Oriko paced back and forth in her father's lush rose garden. She checked her watch for the seventh time, obviously getting impatient about something.

"Yo, Oriko!" a cheery voice greeted her. The tall ash-blonde regally turned to face the person. Her expression was anything but serene.

"Kirika! You're late by five minutes," reprimanded Oriko, clicking her tongue in disapproval.

"I don't see the others around yet, so that makes me the earliest," Kirika cheered, bouncing up to Oriko's side. Her broken arm was still cast in a sling, so she wouldn't be able to fight. Oriko had wanted her over just in case they needed her slowing-magic.

"Remember, Kirika, you're just following as back-up," reminded Oriko severely, knowing her friend's tendencies to engage in battles without heed for her own safety. "On no occasion are you to fight, do you understand?"

"Crystal clear, Oriko!" confirmed Kirika, saluting her green-eyed senior with her good hand.

At that moment, Kyoko, Mami, Nagisa and Yuma turned up around the drive. Mami opened the door to the rose garder, greeting Oriko and Kirika.

"Good morning, Mikuni-san, Kure-san." Mami was evidently making an effort to sound friendly. Oriko, however, wasn't too bothered about it.

"Good that you're all finally here," said Oriko dryly, sweeping her eyes across the small assembly. "We've no time to lose. Let us make haste to the warehouse."

"We're walking there?" whined Yuma, yawning. "Yuma is tired. Yuma doesn't want to go... It's scary and dark."

Kyoko looked at Oriko with a distrusting stare. "Ya sure ya wanna take the kids there too? It could be dangerous for them." She patted Yuma's head once, stroking it to lift the young girl's mood.

"We need as many people as possible to be able to fight the Demon," replied Oriko calmly. "Young or not, Momoe-san and Chitose-san are still Puella Magi. It is their untold duty to fight Homura Akemi."

Kyoko was about to lash back when Mami interceded. "I understand where you're coming from, Mikuni-san, but I agree with Kyoko. It could be dangerous for the young ones. Should we perhaps leave them here, in your home, while we go out?"

Oriko pondered this for a while. Her eyes glowed bright green momentarily, then faded back to their normal hue. She shook her head. "The young ones would have to follow. We...need them for this mission."

"You saw a vision!" exclaimed Kyoko, at once grabbing Oriko's collar and shaking her. "What did you see? Why do we need them for the mission? Spit it out!"

Kirika snarled and pounced on Kyoko, bashing away the red-head. "Don't you dare rough up Oriko!" she yelled, standing defensively in front of her friend.

"Are you picking a fight this early in the morning?" growled Kyoko, glaring at the brunette. Mami quickly put a hand on Kyoko's shoulder, giving her a stern glance.

"I apologise for that, Kure-san. Please don't take her actions to heart," said Mami humbly.

"M-Mami-senpai? Why are you apologis-" Kyoko was silenced by a sharp squeeze on her shoulder from Mami.

"Excuse me as I talk with Sakura-san for a while. We need to discuss something," explained Mami , taking Kyoko's hand. Oriko dismissed them with a wave of her hand.

Once they were out of earshot of both Oriko and Kirika, Mami grasped Kyoko's hands tightly.

"Sakura-san, I know how infuriating it is to work with them, but please, please try to keep the peace between us. If we all keep fighting, then there'll be no end to this," pleaded Mami.

"Hmph. I don't know about you, but that Oriko Mikuni creeps me out with her visions. And then there's that Kirika Kure... Man, she's a pain in the arse. Can't she stop being so obsessed over Mikuni?" complained Kyoko, scratching the back of her neck while looking at the ground.

"Just bear with it for another few hours. If this mission succeeds, then everything will go back to normal."

"How sure are you?" challenged Kyoko. "If, and I mean if, we manage to kill Homura, what happens next? We can't predict what'd happen if a Demon that controls the laws of the universe dies."

Mami was shocked into silence for a while. "You're right, of course..."

"Also, did you notice Oriko's eyes glow just now?" Kyoko brought up the unsavoury subject. "It means she saw a vision, and in that vision, I think she saw both Yuma and Nagisa contributing to the ambush on Homura. That's why she was insisting on bringing them along."

"Are you sure?" pressed Mami, concern stamped across her pale face. "I wouldn't be able to take it if any of them got hurt in the process..."

"Forget about getting hurt," snapped Kyoko. "We could frickin' die if something went wrong. And of course, that ass-hat Mikuni doesn't care about it. All she thinks about is killing Homura, and she underestimates the Demon's powers. She's using us as frickin' chess pawns!"

"Sakura-san, I know you're angry, and I am too, but what can we do? We're already here. To back off now is like mutiny..." Mami frowned, feeling her pulse increase in vigour. She was nervous. She couldn't help feeling that something would go wrong.

"Hey, Mami-senpai, are you okay?" asked Kyoko, all her rage containing itself for the sake of her senior.

"Eh? Oh, y-yeah, I'm okay," stammered Mami, quickly gathering herself together. "Let's go back to them, shall we...?"

