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Arg!

The episode continues directly from the previous. Totally Not Hanyū repeats her greeting of "It's has been a long time since we last met, Child of Man," to Satoko. She rhetorically asks if it was the land with the red sea, then compliments Satoko on her efforts to arrive before her once more. Confused, Satoko takes a step forward as she emits a "huh?" The woman continues to ask why "Vier" has such a nonplussed expression. She then corrects herself and asks if it was "Mitsuyo." Satoko demands to know whomever she is talking about; Probably Eua ignores her and suggests that perhaps Satoko prefers, "the name Anomalous Spinal Cord Specimen LD3105." She giggles to herself knowingly.

Satoko insists that she has no idea what the woman is talking about and demands to know who she is. The woman reacts, but then giggles and does not answer.png.png. Satoko then adds that she wants to know where she is. She does realize that she is no longer in the Saiguden. The woman giggles and ridicules her. After millions of loops, she claims, Satoko, at her moment of triumph, has forgotten who she is entirely. Satoko insists that she has never met her before.

The woman sighs that those who have dominion over them have a truly cold heart. She giggles again, and then suspects by Satoko's expression that she has an unrequited wish, and her longing for it has whittled away her well-being. Satoko does look down in sadness; the woman laughs again. In her laughter, she claims that she can hear Satoko's soul crying out in anguish. Satoko reacts to demand what she means. The woman replies that she cannot fulfill her desires as a "child of man," but she could if only she were granted the power she possesses. Satoko reacts, and the woman theatrically declares that with this power her wish becomes a reality. Satoko will be able to travel to the idyllic world she seeks, but she then adds that it will undoubtedly only happen after a very long time.

Satoko insists that that is not possible, but then commands her to make it happen immediately if it is possible. The woman giggles again as she narrows her gaze. She complies as the fragments begin to circle above her then Satoko. The woman announces that Satoko will become one who lives in loops repeating her life until her wish is fulfilled. Satoko responds that she does not understand what she means. The woman continues that all Satoko must do to reset her world is die. This understandably shocks Satoko. She repeats that requirement as a frightened question; the woman giggles in response. She reassures her that her power is not imperfect, "like that wielded by the cat," in that Satoko will retain her memory when she begins a new loop. Satoko grabs her head insisting that she does not understand. The woman adds that, of course, the power does not come without a cost, but she assures Satoko not to worry about it. If she deems Satoko's actions entertaining, that will be payment enough.

Satoko screams that she has no idea what the woman is talking about. She tries to run away only demanding to be freed from the place; the woman laughs as she declares that the show has apparently begun and she, "Child of Man," does please her. Satoko is confronted by fragments that form a wall. Light shines from them, engulfing Satoko. ..

. . . who awakens in what is her room in Rika's house. She appears as the child she was in 1983. As she realizes where she is, she recalls that the house collapsed during a snow storm. She sees the calendar that reads "June 10, 1983." Stunned, she rises as she says that that was five years ago, and she then sees her refection in the window. She walks toward the window to get a better look at herself, then asks that this cannot be happening, "can it?"

The opening theme and credits start. One significant difference is that in the scene where the words, "She sneered as she declared she wanted it all," are sung, one can now more clearly see that the figure sitting in seiza in the Saiguden is not Hanyū, it is her face that smiles, and she is, indeed, Eua.

Satoko continues to stare at her reflection in the window. She tries to rationalize that what just happened could not have happened: "Me, living through loops?" She gathers her courage and declares that everything must have been a very strange dream. She takes heart that it is "still" 1983. She deems it was a "terribly, terribly long dream to be sure," but she considers it the only explanation. She stares at the calendar, and her bangs obscure her eyes, as she insists that all that happened to her could not have happened in reality. She repeats, trying to dismiss it as ridiculous, Rika wanting to leave Hinamizawa. However, she clutches her head and starts to cry as she adds the way Rika treated her. This leads her to insist that it had to be a dream.

Rika, herself, walks in behind her to greet, "too bad, so sad Satoko." Satoko lets go of her head as Rika explains that she woke up early and pulled the page off of the calendar. She happily adds that she knows Satoko likes to do that, so she decided to beat her to it that day, "Nipaa!" Satoko's eyes remain obscured by her bangs, and she does not answer.png.png Rika. Rika startles a bit, then she asks if she is angry with her. She explains that she did not mean to upset her; she only wanted to tease her a bit.

