View source for 596/Too much tv is not good for you

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/10/15
|Location=Plot Room 2
|Synopsis=Sayaka and Hinoiri go to the Gullwing Cafè to relax. Or at least, that's the plan, because they get sucked into a Witch's Labyrinth on the way, so Sayaka accepts Kyubey's contract. Madoka and Brai catches up to them, as does Gretchen, and after a brief chat, Madoka, Brai, Sayaka and Hinoiri go to the Cafè as originally intended.
|Cast of Characters=32,131,33
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>Sayaka is walking away from her classroom, classes by now over. She is keeping a rapid pace, getting from to staircase to corridor to staircase as if she is being chased by someone very obnoxious. Which isn't all that wrong, given the recent revelations Madoka had for her on a certain someone.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Stop following me, I don't want to be anywhere near you&gt;&gt; the bluenette exclaims through the mental link, exhasperated he would even think she would want to hang with him like the last months after how much of an uncaring, unscrupulous and ignoble character he has been revealed to be. &lt;&lt;You still need me for Kyousuke, Sayaka&gt;&gt; is quick to reply Kyubey, following her angle through angle.<br><br>&lt;&lt;So what!?&gt;&gt; Sayaka scowls at him, not looking back at all. &lt;&lt;That doesn't allow you to spend time with me. All this time, all the worries you supposedly had about not involving Madoka... It was all because she wouldn't tell me the truth!&gt;&gt; The bluenette is shaking with anger. &lt;&lt;Stay away, Kyubey.&gt;&gt;<br><br>The white cat doesn't listen, nor does he reply, following her at a cautious distance. The school gate is on sight of Sayaka now, her quick stride bringing her even closer, surpassing a few students who are leaving the school ground too, nobody she actually knows, even just as an acquaintance.<br><br>Except for a student stationing near the gate, to whom Sayaka nods in acknowledgment. "Hello, Kirara-senpai, out on a trip too?" she asks, the displeased expression still present on her face, a forced smile directed towards the girl with red and yellow hair.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara was leaning back against the outer gate, her phone in hand and lightly tapping. She was wearing her geode around her neck. She'd been wearing it for a while, now. She figured she had it under control. So long as she wore it when not Sunbreaker, she could take it off, do Sunbreaker things after a bit of warmup, and not end up... out of control a bit. No pain. None of that... icky feeling. Best of both worlds.<br><br>But that wouldn't work forever, anyone could see. But she didn't know that.<br><br>One of the other girls came walking out and called out to her, making her look up and... "Huh? Oh! Miki-san. You... look like you're having a rough day," Hinoiri said, cocking an eye. "Everything okay?"<br><br>Kid looked like she'd swallowed a whole lemon tree. "Was actually thinking of going for a ride. You need a lift somewhere?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>Sayaka sighs, just shaking her head. "Just dealing with some nuisances", she replies, giving a brief glance backwards. There, Kyubey stops in his tracks as he sees who Sayaka is talking with, not going away nor advancing, his beady red eyes examining the duo intensely.<br><br>Sayaka tells Hinoiri "I was thinking of going to Gullwing Cafè, to wind down a bit. I have had some unpleasant news", gripping the handles of her schoolbag.<br><br>"It's a bit of a walk, but at least it's not raining the other day", she adds. Nothing like getting fully soaked in it because someone tried to make off with your soul and left you for dead. "What about you, Kirara-senpai? Anything planned?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara glanced in that direction... and her eyes narrowed on Kyubey. Oh, they'd met. Her reaction to 'Come work for me and I'll give you a wish!' made her respond via punting. She didn't WORK for anybody. That and her wish required her to be free. It'd never work if she was anything but... if she got it by any means other than her own.<br><br>Still, she turned back towards Sayaka. "Gullwing Cafe? Think I've been by there once or twice. Unpleasant news?" she asked. She then glanced down at her phone... which said 'Game over, redo stage?' But she was out of energy for the day...<br><br>"Nothing major," Hinoiri said. "Just driving. Here, walk with me a bit, I'll give you a lift. Assuming you're not scared of riding on a motorcycle," she said with a smile. "There's a parking garage about a block away, it's over there." She started walking, sliding her phone into her pocket. Besides, some driving might help her clear her head.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>Sayaka nods, some of the clouds in her own head beginning to slightly disappear at the prospect of getting a lift. She actually didn't want to walk all the way there.