Kyoko stuck out her lower lip, as if not pleased with the instruction. However, she allowed herself to be pulled back to the main group.

"Ready to leave?" Oriko addressed the Strike Force confidently.

Mami raised her hand. "Mikuni-san, what about the Puella Magi from Kazamino? Are they not joining? Also, where are the twins?"

Oriko's face fell. She recalled yesterday's chat with Akira and Shika. It had not went well, and Shika had warned her to stay away from any activities that concerned Homura.

"We shall not talk about the Kazaminoans. They are not part of this Strike Force, nor shall they ever be," scowled Oriko, crossing her arms across her chest.

"Oriko..." Kirika looked at her friend with a sad, puzzled look.

"As for the twins, they will be waiting for us at the warehouse itself... Forget about the Kazaminoans... Let's go," commanded Oriko, her imperial green eyes piercing all the assembled members.

Nervously, they all left for their destination, scared for their very lives.

***

Shika was discovering many new abilities that had been unlocked when she attained her Angel form. She could now summon wings made of electrical energy which enabled her to fly. Besides, she could also manipulate elements other than earth. During the battle with Homura, she had unleashed the lightning, wind and fire elements. Were there even more for her to find out and use?

Shrugging aside her curiosity, she continued her long flight towards Mitakihara, aided by the winds' speed. It was vital that she try to stop them from going to the warehouse. Even if Homura had been wounded from the battle with her earlier on, the Demon could still set traps in and outside the area. It could prove to be deadly to the Puella Magi.

If she found Homura there...

She clenched her fists. She wouldn't fail this time.

The Demon must be defeated.

***

"My calculations were flawless. We arrived right on time," beamed Oriko, proud of her own time-management skills. They were met by the Australian twins at the road fork that lead to the warehouse. Both of the twins looked sleepy and dishevelled.

"Glad you guys made it," said Estella, trying to sound high-spirited.

"We were wondering when you'd arrive," continued Luna, stifling a yawn.

"Now that everyone is here, let us proceed with the outline of the plan," declared Oriko. The Strike Force halted at the base of the small hill, where they sat in a circle, listening to Oriko's instructions. She summoned her metal balls, small ones, and placed them on the ground.

"Right, we are here," she said, pointing to a sphere, "and this is where Akemi is." She indicated its location with another sphere.

"We will fan out and circle the base of the warehouse." She spread the spheres in a circle surrounding Homura. "At exactly a quarter to five, we will stream up the hillside and take the warehouse by surprise in a pincer movement." Oriko promptly sent all the spheres rolling towards the one which was Homura.

"Akemi will be too surprised to react. We will kill her for sure tonight," Oriko conceded. "Any questions or arguments?"

"I've got one."

All heads whipped around the source of the voice. Oriko shrank back reflexively at the sight of the armoured Magi that stood before her.

Shika had appeared like a shadow.

"This ambush is nothing more than running yourselves into the Demon's trap," warned the Elemental Master, her eyes sparking with danger. "The only person you'll be murdering tonight is yourselves."

"K-Kiyomizu-san?" exclaimed Mami, covering her mouth in surprise.

"Dammit, what happened to you?" blurted out Kyoko, almost toppling over from awe.

"Nevermind what happened to me. What is about to happen to you is of more concern right now," said Shika. "Homura Akemi wouldn't be defeated easily, and I doubt any of you can even land a hit on her."

"Arrogance never won anything in the end, Kiyomizu-san," retorted Oriko, feeling her pride being attacked. "Whatever you might say, my mind won't change. We will still be attacking the Demon."

There was a moment of silence. Then, Shika replied. "Hmph... I won't stop you in this suicide mission then. You're more stubborn than a donkey... Do as you please. Just don't get killed in the process," she answered, her expression unreadable. Although Akira had told her to stop them, she found no heart in doing so. It was their own choice. Besides, she had her own agenda. "I will be taking part in this ambush as well. I have... a personal grudge to fulfil with Homura Akemi..."

Oriko's insides flipped hearing Shika's words. They were full of anger, hate and also determination. The other members of the Strike Force were also obviously shaken by the Angel's words.

Her mind was muddled by Shika's unexpected appearance, but Oriko tried to keep it together. "Alright, Kiyomizu-san will be joining us... So that makes seven of us altogether. Tomoe-san and Momoe-san will be circling around to the back of the warehouse. Sakura-san and Chitose-san will be on the left flank, whereas Kirika and I will be on the right side. The twins will be on the front assault. Meanwhile, Kiyomizu-san..." Oriko gave Shika a dissatisfied grunt. "You can take any flank you want. Just don't mess up my plans."

"Good enough," nodded Shika. "I'll take the back flank with Tomoe-san."

"It's settled then," said Oriko, withdrawing her metal balls. "Are we ready?"

There was a low chorus of approval. It didn't sound very encouraging at all.

***

The warehouse, when seen in the dark, was nothing short of creepy. There were no lights around for miles. Millions of stars giggled mockingly at the lonely landscape below. Dry bushes and dead trees scattered themselves on the hill slopes, looking like the silhouettes of monsters.

