Theorystuck: Madoka and Homura · 11:59pm February 29th
I've read Madoka/Homestuck crossovers where Madoka's crew play Sburb and they seem to follow a similar principle: Homura is always a Time Aspect and Madoka is given either Space or Hope, which both fit her in terms of theme (Creation of a new universe and renewing Hope, respectively). Class-wise, Homura is usually pegged as a Witch while Madoka is always an Heir...
Except I think otherwise.
Last night, I had an epiphany when I indulged in some Classpecting to help me sleep (yes, I count classpects instead of sheep, it works, so shaddap 😝): Madoka and Homura both wind up taking control of the universe aka the narrative by the end of the series and Rebellion, respectively. They both represent two opposite ends of a spectrum despite being deeply connected in one another's lives/stories. Madoka, who remains forever hopeful and optimistic, kept out of the action for the most part and insanely powerful when she enters the picture and Homura, the cynic and pragmatist with an OP magic power that allows her to dominate any situation she's in.
And, in their Ultimate Forms...didn't you notice it?
Madoka, working in the background to facilitate Hope and keep the plot elements in line. Homura, doing all she could to ground her friend(s) to reality and ripping apart the plot's cruel plans for her(them).
It was always there, even when they were normal girls, tbh: Madoka becoming more and more passive per timeline while Homura became more and more active? Madoka acting as cheerleader and motivator in all timelines, Homura growing more and more traumatized. Madoka being surrounded by such whimsy (dolls and other magical girl refs), Homura by reality-anchoring imagery (her Doc Scratch-inspired apartment and all that architecture).
And also as Witches: Gretchen, the inescapable influence, and Homulily, whose Clara Dolls carried out her every whim.
One died (over and over), but her very existence echoed throughout her Session to give others Hope. One lived on and suffered a grueling journey of trial and error (failure) to achieve her vision out of Love.
Do you see it yet?
Madoka is a Muse of Hope, destined to inspire others in-story/universe and then take them to a place of peace that she made just for them.
Homura is a Lord of Rage, burning down the present (reality) with contrivances born of wishing a happy ending for her friends.