The arrow deflected from Tera's head just a few inches from hitting her skull. It flew into the lake, spearing an unfortunate fish. The tiger girl didn't seem to realise that she was so close to being killed, and continued with her mudball prank.

Homura gaped in disbelief. Did her dead-shot arrow just fly off into the water and hit a fish instead?

Hurriedly, she nocked another arrow into the bow string, aimed and let loose. It flew true and straight, zipping towards Tera's exposed back. Again, at the last moment, the arrow veered off course and plunged into the water, lost, leaving Tera unharmed. Tera herself didn't seem to realise that arrows were raining upon her, joyfully hurling mud at passers-by.

Homura clapped her hand to the side of her head. What was going on?

Desperate now, she shot off arrow after arrow, only to see them fly off in different directions, never hitting Tera. Loosing the last arrow, she watched helplessly as it zipped away to the right, embedding its tip in the tree bark before disintegrating into purple dust.

"This cannot be..." she whispered to herself in disbelief. Slinging the bow over her shoulder, she slipped across the building she was hiding behind, sneaking towards Tera like a shadow. A small purple pocketknife appeared in her hand, and she gripped it tight.

If arrows didn't work, maybe a knife between the ribs would...

With her eyes glued on the tiger, who was now clambering onshore and meeting up with another three girls - her friends, presumably - Homura picked up speed, not wanting to lose her quarry.

But there was a problem.

By now, it was late, and the festival goers were already dispersing. There was little to no cover out in the open park, and she didn't want to be seen trying to assassinate the orange-haired girl. Muttering a string of curses, she hid the knife in her long sleeve and pretended to mile about the area, glancing frequently at Tera. She would have to lure her prey somewhere quiet and kill her when she was alone.

Homura decided to play the lost, frightened tourist.

She put on the best distressed face she could muster and walked up to the foursome meekly, calling out in a shy tone, "Err... E-excuse me, b-but do you k-know where Kazamino Rose Hotel is? I've just reached the city and I can't seem to find my way there..."

The four friends turned around, and saw Homura Akemi cringing before them like a trapped mouse. Rikka smiled kindly, and said, "Staying in the city? Well, the hotel is just past this road. Head straight up and turn left at the next junction, you won't miss the building - It's such a grand old place!"

Homura stammered slightly, "T-thank you. But, I'm afraid I'm not really good at directions, and I-I'll probably get lost..." Her large eyes roved over to meet Tera's, then, in a very convincing squeal, she grabbed the girl's arm and said in a whiny voice, "Y-you can take me there, c-can't you? Please?"

Tera rolled her eyes, scoffing as she shook off Homura hands. "Sure I can get you there, lady. Just don't..." her nose wrinkled slightly, "...Get all grabby."

Homura nodded vigorously, her eyes shining like as if she had found her saviour. "Oh, thank you so much, err..." She paused, looking uncertain. "Can I have your name?"

"It's Tera, Tera Aido. Mixed martial artist and guitarist extraordinaire," she grinned, holding her hand out to shake Homura's. "And yours?"

"I'm Kaen Ito," said Homura shyly as she shook Tera's. "Nice to meet you."

Tera beamed, her fangs glinting in the soft evening rays. "C'mon then, Ito-san. I'll get you there myself." She cocked her head at her friends, saying, "You guys go first, I'll meet you tomorrow at school, kay?"

Rikka nodded, taking Kureha and Eruna's hands. "We'll meet you there, Tera-chan. And have fun in our city, Ito-san!" She smiled one last time at Homura and Tera, then led the two younger girls off.

And thus, Homura Akemi manipulated Tera Aido to go with her alone... Presumably to her death.

***

Akira was still wet by the time she had reached the Kazamino Rose Hotel. That Ishida guy would just have to deal with a soppy date. However, she knew better than to walk into the building dripping water everywhere. She took out her phone and grudgingly called him.

"Hello, Akira-chan?" crooned Takahiro Ishida's voice down the receiver. "Are you here already? Need me to pick you up at the entrance?"

