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==Episode 7==
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===Part A===
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Previously,
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Sayaka's Soul Gem tumbles in the air, tossed by Madoka.
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Kyubey (not pictured):   A magical girl's old body is nothing more than a piece of external hardware.  Your actual soul is given a much safer, compact form that is capable of controlling magic much more efficiently.
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Sayaka's lifeless body lies limply in Madoka's arms.
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Kyubey:  It's part of my job, when I complete a magical girl's contract.  I extract your souls and turn them into Soul Gems.
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====Sayaka Room====
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Sayaka returns.
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Sayaka and Kyubey are alone in the room.  Sayaka tosses her Soul Gem on her desk, her expression changes as she asks Kyubey.
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Sayaka:  <u> What's going on?  You said my body is but an empty husk...</u>
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Kyubey:  <u> I simply give your soul physical form, so your spirit can be converted into energy--</u>
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Sayaka:  <u> I never heard of this! </u>
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Sayaka erupts in anger.
17
Sayaka:  You tricked us, didn't you?
18
Kyubey acts confused.
19
Kyubey:  I distinctly remember asking you to become a magical girl.  I just didn't explain precisely\N what would be involved.
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Sayaka:  Why didn't you tell us?!
21
Kyubey:  You never asked.  It wouldn't have bothered you one bit if you'd never found out.  Mami, for example, never did.
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Kyubey stays nonchalant in front of a pissed-off Sayaka.
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Kyubey:  Besides, you humans don't even realize you have souls in the first place.
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Kyubey points at Sayaka's head.
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Kyubey:  Your body's nothing more than a collection of neurons--
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Then points towards her heart.
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Kyubey:  ...and a centralized cardiovascular system.  In addition, when the human body ceases to function, the soul is lost.  I gave your soul a physical form to prevent that from happening— a form you can pick up and protect with your own hands.  That way, you can battle withes with greater safety.
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Sayaka:  Nobody asked you to do that!
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Kyubey:  You still don't understand what it's like to fight, do you?
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Kyubey sighs in disappointment.
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Kyubey:  For example, take the pain you would experience upon being impaled by a spear.
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Sayaka:  Ah--!!
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An excruciating pain suddenly returns to Sayaka's abdomen.  She falls to her knees from the pain.
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Kyubey:  This is how it would actually feel.  A single strike would be\N{\alpha&HFF&}.{\r}enough to incapacitate you.
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Sayaka:  Ah...Oww...
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Struggling in pain, Sayaka recalls her battle with Kyouko in [[Episode 5]].
37
She shivers from remembering how many killing blows she received.
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Kyubey stares attentively at Sayaka.  He continues to explain in his neutral fashion.
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Kyubey:  Pain inhibition was the only reason you remained standing to the end against Kyouko.  It was only possible because your consciousness isn't directly linked with your body.  That's how you were able to survive that battle.
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Kyubey releases the Soul Gem.
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The pain immediately disappears.  Her breath short and her body limping.
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Kyubey:  In time, you can even learn to completely cut off pain.  But I won't recommend that, since it tends to slow you down.
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Sayaka:  Why... Why did you do this to us?
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Sayaka asks in tears.  Kyubey smirks.
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Kyubey:  You had a wish important enough to commit yourself to a life of battle, did you not?  And your wish came true, didn't it?
46
47
====School - Classroom====
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Morning.  Before Class.  A bunch of rowdy classmates.
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Miss Saotome comes in.  The class rep calls for attention.
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Saotome:  Stand.  Bow~
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Madoka glance warily at Sayaka's empty seat.  She's not coming today?
52
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====Sayaka Room====
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Curtains closed, the room is dark.
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Sayaka buries herself in blankets.
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Cupping her Soul Gem tightly in her hand, she stares at its faint glow.
57
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====School - Rooftop====
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Break time.  Madoka and Homura faces each other.
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Madoka:  Homura-chan, did you know about that?
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Homura nods in silence.
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Madoka:  Why didn't you tell us?