The high winds keened like a lost spectre, sending goosebumps running across Mami's arms. She was not happy with this mission, but she had to see it through for the safety of Nagisa and Kyoko. She protectively held onto the Nagisa's hand as they circled around the warehouse, with Shika tagging along behind.

"Mami-senpai... when we get home, can we have some cheesecake?" asked Nagisa quietly, pressing herself closer to Mami. She was trembling.

Mami tried to smile. "Yes, of course we can. I'll bake you the best cheesecake ever."

"I love you, Mami, thanks," mumbled Nagisa, clutching at Mami's hand like it was her lifeline.

Shika watched the two together. She knew it must be hard for Mami to stay strong for Nagisa's sake. She was reminded of Akira, who was now lying hurt in the hospital. If only she could be there with her now...

"Kiyomizu-san?" Mami's voice shook Shika back to the present.

"Yes? What is it?" asked Shika, not too eager to talk to anyone right now.

"You look different... Did something happen to you?" enquired Mami.

"I..." Shika didn't know what to reply. "I'm not sure myself."

Mami simply beamed. "It's alright. You don't need to answer. I was only curious."

After that, there was no more small talk. The three of them reached the back flank of the warehouse. Mami glanced at her watch.

"We have approximately one more minute before we attack. Any last-minute strategies?" questioned the blonde-haired girl.

Shika stared straight at the dark warehouse above them. "I can't think of any, but let me just tell you this – Homura is a master of tricks. She never runs out of gimmicks to fool you, and she has many minions at her disposal. She even holds onto a few Grief Seeds just so she can hatch them on us to stop us from attacking her. She's not one to be misjudged, so be careful at all times. Don't be surprised if Mikuni-san's plan goes haywire."

Mami bobbed her head once. "Roger, Kiyomizu-san. Time's just up. Let's begin."

"Yes..." said Shika, her eyes lighting up with battle fever. "...Let's begin the hunt."

***

All four teams surged up the hill as one, surrounding the warehouse. Oriko and Kirika hurried through the undergrowth and prickly brush, making a headway for one of the windows. Their plan was to break in and surround Homura's room, disabling all her escape routes.

Kirika arrived before Oriko. Using her good hand, she activated her claws and slashed at the glass window, slicing it neatly without a sound. Carefully, she removed the glass shards, then signalled for Oriko to come.

They climbed into the warehouse, expecting to see a room filled with time-pieces, but was met by a weird sight instead. They were inside a large pure white chamber, and it was empty save for a door on the opposite end.

Before Oriko could make any sense of it, Kyoko and Yuma came tumbling in behind them.

"Eh?" Oriko was startled to see them here. "Aren't you two supposed to take the left flank? Why are you here? Explain yourselves!"

Kyoko growled. "How should I know why we're here with you? We took our flank, alright. Seems like it's you two that fumbled."

Oriko bit back a sharp retort. "Whatever is hap-"

"Oriko! The twins are here too!" shouted Kirika, tugging at Oriko's arm.

Indeed, the twins were at the very same entrance, looking befuddled. "H-How? Why are we here?" stuttered Luna.

"Why are they here?" exclaimed Estella, pointing at Oriko and the others.

Before anyone could reply, Mami, Shika and Nagisa came jumping in from the same entrance. The blonde-haired girl looked flabbergasted.

"Eh? Why is everyone here?" she asked. "Weren't we supposed to commence a pincer attack?"

Oriko's eyebrow twitched in exasperation. "How should I know why everyone's here? Did you all forget my instructions-"

Shika clamped a hand over Oriko's mouth, muffling her words. "Quiet, Homura Akemi is listening to us now. She's somewhere around here..." said Shika, her voice low like a sibilant hiss.

The entire Strike Force froze up. If Shika was right about Homura listening to them, their plan would be destroyed.

"I have a bad feeling about this, Mikuni-san," said Mami, keeping her back to Kyoko's. The red-head made a grunt, as if agreeing.

"Everyone, form a circle. Face front. Keep your shoulders close to the person next to you," ordered Shika swiftly. In the face of battle, all her usual timidness seemed to melt away. The Strike Force did as told. Even the bossy Oriko obeyed.

"Hmph. You knew I was here, didn't you, Kiyomizu?" The familiar, hated voice came out of nowhere.

Shika frowned, her visage like that of a vicious dragon. "Where else would you be, Demon?" she replied, looking around the empty white room for any signs of her mortal enemy. Her green eyes lit up with thunderous blood-lust.

Homura chuckled. "You should be at home, tending to your two friends, instead of being out here to hunt me. You can leave that to the other girls."

"And allow them to be killed by you?" shouted Shika, her warhammer appearing in her hands. Her muscles began to tense up.

"Of course. That's the whole point of luring them into this warehouse. But I shouldn't call it a warehouse anymore..."

The entrance from which the Strike Force had entered suddenly disappeared. Yuma and Nagisa clutched at each other in fear.

"The window's gone!" yelped Nagisa. "We can't escape!"

