The girl introduced herself as Mami Tomoe, a ninth grader at their school…and a "magical girl". Marissa figured Homura was also a magical girl, and she found it somewhat suspicious that both were students at Mitaki Hara Middle School.
"Excuse me," Marissa interrupted Mami with a question, "but why exactly is it called a Soul Gem?" Mami seemed a little flustered.
"I never really questioned it" Mami admitted. Mami sat across from her, while Madoka and Sayaka sat to Marissa's right and left.
"Aw, come on, Marissa!" Sayaka elbowed her teasingly, "Do you have to question everything Mami says that way?"
"Yes" Marissa replied flatly. "In case you haven't noticed," she looked at Kyubey, the obvious man-in-charge of this operation, "you and Mami are essentially recruiters. Naturally, you want us to think this is even remotely a good deal."
"Oh, but it is a good deal," Kyubey said enthusiastically, "because you haven't even heard the best part yet."
"What's that?" Madoka piped up curiously. She and Sayaka were just eating this up! Mami had them eating out of her hand—almost literally. Marissa took another bite of the dessert Mami served them. Frankly, she thought it was stupid how the blonde claimed not to have much for refreshments, then proceeded to wow them with these delectable goodies. Overall, Marissa disliked Mami more and more.
Kyubey appeared the real threat. He used the most amazing language to describe the terms of his contract. Marissa watched Madoka and Sayaka become entranced when he told them he could grant any "miracle". Hah! Only God performed miracles—anything else had a price tag.
"And what would be the cost of this 'miracle' wish you speak of?" Marissa was not afraid to let the edge cut through her voice. This was obviously a dangerous occupation, if nothing else.
"You'll have to fight witches," Kyubey answered.
"So, the cost for a wish is a life."
"Potentially," Kyubey couldn't deny it.
"But it's for a good cause," Mami rejoined the conversation. She and Kyubey went on for a bit about how awful witches were: causing suicides and murders, festering within people, and sewing seeds of pain and suffering all over the world.
"If there's things like that out there," this time Sayaka had a question, "how come people don't know about 'em?"
That's your question? Out of all things? Marissa felt like facepalming. They were literally told witches were invisible to humans minutes ago. Besides, people didn't know everything. Not even S.P.A.'s discoveries were common knowledge, and even then the agency had a lot to learn.
"A witch is careful about not letting humans see them. They hide deep in the labyrinths they create." Kyubey explained carefully. "You know that mazelike place you were in today? That was a labyrinth."
"Actually, you were all in a lot of danger." Mami told them.
No kidding. Marissa deadpanned internally.
"If a human ever wanders into one, they seldom make it out alive."
"Is that what you do? You fight these horrible creatures, Mami?" Madoka asked.
"Yes. I risk my life. That's why you should think carefully before you decide." Mami announced dramatically. Madoka looked saddened and awed by this…revelation. Again, they were just told minutes ago that magical girls fought witches. Marissa felt like screaming at her and Sayaka to connect the dots already. These two were clearly a bit slow to process situations like this. They were both raised the same way as anyone else, living inside their own little bubbles of experience. A thought struck Marissa.
"Kyubey," Marissa asked him specifically, "why did you choose Madoka and Sayaka? What makes you think they're suited for this?"
"Kyubey chose them and offered a rare chance," Mami answered instead. "It's true he'll grant whatever wish you can think of…but remember, death is part of that deal."
Madoka gasped, her eyes widening with realization. Fighting evil was more than just pretty gems and coolness.
"At least now you admit it," Marissa spoke, her voice now like a breath of wind. "Thank you for being honest, Mami Tomoe." That was it. There was nothing left to be said after that.
"Now I'm stressed," Sayaka's enchantment was also broken, but she didn't seem as dismayed as Madoka. Both girls whimpered.
Mami offered to take them all on witch hunts to help them decide. Marissa's eyes hardened. She was fine with going, but to take Madoka and Sayaka...not to mention, nobody there knew Marissa was an agent of any kind. She understood why Mami would offer, but…wasn't that a bit risky?
"Surely, you won't be alone in defending us…right, Mami?" Marissa knew Mami had experience-confidence, too—but would that really be enough to keep all three potential recruits safe?
"Seemed to me you're pretty handy with that knife of yours, Marissa," Sayaka said.
"Technically, it's a dagger. Just don't tell anyone about it, okay?"
Mami opened her mouth, as if to say yes, when Kyubey cut in.
"On one condition…if you don't tell anyone about what you've seen and heard today, we won't reveal your secrets." Marissa paused for a moment. Could he have somehow blocked her sensory readings from the tech in her earrings? Did he know she was planning to report all this? How much did he know about her secrets? She had little choice but to play along for now.
"Alright."
"Is it a deal?" Kyubey asked, all business now.
"…It is a deal." She felt something binding about that statement, and it was more than just the usual sense of honor.
HAPPY EASTER!
I have to admit, the first time I watched this show, I was mentally yelling at Madoka and Sayaka to question further. I also hated Mami's guts. Marissa doesn't really dislike Mami as much as I did ^^. Sorry to Mami fans out there! I understand we were supposed to see her as Madoka and Sayaka saw her, but I had a hard time sharing their perspectives on...well, many things. I also get that they're emotional, and that's why Kyubey targeted them.
That's how Marissa's character came to be: I wanted to see the story involve a new, sharper character with a better handle on her emotions. Out of this need, I decided to use an OC and make her part of an original fictional universe, Marissa from the S.P.A. (Super-Powered Agency). The SPA story is still not officially written on paper (except for a timeline, some character designs, etc.), but the organization itself is quite solid in my head, as is its history.
Pay attention, because it will play a substantial role, since it's such a big influence on Marissa. That is why I will include "fun facts" about her and the SPA in my author's notes!
POV CHANGE: It has been so long since I worked on this, I forgot to keep writing in first person, present tense!
Should I change back, or not? GIVE YOUR TWO CENTS IN THE POLL on my profile!