Akira exhaled slowly, her nostrils flaring in annoyance. She had told him not to add the '-chan' at the back of her name, but he wouldn't listen. "I'm here all right," she spat, not bothering to address him by his name, "But I won't be coming in cause I'm all wet from the Water Festival, so I'm sorry, but not so sorry, because we have to cancel th-"

"Nonsense! It won't be cancelled just because you're wet," Takahiro's laugh rang in her ears. "I'll come out with a towel. Just wait for me, babe."

She cut the line at once, grumbling as she slipped the phone into her wet pocket. She had hoped she could put off this infernal meeting, but it wasn't to be. And how dare he call her 'babe'? She would give him a piece of her mind when he came out...

She leaned against the wall of the hotel, looking at her scratched nails with a placid expression. The street was surprisingly empty, with most of the citizens probably at home already, taking hot baths to mark the end of the festival. She could have been one of them, but no, she had to come meet this guy and talk with him.

Akira imagined herself giving Takahiro a few tight slaps for choosing today (of all days) as their date, grinning darkly to herself. What she wouldn't give to actually do that...

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed two figures walking towards the hotel. Both were girls, probably around fourteen judging by their heights. As they came closer, she saw that one of them was Tera Aido, whom she had just met minutes ago at the festival. Behind her was a girl with long, black hair and impassive eyes, whose expression turned from surprise at seeing Akira, to frustration, confusion, and finally anger. It all happened in a split second, but Akira had already seen and read her emotions.

The girl's reaction reminded her of a snake who was about to lunge at its prey, but lost it as the prey darted away before its astonished eyes.

In short, she looked murderous. Akira could feel herself going a bit uneasy.

"Hey, senpai-of-senpai!" waved Tera merrily. "Fancy meeting you here. What's up?" The black-haired girl behind her simply grunted.

Akira waved back, tucking a curl of hair behind her ear. "Just waiting for someone. What about you?"

Tera grinned coyly. "Waiting for someone? Who is it, senpai?"

Akira blushed, retorting, "None of your business, Aido-san."

The younger girl flounced around Akira, pouting, "Aww... C'mon, you can tell me. I can keep a secret, you know!"

""Just... Just- No," said Akira flatly. "Now what are you up to here? And who's your friend?"

Tera licked her fangs, smirking. "I'll let it drop then, but I'll find out sooner or later, Akira-senpai. Anyway, this is Kaen Ito, she's visting Kazamino and I'm just showing her where the hotel is." She shoved Homura in front of her, and said, "There ya go, Ito-san. Rose Hotel. Gotta scoot now, catch you two later!" She winked at Akira, mouthing, "Have fun with him," and dashed off hooting before Akira could catch her.

"T-that wild thing!" blustered Akira, feeling hot. She had just met Tera for a few minutes and the little girl had the nerve to tease her and talk to her on a first name basis. Really, that girl needed manners. A hand then landed on her shoulder, and she flinched. It was Takahiro Ishida.

"Hey there, Akira-chan," he said in what he thought was a seductive tone.

She rolled her eyes. Here was another buffoon that needed manners as well. He draped the towel around her shoulder (without her permission) and took her hand (also without her permission). "I'll get you a new dress in the hotel's boutique, and we'll go for dinner in their restaurant, shall we?"

She shook off his hand and shot him with an imperious look that only she could pull off. He involuntarily wilted under it. "You do not make the orders around here, Ishida, I do. And I say I'll get my own change of clothes in there, and I'll meet you at the restaurant. Now go and get a table."

She was practically growling. Takahiro took off at once, shaking his head in wonderment. Such a powerful lady!

Meanwhile, Homura, impervious to their squabble, had to enter the hotel to make sure Akira didn't suspect her of anything. She slipped into the restroom and locked herself in a cubicle, gathering her thoughts.

Her perfect plan was foiled by this white-haired girl! If only she wasn't waiting by the entrance, Homura could have led Tera down the alley and slit her throat easily. And she couldn't go after Tera without making herself any more suspicious.