<br><br>The bluenette doesn't notice Hinoiri looking at Kyubey. "Thank you for the lift, Hinoiri-senpai. Gullwing Cafè has a cozy atmosphere, so I find it great for relaxing. That, or going to a music shop, but I was aiming for the former right now."<br><br>Sayaka starts following Hinoiri, keeping pace with her at the other girl's side. "Madoka-chan told me someone I knew wasn't actually as trustworthy as they appeared."<br><br>Her arm with the schoolbag swings lightly as she walks, the books in it making a small thud each time. "Unfortunately, they are the persistent kind, because they know I need their help." When they reach the garage, Sayaka doesn't hesitate on mounting behind Hinoiri with thanks if she offers.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara would give a nod, walking along with the other girl. "Yeah, there's an odd absence of truly cozy places somedays. Afraid I don't know Madoka, but I'll take your word for it."<br><br>She slid her hands into the pockets of her leather jacket. "But... if you trust her more than this other person, then I'd definitely not trust this other person. Nobody really offers you something for nothing. If they offer you something, you'd best figure out what's in it for them."<br><br>She then blinked. "Well, I guess I'm giving you a ride for nothing. But frankly you're just the excuse so I can get off my butt and go get going for a ride," Hinoiri admitted.<br><br>"If you need their help... well, then that just sucks. But hey, if you need the help of someone and they keep trying to give it to you? Maybe it's not all bad. Just means you get to dictate the terms. A lot better than needing someone's help and nobody in the world offers," Hinoiri muttered.<br><br>She'd, of course, make sure the other girl was helmeted up, having a spare helmet for rides such as these. She then slid into the seat, starting it up. "Slide on and hold on," she said. "Hold on TIGHT. And make sure you use the side stirrups." That was NOT what they were called. A moment later, they were off... and... She started driving through some back alleys, off main roads... who taught this girl how to drive?! Also, this was a REALLY weird route there. But hey, she knew a shortcut.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>Sayaka smiles. "Madoka-chan is my best friend. We have known each other since forever. If she told me a bizzarre creature that would have no business existing was coming this way, I would believe her."<br><br>She is holding the passenger handles tightly, her schoolbag safely kept in place between her legs. "Well, at least you are honest", the pianist chuckles. "Who knows what else they are hiding, though."<br><br>"I wish it would work that way", the bluenette admits pensively. "There really is nothing I can do to change the terms."<br><br>Hinoiri keeps taking shortcuts, and around them the surrounding start warping, turning in a vaguely circus-themed blue expanse starts appearing around them, orange tents and and cords connecting them visible in the distance.<br><br>"Kirara-senpai, I think we are in a lot of trouble", Sayaka warns the driver, grey angel familiars rushing towards the motorcycle. At least you don't have to worry about blinking with these.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara couldn't help but chuckle. Yeah, in some ways she was incredibly honest.<br><br>In a lot of ways, not so much. "Well, if you need their help, and there's no other way around it? I guess decide if what they offer you actually need. Sounds like you don't really want it, then. If you're at an impasse, though? Where you both want something the other doesn't want to give up freely? Might just need to bite the bullet on this one. It..." She trailed off as she drove. What... what in the world?<br><br>"Hold on!" Hinoiri yelled. But well...<br><br>It was a lost cause as the world around them just utterly began to shift and change. What? WHAT?! Then there was just... blue. And the angels were around them. Everything seemed to shift wildly...<br><br>And now Hinoiri was in a weird, blue void? Where was her bike? Where was SAYAKA?! What... what was going on?<br><br>Her body felt strange and distorted. SHE felt strange and distorted. Like she wasn't... truly here. Not at all. It was all so wrong.<br><br>She had to turn into Sunbreaker. She had to henshin. She reached up towards her geode...<br><br>Only to stop when her eyes fell on a television. No. Televisions... With images of her past. Very... very important memories. But two stuck out to her.<br><br>Sora standing over her, wings out, a smile on her lips, seemingly glowing in the rise of the sun... "Don't be afraid, young Hinoiri Kirara. I'm not angry with you. In fact... I wish for you to become my student. I see much future greatness in you."<br><br>The rise...<br><br>Sora standing over her, wings out, the library cold and dark, the sun long since set. "You are henceforth removed from your position as my pupil. You are banished from the castle."<br><br>The fall.<br><br>And Hinoiri just stared, the light fading dimly from her eyes...