The Demon laughed annoyingly, the strident cackling reverberating inside the white room. "Ahahahah! Now, all of you will die tonight! And when I'm done with you, Kiyomizu, your friends will be next!"

"You won't kill me just yet, Demon!" yelled Shika, challenging the invisible Homura. "The moment you appear, I'll crush you!"

"Tsk tsk. Killing me is not your priority right now. Once again, you are forced to leave me alone, like what happened in the park," said Homura, the glee evident in her voice. "Escaping this place alive is your main importance... Isn't it?"

Oriko finally found her tongue again. "Yes, it is! And when we escape, we will kill you for sure, Demon!"

However, Homura was not impressed. "Brave, foolish words never did save a person's life, Oriko Mikuni. I remember you well. You killed Madoka once. I will not let that happen again."

"I have never done such a thing, Demon," retorted Oriko, feeling stung by Homura. "Killing innocent people is not what I was brought up to do!"

"Hmph, pity you can't remember that timeline. If you insist," said Homura carelessly. "I'll be taking my leave now. If you survive to the end of this 'warehouse', you'll have the honour of meeting me in person. Have fun..." With a final uproarious laugh, Homura's presence in the room quickly vanished.

The girls were shaken. "What are we supposed to do now?" said Mami, feeling afraid for everyone's safety.

"We have to get out of this place, and the only way we can go is through that," said Shika, pointing at the door on the far end of the room.

"Agreed. Let's get the frick out of this place before that crazed nut comes again," said Kyoko hurriedly, taking Yuma's hand.

"Yes, let's go, quick-like," said Estella while her twin nodded furiously. They were not eager to stay in the empty room.

Oriko opened her mouth to say something, but Kyoko quickly cut across her. "Whatever you have to say, Mikuni, I no longer trust you. Your plans are all but disastrous. Ambush? Huh, more like walking ourselves into a bloody trap! I'm not taking no shit from you any longer!"

Mami gave a tiny gasp at Kyoko's words, but did not say anything else. She looked to Shika, as if waiting for instructions from the Elemental Magi.

Oriko looked resentful, but she masked it away. Kirika pouted. She knew that her friend had lost all her authority for this mission, with everyone now weighing their chances of survival on Shika.

The Earth Shaker was not too perturbed about the sudden change in leadership. She gave everyone a meaningful glance.

"Let's go."

***

After passing through the door, they entered a narrow tunnel. It was bright and white, like the previous room. The ceiling was very low, and the older girls had to stoop over while walking. Kyoko took the lead, followed closely by Yuma. Nagisa and Mami were at the very back, with Shika being last.

The Earth Magi felt her insides cramp up. She hated closed spaces. Not only could she not move freely in them, the worst feeling was that of being trapped and helpless, as well as suffocated.

If anything were to appear now and attack them...

There was a short scream from the back. Immediately, Shika looked behind. A mob of unidentified creatures were running towards them like miniature race cars, expelling a cloud of exhaust fumes behind them.

"Monsters! Run!" shrieked Nagisa, pulling Mami along as she began to run. She crashed into Shika, who subsequently crashed into Luna.

"Stay calm! Don't panic!" shouted Shika above the din being created by the girls. "Sakura-san, run as fast as you can! The others, follow her!"

There was no need for second biddings. The Puella Magi ran hard and fast, their heads bumping along the ceiling as they dashed ahead.

"When is this tunnel ending?" wailed Luna, panting hard.

"God knows!" replied her twin, dragging her along.

"Dammit, my arm's being scraped real bad!" said Kirika, wincing in pain as her broken arm was bashed by the tunnel walls.

"Is your arm or your life more important now, Kirika?" wheezed Oriko, trying her best to keep up.

The mob was catching up. Shika risked a backwards glance, and saw that they would be overwhelmed soon.

"Keep running! Don't stop until you see an exit!" commanded the Earth Magi, stopping her flight. She would slay the mob before it caused any problems. Thrusting a hand forward, she made the earth under the tunnel shoot up, forming a barrier against the creatures. They yowled and clawed at the earth.

Satisfied, Shika was about to continue her escape when the mob suddenly broke through. The creatures had eaten away the earth. Shocked that her barrier had failed, she shot off a stream of fire from her hands, hoping to burn them, but they simply charged through it. Some were burnt to cinders, but there were still more than enough to wreak havoc on the Puella Magi.

"Hell," cursed Shika, grimacing. Raising the earth in front of her, she shaped it into multiple panthers, which promptly pounced at the mob.

While the earthen panthers sought to hold back the mob, Shika ran back to the group. There were too many of the creatures though, and the panthers couldn't keep all of them back. Most of them slipped through the earthen animals, making a headway for the Magi.

Panting hard, Shika stopped again. Just how many of the creatures were there? She had to hold back the mob for the others to escape. As she was about to launch an electric falcon at the horde, a large shape streaked past her. It looked like a huge worm dotted with red spots.

"What the-" Shika had no time to react. Mami's cries came from further down the tunnel.

"Bebe! Don't! Come back!" she screamed. She ran towards the worm-like creature, a desperate light in her eyes.