Her fist tightened. She'll just have to track her down...

Tonight.

***

A cold feeling washed over Luna all of a sudden. She knew something was wrong the minute she left Estella to Sayaka. They had all completely forgotten about the fact that the twins needed to be together to transform and fight should a Witch appear. Kyoko, who was walking beside her, noticed the crease between her brows, and asked, "What's up? Why the worried face?"

Luna decided that she could tell Kyoko about her worries. This red-haired girl was surprisingly calmer than Sayaka, and had more sense in her head.

"It's Stella," she said in a quavering voice. "I can feel that she's somehow in trouble. Maybe we should look for her and Sayaka..."

"You sure about this? We've still got half our allotted area to stake out."

"I'm quite sure." Her face was set with solid conviction. "Twins can feel each other on a spiritual level.... More so for us, as we're connected by our wishes when we became Puella Magi."

Kyoko nodded. "Fair 'nuff. Let's go, then." She was secretly worried for Sayaka as well.

***

Oktavia von Seckendorf sat on her raised pedestal, arms raised as she commanded her Familiars to play the song, Ave Maria. Sweet violin music blasted around the auditorium as the many musicians took up their instruments, caressing the violin strings with their bows. She seemed to be enjoying it, moving her body along with the melody.

Estella, slumped over a spectator seat, stirred from her fainted stupor, groaning. Music filled her ears. Man, Homura could hit hard with that bow...

She wanted to get up and see where she was, but the instant she saw Oktavia, all the muscles in her body froze.

It was a Witch!

Every single nerve of her being screamed, 'Stay still or you'll die, and so will Luna'. A rising panic was collecting in her chest - if the Witch saw and attacked her, she would be defenseless. She couldn't turn into a Puella Magi with her twin absent; such stupidity for not realising this!

And another horror was nagging at her. Sayaka was nowhere to be seen, and she suspected that she was either killed by the Witch, or had escaped without her. Although Sayaka had been nothing but a pain to her until today, Estella still hoped that her newfound friend had carried out the latter of her speculations - escaping without her.

Crouching behind the seat, Estella tasted the metallic tang of blood in her mouth. She put a tentative hand to her head and withdrew her fingers quickly as they touched a viscous, liquid substance.

Blood.

Shuddering with sudden fear, she hoped that Oktavia wouldn't see her. She would be hopeless against this Witch, and probably die within one second should she be caught out.

Oktavia gave another earth-splitting roar, then raised her hand, thrusting her broadsword forward. The violinists struck up a different melody - fast paced and eerie, and the whole auditorium gave a shudder and jolted, slamming Estella into the opposite seats. The floor jerked and she could feel the ground beneath her moving at an impossible speed.

The Australian clutched at the hand rests, steadying herself on the lurching floor. Her stomach gave an unpleasant twinge as she realised a sickening fact : The broadsword Oktavia was holding... It had belonged to Sayaka Miki.

Before she could make sense of what she just saw, the auditorium came to a screeching halt, throwing her off balance once again. Thankfully, Oktavia seemed too preoccupied with something else to see her, staring intently at the entrance to her music hall.

She was waiting for someone.

And with another unpleasant twinge, Estella became conscious that Luna was standing outside that very entrance, looking for her. There was no way to stop her. They'd have to fight their way out.

***

Kyoko was breaking out in cold sweat. Why did this Witch labyrinth give her a sense of déja vu? It was like a foggy memory trapped beneath layers of ice, frost-bound and hazy...

Where had she seen this place?

Luna saw Kyoko's unsteady stance, and bit her lower lip in apprehension. If a veteran like Kyoko was feeling scared about facing this Witch, what more a rookie like herself? But face it she had to, because she was absolutely sure that her twin was inside.

"Ready?" came Kyoko's voice. There was a hint of uncertainty in it.

"Ready," confirmed Luna, holding out her Soul Gem. She would have to get to Estella and transform quickly.

The duo rushed at the doors, with Kyoko smashing them down with her spear. And a grand, fearful sight awaited them.