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Homura:  Nobody I've warned has ever believed me before.
64
Madoka:  ...
65
Madoka wants to ask Homura why she always look like she has given up on everyone, but the words won't come out.  Madoka decides to switch topic.
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Madoka:  Why would Kyubey do something so cruel? 
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Homura:  He doesn't think it's cruel.  He's a creature that doesn't understand human values.  He'd just say it was an appropriate payment for bringing about a miracle.
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Madoka:  That's not fair at all!
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Madoka can't help but scream.
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Madoka:  How could he do that to her?  All Sayaka-chan wanted was to heal the person she loved...!
71
Homura:  It was still a miracle.  He made the impossible possible.  
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Homura answers calmly.
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Homura:  Even if Miki Sayaka dedicated her entire life to caring for him, he would never have recovered enough to play the violin again.  Normally, a miracle costs far more than a human life, but that's the price for which Kyubey sells them.  
74
Madoka doesn't agree but can't find a rebuttal.  After a moment, she asks another question.
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Madoka:  Sayaka-chan won't be able to go back to her normal life?
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Homura:  ...
77
Homura seems lost for words.
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Madoka:  <u>If she stop using magic, she doesn't need to find more Grief Seeds;  She doesn't have to keep fighting Witches, right?</u>
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Homura:  <u>Just maintaining the body consumes a minimum amount of magic.  So Grief Seeds are still a requirement at the end, so she still need to hunt Witches.</u>
79+
Homura:  <u>Just maintaining the body consumes a minimum amount of magic.  So Grief Seeds are still necessary. She would still need to hunt Witches.</u>
80
Madoka:  ....
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Madoka falls silent, but she doesn't want to give up on Sayaka.  Her mind races desperately for another way out.
82
Seeing Madoka struggle, Homura finally forces herself to speak coldly.
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Homura:  ...I've said this before, have I not?  Give up on Miki Sayaka.
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Madoka:  ...Sayaka-chan saved me!
85
Madoka recalls when she was attacked by a Witch in [[Episode 4]].
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Madoka:  If she hadn't been a magical girl at the time, Hitomi-chan and I would have died...!
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Homura:  Don't confuse gratitude with responsibility.
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Homura speaks plainly, without any emotion.
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Homura:  There is no way for you to save her.  If you're thinking of returning the favor to alleviate your own sense of guilt, I suggest you reconsider.
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Madoka can't stand Homura's indifference towards Sayaka.  Madoka's body shakes involuntarily.
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Madoka:  ...Homura-chan, why are you always so cold?
92
Homura:  I suppose...
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Homura looks down on the Soul Gem in her hand, a self-deprecating smile as usual.
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Homura:  ...it's because I'm no longer human as well.  
95
Madoka:  ...
96
She has given up on herself as well.  Madoka's heart sinks at that realization.
97
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====Sayaka Room====
99
It's afternoon, yet Sayaka still hasn't left her bed.
100
Depressed, her mind wanders to Kyousuke.
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Sayaka:  How can I visit Kyousuke after being turned into this thing...?
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At this moment, Kyouko suddenly calls for Sayaka telepathically.
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Kyouko:  How long are you gonna lie there feeling sorry for yourself, dummy?
104
Sayaka:  ...!?
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Surprised, Sayaka jump out from under cover.
106
She looks out of her window to the street below.
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Kyouko stands at Sayaka's doorstep, eating an apple.  She holds a grocery bag full of apple in her other hand.
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Kyouko:  Come out for a bit.  We need to talk.
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====Dusk - Outside of the City====
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On a hill, they follow on a small path covered in weed.  Kyouko walks out front, holding an apple.
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Sayaka follows, staring at Kyouko's defenseless behind.
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Sayaka is tense.  Looking down on her again?  Is this a trap?
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Kyouko:  You regret what was done to your body, don't you?
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Sayaka:  ...
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Kyouko ignores the non-response from Sayaka and continues.  
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Kyouko:  I'm starting to think it doesn't really matter.  I mean, I'm able to do what I want because I acquired these powers.  It's not really something I regret.