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>One moment Sayaka was with Hinoiri, the next she was alone, floating weightlessly in the azure void. "Kirara-senpai?" she called out. Why did a Witch have to strike now? She was powerless, and she couldn't count on that being not true for Hinoiri.<br><br>At least she wasn't the target of the Witch or its familiars right now. Was it because it was targeting Hinoiri? "I have to find her", the bluenette resolves, doing swimming motions in the empty air, which actually worked somewhat, if painstakingly slowly.<br><br>&lt;&lt;You know, this wouldn't have happened if you had stuck with me&gt;&gt;, a voice rings in her head cheerily.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Kyubey!&gt;&gt; Sayaka ''shouts'', anger mounting up rapidly. &lt;&lt;Is this your doing? Do you want me to wish so badly to put other people in danger?&gt;&gt;<br><br>&lt;&lt;I did not do this, Sayaka&gt;&gt;, come his reply. &lt;&lt;It is nonetheless true that you are alone in this Labyrinth and Hinoiri isn't doing too great, so unless you want to die here, faraway from your friends and family, I suggest you take up the contract with me.&gt;&gt;<br><br>Take up the contract with him? So she really has no choice but to cede to his ways? Nobody else can really help Kyousuke, so in a way that was always true and she was delaying the inevitable, but for it to happen like this...!<br><br>She could hope that Madoka or someone else came here, but does she really wants Madoka to put herself in danger, so Sayaka can keep standing comfily in the sidelines while her best friend keeps making a difference?<br><br>&lt;&lt;Fine, Kyubey! You got what you want.&gt;&gt; exclaims the prospective Puella Magi. &lt;&lt;Very well, Sayaka. Now with what wish will your Soul Gem shine?&gt;&gt; the white creature replies, his eyes staring.<br><br>&lt;&lt;I wish for Kyousuke's hand to heal, I want him to be at his best, so his concerts will always be a success!&gt;&gt; Kyubey nods, his ''ears'" lenghtening towards Sayaka's floating body. &lt;&lt;Your wish has surpassed entropy. Now take the Soul Gem and accept your destiny of fighting.&gt;&gt;<br><br>An azure mass of energy about as big as an egg is extracted from Sayaka's body by Kyubey's ears, leaving to float down towards Sayaka, who clasps it in her hands.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara stared into the screen, her heart pounding. Sora. Was... was Sora somehow behind this? Was this a spell from Kirakirafantastica? Her last moments, her first moments...<br><br>Her rise and her fall, eyes wavering between them. Sora had foreseen greatness in her. Had seen her as worthy. Had lifted a hoof out to her when she was at her most vulnerable...<br><br>So why was it that when she was at her strongest, worth fearing, Sora had pulled that hoof back? Why had she lost her mentor the moment she was so CLOSE to greatness? Why had Sora even SHOWN her that mirror?<br><br>Why had her mentor betrayed her? She would have been happy to be Sora's second. Her eternal student. She was better than everypony else. But not Sora... Now... Now she would be. She'd topple her from that throne, right?<br><br>But she found those doubts rising up. The disbelief that she'd ever be worthy. As the witch's kiss appeared on the back of her neck and the light faded from her eyes. She'd never be worthy. She'd... never... be anything to Sora again...<br><br>NO! She shook her head. SHE WAS HINOIRI, SHE--<br><br>She reached for the geode again, to take it off. But before she could grab it, suddenly the cherubs appeared, grabbing her limbs and beginning to tear her apart. Surrounded by the televisions of her failure. Torn apart. Unable to even remove the necklace... she... did what she hated most.<br><br>"H-help... somebody... h-help me..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>A blue flash answers Hinoiri's call, rapidly taking out the cherubs stretching her one by one, before it does the same with the televisions.<br><br>"Yo, Kirara-senpai, sorry for being late", Sayaka says, standing there with her back to Hinoiri looking upwards as a third television appears, the Witch.<br><br>She is standing on the void in a white-blue strapless top with a window for her navel and a blue skirt with a diagonal cut, a dark blue belt with a yellow buckle over the latter.<br><br>White stockings with a blue stripe at the top are held up by a similar pair of belts, while teal boots cover her feet. A Fortissimo hairpin decorates her hair.<br><br>On her arms are a pair of white gloves that extend into two dark blue detached sleeves, while a pair of blue armbards are slightly below her shoulders.<br><br>A long white cape flutters behind her.<br><br>Her Soul Gem shines over navel, having taken an elongated "C" shape. &lt;&lt;She has taken up my contract&gt;&gt; Kyubey appears next to Hinoiri. &lt;&lt;The Witch won't last long now.&gt;&gt;<br><br>Exactly as he says, Sayaka rushes towards the television, cutting her in half with the cutlass she is holding. The space starts promptly returning to normal, the street reappearing around them and the Grief Seed falling to the ground with a ping.