Chapter Text
Homura failed again... She failed to save Madoka again... She really was a failure, a useless and stupid girl...
Homura slowly wakes up in a new timeline. She had already given up counting how many years had passed already.
Homura then looks around, expecting the cold welcome of her hospital bedroom, but no... Her eyes met an even colder and darker street. Why was she here? Is something wrong in this timeline? What is going on?
It was all confusing; she doesn't even know why everything is a mess right now. Homura slowly tries to stand up, but she feels that her legs are off. It was small and too soft...
She tries to walk, her steps small and shaky, and she stumbles from time to time. Finally, she reaches into some random broken big mirror that was just in the corner of the streets.
There... Homura finally saw herself. Or in other words, she saw a small black cat with purple eyes. Is she so tired that she's seeing some stupid pitiful little cat than herself? Haha... How laughable...
Wait... Why does she feel furry and small? What the hell... What the hell... WHAT THE HELL?!
WHY THE HELL IS SHE A CAT?! IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS TIMELINE?! AH! THIS IS STUPID. WHY AM I EVEN A CAT?!
Homura mentally panics because her situation is like this. It's all too confusing, and she doesn't even know where she is! And the sky seems to mock her situation even more by raining hard... Great, this is just great...
THIS IS THE WORST TIMELINE EVER!
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Homura had to find a shelter and think of a solution to handle her position. But everywhere was either filled with other cats that already owned the territory or rude people that would push her away even though she was trying to avoid them... Being a stray cat really is hard...
In the end, Homura gave up and just walked on the streets with small, tired steps; she must be pitiful right now, pathetic...
Suddenly, a shadow towers over her, and an umbrella is covering on top of her...
Homura looks up, and her eyes immediately widen as she sees Madoka. In her uniform clothing and with an umbrella in hand as she kneels in front of her with concern...
Madoka notices the small black cat shivering in the rain, its fur matted and wet. She continues to kneel down, carefully holding her umbrella over both herself and the animal (technically Homura).
"Hey there, little one. Are you lost?"
She reaches out a hand slowly, her voice gentle but cautious.
Homura was shocked by Madoka's sudden appearance, trying to process what was happening. Why is Madoka here? What is she doing here? This isn't where she usually goes home... But either way, she couldn't help but admit that she felt relieved to see her...
But she still can't allow herself to get close to Madoka, so Homura pathetically backs away; that makes her look even more vulnerable...
Madoka watches as the cat backs away, her expression softening with concern. She extends her hand slightly to show she meant no harm even though Homura already knew.
"It's okay; I won't hurt you. You must be cold and scared."
She keeps her distance, maintaining a protective hold on her umbrella as rain continues to fall around them.
Homura continues to study her and her hand while still thinking to herself... Is it really okay to try and open up to Madoka again even though she... She... (She couldn't finish the thought; she's actually indeed too scared to think about that instead of Madoka's presence.)
Even so, her selfishness to seek Madoka's warmth and affection again makes her unable to protest. Slowly and hesitantly, she approaches Madoka's hand...
Madoka remains perfectly still, her hand extended patiently. The raindrops create a soft pattering sound against her umbrella.
"That's it. I won't force you to come closer."
She glances around at the darkening streets, clearly concerned about the cat's well-being despite its obvious reluctance.
Homura, still wary of trying to get too close to Madoka, was mysteriously drawn by the gentle calling. Was being a small fragile cat making her this desperate and longing for her affection more than she thought...? She just doesn't get it...
Either way, Homura felt annoyed with herself, but in the end, she still gently nudged Madoka's hand with her small head. The small and weak gesture makes Madoka explode with how cute Homura is.
Madoka's eyes light up with surprise at the cat's nudge. She tries to contain her excitement, not wanting to scare the animal away.
"Aw~ You're such a brave little kitty, aren't you?"
She slowly lowers her hand closer, careful not to move too suddenly.
The rain continues falling steadily, creating puddles on the sidewalk. Madoka looks around, clearly worried about the cat's situation.
"I should probably get you somewhere dry. Do you want to come with me?"
She holds her umbrella higher, creating a small dry area under it.
Homura looks up at Madoka, still reluctant, but she doesn't have any choice, does she?
So here she is, trying to act like a small, pitiful cat while nudging into Madoka's hand.
Madoka took this gesture as acceptance of the suggestion she gave; she decided that she would take the little cat into her home.
Madoka carefully reaches down and picks up the cat, making sure not to jostle it too much.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of you. I live just around the corner."
