"Don't wait for an opportunity. Make it happen."

"Let's keep running towards tomorrow…"

Hello! I'm Shades 0f Dawn, a college student that enjoys various hobbies like sports and writing. I also write fanfiction occasionally, I guess.

Not much else to say, except that I consider myself a generally open-minded person and diligent, at least when I want to be.

I like romantic novels, action movies, sports, dogs... and ice-cream... and... well, other things that I'll think of later.

Among the things I dislike (off the top of my head) are celery sticks and soccer refs that call offsides when the defender was clearly closer to the goal line than you were. But mostly just the refs, because celery sticks don't give you yellow cards when you complain.

...Putting that aside though, I really do look forward to writing this story! So, shall we embark on this journey together?

(The lyrics that inspired the story...)

Fading Fast (Lyrics):

When I open my eyes, the sakura petals drift past, reminding me of the changing seasons.

As I stroll aimlessly, my feet are inevitably led towards you.

With my heart pounding, I force a forlorn smile and expect warmth,

But all I can feel is the lingering winter wind biting my cheeks.

You notice me and smile back, but I can see the hidden tears I’ve become so used to.

As you walk past, your back fades away into the nostalgic distance.

When I’m alone again, I begin to doubt our uncertain future.

And this affliction is tearing me apart.

--xoxox--

There was a time, when I was young and innocent,

I used to believe I could become the architect of our dreams.

I thought that our future could be illuminated by my aspirations.

But now that I’m older, I can’t help but think how laughably mistaken I was to believe in those delusions.

Who am I to think that I can reach the stratosphere?

Even now, the gray city skyline obscures the horizon from my view.

Sooner or later, we must all wake up from our dreams.

The beginning of our inescapable destiny - our bleak reality - awaits.

--xoxox--

As I continue walking, the heavy beating of my heart accompanies the melody of my hollow footsteps.

An overcast cloud blots out the sunlight, as the sky - like my circumstances - melts to gray.

The bustle of crowds approaches as I am jostled to the side and lost in a sea of faces.

What’s the point of moving forward if there’s nothing to look forward to?

My footsteps grow weary as I turn back with slouched shoulders.

I’ve tried so hard and so long to hold onto what I cannot have.

It was foolish and selfish of me to think that I could save you.

Perhaps it is time to head back and give in to my predetermined fate.

--xoxox--

Sometimes, I don’t know how I’ve managed to survive until now.

I’m wavering in this world that is losing color.

The despair of our situation is too much to bear.

How long can someone stand against the darkness?

As the black and gray waves of defeat close over us,

And we sink beneath life’s dry routine,

I wonder if we will soon fade away from this world.

Will you accept this colorless ending?

--xoxox--

But I can feel the warmth drifting beyond the loneliness.

I can see the sunlight trickle through the darkness.

With averted eyes and longing gazes, we never knew what to say to each other.

But now I finally understand what to do.

I’ve decided that waiting is just so ridiculously pointless.

I’m going to cast aside my doubts and even if sailing straight is difficult, I will keep walking forward.

I’ll change my fate and the rules that govern it.

The future is opening up to us, so let’s seize it.

--xoxox--

I remember the tender smiles we used to exchange.

The nostalgic warmth of your shoulder and the scent of your perfume is still clear in my mind.

I remember the broken days when our overflowing tears were sparkling endlessly.

Your loving embrace is what has kept me going all these years.

I remember a memory about a desire to protect you: the dream that’s still engraved in my heart.

Beyond hidden tears and forlorn smiles, faint words and distant feelings,

Even if you smile like nothing’s happened, I want to reach you.

If you can hear my voice crying out to you, then a miracle will happen.

--xoxox--

So I won’t forget our promise.

Destiny is now in my hands.

I will grab and give warmth to that lonely hand of yours.

As time now begins to tick away, let’s keep moving forward in this world.

Even if we trip and stumble along the way, even if we have to carry each other,

Let’s ascend together and illuminate this grim world with the sweet future.

As we walk on through the weakening rain, it’s time we write our own story.

Let’s fight for this true miracle.

--xoxox--

So don’t accept this colorless ending!

Stand up against the howling wind and dark storms!

One day, the light of love and courage, though it may seem far away, will shine again.

So swallow your doubts and let your desires cry out!

Closing my eyes, I’ll pray to the sky to give me one more chance to chase that hope.

And together, let’s watch the colorful shades of dawn glimmering over the distant horizon.

The brilliant hues of our utopia will fill our vision.

Together, our footsteps will be the color to our lives.

Fading Fast:

- Part 1 (AFTERMATH - 5 chapters): Picks up right where the anime ends. Homura, Kyouko, and Mami try to survive in the increasingly doomed Mitakihara City as they cope with their emotions. But as hope starts to fade, a new organization arrives on the scene with an irresistible offer - a chance for the magical girls to reunite and live normal lives. Could this be too good to be true? Will the remaining magical girls be able to truly fulfill their inner desires?

- Part 2 (RECOVERY - 12-15 chapters) With the rather unexpected return of Madoka and Sayaka and the strange disappearance of DAWN, the magical girls must now cope with their whirlwind of emotions and the feelings they hold. Even with everyone together in a normalized Mitakihara City, can the fragile balance of peace really hold up? Between lost expectations, heart-aching disappointment and guilt, the magical girls must come to terms with themselves and those they hold dear as they continue fighting for a happy ending.

- Part 3 (DUSK - 20-25 chapters)

- Part 4 (DAWN - 20-25 chapters)

STATUS: Working diligently(?) on the next chapter for Fading Fast. Estimated update - ???