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Sayaka:  You... just got what you deserved.
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Kyouko:  Yeah!  You can just think of it that way.
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A nonchalant reply. 
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Kyouko:  If you live only for yourself, everything you do is your fault.  You have no reason to resent others, and you'll never have any regrets.
122
Sayaka:  ...
123
Sayaka still doesn't read Kyouko's intentions.
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The two arrives on the top of the hill.  Here rests what remains of an abandoned church.
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====Abandoned Church====
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Kyouko kicks open the entrance and enters.  Sayaka follows behind.
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Sayaka:  ...Why did you bring me the way out here?
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Kyouko toys with the apple in her hand, as if gestating for words to say.  She walks, step by step, towards the altar.
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Kyouko:  It's kind of a long story.
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Kyouko takes out an apple from her bag and toss it to Sayaka.
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Kyouko:  Want one?
133
Sayaka:  ....
134
Sayaka clenches her teeth in anger, then tosses the apple aside.
135
Kyouko suddenly rushes toward Sayaka, grabbing her by the throat.  An anger exposed like never before.
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Kyouko:  Don't ever waste food... I'll kill you if you do.
137-
Sayaka:  ...
137+
138
Kyouko turned hostile so quickly that Sayaka is frozen by her presence.
139
Kyouko releases Sayaka.  She picks up the apple that Sayaka discarded, carefully cleans it, and place it back into the bag.
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Ignoring the stunned Sayaka, Kyouko paces the church as she recall her past.
141
Kyouko:  ...This place was my father's church.
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====Kyouko's Recollection====
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A spotless church in the past, Kyouko's father replaces an old candle and lights the new one.
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A younger Kyouko, and her younger sister, cleaning in their aprons.
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Father gazes at his daughters and smiles.
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Kyouko: (not pictured)  He was an extremely honest and kind person.  The type of person who'd cry just from reading the morning paper, and put serious thought into how to make the world a better place.
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Father preaches to the congregation sitting in the pews.
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Kyouko:  (not pictured)  My dad always said that a new religion was needed to save a new era.  That's why he started preaching things that weren't part of the scripture.  
150
An empty church.
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Kyouko and her father at a daze.
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Kyouko:  (not pictured)  As you expected, people stopped coming to his sermons.  Then she got excommunicated by the Church.
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The church slowly becomes desolate, falls into ruins.
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Kyouko:  (not pictured)  No one would listen to what he had to say.  It shouldn't have been a surprise.  From the outside, it would've looked like some sketchy cult.  No matter how right he was.  No matter how logical the things he said were, he was just an outcast in the eyes of society.
155
Kyouko and father in tattered cloth visit the congregations' homes, but they're turned away at the door.
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Kyouko:  (not pictured)  Our whole family was left with nothing, not even food.
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Sakura family dining table.  A pitiful dinner consists of watery soup.
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Kyouko:  I couldn't accept it.  My dad wasn't saying anything wrong.  It was just different from what people were used to hearing.
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The frustrated father and child walk in a bustling night market.
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Not a single person looks toward the two.
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Kyouko:  (not pictured)  If they had just listened to him for five minutes, it would've been obvious that he was right... But in the end, no one listened to him.
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Kyouko's father slumps in a pew, alone.
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Kyouko:  (not pictured)  <u>Father sits alone in the empty church, waiting for people to return, like a clown...</u> I couldn't stand it.  It was unforgivable.  
164
A frail Kyouko walks on the street.  Her gaze focus on an apple sitting on a fruit stand.  She can't help from wanting to stealing it.
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She is caught immediately and beaten thoroughly.
166
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===Abandoned Church - Present====
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Kyouko stares at the apple in her hand.
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Kyouko: That's why my wish was that everyone would listen to my dad's words.  
170
Sayaka: ...
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Sayaka can't hide her shock from the unexpected revelations.
172
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====Kyouko's Recollection====
174
Suddenly, a huge congregation fills the church.