She adjusts her umbrella to shield both herself and the cat from the rain.
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They arrive at a big and nice-looking house with a warm glow coming from inside. Madoka opens the door carefully, then closes it and sets her umbrella away.
"I know it's not much, but it's better than being out in this weather."
The sound of movement and voices can be heard from within—Madoka's family preparing dinner.
Homura remains tense in Madoka's arms, her small body shivering slightly from being wet. Madoka notices and tightens her grip slightly.
"You must be freezing. We'll get you dried off soon."
As they walk, Madoka occasionally glances down at the cat with a concerned expression.
Suddenly, Madoka remembers that her mother doesn't like cats...
Madoka's expression shifts to worry as she remembers her mother's strict rule about pets.
"Oh no... Mama won't be happy about this."
She glances at the cat in her arms, then at the hallway that leads to the kitchen, clearly conflicted about what to do next.
Homura looks up at Madoka with confusion. Is her mother that strict? She knows Madoka's mother all too well. Junko Kaname. She had always admired the woman for being strong and an amazingly caring mother that always supported her daughter... It sometimes makes her think what having a mother/family feels like... And because of that thought, Homura realized that she got jealous of Madoka, which is one of the reasons why she hates and never forgives herself for it. It makes her sick just thinking about it again...
Dark past aside, Madoka sighs and looks at the cat with a small smile.
"She's very strict about pets. I think we should keep you hidden until I figure something out."
She quickly checks her surroundings before sneaking into her room, careful not to be spotted by her family.
Madoka gently places Homura on her bed, which is surprisingly neat and organized. She sets her schoolbag aside in the corner before she rummages through her closet.
"Let me see if I can find something. My towels are here to dry you off… and maybe I'll give you a quick bath..."
She says, glancing at the small cat.
Homura watches Madoka search through her closet, her small cat ears perking up at the mention of a bath. She does want to take a bath because it does not feel good being dirty all day (her cat instinct). But Madoka? Bathing her? No, no, no... She does not deserve such a thing...
"Don't worry, I'll be gentle. You really need to get cleaned up."
Madoka pulls out a small pink towel, examining it thoughtfully before deciding it's the best option.
Soon after that, Madoka gently picks up the little cat to give her a warm bath, still unaware of Homura's inner thoughts...
Madoka carefully wraps the towel around Homura, trying to keep her warm. She then sets up a small makeshift tub on her bathroom floor, filled with warm water and some soap.
"I know you probably don't like water, but you're covered in mud. It'll be quick, I promise."
Homura remains tense as Madoka prepares the bath, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of being washed by someone else, not the water itself...
Madoka kneels beside the tub, looking concerned but determined to help the little cat.
Carefully, Madoka gently and slowly places Homura in the small tub...
The warm water surrounds Homura, making her shiver slightly. She looks around the bathroom with suspicion, ears flattened against her head.
"There we go. See? It's not so bad."
Madoka reaches for a washcloth, ready to begin cleaning the cat.
Madoka starts scrubbing gently, being mindful not to get soap in Homura's eyes.
"You're a she, huh? That's why you're such a beautiful little one..." She praises her with a warm smile that makes Homura's heart jump up in her head.
"Scrub, scrub, and scrub away the dirt~" Madoka started to softly hum and sing...
Homura listens to Madoka's voice, seemingly calming her a bit...
The gentle melody seems to have an effect on Homura, though she still maintains her wary expression. Madoka continues scrubbing, being extra careful around the cat's ears.
"You're such a cutie~ hehe..." she says with a giddy smile.
Madoka pauses for a moment as if remembering something important, her expression turning determined again as she thinks of a way to help this small creature.
After a few more minutes of scrubbing, Madoka manages to remove all of the mud from Homura's fur. She carefully lifts the cat out of the tub.
"All clean! That wasn't so terrible, was it?"
She starts drying Homura with the pink towel, her movements gentle and precise.
Homura shakes herself slightly, getting a few drops of water on Madoka's face. The pink-haired girl giggles softly.
"Hey, watch it! I'm trying to help you here."
She continues drying Homura with a towel, noticing how much cleaner the cat looks now.
Madoka wraps Homura in the towel like a small burrito, her expression turning thoughtful.
Homura looks up at Madoka with a slight annoyance, but since she is a little cat, she just looks ridiculously adorable.
Madoka giggles again... She can't help but smile at the sight of the wrapped-up cat.
"You look like an adorable and tiny burrito!"