She walks toward Satoko who still has her back turned towards her as she faces the calendar. Satoko suddenly turns and rushes to embrace Rika tightly. This surprises Rika. She asks Satoko what is wrong and notes that she is acting "a little weird." Satoko finally responds that nothing is wrong. With tears in her eyes, she explains that it was all a terrible dream, and none of it would ever happen. Rika embraces her as she replies that while she does not know what Satoko is talking about, "poor, poor Satoko." Sobbing, Satoko cries Rika's name. Then Takano's voice is heard calling Jiro's name. The scene shifts to her embracing him as she does in the finale of Matsuribayashi-hen. Satoko, Rika, Mion, Keiichi, Rena, and Hanyū watch as Jiro apologizes for being late, then assuring her that she has come for her. However, Satoko's eyes are obscured by her bangs. The scene focuses on her face, and she looks up with an angry and wild look. The scene then shifts to focus on the calendar revealing that it is Monday, June 18, 1984, while the higurashi c ry. Walking back from school together, Rika calls out to Satoko. When Satoko asks her what she wants, Rika responds that she has a favor to ask her. Satoko startles and the c ries of the higurashi crescendo as Rika asks her if she will go shopping with her. She explains that she needs to go to a store in Okinomiya, and she wants Satoko to go with her. The scene shifts to show the sign of Mandai Books then Rika and Satoko stoping their bikes. Rika happily declares that they have arrived as she walks towards the entrance. For her part, Satoko mutters, "as expected, here it is." She stares with a sad and resigned face for a moment after Rika enters.

In the study guide section, Rika starts to explains her dream that she wishes to share with Satoko. Nonplussed, Satoko interrupts to reveal what that dream is, attending St. Lucia Academy, and Rika happily confirms this. She continues to describe her dream then insists that she wishes to pursue it with Satoko. She specifically describes experiencing "high society at a fancy school" with her, "Nipaa!" Sweat rolls down Satoko's cheek, but she tries to happily insist that it is far too early to worry about entrance exams. Rika meekly responds that she does not agree, but Satoko reminds her that they only just gotten rid of the "horrible" Yamainu. It would be, she argues, foolish to not enjoy it. Rika sheepishly admits that she agrees that having fun with Satoko and the rest is much better than studying. Satoko then asks why not let things remain as they are. She concedes that the games have become boring, but she insists that with work they can improve them. All during this, Rika continues to hold the study guide and look sad. Maintaining this demeanor, she sadly replies that that does sound fun.

Triumphant, Satoko replies with her patented laugh. When she reaches to take away the guide from Rika, Rika clutches it to her chest and turns away suddenly. The sombre piano starts as she explains that she has waited for this moment for a very long time, far longer than Satoko could possibly imagine. She explains that she has finally found a world where she can leave Hinamizawa by her own free will. This is something she could never dream of doing. She turns back to Satoko and insists that she loves her and everyone else in the Club but then asks what is wrong about dreaming of a life she has yet to experience. Satoko looks back in shock, then looks down ashamed, as Rika starts to ask that if she will not come with her to make her dream come true. Satoko looks up and says "Rika" before she can finish. Rika continues that it is fine, and she will study for the exam by herself. She then walks away with the guide. As she watches Rika buy the guide, she quietly says that that is a blow. The scene shifts to a view of Hinamizawa during sunset. Back at their home, Rika excitedly thanks Satoko for also purchasing a guide. Satoko rather despondently insists that her purchase does not mean she agreed to join Rika. Rika replies that she is still happy that Satoko joined her, and she runs up the stairs clutching her guide to her chest with a smile that, if she were present, would sent Rena directly into Take Home Mode. For her part, Satoko opens the packaging and looks at the guide. She resolves that if Rika will not give up on her dream, she will just have to make sure she does not have the time to study.

At the school, the bell rings to announce the end of classes. Keiichi's voice is heard commanding the students to stand at attention and bow. With a view of the hallways outside the classroom, the voices of the students bidding their teacher farewell is heard. Inside, as Chie starts to leave, Rika picks up her guide and calls out to her, but she is stopped by Satoko who emits her patented laugh and announces that it is time for the Club. Sweating, Rika meekly asks her to please move since she needs to ask Chie a question. Rika looks at Chie who is in the foreground talking to two young boys, while Satoko playfully scolds her that they are playing her "Endless Fractal Baseball." When Chie finishes with the boys and walks away, Rika informs Satoko that she is not going to the Club anymore. Satoko ignores this and insists that she join since all of their classmates are participating. She then happily points out how nice the weather is. Satoko playfully pushes her as she suggests that Rika can study when she returns home, but if she misses playing with everyone now, she will never have the chance to do it again.