<br><br>"Are you alright, Kirara-senpai?", Sayaka asks, taking up the Grief Seed from the ground.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara stared. W-what? Someone... came? Some actually came for her? For the second time, Hinoiri stared death in the face... and someone came to her rescue.<br><br>What... was it with this world? Why? Why would anyone come for her? She wasn't... she didn't...<br><br>The little tears on the edges of her eyes were, well...<br><br>"Who...?" she asked. The veil prevented her from knowing it was Sayaka. But...<br><br>Then they were back in the alleyway. Her bike leaning up against the wall. Her standing. Kyubey besides her. She glances down and... sighed. "I guess... I owe you an apology, Kyubey," Hinoiri mumbled. "Maybe I should have just said... no," she mumbled. Punting really wasn't the most tame of responses. But she'd been in a bad mood. Then... finally... it all clicked. "Miki...san?" she asked. "You..."<br><br>She stared at her and then gulped. "Please... tell me you didn't... make a wish... become his servant... to save me," Hinoiri said. She was, at least, somewhat aware of what Kyubey asked. "Please... tell me there was something else you wanted... that this wasn't..."<br><br>Then, though, she'd hug her. Tight. "Thank... you. For coming. For... saving me. I *won't* forget this." ... Twice, now. Twice someone here had saved her. First the moon. Now the blue. The sea? But... twice. Twice.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the Labyrinth fades, a certain fluffy pinkette is leaping from a nearby rooftop. She comes just in time to see the Grief Seed drop to the ground, and says, "Aww, I was too late. Well, at least it didn't get away."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka hops down to the ground, seemingly out of henshin (aside from a slight change in hairstyle, from pigtails to braids), but with a tiny smaller braided version of herself following along. The Chara Bearer doesn't recognize Sayaka Miki yet, but she knows what a Soul Gem looks like, and is familiar enough with Puella by now to at least be able to recognize one.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I guess it's okay, as long as the Grief Seed went to a Puella Magi. Still, I'm sorry you had to face that one all by yourself. At least it turned out okay!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brai floats behind Madoka, staying close to her shoulder, not unlike the way a child might hide behind their mother. "I don't think we've met before. I'm Madoka Kaname! I'm not a Puella Magi, but I hunt Witches for safety reasons." she bows, partially, almost playfully, to Sayaka and then to Hinoiri. "It's a pleasure to meet you."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's probably a testament to how strong the veil is that Madoka doesn't recognize Sayaka right away.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>Sayaka hugs Hinoiri back, speaking to her with a reassuring intent. "It's alright, Hinoiri-senpai, you don't have to worry about it", Sayaka says. Anyone would have done the same after all.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Apologies accepted, Hinoiri&gt;&gt; says Kyubey, while Sayaka tosses a glare his way. &lt;&lt;You know you don't deserve that apology.&gt;&gt;<br><br>The freshly minted Puella Magi looks at Hinoiri. "Kyubey is the one who wouldn't leave me alone because of what I need, so this situation was just the last kind of motivation I needed", she explains. "I actually had a wish precious enough to fight for, I just needed to take the plunge."<br><br>When Madoka arrives, Sayaka beams at her. How happy she is to see her childhood friend after the nasty surprise of a Witch. "Hi, Madoka-chan! It's me, Sayaka! Looks like we will be fighting together now!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara blinked and glanced up at the... other girl. Madoka? "Uhhhhh..." Hinoiri said, letting Sayaka go and giving a small wave. "Hinoiri... Kirara. I'm uhhhh... the... civilian... I guess... here," she said. Oh gosh. They were popping out of the woodwork. You know what, though? Normally she found the pack mentality of the magical girls pretty obnoxious. But after nearly dying like that? She was finding it... not... quite so bad. Now. Maybe it was even kind of good. Having a bunch of magical girls appear when you needed them most was kind of nice.<br><br>"Not... magical... but uhhhh... aware," she said before glancing down at Kyubey. "But my mind hasn't changed, by the way." She'd lose her wish if she made that wish.<br><br>"Happy you had something worth fighting for. And ummm... happy you managed to have it now. I uhhh... I'm... really grateful. Really. For... saving me..." A hand moved up to rub her geode. In the moment she'd needed it most.<br><br>"Wait, are you two friends?" she asked. Sounding a little... defensive? Oddly? Or maybe protective? Then her tone calmed. "Oh. OH! Is she the friend you mentioned earlier?