Homura continues to look up at Madoka, having slight amusement in her expression... Maybe this isn't so bad after all...
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Madoka carefully places Homura back on her bed, still wrapped in the towel.
"Wait, I'll change quickly for a moment."
Madoka immediately heads her way back to the bathroom to change. It didn't take long, and now she wears more comfortable clothing.
She sits beside the bed, watching Homura with a mixture of concern and curiosity.<
"I should probably give you some food. I bet you're hungry."
She glances at her bedroom door, worried about sneaking food past her family.
Madoka gets up and quietly opens her bedroom door, peeking out to see if anyone is nearby.
"I think I can grab some leftovers from dinner. Just stay put, okay?"
She gives Homura one last look before heading downstairs, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Homura stays curled up on the bed, her small body tense. She listens intently to the sounds of Madoka moving around downstairs.
While Madoka was gone, she thought and analyzed everything and everywhere around her to understand her situation more...
First of all, she turned into a cat, but she still has her soul gem; even though it's not visible, she can still feel her magic flowing within her body. Second, is everything still the same? Madoka being a normal middle schooler with her childhood friends Sayaka and Hitomi? Would Mami and Kyoko still be around? Especially that dumb Incubator (Kyubey)... Either way, she still doesn't know, but for now, she's glad that Madoka is safe and sound.
The house is quiet except for occasional voices from the kitchen. Madoka returns about 23 minutes later, carrying a small plate of leftover fish.
"I managed to save this. Not exactly gourmet, but better than nothing."
She sets the plate down near Homura, along with a small bowl of water.
Madoka watches as Homura eyes the fish suspiciously. She sits back down on her bed, maintaining a respectful distance.
"It's safe to eat. I promise."
The smell of the fish fills the room, and Homura's stomach growls audibly, reminding her she hasn't eaten anything today. She could probably just ignore her hunger by using her magic like always, but Madoka troubled herself just to get food for her. It feels rude to reject her, or maybe even hurt her in the process...
So in the end, Homura steps closer to the food slowly before leaning down and eating the fish with her tiny cat teeth.
Madoka observes with relief as Homura starts eating.
"You must be really hungry. I wonder how long you've been out there..."
She watches quietly, occasionally glancing at her bedroom door to make sure no one is coming upstairs.
Homura finishes eating the fish, leaving a few bones behind. She looks slightly better after the meal, though still weary.
Madoka smiles warmly at the little cat, clearly satisfied that she has eaten her fill. She then sets the empty plate and bowl aside. Wiping Homura's mouth with the towel before putting that away too so she could hug the little cat as she lies on the bed.
"I should probably get you to a vet or adoption center, huh? I really want to keep you, but my Mama..."
Madoka sighs deeply, staring at the ceiling with a troubled expression.
"They'll never let me keep you. Mama says cats are too much trouble."
Homura notices Madoka's struggles almost immediately more than before...
Her small cat form curls up beside Madoka on the bed. She really wanted to speak, but she knows it will be nothing but a small meow in the end...
Madoka's face brightens at Homura's proximity, completely misunderstanding the cat's attempt to communicate. Madoka mistakes Homura's actions by seeking affection in a cute way instead of comfort. Madoka then gently arms, holding Homura close so she ends up snuggled against her face...
"Aww, you're trying to snuggle with me? You really are so adorable."
She gently strokes Homura's fur, completely unaware of the magical girl's inner turmoil.
Madoka continues petting Homura, her voice becoming softer and more thoughtful.
"I wish I could keep you. You're such a brave little thing... But I can't lie to my parents..."
Homura's ears twitch at Madoka's words. She can sense the girl's genuine concern, even if it's misdirected.
"Maybe I could find a way to convince them? Or maybe..."
Madoka trails off, staring at the ceiling again as she considers various scenarios. Madoka sighs, holding Homura closer...
"I'll keep you for now until I can manage to convince them, okay...?"
Homura's small form stiffens slightly at Madoka's words. She feels a mix of relief and uncertainty. She knows Madoka probably didn't like lying to others, but she's doing this for Homura... Here she is again, being useless and a burden...
Madoka notices Homura's stiffness and gently loosens her hold, misinterpreting it as discomfort.
"I know it's not perfect, but I promise I'll try my best. You're safe here tonight at least."
She reaches for a nearby blanket, carefully draping it over herself and Homura.
The room grows quiet as Madoka settles into her bed. She stares at the ceiling, her thoughts clearly racing.
"I hope you understand... I'm not giving up on finding a solution. Even if I have to sneak you food or something."