Perched on her pedestal like a royal knight, the Mermaid Witch glared down at them, surrounded by a hundred Familiars playing the violin. Her scaled tail swished back and forth erratically as she raised her arms, swinging her swords. An ugly roar erupted from the depths of her corrupted being; she whirled around them in dizzying circles, challenging them.

Kyoko hefted her spear meaningfully, addressing Luna. "Find Estella and transform, quick! I'll hold her off as long as I can." Luna dashed off at once, heart throbbing with painful yearning for her sister.

Oktavia's orchestra launched into Symposium Magarum, setting the Witch into a frenzy. With a downward sweep of her broadsword, a score of large wheels materialised in the air, hovering for a second or so before homing in at Kyoko with a sentient malice. The Puella Magi deflected them all with an increasing befuddled feeling.

She had done this before... She had once killed this Witch... She had once fought alongside this Witch as well...

Oktavia unleashed another wave of wheels, and Kyoko called up her warding spell. Chains of red diamonds crisscrossed in front of her, making the wheels bounce off harmlessly against them. Frustrated,the Witch gave a distorted screech, and her Minions, Holger, upped the volume of Symposium Margarum, deafening Kyoko. Oktavia's broadsword glinted dangerously as she raised it once again, screaming.

Screaming in Sayaka's voice.

Sayaka... This Witch was Sayaka.

Horrorstruck, the warding spell broke away under the force of the last wheel. Unable to keep a steady mind, Kyoko faltered with her spear, allowing a wheel to smash into her right side, ripping apart her flesh and splattering blood across the tiled floor. Gasping in pain, lights exploded in her eyes as she struggled to stay upright.

The only thing on on her mind right now was : Sayaka had turned into a Witch...

Raising her head woozily to look at the features of Oktavia, Kyoko felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

It can't be... We were just chatting so happily today. What happened, Sayaka? What happened?!

Oktavia gave her a blank stare, Sayaka's sword gleaming evilly in her hand. She swung it hard, and it would have been the end for Kyoko had not Estella, fully garbed in her battle outfit, rushed by and pushed her to the ground. The sword's cruel edge whooshed above their heads, missing them by inches.

Kyoko's vision was blurred with agony and tears. Estella... Was this Estella? She would know what happened to Sayaka.

"Estella, what happened while we were gone?" cried out Kyoko, fear gripping her like a vice. "Where's Sayaka?!"

Instead, Estella was too focused on the Witch to pay any attention to Kyoko's questions. "Lay low, Luna will heal you," said Estella, her double headed sword held tightly in her right hand, "Questions later, survival first!" The Berserker launched herself at Oktavia's revolting face, her sword spinning like a blender blade.

Luna hurried up to Kyoko, passing her hands across the gaping wound on her friend's side. It closed up slowly, making fleshy sounds. Kyoko exhaled in relief. Swaying slightly as she stood up, she told Luna, "Back us up. We've got a Witch to kill."

There was something deadly about her tone that made Luna's blood run cold.

Bellowing like a bull out of control, Kyoko launched herself at Oktavia's chest, her spear trailing behind her like a scorpion's tail poised to strike. With a mighty yank downwards on the handle, the spear head launched itself straight for the Witch's heart, whirring with fierce intensity. "Whatever you've done to Sayaka, you Witch, you will pay!" she screamed, voice breaking.

Oktavia didn't think so. With a simple sweep of her arm, she buffeted Kyoko into the spectator seats, and she crashed into a group of Holgers, killing them at once. The volume of Symposium Margarum dropped audibly, and the Witch gave an annoyed hiss. She seemed to sway a little on her pedestal before gathering herself and coming back to the battle.

Kyoko's mind made a quick association : Loud music equals to stronger attacks, therefore, no music equals to helpless Witch.

"Kill her minions," she ordered the twins, who were flanking her - Luna channeling silver energy to patch up the gash on Kyoko's arm. "Without them to play her music, she'd be weaker!"