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka blinks at the revelation, and then gasps. "Sayaka-chan! Eheh..." Her first reaction is worry, and then a bit of fretting, but after a moment of wide-eyed terror she decides to accept this. Sayaka's responsible, right? She would be able to take care of herself, right?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... well, I hope your wish turns out well for you. You've picked a hard life, as I understand it, but I'll be happy to help."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brai floats a little bit higher, coming out from her hiding place. She looks between Sayaka and Hinoiri, one whom she's met before and the other whom she hasn't. "I guess if there's no Witch, then..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Chara Change fades, and Madoka's hair goes from braids to pigtails. As if by magic. Because it is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Hinoiri, Madoka says, "Yeah, Sayaka-chan have known each other for a while. We go way back."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Kyubey, Madoka frowns and narrows her eyes. She doesn't have anything nice to say to him, and ends up not saying anything at all.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>Sayaka nods at Hinoiri. "Yes, she is the one who warned me about this little traitorous thing here who ties his magical girls to bombs so they have no choice but to keep doing his bidding."<br><br>She points her sword down at Kyubey. &lt;&lt;With this, you and I are through. You got what you wanted, and I don't want to see you anymore.&gt;&gt;<br><br>&lt;&lt;You still need me to dispose of used Grief Seeds, Sayaka. But I have no problems staying out of your way apart from that&gt;&gt; seraphically replies Kyubey.<br><br>Looking back to Hinoiri, Sayaka picks up the previous subject. "Madoka-chan is my best friend, and there is nobody I trust more than her." She grins at the pinkette with joy as she says this.<br><br>&lt;&lt;Thank you, Madoka. I think Kyousuke should have healed up by now, if that magic works as intended", Sayaka takes a displeased dig at Kyubey.<br><br>&lt;&lt;It does&gt;&gt;, the white cat says. &lt;&lt;His hand is as it was, possibly even better, given how you wished for it.&gt;&gt;<br><br>"Hi, Brai-san", Sayaka greets her. "The Witch is gone, yes, and I don't think it actually hurt Hinoiri", she assures the Guardian Chara, holding up the Grief Seed and looking at Hinoiri for confirmation on her wellbeing.<br><br>"Have you being around patrolling for long?" Sayaka asks Madoka. "I hope everything is alright." 'Why wouldn't it be?', she tells herself, but she asked the question anyway.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara gave a small nod, glancing between Sayaka, Madoka and kyubey. Okay, she knew why SHE didn't like him... but... why did THESE two hate him so much? They needed his power. Seemed a bit rude to ask for everything they wanted and needed, then just turn their back on that person.<br><br>Cough, cough. Not that she'd have the self insight to catch onto anything about that.<br><br>"Ties them... to bombs?" she asked, looking even more bewildered. "So... I don't know what exactly is going on here but uhhhh... I mean, he gave you what you wanted. Is it really wise to just go... 'hit the road'?" she asked.<br><br>"But... no. That didn't hurt me. I mean, it was going to and getting... stretched... didn't feel good. But I don't think anything is broken. Uhhhh... so... what... was that? I mean, I guess a witch, but... I thought all of you girls like... fought monsters and evil magical people? That... that thing was... I'm pretty sure it was going to kill me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka scratches the back of her head as Sayaka talks to Kyubey. Normally, she'd try to defend someone if they were being attacked, but nothing Sayaka is saying is actually wrong. She winces internally, but also avoids making eye contact with Kyubey. Dealing with him is awkward. Especially with the way she was so suddenly dropped the moment her magic went in a different direction. How is she even supposed to think about a person like that? It's not that different than lovebombing, in a way.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, I normally try to do a bit of patrolling on the way home, and then after supper I go out again," explains Madoka. "On days when I volunteer at the hospital, I tend to look around there, too. I don't have the same Witch-detecting senses that most Puella Magi do, but there are other things to look for."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of all the things I distrust about Kyubey, the Wish isn't one of them. Every Puella I've spoken to has actually gotten what they paid for, in one way or another."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She decides not to mention what she's heard about how ''some'' of those Wishes have turned out. Those aren't her stories to tell.