Everyone is searching for a new world
to attain that overflowing dream.
They all jump over the horizon,
regardless of what lies beyond.
We've run,
we've dived into hope,
and forgotten only courage.
And we've been swept away by the crowd
only to lose something dear to us.
I smile with a twisted face,
and it was the best smile I could put on.
The inside of my mask overflowed with tears
so I covered my wet mask with yet another mask.
I continue to walk through the flat battleground,
and I struggle, unable to warp.
The dream waits quietly on a cape far away.
Even if I fumble around clumsily,
I'm sure I'll still be able to make it there.
--Bye Ryoko! See ya tomorrow! --Bye Ryoko! See ya tomorrow! --Bye Ryoko! See ya tomorrow!
Bye! See ya later.
Ow, take it easy!
Moron! You're trying to sneak up on me? Not in a million years, Kousuke!
Here.
Oh!
You catch on quick!
Did you hear about how a Hunter tried to go after Sayoko Shiranagatani?
Yeah.
I guess the Hunters are serious about trying to get rid of us now.
Well, it's not like this is news to anyone.
Just don't give them any chances.
How long do you think we can keep this up?
Kousuke, wait.
You're not thinking of doing anything stupid, are you?
C'mon, I've never thought of anything stupid in my life.
Yeah, right.
Just three more weeks until I finally get out of here.
I hear Rio's going to get out of the hospital in three weeks.
And, I also heard Sayoko is coming back to school tomorrow,
so I just hope things will be normal around here for a while.
Unfortunately, that's completely out of our hands.
But Ayumu, you helped Eyes defeat that Hunter
who came after him and Sayoko the other day.
Don't you think that changes things?
I didn't exactly ""intend"" to help him.
Of course, that might just be the way you see it. Y'ever think maybe you--
Hey, Kousuke!
Yo! What's up, Hiyoko?
That's Hiyono!
Little Narumi, there's something I want to ask you.
You want the Hunter's description.
Anything at all? Let's have it.
Why not ask Rutherford?
Uh, he's a little busy right now.
Sounds kinda fishy to me.
Yeah, whatever. Just tell me what I want to know.
Kousuke, why is it so important
that Ayumu tells you what this guy looked like?
Don't worry about it. It's none of your business what the Blade Children do.
Truth is, I don't have to tell you anything.
What do you mean?
I'm really just sick and tired of getting wrapped up with you people.
Why do you think Kousuke was so determined
to get a physical description of the Hunter you saw?
Who knows?
In any case, I won't be involved with the Blade Children anymore.
You did get involved and you couldn't do anything.
That's what you think, isn't it?
You're used to being the guy who's always got the answer, right off the bat.
But this time's different.
It's kinda like giving up on a boy
before you've even had the chance to say ""I like you.""
Just an example, though!
What is your point?
The Blade Children have done some unforgivable things to you,
and I understand why you feel the way you do.
But right now, all they're looking for is redemption.
And it's obvious they're all expecting something out of you.
Maybe you could try and talk with them.
Just drop it.
Who is it?
Hi there, Rio!
Kanone!
I'm glad you came by!
These are for you, dear.
Japanese irises are so pretty, don't you think?
The Hunter that went after Sayoko...
...was definitely familiar with this area.
Everyone will be hunted down if this sort of thing keeps up.
I'm not the kind of guy to just sit around patiently and wait to get killed.
I need to catch this Hunter and beat whatever information I can out of him.
If nothing else, I can figure out their next move.
They really spent some time setting up traps here.
Maybe they used this place as their hideout.
I didn't expect him to actually be here. Is he hiding because he failed? Perfect.
Word has it, they're about to turn you loose from here!
Oh, yeah. Then I'll be back to fighting on the front lines!
So, you intend to confront the Hunters then?
I can't just sit around and let them come get me again.
If you make that choice, what do you think lies beyond, when the fight is done?
Using a gun already!
Man, he must be getting really desperate.
He can't shoot me if I can make it outside, not with people around!
Damn! He was expecting me!
For as long as any of us can remember,
we've been told that we have borne a cursed fate from the moment of our births.
That we must not be allowed even to exist.
And now, we garner new sins. Never once betraying those dark whispers.
Oh, Kanone.
How did I get myself into this? I can forget about getting any information now!
I can hardly move.
Now, of all times--
Can't really talk now.
What's for lunch today?
Are you there?
Yeah, I'm here.
Did something happen?
I gotta let you go, okay?
Hey! I'm not done talking to you yet!
Where are you, Kousuke?
Kousuke, what are you up to?
Kousuke.