Shika quickly shot out an arm to grab Mami. "Don't go back there! You'll be torn to shreds!"

"No, I have to save Bebe!" she pleaded, tears in her eyes. "I have to save Nagisa-chan!"

"Bebe? Nagisa..." Shika was shocked. "Don't tell me... Nagisa-san is a Witch?"

"Yes! Now please, let me go after her!" said Mami, straining to get out of Shika's arms.

"No! Pull yourself together, Tomoe-san!" said Shika, hardening her voice. "If Nagisa-san is a Witch, they probably won't kill her. I think we're inside a Witch's barrier, and those were its Familiars. Trust in Nagisa-san's abilities, she'll win!"

Mami wiped at her eyes. The sounds of Nagisa battling the Familiars were horrifying. Screams and shrieks echoed down the tunnel. Sniffing, Mami stopped struggling and put on a brave face.

"I have to trust in Bebe. You're right, Kiyomizu-san. She'll make it out alive!" she said, hope evident in her tone.

The two Puella Magi resumed their escape, with Mami painfully blocking out the Dessert Witch's cries.

The exit loomed into view. Mami and Shika tumbled out of the tunnel, sobbing for breath. The others were already there, winded. Again, they were inside a white dome with a door at the other end.

"Nagisa-chan? Where is she?" said Yuma, panicking about her friend's absence.

"She'll be coming shortly," said Mami, sounding more confident than she looked. "She's right behind us."

True to Mami's words, the little girl soon came running down the tunnel. There were wounds all over her body, but they were nothing serious. "Mami! I'm here! I'm safe!"

Mami breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness!"

"I'm coming, Mam-"

The exit to the tunnel shut off all of a sudden. Rows of metal spikes shot out from both sides, stabbing Nagisa through. The poor girl had no time to scream. Her death was too sudden.

"NAGISA!" screamed Mami, horror-struck. She ran to her young friend, about to reach for her body, when Kyoko jumped at Mami.

"Don't! More of those Familiars are coming! Nagisa didn't manage to kill all of them!"

The exhaust-fume creatures crashed into the metal spikes. They raised a din, then began to tear at Nagisa's flesh, devouring it.

"While they're busy with that, we should run!" yelled Oriko. "There's no more hope for Momoe-san! Escape while we can!"

With that cold-blooded order, everyone ran for the door. Mami had to be pulled along by Kyoko, who tried to snap her back to reality.

"There's no time to grieve! Save that for later, your life right now is more important!"

It seemed to work. Mami began running, her hot tears falling onto the cool, tiled floors. "But Nagisa-chan, you promised to have cheese cake together.... Why?" she wept as she ran. Kyoko bit on her lip as she heard Mami's words. She will have to comfort her later.

The Strike Force burst through the next door, finding themselves in a large, barren room.

"Woah..." Kirika whistled. "This is one big room..."

"Where's the exit?" panted Kyoko, supporting a dazed Mami. "We have to get out of here fast. Mami-senpai is in no condition to go through this shit any longer."

"I think the exit's at the far end of the room. We'd better hurry!" said Estella, leading the group onwards.

The small party straggled onwards slowly, Nagisa's death weighing heavily on their minds.

"Just how big is this room?" grumbled Kirika. "We're not seeing any end to this."

"Patience, Kirika," said Oriko. "We'll get to it soo-"

A drop of water landed on her nose. It was scalding hot.

Shrieking in pain, Oriko leapt back, falling onto Shika.

"What's the matter?" asked Shika at once. "Why did y-"

Her question was answered swiftly. Another drop of water landed on Shika's arm, scorching through her leather arm guard and burning her skin. She yelled from the sting.

More drops began to fall. The girls yelled painfully as their skin came into contact with the hot rain.

"Run! Don't look back, just run!" shouted Shika. The call was taken up, and soon, all the girls were sprinting towards the unseen exit.

"I think I see a door!" said Luna. "Hurry, this way!"

The rain increased in intensity. Shouts were becoming more frequent. Kyoko chanced a look upwards to see what was causing the caustic rain. To her horror, plastered to the ceiling were a group of toad-like Familiars. They were drooling; their saliva was the rain.

Upon seeing the Puella Magi near the exit, the toads hopped over and released a torrent of boiling saliva. The liquid poured down like a waterfall.

Kyoko acted quickly. She pressed her palms together, summoning her magic barrier. The diamond-chains criss-crossed each other, forming a wall of magic that prevented the saliva from reaching the girls. The liquid washed off of the barrier, pouring over to the sides.

"Sakura-san! Thank God!" exclaimed Oriko, grateful for Kyoko's timely action.

The toads saw that their quarry was negating their efforts to kill them. Incensed, they spewed forth even more of their scorching spittle. The drool flew at Kyoko's barrier like a jet pump at high pressure.

Grunting under the effort, Kyoko urged her friends onwards. "Go! Whaddaya waiting for? Run before these Familiars overwhelm my magic!"

Extending her barrier over her party, Kyoko stayed on the spot and strained against the pressure. All around her, the walls seemed to be closing in.

