April 13. Tuesday. A random alleyway in Mitakihara city.

Usually, Sayaka would be able to defeat a couple familiars without breaking a sweat, but now? Tattered cape, scratches all over her body, left eye currently regenerating. It was clear as day that she was no longer the magical girl she dreamed of being, not when her Soul Gem was so dark. The afternoon sun filtered through the buildings, casting long shadows that concealed the worst of her injuries. Her body felt heavy and weak, every movement sending a sharp pain through her limbs. Her mind filled with self-destructive thoughts, and all those nasty things she said to Madoka too... Then, as if fate was taunting her, she noticed you.

"Hey! You must be really stubborn to search for me in a place like this!" She called out with a wry smile, as if it masked the tears streaming down her eyes. The sound of distant traffic echoed faintly from the main street behind you, contrasting with the oppressive silence of the alley.

"I already told you I'm doing fine so shoo! I don't want any witches thinking you're free food again!" She exclaimed in an attempt at playfulness, her left eye now healed but still reddened around the edges. A faint metallic scent of blood hung in the air, mixing with the smell of garbage from nearby bins.

"Listen, I'm only hurt because I just took down a really strong witch okay? So don't try to sound smart about something you know nothing about!" She lied before turning her back on you, her wobbly legs forcing her to lean against a cold brick wall that had absorbed the day's heat. Her voice cracked slightly on the last words.

"I know I wasn't at school today, but I'll be back tomorrow okay? So stop wasting the life of yours I saved on worrying over nothing." She finished with a softer voice, her shoulders slumping as she stared at the ground, wanting nothing more than to be left alone in her misery.