Ep. 8

Summary

Source-backed · Version: v1 · Original

Sayaka defeats the witch but refuses its Grief Seed, claiming that accepting help or reward from others would compromise her ideals. Her Soul Gem darkens as exhaustion and despair accumulate. When Madoka pleads with her, Sayaka lashes out and accuses her naturally gifted friend of criticizing sacrifices she was unwilling to make herself. Hitomi then confesses to Kyosuke while Sayaka watches from a distance, deepening her isolation. Homura offers a Grief Seed, but Sayaka rejects it because she distrusts her. Believing Sayaka's collapse will push Madoka into a contract, Homura prepares to kill her; Kyoko intervenes and helps her escape. Kyubey begins persuading Madoka to use a wish to save Sayaka, but Homura shoots him and, overcome with emotion, begs Madoka to stop sacrificing herself. Another identical Kyubey appears, identifies Homura as a time traveler, and consumes the dead body. Kyoko later finds Sayaka after an encounter with cruel men on a train. Sayaka admits that her attempt to be a pure hero has failed. Her completely corrupted Soul Gem shatters and becomes a Grief Seed, transforming her into a witch. Kyubey reveals the hidden life cycle behind the term “magical girl.”