"Am I dreaming or are the walls getting closer?" asked Kirika, running side by side with Oriko.

"You're not dreaming, Kure-san, they are getting closer!" said Shika, driving the rest of the Strike Force forward. "Quick, to the exit before the walls close in and crush us!"

"But Kyoko-!" Yuma reached out a hand for her red-haired friend, but Mami quickly pulled her along.

"Sakura-san is capable of taking care of herself, Chitose-san. For now, all you have to do is run!" said Mami, thinking about Nagisa's death.

"All we've been doing is run! Yuma wants to help Kyoko!" said the young girl defiantly.

"Hurry, the exit's closing up!" yelled Oriko, who had reached the door first. "There's a stone slab that's moving downwards; it's closing off the door. Be quick before we're crushed to death!"

The toads' saliva was pooling around the girl's feet by now. Kyoko was screaming, her legs being burnt. As the girls squeezed through the narrow door one by one, Yuma hung back, waiting for her beloved Kyoko.

"C'mon, Kyoko! Move!" said Yuma, crying. "Kyoko can't leave me alone!"

Kyoko groaned in agony, slowly inching closer to the door. "Get out of this foul place alive, Yuma, you hear me? Ugh...! If I don't make it out-"

"No! I will make sure Kyoko gets out!"

"The exit's closing!" said Shika urgently, standing by the closing door. The saliva was burning at her legs as well, but her armour prevented any serious injury. "Hurry, Sakura-san, Chitose-san!"

"I can't move properly with this bloody weight on me!" shrieked Kyoko as the toads released a fresh torrent of saliva. "Get Yuma out safely for me!"

Abruptly, Yuma rushed out at Kyoko and grabbed her arm. "Yuma's wish was to be able to save Kyoko no matter what, so Yuma will save Kyoko now!"

With strength belying one of her size, the little green-haired girl flung Kyoko towards the exit, right on top of Shika. The impact caused the both of them to fall backwards into the exit. But as Kyoko was flung away, her magic barriers fell as well. Tonnes of boiling saliva crashed down upon Yuma, cooking her alive. Before the liquid could leak out, the stone slab shut to a grinding halt.

Splashed here and there with the foul liquid, Kyoko blinked slowly in disbelief. Did Yuma just sacrifice herself in order to save her?

Getting up, Kyoko banged her hands upon the stone slab feverishly, yelling in torment. "Yuma? Yuma?! Can you hear me?!"

Shika swallowed a lump in her throat. "She's beyond saving now. The liquid would have scalded her to death. If not, the walls would have crushed her..."

"I didn't need you to tell me that!" raged Kyoko, turning on Shika in high anger. The Elemental flinched involuntarily. "Goddammit open this cursed slab so I can get to Yuma! Open, you stupid stone block!"

Shika grabbed at Kyoko's arms, tugging her back forcefully. "It's no use shouting at a stone block, Sakura-san! Get a grip on yourself!"

"You'd know how I feel if someone close to you dies too!" shouted Kyoko, crying openly. "First, it was Sayaka, now it's Yuma. God really does hate me!"

"God hates all of us..." mumbled Shika to herself. Had God not forsaken them, they would not have to make contracts with the Incubators in return for a coveted, single wish to make their life better.

God had forsook all Puella Magi on Earth.

When the others heard about Yuma's death, they were all shocked by the sudden news.

"Why? Why must the young ones die...?" whispered Mami, her tears staining her face like brown cracks on a sheet of glass.

"They were true warriors..." said Luna, hanging her head.

"I am deeply sorry that they died... but we can't stop now," said Oriko, quickly recomposing herself. Her mind flashed back to her foresight earlier on, which had concerned the two young girls. It had come true. "We have to get out of this place before Akemi kills all of us! Don't let Chitose-san and Momoe-san's deaths be in vain."

"You're right, Mikuni-san," said Mami, her tone sounding quite hollow. "When we get out of this mess, I will hunt down Akemi-san and put an end to her atrocities..."

"Count me in, Mami-senpai..." added Kyoko, sounding equally hollow. "I won't allow Yuma's sacrifice to go in vain." She cast an unforgiving look at Oriko. "Also... was your vision this morning by any chance relating to these deaths?"

Oriko realised that she was caught out. She made no attempt to sugar-coat her words. "Yes, it was related. I already foresaw Chitose-san and Momoe-san's deaths. However, I allowed it to happen because they would die so that you and Tomoe-san would be kept alive. Your battle value is much high than those two kids, and it is vital that you remain alive before Homura Akemi is killed."

"You snake..." snarled Kyoko, attempting to grab at Oriko, but Kirika was faster. The brunette placed herself firmly in front of Oriko, blocking her from Kyoko.

"What's happened has happened, there ain't no use in regretting now," said Kirika. "I know you're sad now, and I am too, but we've gotta move on."

For the first time ever, Kirika spoke some sense. Hassled, Kyoko backed down, muttering curses to herself.

"Come on, let's continue," said Shika to her party. "The quicker we get out of here, the better. We will grieve the deaths properly once we're free."

