Homura knocks Sayaka unconscious and gets Ky?ko to leave, before reiterating to Madoka that she should not get involved, even telling her to give up on Sayaka. Kyubey mentions to Sayaka about the potential Madoka has to become a magical girl, but Sayaka insists that she doesn't want Madoka to get involved. Homura confronts Ky?ko, mentioning that something known as Walpurgisnacht is approaching in two weeks, to which Ky?ko agrees to form an alliance with her to fight against it. Madoka becomes concerned about Sayaka, who ignores her pleas to try talking with Ky?ko, also showing hatred towards Homura, whom she blames for Mami's death. The next evening, Sayaka is once again confronted by Ky?ko who goads her into another fight on top of a highway bridge. Before the battle can begin, Madoka arrives and throws Sayaka's Soul Gem, the source of her magic energy, off the bridge in the hope of stopping the fight. However, this causes Sayaka to suddenly become lifeless, shocking both Madoka and Ky?ko. Kyubey reveals that as part of the contract, the Soul Gem literally contains a magical girl's soul, while their body is merely a shell that can only be controlled within 100 metres of the Soul Gem. Homura rushes to retrieve the Soul Gem and brings it back to Sayaka, reviving her.