175
Kyouko:  (not pictured)  The next morning, his church was filled with people.  The number of believers multiplied at a frightening rate each day...
176
City night time.  Magical Girl Kyouko valiantly fights witches.
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Kyouko:  (not pictured)  and I became yet another magical girl.
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Father preaches to the full congregation with renewed vigor.
179
Kyouko:  (not pictured)  No matter how good his sermons were, they wouldn't get rid of the witches.  I thought that was where I came in, so I got all hyped up about it like an idiot, thinking we'd save the world together - from the light and from the shadows.
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====Abandoned Church - Present====
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Kyouko bite her apple hard, grins drearily.
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Kyouko:  But one day my dad found out what was going on.
184
Sayaka:  ...
185
Kyouko:  He completely lost it when he realized all his folowers were only there because of magic.  He called me, his own daughter, a witch who sways the hearts of others.  Oh, the irony.  I mean, I was the one who'd been fighting the real witches every night.
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====Kyouko's Recollection====
188
Sakura Kitchen.  Blood everywhere.
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Father hanging from the ceiling, his feet dangles in the air.
190
From the door, Kyouko watches the scene in shock.
191
Kyouko:  (not pictured)  That ruined my father.  he met a pitiful end.  He started binge drinking, lost his grip on reality, and wound up killing his family, then himself.
192
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====Abandoned Church - Present====
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Finished, Kyouko tosses an empty core at the floor.
195
Kyouko:  My wish destroyed my entire family.
196
Sayaka:  ...
197
The truth leaves Sayaka lost for words.
198
Kyouko:  Because I made a wish for someone else without knowing what he really wants, I ruined many lives.  That's when I swore to myself that I'd never use magic for others again.  I'd use my powers only for myself.  
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===Part B===
201
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====Abandoned Church - Present====
203
Sayaka turns to face Sayaka, speaking to her solemnly.
204
Kyouko:  Miracles aren't free.  If you wish for hope, an equal amount of despair is scattered across the world.  It all cancels out to zero.  That's how the balance of the world is maintained.  
205
Sayaka:  ...Why are you telling me this?
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Sayaka asks, keeping her gaze on the floor.
207
Kyouko:  ...
208
Kyouko doesn't want Sayaka to see her embarrassed, falls silent.
209
Kyouko takes another apple out of the bag.
210
Kyouko:  <u>You shouldn't start doing more things you'll regret.  You've already paid too high a price for what you got.  So now, you should start thinking about how to get your money's worth.</u>
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Sayaka:  <u>...Like you, huh?</u>
212
Kyouko:  <u>That's right.</u>
213
Kyouko's gaze moves from the uneaten apple to Sayaka, motions her to take it.
214
Kyouko:  <u>You just need to stop worrying and do whatever you want.  Live only for yourself.</u>
215
Sayaka realizes that Kyouko isn't all bad.  Sayaka smiles, replies with slight sarcasm.
216
Sayaka:  <u>...That doesn't add up.  If you're only living for yourself, then why worry about me?</u>
217
Kyouko:  ...
218
Slightly disappointed, Kyouko does not reply, instead continue to speak earnestly.
219
Kyouko:  <u> We both started off with the same mistake...I've come to realize my mistake, but you're still making yours.  I couldn't watch you go on like that.</u>
220
Sayaka finally raises her head to look right at Kyouko.
221
Sayaka:  I had the wrong idea about you.  I'm sorry for that.  I really am.
222
Kyouko:  ....
223
Kyouko feels a small happiness that it makes her want to smile, but Sayaka continue to speak frankly.
224
Sayaka:  But I don't regret having used my wish for someone else.  I've decided never to regret my actions, so as not to cheapen the feelings I cherish.  Never again.
225
Kyouko:  Why are you...
226
...not getting it?  Sayaka interrupts Kyouko before she finish her sentence.
227
Sayaka:  I don't believe I paid too high a price.  I can do wonderful things with this power, if I use it right.  
228
Kyouko:  ...