Mami wiped her tears away. "I will bake a lovely cheesecake in memory of Nagisa-chan..."

Kyoko just grunted.

In the new room that they had emerged in, it was the same as the first room. It was large and blinding white. However, they couldn't see any exit.

"What's this? There are no more doors!" said Estella, flustered. "How are we going to escape?"

"I think this may be the centre of the barrier." Shika stared straight ahead, as if there were something there.

"What is it, Kiyomizu-san? Do you see something?" asked Mami, going up to Shika's side.

"I saw a small ripple at the far end of the room," replied Shika, keeping her voice low. "I think its the Witch. It's camouflaging itself against the walls like a chameleon..."

With a gesture of her hands, Shika motioned the rest of the Puella Magi to crowd around her. "Assume the circular position again, the one we did in the first room," she whispered, loud enough for the others to hear. "This Witch is likely to jump out at any direction, and we can't see her unless she moves. Be alert and ready. Watch out for ripples in the air - it means that the Witch is there."

The girls quickly did as they were told. Everyone held their breaths, not daring to move. It was a very agonizing waiting game. No one saw any ripples. The Witch didn't seem to be moving. After all, she was comfortable in her own barrier. She could wait forever for the girls to move.

Shika realised this, and leaned her head closer to Mami's, whispering, "The Witch won't move unless we do. We can't wait her out like this. I have a plan, pass it along the line so everyone hears it."

As the plan was whispered from member to member, Shika readied herself. She had yet to master the other elements besides earth, but the situation was forcing her to use them, regardless of lack of skill. Raising an earth barrier around them, she formed a castle-like structure around the Strike Force with six window slits for projectile attacks. Inside, the girls each took a window, on high alert.

Shika remained outside the structure, standing boldly on the top of her earthen castle. Closing her eyes, she thought of Akira, and tried to recall how her friend battled with her ice magic. She could feel icy swirls at her fingertips; snowflakes were forming around her palms.

A blizzard with the power of a typhoon brew up around Shika. Snow flurries lashed about, coating the walls and floors with the white, powdery substance. A wail could be heard to Shika's left. Keeping the blizzard in full force, the Elemental Magi turned to the direction of the noise and saw a vague shape, thrashing around. The snow had settled on the invisible Witch, outlining her in plain sight.

"Attack! Shoot the Witch!" commanded Shika, releasing a bolt of lightning at the Witch. It hit true, and the monster shrieked in pain.

Musket shots were heard. A long red spear-head blazed out, followed by a double-headed sword. Multiple metal balls whizzed at the now-visible Witch. All the weapons fired into the Witch's side, toppling her over. With a final jerk, she died, her barrier beginning to recede. A Grief Seed appeared where she had fallen.

Hopping down from her castle, Shika summoned the winds to pick up the Grief Seed and bring it to her. The light zephyrs deposited it into her palm. With a quick flip of her hand, the earth castle sank back into the ground, releasing the Strike Force members. They all shared the small Grief Seed.

"The Witch was killed so quickly, thanks to Kiyomizu-san's orders," mumbled Mami to Kyoko. "She seems to be a very experienced veteran."

"I don't give a damn about her being experienced right now. If she's keeping us alive, then that's good enough," replied Kyoko straightforwardly.

"Where are we now...?" said Kirika when she was done purifying, looking around. Their surroundings had not reverted back to the warehouse upon the Witch's death. They were inside a vacant, circular arena. There were spectator seats raised above them, and against the walls were numerous cage bars. Something obviously lay inside those dark cages, judging by the shuffling, popping sounds coming from them.

"Beats me where we are, but it must be anything but 'nice'," growled Luna, readying her polearm.

"Hmph... It seems that most of you survived the Witch's trick house..." Homura's voice could be heard coming from above. Some of the girls jumped in surprise at the Demon's sudden speech.

Shika cocked her head back at once, glaring at the skies. "Homura Akemi! What do you mean by putting us here? Show yourself!"

Homura's chuckle was beginning to become very infuriating. She appeared from nowhere, seating herself on the topmost spectator seat. Her raven wings flapped once, then folded themselves neatly. "I'm surprised you're still alive. Honestly, I thought that the Witch's minions would finish you off for good. That's why I made this little... 'backup' in case some of you rats came out alive..."

The arena's many cage bars shot up, releasing whatever was inside. Gangs of Wraiths and Brocken Wraiths poured out from inside the walls, surrounding the girls at once. There were too many of them to count.

Overwhelmed, all the girls backed against each other. "What are we going to do?" whined Kirika, pressing herself closer to Oriko.

"We've got no choice but to kill them all," said Shika, gritting her teeth. "Take on as many as you can, but don't allow yourself to be overpowered. Never leave your back unattended. Fight with a partner!"

They all teamed up - Oriko with Kirika, Mami with Kyoko, and Estella with Luna. Shika summoned two earthen lions to her side, securing both her flanks.

"Oh, this is going to be exciting," crooned Homura, licking her a finger. "I can already taste the blood."

As Homura's mad cackle rang through the arena, the girls engaged the enemy. Pixels and blood flew. Limbs were severed. Heads were lopped off. Bodies were exploded.