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, she frowns at Kyubey, and for once starts to really wonder what it would be like to really wield Gretchen's power. Would she be able to undo whatever he's done? The allure of power meant nothing to her, but the fear of losing a friend...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She could almost ''feel'' Gretchen saying 'I told you so'.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brai nods to Sayaka, and says in her tiny voice, "I'm glad you two are alright. I'm guessing you didn't go in by choice. You took out that Witch pretty quickly, for it being your first time."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hinoiri's questions give Madoka a moment of pause. "I mean, I think it's a bit premature to say we're done with him. As long as we fight Witches, we'll keep running across him. Still, that doesn't mean he's our friend."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To the question about what that was, Madoka explains, "Witches are one of the more dangerous monsters out there. They hide in their own little worlds and lure people to their deaths. Compared to them, being drained isn't so bad..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I wouldn't be so sure of that," interjects a loud, tiny voice. Gretchen is floating nearby, sitting in the bottom half of her X-Egg. "Sure, being drained might be less ''immediately'' bad, but have you ever stopped to wonder what that energy was being used ''for''?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>"He has lied to me and manipulated me for months", replies Sayaka grimly. "And his little tricks means I may be unable to help someone at a vital moments because he has put a limit on what I can do."<br><br>&lt;&lt;I didn't actually lie. Madoka would have been safer if she was kept in the dark. It just so happened that it benefited me in another way too.&gt;&gt; Kyubey intervenes.<br><br>"And not listing your actual motive isn't a lie when you get down to it?", Sayaka replies frustrated. "Just learn to shut up, will you?"<br><br>She scowls at Kyubey. "If he thinks I would accept somebody that has no problem toying around with people's lives like that, he is sorely mistaken."<br><br>She would have a lot of words about how revolting he is to her, but she has made her position clear, so she does not see the need to elaborate further. Instead she grabs the Grief Seed with her left hand and detransforms, holding the Soul Gem with her right hand.<br><br>"This jewel here limits our magic, which we can only recharge by using Grief Seed dropped by Witches, so we need to keep hunting Witches and hope we don't run out at a vital moment. If we do, we die at the hand of the Soul Gem."<br><br>Sayaka nods along at Madoka's explanation of Witches. She would probably fumble her words since she has never explained It before, so she is glad Madoka can take care of it for her. "Thanks, Madoka-chan, for explaining in my place."<br><br>The bluenette shakes her head at Brai's comment. "Kirara-senpai was giving me a lift to the Gullwing Cafè and after she took a shortcut, next thing we knew we were in a Witch's Labyrinth, and shortly after, we got separated. Then Kyubey chose just that opportunity to appear to me, and the rest Is obvious."<br><br>&lt;&lt;Hinoiri wouldn't have listened to me even if she weren't being attacked, so you actually ''were'' the only choice.&gt;&gt; he comments.<br><br>Sayaka is about to retort something when Gretchen appears. "A dark mini Madoka? What's this? Is she like Brai-san? Why wasn't she here to help then?" the bluenette eyes her suspiciously.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara gave a small nod, but... well... the more she thought about it, the more horrifying it sounded. "Yeah, the entire experience... wasn't exactly something I'd wanted. Or would ever want. That was horrifying," she muttered. "It... uhhhh... they... aren't all like that, are they?" A hand moved up to stroke her geode again, obviously a coping mechanism of some kind.<br><br>... And now there was a tiny half egg. She blinked. Stared at it for a moment before... "Uhhhh... is that... normal? Is that... like... a... mini-witch?" she asked. Yeah, now she was confused.<br><br>Although... the comment on 'what the magic was being used for'... made her internally cringe. As did the comment on not revealing one's true motives. She didn't show it visibly, though, just stroking her geode. "I... guess that's... I mean... if you're fighting something and lose the ability to fight back, you'll die anyway. It could almost be a mercy, depending on how terrible the death was going to be," Hinoiri muttered.<br><br>"... Sounds... pretty rough, though. I'm... uhhhh... I hope... your... wish was worth it. Everything you needed it to be. I'll... admit... Kyubey came to me a while ago, offering me a wish. But... yeah. Weird, mysterious creatures coming to offer you your greatest desire for servitude... Not really my jam, you know? Heh. Besides... my wish couldn't work if I was anyone's servant. Ummm... I... I should... probably... errrr. Are there any... more... of these... witches around?