Recap time: Sayaka's a Puella Magi and Kyouko arrives at the scene. Alright, let's begin the Let's You and Him Fight chapter that launched a thousand shippers.
So we flashback to the previous chapter where we see Sayaka make the Deal with the Devil... though we were just drawing those parallels... Anyways, flash-forward to the present time where Hitomi doesn't recall what happened to her. Then Sayaka vows that she will be the protecter of Mitakihara city and that "There's no way [she'll] regret this!" Oh, trust me Sayaka, you will... you will... Okay, she does regret making the contract after Mami's death, but that's beyond the point.
She goes to Kyousuke as he apologizes to her about that whole "are you tormenting me?" thing. Sayaka then takes him to the roof where he sees tons of people wanting him to play the violin. Sayaka is happy with this. Again, this feels like it should be done by Key Visual Arts or Kyoto Animation. I like it.
Oh, and lol, Kyouko uses magic binoculars. Kyubey tells her about Homura and she likes the idea that her days of boredom has changed. Wasn't there a little child that you should be taking care of? Coughyumacough. And more funny expressions. Madoka comes to talk to Homura about trying to make her and Sayaka get along and gives Homura several reasons why she is concerned for Sayaka. Homura declines and gives the page quote for the series. Here, let me show you.
Homura: Kindness leads to naivety, reckless bravery leads to carelessness...
Okay, it's different from what she really said, but it sticks. So Homura tells her it's too late for Sayaka and that Mami's life is a waste, then proceeds to ditch Madoka. Remind me again why people like her? So Madoka joins Sayaka, which brings a confidence boost in her. Then Kyubey believes that Madoka has her own plans. Uh, it's too soon to tell, Kyubey. He tells her that she must make the contract if things come to worse. I do recall you saying that you're not allowed to force contracts on people. You're not a liar, you're a hypocrite.
Sayaka finds the familiar, which isn't as intimidating as the other familiars, especially not the Pringles or the Angels. Her attack's been blocked by Kyouko, and she tells Sayaka to let it go away to kill a few people and become a Witch. Again, glad they used that plot thread. So Kyouko introduces herself as an antagonist. Oh, and introduces the Puella Magi food chain. Weak people get eaten by Witches, Witches get "eaten" by Puella Magi, so what eats Puella Magi? I wouldn't count Witches again because that wouldn't make sense. She attacks Sayaka and actually cusses! Yeah, two F-words! And Sayaka heals. Because her contract gives her that ability. Okay, so what was Mami's ability? Using those ribbons to save people? Okay... Kyouko's could have been Compelling Voice due to her wish, but if that's the case, then Sayaka would have been buddies with her in an instant. Although in a drama CD, she did have some sort of power, but lost it with the whole Murder-Suicide thing. Homura's ability is what caused the entire story to happen, and Madoka's... is God-hood? Okay, now I know that this was just an Ass Pull. Hell, if this magic is of the "it's magic, we don't have to explain it" kind, then anyone can make ribbons, use Compelling Voice, Time Travel, and heal. Why don't you just say "Oh, Puella Magi are tougher than average humans." There, you don't even need to get into the Soul Gems, just say that they're Made of Iron.
So this fight is the only Puella Magi fight in Madoka Magica. Let me correct that, the only fight that doesn't boil down to "shoot the Soul Gem." Kyubey again forces the contract onto Madoka. And Homura pops up. And the chapter ends. Tune in next time to see our second Wham Episode.