The Berserker and Healer complied without a word, hacking away at the Holgers until none was left. The music stopped abruptly as the last minion's head rolled off its neck and fell to the ground. Kyoko took this opportunity to rush the Witch, releasing the joints of her spear so that it started to coil around her like a golden snake.

Then, Estella was by Kyoko's side in an instant, zoning in onto one of the Witch's eye holes. Her blade was stained with the blood of Oktavia's Familiars, and without her music, the Witch became enraged and unsteady. Kyoko's spear tip was leveled at the Witch' chest, ready to strike like a cobra.

The two weapons clashed as one into the Witch's armour; Estella penetrating into her eye, Kyoko forcing the spear tip to bash the protective layer around her heart. Oktavia screamed, her arms twitching convulsively by her side as she tried to swat Estella out of her face. The Puella Magi hung on like a leech, somehow avoiding the heavy hands of the Witch. The dual-headed blade was embedded deep within her eye socket, and with each twist of her head, Oktavia drove it deeper still.

With the Witch occupied with Estella, Kyoko drew herself up to Oktavia's chest by shortening the handle of her spear, carrying her upwards. She landed upon the chest of Oktavia, outraged and rankled. The red-head's very soul was blazing with untamed fury; the anger within her was powerful.

"Die! Dieeeee!" she screeched as she yanked out the spear head and forcefully plunged it back in. "Dieeeeeee!" Over and over again, she stabbed Oktavia von Seckendorf, and even the Witch's breast armour couldn't withstand the raw power of the one who had just lost her most important friend in the world. It gave way like crumbling earth, and Kyoko's spear hit the Witch's tender flesh.

With a wild energy, she swung her spear around her body, cumulating it into the final attack. The chains rattled as she whipped forward, the impetus sending the masses of chain and spear head ramming into the Witch's heart.

Oktavia didn't even stand a chance. Wailing in that horrible Sayaka-like voice, she gave a violent shudder, and both Estella and Kyoko leapt off of her, landing before a very stunned Luna. That was the first time Luna had seen such a powerful combination. The two of them had defeated the Witch easily, without sustaining so much as a single scratch.

The Mermaid Witch's swords crashed into her pedestal, breaking it in half and sending Oktavia falling through it to her death. The labyrinth shimmered and wavered, and dissipated slowly into nothingness, replaced by a row of houses standing innocently in the dying rays of evening light.

And Sayaka was no more.

***

Oriko sighed. She should have did some research before racing into this city, thinking that everything would go to plan and that they'd find a few Puella Magi here. But, her lack of forethought, which was rare enough, made them waste a whole day here in Kazamino.

The annual Water Festival was the reason why the streets were deserted and why her Soul Gem didn't manage to pick up any signals - crowds of bodies tend to override detectable magical energy. In other words, the magical wavelengths that normally came off of Puella Magi were interfered and could not be discerned.

Having already called Mami to come back to the station, she tried once again to call the twins, or Kyoko and Sayaka, but none of them were picking up their phones. Yuma and Nagisa tugged at her skirt, asking when the others were going to arrive. Oriko gave them a strained smile, and checked her watch. It was five past six. "Not long now, girls. Just be patient."

Soon enough, Mami and Kirika came around the corner, with the latter grinning like a raptor. "Guess what, Oriko?" chirped Kirika. "We bumped into a Brocken-Wraith and its gang and got these!" She waved a large Grief Cube in Oriko's face, while Mami held up a few dozen Grief Cubes wrapped in a piece of cloth.

"We caught them off guard," explained Mami, handing over the pack of cubes to Oriko. "It was over before they even realised we were there."

"On the other hand, we didn't manage to find any Puella Magi in our designated area. The whole town just seemed... empty."

Oriko nodded, then replied, "I didn't expect any at all, seeing as today was the Water Festival." She then told them about the wavelength interference and why they couldn't detect any Puella Magi. Kirika groaned, while Mami sighed and folded her arms.

"We'll just have to come back on another day," said Nagisa encouragingly. "We've still got time."