Madoka whispers softly, more to herself than to Homura.
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The next day soon came. Madoka woke up early to get ready for school (already in her uniform) and then quickly finished her food so she could talk to Homura...
"Hey little one..." she says softly, kneeling down in front of the little cat that was in her bed.
Homura's ears perk up at the sound of Madoka's voice calling her.
"I'm heading to school now. Please don't make any noise while I'm gone."
Madoka glances around her room, making sure everything is in order before standing up. Madoka grabs her school bag, looking back at Homura with a worried expression.
"I'll try to bring you something from school later. Just... stay here and be hidden."
She hesitates at the door, clearly reluctant to leave the cat alone.
Homura watches Madoka with an intense stare, her eyes following the girl's movements toward the door.
"I'll be back soon. Promise."
Madoka opens the door slightly, peeking into the hallway to check if anyone is around... Madoka sighs deeply, still standing at the door.
"I really don't want to leave you alone... But I have to go."
She glances back one more time, her expression a mix of concern and determination.
Madoka kept walking back in and out of her bedroom door...
Madoka paces anxiously, clearly struggling with the decision to leave.
"Maybe I should just skip school today... No, that would make everything worse."
She mutters to herself, her school bag slung over one shoulder.
Madoka ruffles her hair slightly with her hands in frustration as she groans. Lying is really hard...
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In the end, she brought Homura and kept her hidden in her school bag until lunchtime.
(Homura remained silent the whole time because she didn't want Madoka to get caught and be in trouble because of her.)
Currently, it is lunch break; at the quiet rooftop, Madoka is sitting with her friends Sayaka and Hitomi.
Madoka holds the bag close to her lap.
Sayaka notices Madoka's unusual behavior and looks at her with concern.
"Hey, Madoka. You've been really quiet today. Everything okay?"
Madoka keeps her eyes fixed on the ground, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the strap of her bag.
"Promise you guys won't tell anyone...?"
Hitomi leans forward, her green hair falling across her face slightly as she finally speaks.
"Of course we won't tell anyone. What's going on?"
Madoka looks up briefly, then back down at her bag, where a small lump is visible. Finally, after managing to gather her courage, she gently picks Homura out of her bag.
Hitomi gasps softly, while Sayaka's eyes widen in surprise at the sight of Homura.
"Madoka, is that... a cat?"
Sayaka leans closer to get a better look, her expression shifting from shock to curiosity.
Madoka nods slowly, keeping Homura cradled protectively against her chest.
"I found her yesterday. She was really soaking wet and dirty. I couldn't just leave her there."
Hitomi reaches out tentatively, studying Homura with a mixture of concern and fascination.
"Woah… she's adorable. What's her name?"
Madoka shrugs her shoulders slightly, petting Homura's little head gently.
"I haven't given her a name yet… I'm not even sure if I can keep her..."
Sayaka crosses her arms, looking skeptical.
"So that's why you were acting weird today. You snuck a cat into school?"
Madoka hugs Homura closer, her shoulders tensing at Sayaka's tone.
"I had to! She was scared and alone. My parents won't let me keep her."
Homura remains silent; she wasn't actually scared, but she did feel both relieved and guilty now that Madoka has to take care of her...
Hitomi notices Homura's tense posture and offers a small smile.
"She looks pretty well-behaved. So you found her yesterday?"
Sayaka rolls her eyes but seems to soften slightly at Hitomi's question. Homura knew why Sayaka was like this. To simply put it, she's a dog person, not a cat person. So she has a love-hate feeling towards cats... Even Homura didn't know why she knew this; maybe it's just because she had known the same people she watches suffer, be in despair, or die either way already.
Madoka strokes Homura's fur gently, her expression turning a little sad also as she nods slightly.
"Yes. I found her in an alley. She hasn't made a sound since I brought her home."
Hitomi tilts her head, studying Homura with renewed interest.
"That's strange. Most cats would be yowling nonstop if they were afraid or scared."
Sayaka leans back against the wall, crossing her legs.
"Maybe it's mute or something. That would explain why it's so quiet."
Madoka pouts slightly at the use of the word to describe Homura.
"She..."
Sayaka shrugs her shoulders in response as she looks away.
Hitomi ignores Sayaka's behavior and nods thoughtfully, while Madoka glances down at Homura with concern.
"Or maybe she's just shy?" she asks, and Madoka mentally agrees.
"She's been really calm since I found her," Madoka says in response to Hitomi's accusation.