"If you want to escape, you can always negotiate with me," said Homura, her voice gleeful.

"Negotiate what?" hissed Shika, her warhammer smashing into multiple Wraiths. They fell to the floor and promptly died.

"Hmm, maybe... if someone willingly comes up to me and let herself be killed, I'll kill these Wraiths and let you go free," smirked Homura, licking her lips.

All the girls heard Homura's offer. "Fat chance we'd let ourselves be killed as your offering!" shouted Kyoko, her spear slicing through a Wraith's arm.

"Oh, is that so?" Homura faked a pout. "Then I'll be forced to let more Wraiths upon you." She snapped her fingers once. More cages opened, and Wraiths streamed out like a cloud of locusts.

At the sight of more enemies, the Magi began to quail. They were sorely outnumbered. They began to back away, and soon found themselves shoulder to shoulder again.

"If this keeps up, we're all going to die," said Oriko, sending her metal balls whizzing at the nearest Wraiths. "Someone will have to die to sate Akemi's thirst for blood."

Mami gasped. "How can you even suggest such a thing?" She quickly grabbed at Kyoko's arm protectively.

"One more dying is better than all of us dying!" said Oriko, desperate.

"I'll die then."

All heads turned to the direction of the voice.

"Kure-san..." Mami swallowed a sob. "No, you can't just throw away your life!"

Kirika's face was serious. "I'm hurt and useless at fighting now, so it's only logical that I should die so that you guys can escape. I'm sure Oriko agrees."

Oriko's stomach gave a nasty flip. She didn't want to agree, but the circumstances made it vital that she did. "I...... agree," she said softly, hiding away her guilty face.

"It's settled then... Bye, guys, it was nice meeting you," grinned Kirika. Before anyone could stop her, she leapt out from the circle and shouted out to Homura.

"Oi, Demon! Stop these Wraiths and kill me instead!" Although she sounded brave, she was all but trembling inside from pure terror.

"Nice! I admire your bravery and stupidity!" said Homura, clapping solemnly. All the Wraiths suddenly screamed and twisted about, exploding into pixels. At the same time, Kirika collapsed to the floor, her eyes rolling up into her head.

She was dead.

"I've kept my promise. You are all free to leave," smiled Homura, standing up. The arena faded away, reverting to the warehouse. The Demon unfurled her wings and launched herself into the morning sky, cackling like the demon she was.

The Puella Magi were all too shaken to even process that they were still alive. Even Shika was shocked at the sudden termination of the Wraiths as well as Kirika's life.

"I'm going." Kyoko suddenly spoke up. "I'm going and never coming back."

"What are you talking about, Sakura-san?" said Mami immediately, holding on Kyoko's hand.

Kyoko flew into a rage and roughly shook off Mami. "I'm leaving this shit hole! I ain't ever coming back here again! Ever since I joined this shit, bad things happened. Now Yuma is dead and its all your fault, Mikuni!"

Oriko shrank back. Now that Kirika was gone, there was no one to stand up for her.

"Sakura-san, calm down!" pleaded Mami, "Don't argue-"

"Shut up, Mami! I'm going! Don't follow me!" Kyoko wiped at the tears in her eyes, then ran away into the darkness, cursing openly.

Because she was not part of the Strike Force, Shika just stayed silent as it all unfolded. She noticed that the twins were being silent as well. Those two had always been acting suspiciously, but Shika had no proof that they were plotting something.

Mami's face was pale. In the span of a few minutes, all the people that she loved and cared for were dead or gone. She couldn't accept it. Crumpling to the floor, she began to cry. Oriko awkwardly patted her back in an attempt to comfort her.

The twins finally said something. "Hey, we gotta go back now," began Estella.

"Our parents would be worried," finished Luna. The duo left without another word.

There was guilt in their eyes. Shika saw it at once, but remained quiet. The dealings within the Strike Force was not hers to interfere with.

Once Mami was fit to walk, Oriko took her back home. Shika followed them, and once she saw that they were safe, she left for Kazamino, feeling extremely distasteful.

***

"You've both done an excellent job today," praised Homura, her hands resting on the shoulders of her two spies. "Your reward will be waiting for you at home."

The spies remained mute.

"Feeling guilty that you caused the death of your friends?" Homura clicked her tongue. "Aww, such poor things, but this is what you signed up for! It was smart of you both to break Kirika Kure's arm so that she couldn't fight. That's why she willingly allowed herself to be killed in order to save the others. Very smart of you two indeed."

They still did not utter a word.

"Oh well, stay quiet if you wish, then," said Homura, her hands dropping back to her sides. "You still have two more targets to kill in Mitakihara, and three in Kazamino. If  you manage it, I will be sure to reward you both plenty."

The two spies nodded in unison.

"...As you wish, Homura Akemi."

Hey guys! Hope you all are doing fine ^^ My inspiration has been running low lately so it took me a long time to get this chapter done.. I hope it's okay though! Please do tell me what you think so that I can improve on it in the next chapter. Have a nice day!
~Saithe