Oriko beamed. "Yes. Good idea, Momoe-san. When the other four arrive, we shall go back to..." Her face suddenly went pale. Before her astonished eyes, Kyoko, Estella and Luna staggered up to them, with Kyoko sobbing uncontrollably and the twins looking shell-shocked.

"She's dead!" wailed Kyoko, collapsing into Mami's arms. "Dead! I killed her!"

Confounded, Mami tried to placate Kyoko. "Who's dead, Sakura-san? Please, get yourself together and tell us what happened." Desperately, she looked at the twins for help.

Luna licked her dry lips, eyes staring straight ahead, saying in an empty tone, "Sayaka Miki is dead. Homura Akemi came and did something to her. She then transformed into a Witch and... we had to kill her."

There was a pin-drop silence. Yuma gave a terrified whimper and clutched at Kyoko's jacket. Her senior was still sobbing into Mami's chest; strong, brave, irrepressible Kyoko, who never shed a tear, was crying like a month-old baby, and nothing could seem to make her stop.

There was no question as to what they should do now. They quietly headed for the Kazamino bus stop, where a conductor was already calling for the last boarding passengers. The subdued Strike Force took to the bus roof and took their seats, Kyoko hugging Yuma tight and letting her sit on her lap. The young girl had never seen Kyoko look worse than this, and she was worried for her.

No one spoke. No one dared breathe a word about Sayaka. And no one suggested that they should ever come back again. However, just as the bus set off, Mami's ring pulsed in the way that indicated a Puella Magi, besides her friends, was nearby. Confused, she looked around her, and saw four girls passing the station, laughing and chatting happily. Each of them, save one with long, sky blue hair, had a runic ring glinting on their middle fingers.

They were Puella Magi.

Mami bit her lip. Should she tell the others? But seeing their stricken faces, she decided not to. Maybe it would be a better idea to keep a low profile and not go about hunting for Wraiths and Puella Magi, now that they knew Homura was out to kill them.

And so, the party departed for Mitakihara, leaving behind the memory of the tragic knight, Sayaka Miki.

***

Homura had witnessed the chastened mood of the Strike Force as they left for home, and she felt a sense of accomplishment. They were scared of her now, no doubt, and they would think twice about disobeying her the next time they met. It was a pity though, that Oktavia hadn't managed to kill Kyoko and the twins. That would mean less of a burden to her.

With Tera Aido and the remaining two Elemental Puella Magi to hunt down, and with the stress of having to keep Oriko and her force under control, Homura was near breaking point. There was also the issue that the Incubators may be scheming something without her knowledge. She made a mental note to eavesdrop on them as frequently as possible. Who knows what secrets they were hiding from her.

Feeling stiff and suppressing the urge to cry from all the pressure she was getting, Homura just wanted to go home and sleep, but she knew she had to get rid of Tera first. Cut off the head of the cub before it is given a chance to grow into a tigress, she thought.

She slipped into an alley and unfurled her raven wings, muttering an enchantment to render herself invisible to the human eye. Flapping them easily, she took to the air, flying towards her apartment in Mitakihara. Homura knew better than to take on the Tiger without a backup plan.

She would need to get to the Incubators' lab first...

***

Shika was lying in bed with Yuki curled up next to her. It had been an uneventful week, with no Witches or Wraiths, and her Soul Gem was nowhere near corrupted. Thinking back about the Water Festival today, she gave a little smile. It was a good thing that she gave in to Akira and followed her to the event.

Her neighbour's grandfather clock struck eleven times. It was one hour away from midnight, and yet, she still couldn't fall asleep. Something was bugging her, keeping her from descending into the veils of slumber.

Tera Aido... Something was different about that girl. There was a vibe pulsating off of her that reminded Shika of fire. Red, hot fire.

Kyubey's words came back to her, his cute voice haunting. "Look for the third one, also residing in Kazamino. Disobey me and know the consequences."

Come to think about it, it had been a very long time since she had seen the white Incubator. Hopefully, he had forgotten about her. She didn't want to get mixed up in any alien-war they may be waging against this Homura Akemi person.