Hitomi reaches into her lunch bag and pulls out a small container of leftover chicken.
"Here, let me try feeding her. Maybe she'll warm up to us."
Madoka carefully sets Homura down on the seat, watching her warily.
"Be careful. She might be scared of strangers."
Hitomi slowly opens the container, revealing small pieces of chicken.
"I'm not a stranger. I'm Madoka-san's friend too, so don't be afraid, little one..."
Sayaka scoffs quietly but doesn't comment further.
Homura stared at the chicken, her stomach grumbling again. She hasn't eaten anything since the last time she was in Madoka's room, just yesterday night.
Hitomi slides the container closer to Homura, getting a piece of chicken and presenting it in front of the little cat.
"Come on, little one. You must be hungry."
Madoka watches anxiously as Homura remains still, her ears twitching slightly at the scent of food.
Homura actually wants to walk forward and eat the piece of chicken. But to be honest, she's uncomfortable being around Hitomi and Sayaka... (For some reason, but it's valid.)
In the end, Homura goes back to Madoka, climbing into her lap and snuggling into her.
Hitomi looks slightly disappointed but understanding.
"She really seems to like you, Madoka-san. I guess that makes sense since you're the one who found her."
Sayaka sighs and stretches her legs out.
"So what are you going to do with her? You can't keep sneaking a cat around forever."
Madoka gently strokes Homura's back, her expression turning determined.
"I don't know yet. But I'm not giving up on finding a solution. Maybe I can convince my parents to let me keep her."
Sayaka frowns slightly, picking up a piece of chicken and eating it herself.
"Good luck with that. Your mom is pretty strict about animals."
Madoka's shoulders slump at Sayaka's comment, though she maintains resolve.
"I know Mama is strict, but I have to try. She needs a proper home."
Sayaka glances at Homura with a hint of sympathy.
"This little one sure does need somewhere to stay; I don't know what I'll do if I don't have a home, to be honest, so it's tough to be homeless, especially if you're fragile and small... But even so, I'm still a dog person, okay?" She adds the last part quickly.
Hitomi nods in agreement, grinning slightly at Sayaka's words.
"You're such a tsundere sometimes, Sayaka-san."
Sayaka felt annoyed and embarrassed by the comment, but she ignored it and quickly composed herself, her expression turning slightly thoughtful.
"I could help you find a shelter. I might be able to help find a family that can adopt her—"
Madoka's eyes widen at the suggestion, her grip on Homura tightening slightly as she cuts off Sayaka's statement.
"No! I mean... I don't think that's a good idea. She's been through enough already."
Sayaka raises an eyebrow at Madoka's reaction. Then she grins, finally realizing the reason.
"Oh~ You're really attached to her already, aren't you? It's only been one day, Madoka-chan~"
Madoka blushes slightly, looking away from Sayaka's knowing grin and holding Homura closer to her.
"I just... I can't explain it. She seems different from other cats, special somehow."
Hitomi looks confused by Sayaka's statement.
"What do you mean by that?"
Sayaka waves her hand dismissively.
"Nothing, nothing. Just Madoka being Madoka. Always trying to save the world of cats, one cat at a time."
Madoka sighs, her cheeks still slightly pink.
"It's not just that. She's really smart. She understands what I'm saying."
Hitomi looks skeptical but also curious while Sayaka lets out a small laugh.
"Sure she does. Cats are all the same—they just want food and a warm place to sleep."
Madoka pouts again at Sayaka's accusation.
"I'll even show you! Look, little kitty cat." She gets a piece of chicken in Hitomi's lunchbox, placing it on her palm and gently presenting it in front of Homura.
"Eat this..."
Homura stares at the piece of chicken in Madoka's palm, her ears twitching. If Madoka wants her to eat it, then she'll do it. Homura quietly takes the chicken and eats it on top of Madoka's palm.
Hitomi's eyes widen in surprise, while Sayaka leans forward to get a better look.
"Wait, did she just...?"
Madoka beams proudly at Homura, clearly pleased with herself.
"See? She understands me perfectly!"
Hitomi looks genuinely impressed now.
"That's amazing. She totally rejected me earlier. Maybe she really just likes you, Madoka-san."
Sayaka shakes her head, though there's a hint of fascination in her voice.
"I still think she's just a regular cat. But hey, if she wants to play along with your fantasy, that's fine."
Madoka gently pats Homura's head, her expression softening.
"She's not a fantasy. She's real, and she needs me."
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The bell soon rang...