Rika meekly admits that she knows this. Noting her expression, a concerned Keiichi and Rena approach her. Keiichi asks her what is wrong. Satoko jumps in to suggest that Rika is trying to escape from battle. Rika emits a sad "Miii." Keiichi admits that if Mion were here, she would declare it worthy of a penalty, but he concludes that if she does not want to play, they should not force her. Rena agrees with Keiichi.

Rika closes her eyes for a moment. She finally puts the guide down on her desk and agrees to play with them. When Keiichi asks if she is sure, Rika responds that she can study later. She then adds that she wants to play with them, which sends Rena into Cute Mode. In Cute Mode, Rena does note that Rika has not participated in the Club lately, and she has missed her. Satisfied, Satoko asks Rika if she understands: everyone wants her to stay, and no one wants her to change. Rika happily agrees.

Rika and Satoko walk home with Satoko happily satisfied with the game they played. Rika smiles as she agrees that she never thought the score would enter triple digits. She then compliments Satoko on the grand slam she hit to clinch the game. Both happily report how tired they are, and Satoko suggests that they go to bed early. Rika agrees as she yawns. Satoko lets her walk ahead a few steps as she observes that this should make it all right. However that night, Satoko wakes to find Rika missing. Startled, she searches for her. She eventually walks down the stairs to find Rika studying, and yawning, at her desk. Satoko has an expression of regret as she descends the stairs. She walks up to Rika and asks if they can talk.

With the sad piano playing, the two sit outside, looking sad. Satoko asks her if she truly insists on attending St. Lucia. Excited, Rika insists that she does not want to go alone; she wants Satoko to go with her. Satoko sighs, then replies that she will be honest with Rika. She explains that she does not want to go that far from here, and she does not want to go to St. Lucia. Rika says she understands that Satoko is worried about the exam, but Satoko corrects her that it is more than that. While she concedes that she does hate studying, she knows that she will do her best if it is for Rika. With a view of the starry night, she continues that she will push herself to her limit to make Rika happy. She continues as she looks up at that sky, that if she does and they succeed, she will already be so exhausted from the effort, she will be unable to keep up with the academics. She stands and walks to the railing of the observation point as she continues that she does not want to live through that experience. Rika replies that if that really does happen, as she stands and smiles, then she will help her. She walks up next to Satoko as she admits that she does not like studying either. However, she promises that if there is anything Satoko does not understand, she will help her with it. She even suggests that they can study together.

Satoko closes her eyes, sighs again, then replies that Rika is not like her. When she grows older, she will become more elegant and ladylike and make many friends at St. Lucia. Satoko contends that she does not have it within herself to be so graceful, and she will not make any friends. She will also never be able to follow the school's stuffy and formal customs. Satoko continues, after Rika says her name, that she will continue to have to stretch herself beyond her limits to graduate.

Rika takes her hand and turns her to face her. She thanks Satoko for telling her how she really feels. She then promises Satoko that she will not leave her alone. She insists that Satoko is her best friend, and if she is ever in trouble, she will come to help her. She then asks her to trust her and come with her to St. Lucia. Satoko quietly asks Rika if she really will keep that promise. Rika excitedly promises again. Satoko looks up with a smile and declares that she will take her at her word, "just this one last time." Rika again promises not to let her down; Satoko quips that this means her long days of studying begin tomorrow. They giggle, and a shooting star passes over them, indicating that, of course, everything will be fine. ..

. . . the bells ring at St. Lucia, and in the Salon, Rika chats with the trio of Corkscrew Twin Tails-chan, Long Braids-chan, and Unkempt Brunette-chan. She, and they, are covers in sunlight and anime sparkles. . . . . . while outside, Satoko holds her papers with her bangs obscuring her eyes. She looks up with intense anger as she surveys the sparkling Rika holding a tea cup. She crushes her papers as she says Rika's name, then acidly notes that she trusted her, and this is how she treats her. She inwardly wonders, as she continues to focus on Rika enjoying herself with her trio, if Rika is making a mockery of her. She angrily repeats Rika's promise that she would not abandon her and would help her if she were in trouble.