229
Sayaka:  And what about you?
230
Sayaka turns her gaze away from Kyouko, her voice stiffens.
231
Sayaka:  How did you get those apples.  Where did you get the money to pay for them?
232
Kyouko:  ...
233
Of course not legally, but Kyouko can't say those words.
234
Sayaka:  ... You can't tell me, can you?  In that case, I can't eat them.  I wouldn't even want one.
235
Sayaka turns from Kyouko and prepares to leave the church ruin.
236
No longer holding back, Kyouko yells towards Sayaka's silhouette.
237
Kyouko:  You dumbass!  We're magical girls!  There's no one else like us!
238
Sayaka stops her step.  Her head lowers slightly, as if with slight regret.
239
Sayaka:  I will continue fight in my own way.  If that interferes with your life, you're welcome to try and kill me again.  I no longer bear you any ill will, but nor will I lose.
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Kyouko clenches her teeth in disgust.  Giving up, she takes another bite at the apple.
241
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====Morning - On the Way to School====
243
Sayaka walks slowly toward school. 
244
Madoka and Hitomi catch up from behind.
245
Madoka:  Good morning, Sayaka-chan!
246
Hitomi:  Good morning, Sayaka-san.
247
Sayaka:  Good morning.
248
Sayaka replies, back to her usual self.
249
Madoka sees through Sayaka's act and feels a slight worry.
250
Hitomi:  What happened yesterday?
251
Sayaka:  I was feeling a little unwell.
252
Madoka:  Sayaka-chan...
253
Are you alright?  Before Madoka got the words out, Sayaka preempts her.
254
Sayaka:  It's okay.  I'm fine now.  Don't worry about me.
255
Madoka:  ....
256
Sayaka:  Anyways, let's get--
257
Half went through her sentence, Sayaka sees Kyousuke walking towards school in clutches and freezes.
258
Hitomi:  My, has Kamijou-kun been released from the hospital?
259
Hitomi is surprised.
260
Kyousuke walks with difficulty in clutches, but cheerfully greets his classmates.
261
Sayaka:  ...
262
Rather than happiness, Sayaka's emotions become more complicated.  Madoka becomes depressed from seeing this.
263
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====School - Classroom====
265
Classmates rowdy before class.
266
Long absent, Kyousuke's desk is surrounded by his classmates.
267
Nakazawa:  Kamijou, are you okay to come to school?
268
Kyousuke:  Yeah.  It wouldn't be rehab if I was cooped up in my home all day.  My goal is to walk without crutches by next week.
269
Everyone are taking their turn to talk to Kyousuke.  Sayaka tries to ignore it by looking elsewhere.  Madoka and Hitomi sit beside her.
270
Madoka:  I'm glad Kamijou-kun's doing well.
271
Sayaka:  Yeah...
272
Madoka:  Sayaka-chan, go say hi.  You haven't said anything to her yet, right?
273
Sayaka:  I'm... okay for now.
274
Hitomi:  ....
275
Sayaka is not her usual self.  Madoka gets worried.
276
Hitomi stares at Sayaka, considering something.
277
278
====Fast Food Restaurant====
279
The place on the road after school.  Sayaka and Hitomi sits across from each other.  The atmosphere is tense.
280
Sayaka:  So, what did you want to talk about?
281
Hitomi:  I need some relationship advice.
282
Hitomi speaks with some hesitation.  Sayaka becomes tense from Hitomi's expression.
283
Hitomi:  I've been keeping something from you and Madoka-san for a while now.
284
Sayaka:  Huh?  O-Okay...
285
Hitomi:  I've... been attracted to Kamijou Kyousuke for some time now.
286
Stunned, Sayaka's eyes widens.
287
Sayaka:  I-I see.
288
Hitomi tries to calm her shaking heart, but she's failing.
289
Sayaka:  I never would've expected that from you, Hitomi.  Kyousuke sure is a lucky guy-
290
Hitomi reads Sayaka like paper, but keeps an earnest expression.
