Vol. 3 Ch. 4 Ep. 23: Kyrie for the Students Part 1

*pant* *pant*

This...is the worst. Everything hurts.

But I'm not... I'm not done yet.

...

Is this a schola cantorum?

A pipe organ...sheet music... It must be.

A gramophone, too. It's funny to think that Arius must have had chapel class, just like us.

Silly me. Of course it's not working. It's like, a thousand years old at this point.

...

*sigh*

Koharu, wasn't it so cool when Sensei showed up to save you?

Yeah, Koharu looked like a princess from a fairy tale that day. I like that kind of story.

A story where the main character shows up and rescues a despairing princess.

Maybe it's a little childish, but I think it's beautiful.

...I wanted to be a princess, too.

Hah. But I've never heard of a witch who transforms into a princess.

It wouldn't be a fairy tale if the villain got the happy ending.

...I sure did turn into a villain, huh? I'm sorry, Saori. I really thought it was only fair for you to suffer like I did.

But if I really think about it...

I'm sure you just wanted to be saved.

You really are like me. You wanted to find happiness too.

Saori, I know why you're obsessed with Atsuko...

Even if you lied, cheated, and hurt everyone around you, it would all be okay if it meant saving your princess.

You thought maybe you could absolve yourself, just a little bit. Am I right?

I know because Seia and I both thought the same way.

That's why I'm rooting for you, Squad.

I'll pray for your salvation.

Just as I desperately wish for my suffering to subside...

I hope yours does as well.

Just as I wish and pray and beg for a second chance.

I hope you get infinite chances.

I long to be forgiven...

...so I forgive you.

I like that ending better than anything "fair."

Even if you save Atsuko, your future will be filled with suffering.

You'll be chased for the rest your life, wandering through dirty back alleys, living a cold, hungry, miserable life.

But if despite that...

If, despite all that, you truly believe you can find happiness in your future...

Save Atsuko. Save yourselves.

It's too late for me...but I weirdly believe you guys can do it.

Sensei will be by your side. I'm sure of it.

Yeah... Sensei will help you through it.

I really do hope you find the answers to your questions.

Huh?

The gramophone? How did it start working...?

Ah... A song of mercy.

I never did like this song very much.

Well, enough of my monologue.

Where are you going in such a hurry, huh? Do you have a class reunion or something?

I can't let you pass, unfortunately. Past here, the characters of a fairy tale are fighting for their salvation.

Villains like us aren't allowed to enter.

Okay, Sensei. Save those kids.

I'll guard this place, one way or another.

Kyrie

Eleison