[R] "If you die, I'll kill you myself."
"Well, for starters, don't waste that life." You place a hand on Kyoko's shoulder, "Otherwise, what was all of that even for?"
Kyoko stares at you, "Wasn't planning on it." She replies completely deadpan.
"On a bit more of a serious note, you can help me keep the rest of them safe." You tell her calmly, "Kyubey's already dropped a Witch off at Yuma's school because I didn't do what he wanted, and in all likelihood, the only way I won't be doing things that piss Kyubey off is if things go completely south before I get the chance. And when I do, I imagine he'll go after my loved ones again as if that'll somehow make me more docile or whatever. Instead of, y'know, having me screw him over out of pure spite."
Kyoko looks down at the ground, but not in guilt or sadness. She seems to be thinking about something.
"Yeah, kinda makes you wonder how Kyubey lasted so long without someone Wishing for it to have a true sense of guilt for its actions, huh?" You turn to look at Kyoko...
...Who finally looks back up at you with a mixture of unease and caution. "Y'know, now that I've actually had the time to think about it..." Kyoko begins, "...How did Kyubey get a Witch to attack Yuma? He doesn't control them, right? Did he, like, lure a Witch onto her lap or something?"
"I... Never really thought about it." You reply, the gears now turning in your mind as well.
"...Wait." Kyoko snaps to attention, "I used to give Kyubey spent Grief Seeds when I was done with 'em. You get a Grief Seed when you kill a Witch, but why? What happens if you keep using a Grief Seed when you don't hand it off to Kyubey?"
"That's actually a good question." You cross your arms, "Maybe..."
(LUK ROLL: 20+2)
OOC: I just woke up, Yumi Dice. Please.
"...That's what's left of the Witch?" You offer, vaguely confident in your answer, "And if you give too much Grief to the Seed, it'll regenerate?" While you're acutely aware of the relationship between Magical Girls and Witches, you still aren't 100% sure. This is magic, after all.
"But that doesn't explain why he wants them..." Kyoko begins bouncing her leg, "We're missing something, aren't we? Why would Kyubey want something as volatile as a Witch so close to him? Is there something you know that I don't?" She isn't accusatory, she just offers the idea.
But, given what you know, it seems incredibly on-the-nose.
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OOC: Sorry about the previous 951. I guess I was more tired than I thought. I hope that this iteration of the update is better for everyone.