291
Hitomi:  You've known him for a long time, haven't you?
292
Sayka:  Yeah, but we're just old acquaintances, I guess.
293
Hitomi:  Is that really all?  
294
Syaaka:  ...
295
No point in hiding anymore.  Sayaka swallows.
296
Hitomi:  I've decided that I won't lie to myself anymore.  What about you?  Sayaka-san, can you accept your true feelings?
297
Sayaka:  Wh-what are you talking about?
298
Hitomi:  You're a precious friend to me.  So I don't want to steal him from you or try to court him behind your back.  
299
The straightforward declaration leaves Sayaka speechless.
300
Hitomi:  You've spent far more time with him than I have.  That's why you should have the right to go after him first.
301
Sayaka:  Hitomi...
302
Hitomi:  I will confess my love to Kamijou-kun after school tomorrow.  You have one whole day.  Please decide on a course of action that you won't regret.  Decide whether or not you'll tell him how you feel.
303
Sayaka:  I-I...
304
Hitomi stands up, bows, and leaves.
305
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====Sayaka Room====
307
Night time.  The room lights are off.  Only a desk lamp remains.  Sayaka lies on her desk.
308
Her Soul Gem sits on the table.  It shines as though beckoning her.
309
Kyubey sits in a corner of the darkness behind Sayaka.  It speaks.
310
Kyubey:  <u>What about tonight?</u>
311
Sayaka:  <u>... I get it.  I'm going now.</u>
312
Sayaka picks up her Soul Gem and stands up.
313
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====Miki Family Apartment Exit====
315
Sayaka sneaks out for a witch hunt.  Kyubey follows behind.
316
Madoka waits for her under the streetlight, just like in Episode 5.
317
Sayaka is shocked to find her.
318
Sayaka:  Madoka...
319
Madoka:  Can I come with you?
320
Sayaka:  ...
321
Sayaka has given up on everything and her self-worth.  Madoka's kindness just adds to her concerns.
322
Madoka:  I don't want you to be all on your own....
323
Madoka has trouble expressing herself, but Sayaka becomes teary.
324
Sayaka:  Why are you... Why are you so kind to me?  I don't deserve it...
325
Madoka:  That's not true.
326
Sayaka:  Today, I almost regretted what I'd done.
327
Madoka:  ...
328
Sayaka:  For just a moment, I wondered what would have happened if I hadn't saved Hitomi....  Some hero I turned out to be, Mami-san would be ashamed to have known me...
329
Madoka can't stand it anymore.  She hugs Sayaka tightly.
330
Sayaka:  I'm going to lose Kyousuke to Hitomi...!  And there's nothing I can do about it...!
331
Sayaka cries in Madoka's arms.
332
Sayaka:  I'm already dead!  I am a zombie...!  How can I ask him to hold this dead body...?  How can I ask him to kiss my cold lips...? 
333
Madoka:  ...
334
Madoka start crying too, unable to say a word of reassurance.
335
Both in tears, they remain in embrace for some time.
336
337
After a while, Sayaka finally stops weeping.  She pulls herself from Madoka.
338
Sayaka:  Thank you... I'm sorry.
339
Madoka:  Sayaka-chan...
340
Sayaka:  I'm fine now.  I feel better.
341
Sayaka:  Anyways, let's go.  Those witches aren't gonna slay themselves.
342
Madoka:  ... Right.
343
344
====Warehouse District====
345
Between stacks of deserted containers, a dim light hints at a Witch's Barrier.
346
As if implying an intense battle, faint bolts of light leaks out persistently.
347
Kyouko sits on a crane observing the situation.  Expressionless, she munches on a ice pop.
348
Homura suddenly appears, standing behind Kyouko.
349
Homura:  I'm surprised you're just sitting here watching.
350
Kyouko:  ...She's fighting a witch today, not a familiar.  It'll drop a Grief Seed.  It's not a pointless hunt.
351
Homura:  And you'd let her take your prey for that, huh?
352
Kyouko:  ...