Rika seems to react to this. The scene shifts back to Satoko screaming about what a "friend" Rika is. Rika pauses in her chatting again, then looks out the window. Corkscrew Twin Tails-chan asks her what is wrong. Rika dismisses it. Still outside, Satoko rhetorically asks if this is not act of betrayal, "nē Rika?!" Bells ring, students enter the main hall giving their traditional greeting. The scene briefly focuses on the chandelier that does not contain washtubs. Various girls react as Rika and her trio enter in streaming sunlight with, naturally, falling rose petals. She pleasantly returns greetings until she sees a smiling Satoko standing in front of her with her arms folded. Satoko cocks her head and offers her "good morning (おはよう・ohayō), Rika" without an honorific. Rika stops, grimaces slightly, then recovers to say "Satoko." Satoko mockingly asks if she has no "tidings" for her best friend, "or were you lying about that too?" Rika slightly reacts, but she does repeat Satoko's greeting.

Long Braids-chan steps in front of Rika and declares that she need not concern herself with her whilst the rest of the trio share her glare at Satoko. Satoko acidly responds that she is speaking to Rika now, "not you goldfish turds in lady's clothing." Corkscrew Twin Tails-chan recoils at Satoko's eloquence. For her part, Unkempt Brunette-chan demands to know if she has any idea how much Rika worries about her. Satoko frankly asks her if that were true why did Rika break her promise.

Rika steps in front of Long Braids-chan and holds out her right hand to keep her trio back. She flatly insists to Satoko that she never lied to her. She then walks up to Satoko and insists that when her grades started to fall, she offered her help. It was Satoko who refused it. Satoko measuredly replies that she wanted to overcome these struggles together with her, and she did not want Rika to look down on her with pity. Rika insists that she never did: it was Satoko who put herself below her. Satoko narrows her eyes and observes that their conversation is not going anywhere. Rika agrees as the scene pans over the various muttering and gasping chans. Satoko continues that it is unfortunate since that is not the response she wanted from Rika. The scene suddenly focuses on her smile as she finishes that statement, then Satoko walks up to and embraces Rika. This results in the collective gasps from the various chans watching. Long Braids-chan recovers first to demand what she is doing to Rika. Satoko ignores her and says "Rika" into Rika's ear. She continues that this reminds her of the good past. Rika finally replies with a gently "Satoko," as Satoko smiles again and the scene looks up from below them to reveal they are standing under the chandelier.

"So, let's begin!" Satoko continues. Rika reacts with surprise as the scene focuses on them while the observing chans watch them with various degrees of horror boarding on "this simply will not do." Satoko vows that, next time, she will not let Rika deceive her. Rika suddenly startles and starts to ask her what she just said, but Satoko slyly interrupts to offer her – "my traitorous Rika" – the traditional St. Lucia greeting as she raises her left hand and snaps her fingers.

The chandelier falls upon them.

Blood has splashed upon the various chans including the trio. One chan screams as a veritable pool of blood flows from under the chandelier. Rika's hand is seen as the scream fades. ..

. . . and the ending credits appear with a view of the chandelier spinning as it falls towards the viewer. The singing enters as the scene changes to a water color-style view of the sky spinning with Satoko and Rika in it. Each rotation reveals a closer image of the two in happier times. With a flash of the chandelier's candle, the water color depicts the middle school-aged Satoko following Rika who is reading her study guide. The rotation then moves to reveal Satoko watching Rika walk with her "posse" towards the main hall of St. Lucia's. It then rotates to Satoko looking back at the viewer. Then a view of the late-teenage Mion, Rena, and Keiichi down the road in Hinamizawa waving to them. The rotation continues over the rice paddies to reveal Rika looking at the viewer with a confused expression. After fixing on this image, it swtiches to the screaming child Rika falling amongst the time fragments. Eua is in the background. The rotation continues to show both Satoko and Rika falling with their hands stretched out towards one another. Then Satoko's hand in the process of snapping is shown, followed by Rika's hand showing all of her fingers save her index finger curled. The rotation then focuses on the child Satoko with her arms outstretched towards the viewer as she falls into the center of the circling chandelier from which blood splatters as the music ends.

Adult-Voiced Rika returns to announce the next chapter.