Madoka carefully places Homura back in her school bag, making sure she's comfortable.
"I have to go to class now. I'll see you guys later," Hitomi says, standing up and gathering her things.
"Yeah, see you, Hitomi," Sayaka says, stretching and yawning.
When Hitomi was finally gone, Sayaka leaned forward into Madoka.
"Madoka, meet me up at the mall after school to buy some CDs, okay? It's just the two of us today since Hitomi is busy again."
Madoka nods while closing her bag, making sure Homura is hidden.
"Sure, Sayaka-chan. I'll meet you there. It's for Kyosuke-kun, isn't it?"
Sayaka grins and starts walking away.
"Yup! Of course, who else would it be? Alright! See you then."
Madoka waits until Sayaka is out of sight before opening her bag slightly to check on Homura.
"Okay. Just a few more hours. We can do it."
Homura's ears perk up at Madoka's voice, her ears twitching slightly as if she quietly agrees. Madoka gives a small smile, feeling a bit reassured by Homura's presence.
"I'll figure something out. I promise.
She pets her slightly before adjusting her bag strap and heads toward her next class.
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After school...
Madoka meets Sayaka at the mall entrance, looking exhausted from the day's classes.
"Sorry I'm late. My last teacher wouldn't stop talking about algebra."
Sayaka waves dismissively, already scanning the crowd.
"It's fine. The music store is this way. Come on."
Sayaka leads the way through the crowded mall, weaving between shoppers.
"I need to find this limited edition CD before they sell out. You know how fast those guys sell out."
Madoka follows quietly, occasionally checking her bag to make sure Homura is still there.
"I hope it's not too crowded at the store. I've got homework to finish later."
After finding the CD Sayaka was looking for... Madoka started to hear a weird voice that was calling to her inside her head, and she started to follow it...
And there she is now, clutching Homura in her arms as she walks into a dark, quiet building to find the voice.
Homura knows what's going to happen in this part; she has seen this many times. They saw Kyubey, but of course, he's not injured. Then the familiars appear, and Sayaka came to find Madoka. Now they're in a disaster as Mami, a magical girl, came to save them...
After the fight. Mami turns to both of the shocked girls.
"Are you girls okay?"
Sayaka and Madoka just nod slowly, still clearly in shock and unable to speak as they process what was going on in front of them...
Homura, on the other hand, still remained silent in Madoka's arms but was secretly stabbing daggers into Kyubey with a glare in her eyes. Soon, all of them settled down in a nearby quiet corner to have a conversation.
Mami clears her throat before she speaks politely and calmly.
"Anyways, let me introduce myself once more. I'm Tomoe Mami, a third-grade student at Mitakihara Middle School. And this is Kyubey," she gestures to the white alien cat besides her.
"And both of you must be in the same school as I am, based on your uniforms."
Madoka was the first one to speak as she nods slightly in response.
"Yes, we're second graders. I'm Kaname Madoka, and this is my friend..." She gestures to the blue-haired girl.
"Miki Sayaka... Anyways, are you both really real? Like you're a magical girl and you're some kind of magical cat sorcerer?" She asks, clearly curious and in awe.
Kyubey tilts his (its) head innocently.
"I do not understand the context of the 'sorcerer' part that you speak of, but if that's how you describe or see me, I suppose I am."
Mami smiles slightly at Kyubey's response.
"Kyubey, you're saying weird things again."
"I'm not. Now that we're done with introductions, Madoka and Sayaka, make a contract with me and be a magical girl!"
Those familiar words finally makes Homura snap; she hisses, the first ever sound she makes while she remains in Madoka's arms as she glares at Kyubey with those murderous gaze...
Madoka was shocked herself; she gently pets Homura and holds her close to calm her down.
"No need to hiss at Kyubey... He means no harm," she reassures the cat with her soft voice.
Sayaka was also now looking at Homura in confusion.
"What's wrong with your pet?"
Madoka shrugs in response.
"I don't know... But she seems to not like Kyubey."
Mami places her finger on her chin, her expression turning thoughtful.
"Maybe the little one is not used to seeing an unusual cat?"
Mami's words make Madoka and Sayaka agree, and it makes sense for them. But for Homura, she knew it was never the right reason...
Kyubey steps closer to Homura, leaning forward slightly to examine the little form in Madoka's arms.
"This one does seem strange to me/us also. I'm more used to seeing a kind of mine to speak or talk to like me."
Homura really wanted to get a gun and fill the Incubator's body with holes...
To be continued...