353
Kyouko is about to rebuttal.  The Barrier twists.  Its pulsation suddenly intensifies. Kyouko smacks her lips.
354
Kyouko:  Damn, that idiot.  She's having trouble.
355
356
====Inside the Barrier====
357
Sayaka and the Witch lock in heavy combat.  Madoka and Kyubey watch from behind.
358
Far stronger than a mere familiar, Sayaka has engaged this Witch for a long time and in a bitter struggle.  Madoka watches on the side with unease.
359
Sayaka:  <u> Damn...</u>
360
Sayaka finally succumbs under the constant barrage.  She kneels.  Unguarded, the Witch delivers her killing blow.
361
Madoka:  Sayaka-chan!  <u>Watch out...!</u>
362
Kyouko suddenly strikes at this time.  The Witch lets go and leaps away.
363
Kyouko:  Goddamnit.  I couldn't just sit there any longer.
364
Kyouko grunts while an ice pop dangles from her mouth.
365
Kyouko:  Just stay back for now.  I'll show you how it's done.
366
With Sayaka protected behind her, Kyouko raises her spear in battle stance.
367
Yet Sayaka just stands up and slowly walks in front of Kyouko.
368
Kyouko:  Hey--!
369
Sayaka:  Don't get in my way.  I can do it myself.
370
The Witch strikes once again.  Sayaka simply ignores the attack and charges directly toward it.
371
The two sides meet.  Sayaka's sword pierce the Witch, but she also receive a heavy blow.
372
Madoka:  Sayaka-chan!
373
Madoka weeps.
374
Somehow, only the Witch curls in pain.  With complete disregard to her injuries, Sayaka begins laughing.
375
Sayaka:  Haha... Ahaha.
376
Kyouko:  Don't tell me you...
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Kyouko is at a loss.
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The Witch retaliates in pain.  Refusing to parry still, Sayaka lunges from the front, sword-first.
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Her body covered in blood, yet Sayaka starts to laugh maniacally.
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Sayaka:  Ahaha, it's true...!  IF I just detach myself... it doesn't hurt at all!
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As she laughs, Sayaka continue to hack away at the Witch.  Focusing only on striking her opponent, Sayaka simply allow all counterattacks to strike her.  The appalling scene leaves Kyouko speechless.  Madoka cannot force herself to watch any longer, turns her gaze away.
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Madoka:  Stop... Please stop...
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But Madoka's words can no longer reach Sayaka.  Her sword swings as she continue to grin.
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Her frenzy sounds like a strange wailing.
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===Episode 7:  Draft 7 Investigation===
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--- The opening sequence, when Kyubey said "I give your souls physical form,"  the shaken Madoka and cold Homura conversation, "If she stop using magic, she doesn't need to find more Grief Seeds;  She doesn't have to keep fighting Witches, right?"  "Just maintaining the body consumes a minimum amount of magic.  So Grief Seeds are still necessary."  These lines related to the grief seed are eliminated.
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Gen:  That's right.  Finalizing the script, I want to avoid cutting Kyouko's lines, so I end up cutting expositions like these instead.  In terms of fan interest, I think this area was lacking.  Once i grasp the importance of dialogue priority, I won't have to worry about what to delete anymore.
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--Due to this trade-off, Kyouko became this arc's MC?
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Gen:  Yes.  Mami was before [[Episode 3]];  Sayaka until [[Episode 6]]; Kyouko up to [[Episode 9]];  then finally Homura.  That was the structure we setup.  On the other hand, if we consider Kyouko as Sayaka's ''reflection'', then without dialogue Sayaka will be fine.  However, Kyouko's enormous popularity is not what I expected.  I think that's thanks to [[Ai Nonaka]] (Kyouko's VA)'s hard work.  She managed to clearly convey a "she really is a good girl" image, working diligently to create the emotion of a false villian.  Originally, I figured a rather ordinarily ''bad'' voice would be sufficient, so Director [[Shinbo]] selecting Miss Ai was a surprise to me.  But it fit perfectly.