at least somewhat successful in redirecting Rune. The princess blinks several times at Madoka, and concedes: "I might yet. If the impossible wish is to be my solution of last resort, then I shall strive for others in the interim. And... my thanks. If you find some magic that will grant what I seek, I would provide anything and everything within my means in exchange! As for the matter of Witches?"<br> <br>Rune regains composure, her tone leveling out as she manages to actually face Madoka and Homura rather than simply looking in their directions. "I believe I've enough to understand the basic threat, at least. Moreover, I know their importance in a Puella Magi's survival and what choices they face. Everything both of you have shared is tremendously valuable!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:34|Homura Akemi (34)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The matter of Witches. Luckily Homura is very good and practiced at keeping a neutral expression because even hearing such words makes her want to flinch. She doesn't though, instead remaining calm and impassive. She'd merely shrugged when Runeally suggested she'd take a wish if offered anyway. Well, it's a good thing she can't, probably. She might not have all the answers, but Homura expects that Runeally being there for 'Europe' is about as important as anything else.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It really is a strange position to be in though. She could offer solid, effective advice. Advice that if taken would surely help Runealy's cause a lot. The problem, as always, is in finding a way to deliver that advice in a way the hearer will be willing to accept. Offering advice towards something you're not supposed to know about usually only goes one way. The wrong way.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I do have one suggestion there. It's one you're probably already considering, but I'll give it anyway: make a lot of friends. Madoka's right about there being a lot of different kinds of magic. It might be the case that one of them will have a key to your proverbial lock, and even if they don't having support goes a long way to succeeding in the end. It sounds like you already have someone helping with that, though. It's good to hear." She almost starts to say 'no one should have to fight alone', but instead cuts herself off short and casts her eyes over towards Madoka. Some words are too poignant and painful to say out loud.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka smiles at Rune and nods. "I'm glad we were able to help!" At the very least, both of them got what they came for. Madoka got her assurance that the Witch was dead, and Runealy got the information she wanted. As a bonus, Madoka got to see Homura again!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Homura, that sounds a lot like the advice you gave me. Having a good network is pretty important to you, isn't it?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the heaviness of the topic, Madoka actually feels pretty happy right now. Not exactly... ''at ease'', but comforted by present company. As much as she cares about other people, being around magical folk who want to protect the innocent makes her feel at home.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She purses her lips and reaches into her bag, pulling out her phone. "O-oh, I should probably be going soon. It was good to see you, Rune-san. Thanks again for checking up on me, Homura."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka starts fiddling with her bit of scary tech, trying to find a map. She's not familiar with this area like she is with Mitakihara.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br>"In the short term... you are correct once more, Homura; I might seek a veritable army of friends. Yet I am under no illusions. There will be a time when the only ones able to stand beside me are those I am sworn to, and who are sworn to me in turn. I say this not to condemn Tokyo's protectors, but rather to acknowledge a plain truth. Fortunately, there is a friend I believe I treasure in the way you cherish each other."<br> <br>Madoka begins to leave, and Rune recoils a step away from the phone. "Be well on your journey home, Madoka! And please spare a glance up from your television regularly, I would hate to see you caught unaware due to it." She nonetheless offers a slight handwave to Madoka, then a similar gesture to Homura. Despite earlier tension, Rune is much more relaxed now and actually has some warmth when saying: "And safe travels to you as well. Know that I wish you only the best in sharing joy with Madoka!"<br> <br>Rune then spins on a heel, and begins to walk away from the area... albeit slowly enough to hear any parting remarks, and even stop to listen if needed.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:34|Homura Akemi (34)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That advice is good for anyone," Homura admits. "It's not the easiest to take for some people but it's true enough in the end." Then after Madoka checks her phone she asks, "Anytime. If you'd like, I could walk home with you." It's implied that this will help her get home safely but that isn't the only reason she's offering. "I'll make sure to look relatively normal once we're close to your house." She's not sure if she wants Madoka's parents to think she's some kind of cosplayer if they happen to look out the window, after all.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thanks," she offers to Runealy, offering a slight wave as the girl turns to leave. Well, for all the dire conversation things ended up cheerfully enough. Madoka tends that effect on people though, Homura thinks, not realizing at the time how much more that's true about herself. "You have a safe travel too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka looks up from her phone and waves to Runealy. "Take care! Be safe!" she calls out. She's never sure what to think about Rune's story, but the part about her wish felt really sincere. When Madoka looks back down at her phone, she figures out an efficient way back home.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Homura offers to walk Madoka home, and the fluffy pinkette gives her a mysterious smile. "I'd love that, Homura. I'd feel a lot safer with you around."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She wraps an arm around Homura's and starts to pull her away, while her other hand handles the phone. "I'm thinking if I take the bus here," she taps on the map, "it shouldn't be too long. Should we stop somewhere along the way?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka keeps happily chatting on the way out, excited to spend more time with Homura.<br> <br>
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