and then they fell. [rakuen revolution opening post]

[utopiamods]

You're falling, and you can't remember why. It's a sickening feeling that makes your insides lurch; the darkness and the vertigo combine, and all you can think of is a story you heard once, somewhere.

Ah, I remember now. It's... a simple story that everyone knows. A legend of a Princess, the Demon Lord who kidnapped her, and the Knight who fought to save her. The Demon Lord had kidnapped the Princess countless times, but every time the Knight bested his challenges and rescued the Princess. No matter what tricks and ploys the Demon Lord used, the Knight would always triumph in the end. This was because--

The world tilts on its axis one last time, and the dream slips from your mind as easily as it arrived. A new voice intrudes on your sleep. Mechanical, monotonous.

"Next stop: Rakuen City. This train terminates here. The next stop is Rakuen. All change." The train rocks steadily as it winds its way through white drifts of now. Sunlight streams through the window, heating the air and making the seats almost uncomfortably warm. A puff of steam from the train winds its way lazily past the windows when the wind is right.

It's strangely difficult to shake off the sleep; the rhythm of the train seems to lull you back into slumber and the air is warm and heavy, making it hard to keep hold of a thought. Finally, though, the nausea settles, the last of the dream fades and you can take in your surroundings. And, perhaps more importantly, those around you in a similar state.

"We have arrived at Rakuen City. All passengers must leave the train. This train is terminating here. This is Rakuen."

Comments

[antitank]

[ Yeah, that's what she thought. But hearing it confirmed turns her stomach. Her head feels funny, as though she weren't in her body. She's scared and frustrated and miserable. The emotions hit her hard, and she clenches her fist. ]

You contracted, then.

[ Her voice is tight with emotion and very, very small. ]

[revelation]

Mm, I did.

And like before I truly want you to believe in me and my wish.

[antitank]

After I finally told you what I'd been doing for your sake... you still went ahead and did it. Why? Why did you do that? I don't want to see you die again. I just want you to be safe, Madoka...

[ She looks at her feet, raising a hand to shield her eyes. She's close to crying. Despair eats at her like bugs. Knowing that Madoka threw away everything she's done in this timeline once again kills her. It hurts, especially since she told her nearly everything. She's humiliated to be moved this much where anyone can see her. ]

[revelation]

Because I don't want you to suffer anymore, I don't want any Puella Magi to have to suffer. I made my wish because I wanted everyone to go on believing in that hope that made them make a contract in the first place.

( She takes a careful step forward and then another, reaching out a hand to take the hand Homura isn't using to shield her face into her own hands and smiles. )

Really, it's because of you that I was able to even make this wish: to erase all witches before they are born, from every universe and every timeline with my own hands. I don't want those that believe so strongly in hope to end up crying or cursing others.

[antitank]

[ Homura looks up, a bit startled by the contact. But of course Madoka would try to comfort her. Homura is silent for a minute after Madoka finishes speaking. She's too kind, Homura thinks. She's so good. Homura cries a little, and tries to wipe it away.

In a small, shaking voice she says: ]

You threw away everything for that kind of wish... it's like you to do something like that.

... You're too kind. You should only worry about yourself. You're someone's most important person, you know?

[revelation]

Mm, but I didn't throw anything away because I did this for a lot of people I love and truly care about. That makes it worth it...

[antitank]

[ Homura takes a second to choke down a sob. But it doesn't work, and she ends up making a strangled little noise. She hesitates for a beat before pulling Madoka into a hug.

She doesn't say anything. She doesn't know what to say. It's irreversible. There's no magic here-- it's something she feels as clearly as the cold. And even if there was, she can't remember what to do to make time flow back. So they're both stuck here, in a reality where Madoka is a magical girl. ]

[revelation]

( Madoka cannot bring herself to speak and instead simply wraps her arms around Homura as she is pulled into the hug. )

... Just please, believe in me.

[antitank]

[ She doesn't know anymore what it means to believe in someone other than herself. But she thinks back to the days when Madoka and her fought side-by-side. ]

... I'll try.

[revelation]

( Nevertheless, Madoka still smiles even when she leans back from the hug. ) Okay, I'll try my best too. Come on, let's try and figure some of this out until we can go home.

( She'll glance back toward the unfamiliar girls in uniform, smiling still as she decides to keep close to her friend for the time being. )