But... Could Tera be the one? The third Elemental that Kyubey and his Incubators were searching for all this time?

She shook her head. It must be her imagination. Moreover, it was late, and she was tired and probably just hallucinating.

Reaching out for her phone, she dialed Akira's number. Her friend would still be awake, working on some science project that her college gave her for her semester break. Shika wanted to ask her whether she was free tomorrow, and would she accompany her to look for Tera? She felt that the young girl would have an important part to play in the future, and that their fates were somehow intertwined.

But as the line went through, and Akira's voice came down the receiver, "Shika dear? You're still awake?"...

Two glowing red eyes popped up at the window. White fur could be seen glistening under the waning streetlamp. A fluffy tail twitched agitatedly.

"Shika Kiyomizu." The Incubator's sharp squeak was unmistakeably trembling. "I expect you to find the third Elemental Puella Magi by tomorrow morning. You, Akira Oda and the Puella Magi's life depends on it. Find the Pyromancer and deceive the Demon, or you will all fall!"

Before Shika could grab him, he had leapt off the window sill and scampered away. Yuki woke up with a startled bark and snarled as she saw the receding form of Kyubey. She made to bound after him, but Shika had put a hand at the scruff of her neck, saying a firm, "No."

There was no trickery in the cat's voice. No sugar-coating.

It was filled with fear, an emotion that never came to these poker faced beings.

Shika got out of bed, pulling on a trench coat, and Yuki ran to the door and opened it cleverly, hackles rising. Girl and dog ran out of the house, and Shika rammed the phone into her pocket, silencing it, call forgotten.

On the other end of the line, Akira was surprised and concerned at the way Shika had ended the call. She hadn't said anything, but before the connection was cut off, Akira had heard scuffling sounds, Yuki's frantic barking and Shika's voice saying "No".

She redialed her friend's number for a good six times, but she didn't pick it up once. Now worried, she closed her books and shoved her papers into a file, tossing all her stationery into a case and throwing the whole lot into her satchel. She ignored the butler's cries to not go out, took her car keys from the mantlepiece in the living room and drove promptly to Shika's house.

Studies could wait. Friends always come first.

The wind was rushing in Shika's hair as she rode Yuki, heading to the Kazamino School of Music and Arts. Once there, they crept past the night guard and entered the building from the back.

"You can detect Tera's scent and follow it to her home, can you?" whispered Shika. Her dog nodded and wagged her tail, then closed her eyes and concentrated hard. There were a million smells in the air, but that brief meeting with Tera today was enough to leave a faint imprint in her mind. In no time, the faithful Shiba Inu had sniffed out Tera Aido's locker. Memorising her scent - smoke and rosewood, the two of them were soon zipping across the city , heading straight for Tera.

What was waiting for her there? Why did Kyubey want her to find the third Puella Magi so urgently?

Shika was taking a gamble, betting all her hopes that Tera would be the Pyromancer that he was talking about. She was scared out of her wits, but she needed to control this emotion. She had been controlling her emotions very well all this time, and she can't let it overwhelm her at such a critical moment.

She needed to find Tera and resolve the mystery of the Elemental Trio that the Incubator was always telling her about. Besides, he had warned her that their lives were in danger if she didn't take immediate action.

And such important things cannot wait till morning.

They had to be done now.

Hey, people~ Sorry for the late update, as usual.. And sorry if there are too many events happening in this chapter. Hopefully, it is still understandable.
As for the mini fanfic with Kyubey and his fellow Incubators, since there were requests to write a sequel, I'll make sure to write one XD I would love it if you guys gave me a Witch combo to write about, though. Like the last one was Fruits vs Vegetables, suggest another ridiculous combo to make the sequel even more ghastly than the first XD If not, what I have in mind now is Dark Chocolate vs Milk Chocolate...... Hehe XD

Also, this is quite important. What do you guys think about the newer chapters? I feel I may be losing touch with writing, and it doesn't seem to flow as well as the previous ones. If you have any honest opinion about how you want this story to be better, please do leave a comment.

~SaitheVivana