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gretchen looks at Sayaka with a tired sadness. She floats closer to the bluenette, dropping down to her eye level, and stops about a meter away from her. Close enough to be seen clearly, but not close enough to be intrusive. "To answer your questions: my name is Gretchen, I am an X-Chara, and you don't want my help. Not with things the way they are." She turns her eyes towards Madoka for a moment, but chooses not to elaborate.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gretchen turns her eyes towards Hinoiri and floats out of her egg, revealing her long pink hair and oversized black ribbony dress. Her eyes glow yellow and seem almost blank, and she glances around for a moment. "No, I'm not a Witch. At least, not the kind that Puella Magi hunt. It's... complicated. I'm not here to threaten anyone."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka scratches the back of her head, "Eheh, yeah. I didn't really think that Kyubey's terms would work for me, either. I guess that's why I'm a Chara Bearer now." Looking between Hinoiri and Sayaka, Madoka taps her fingertips together and says, "Um... I guess you were on the way to something, right? I hope this hasn't put too much of a damper on your plans."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:32|Sayaka Miki (32)}} has posed:'''<br>"I wouldn't have lost the ability to fight back if it wasn't for his trick in the first place", Sayaka replies vehemently. "I should be able to keep going until I am too exhausted to continue. What kind of person would I be if I just gave up when I haven't given it my all?"<br><br>&lt;&lt;Witches are the antithesis of magical girls, Hinoiri. As long as magical girls spread hope, so will witches spread despair. This is just how things are, you will see many more of them around&gt;&gt;, intervenes Kyubey.<br><br>Sayaka nods at Madoka. "Yes, we were going to Gullwing Cafè to relax, and we all need to wind down now, so all of us should go. And if Gretchen-san comes along, she can explain what her deal actually is."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:131|Hinoiri Kirara (131)}} has posed:'''<br>Hinoiri Kirara nodded. "An... x-chara. Cause I have any idea what that is," she said matter of factly. You know what? Dark energy was starting to sound really good around now. "Yeah, what uhhhh... Miki-chan said," Hinoiri said. "Though, I don't... think I can really... carry all three of us on my bike. Can... you like... ummmm..." She put her hands by her shoulders and made a little flapping gesture. "Or... uhhhh... maybe... you two both have magic. Maybe you two can go there a lot faster. I... honestly? I just want to clear my head."<br><br>She glanced to Sayaka, though. "... If you're too exhausted to continue in the middle of a fight you'll die anyway. Trick or not..."<br><br>She slowly walked back to her bike... she slid her geode off her neck, though. And put it into the helmet bag.<br><br>She was going to have another talk with Takashi later. Ohhhhh. A big talk... "... Thanks... Miki-chan. For ummm... this. For..." Being there when she called for help. She called for help, this time. She actually called for it.<br><br>She called for help and somebody came.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:33|Madoka Kaname (33)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gretchen raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms. Then, she shakes her head. "There isn't much for me to explain. Nothing that Madoka herself couldn't tell you. Chara represent the dreams of their Bearers. X-Chara are those dreams on the verge of being lost. I came here because I felt Madoka-chan call out to me in her heart, but she's not ready to accept me in full yet. Unlike ''some'' people," Gretchen glares at Kyubey, "I'm not so pushy. I want to let her grow, first."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka glances down and away from her X-Chara, looking almost guilty. Then she laughs nervously at the idea of the three of them crammed onto Hinoiri's bike. Shaking her head. "I'll catch up on my own. I can't fly, but I can move pretty quickly if I stick to the rooftops. Don't worry about my Chara, either."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gretchen floats a little closer to Sayaka and crosses her arms, "I know it feels like a rip-off, but it's really not that bad. If you keep fighting Witches and aren't wasteful, you'll have enough." She starts floating back to her egg, and settles inside. "I think I'll pass on the hangout, but I'm sure we'll meet again." Her X-marked Chara Egg closes around her, and starts to fly away.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madoka laughs a little awkwardly. "I'm... not really sure what to make of her. She doesn't seem bad, but it always feels like she's bothered by something and she doesn't really say what it is." She drywashes her hands nervously for a bit. "I can never really tell what she's thinking."<br> <br>
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