Ryoko. Sorry, but you'll have to get your own lunch from now on.
Kousuke.
We're sorry.
--The number you have dialed is not in service at this time. --Did something happen to Kousuke?
Oh, it's you two.
That's what I'm trying to figure out.
He's just so damn impulsive.
Impulsive? Don't tell me something's happened with the Hunters again.
I don't know. But he doesn't appear to be on campus.
Ayumu?
You don't need to worry about Kousuke. I'll keep a firm hold on his leash.
Ryoko, what's going on? This seems strange.
Who knows.
Well, do you have any idea where he might have run off to?
No, but I did hear a train in the background when I called him.
He's probably at a station.
But there's gotta be over a dozen stations in the area!
Then, I guess I'll have to check them all!
This is not something you two should get involved in.
This... this isn't your problem.
You two should really just stay out of it.
Ryoko, wait!
The hotel that was blown up the other day.
Behind it is a freight train depot. Try checking there.
Thanks, Ayumu.
Is she okay going by herself?
It's only a matter of time until he finds me.
Talk about pathetic. This is what I get for going out on my own.
Can I run?
I can still move if I have to, but...
How long will we be able to keep this up?
How long will our cursed fate continue?
Wait, so you're saying that--
That was a bonehead thing to say. Forget I ever said anything.
Rio, I'm truly happy we got to see each other.
I look forward to when you're released.
I know the burden of the curse upon us.
And, that someday we're going to have to face it.
The time of redemption is coming, no matter what.
I've become a sinner of my own free will.
Funny, how I realize that only now, when my time's almost up.
Dammit!
I guess in the end, I try to justify my actions just to live another day.
I can still move.
But running is just another excuse.
Hey, Ryoko! Have you found Kousuke yet?
Well, I didn't expect a call from you. And no, I haven't found him.
But this is definitely the place.
Booby traps, huh?
Ayumu, Kousuke is being chased by a Hunter.
It was his choice to go it alone. He knew what he was getting into.
But, they're both in serious danger!
Ayumu!
Gimme the phone.
If you see traps, we can assume the Hunter has Asazuki cornered nearby.
Are there any places to hide?
Yeah.
What else can you see around you?
A fuel shed with lots of oil drums.
You said you heard a train on the other end of the phone earlier.
Can you remember hearing anything else that might help?
Let me think.
Now that you mention it, I heard someone running through a puddle.
That's a good start.
I'll go look for one.
Ahh, not again!
What is it? Another trap?
Uh... Yeah.
Can you disarm it?
Sure, it's a simple enough set-up.
Put it in your pocket after you do.
You might be able to use it later.
Gotcha. Okay, I'll call if anything happens.
Guess I'll have to do this redemption thing heroically.
Ryoko!
You're as stupid as ever.
Let's go!
Listen, Ryoko! Run.
You idiot!
Damn him!
No, wait.
What are you doing? Let go!
No, I won't.
Ryoko.
Promise me...
...you won't kill anymore.
Promise me you won't, no matter what the reason is.
Are you serious?
That's what you want too, isn't it? I can tell.
I came here because I don't have the heart to let you...
...die alone.
Like I need your pity.
Ryoko, run!
Kousuke!
Sounds like he's still alive.
Yeah, but just barely.
He's pretty beat up. I don't think I can move him far.
You said there was some sort of fuel shed with oil drums.
Can the two of you make it there?
Yeah, but what for?
Just go!
Take a look at what you're standing in.
What is that?
Train fuel. Pull the trigger, and we all explode.
You can die right along with us!
Two against one, pal.
The tables have turned.
Ryoko!
Salvation and hope.
Do you honestly think we have the right to strive for such things anymore.
Even Kiyotaka's words seem like a dream to me now.
For some reason, I'm afraid to return to the world outside this room.
Yes, in your eyes,
I would imagine the world outside this room must really seem like hell.
Just don't forget, you do have friends waiting for you.
Hey, Kousuke! You made it! I'm so glad you're all right!
How's Ryoko?
She's just unconscious.
But you're okay. That's what matters.
Yeah.
We're both still alive, all right. At... At least for now.
A sweet scent washes into my throat
and my feelings continuously overflow...
Don't look at me with that same gaze
that's like you're following a soccer ball.
I've already grown used to my third year at the office,
but did I lose something instead?
Those days long ago when we would talk about anything...
We're finally old enough now
to have those slightly awkward discussions about love.
A single day seems so long, but a whole year ends so quickly.
A whole year seems so short,
but how well will I be able to live the rest of my life?
Time for Hiyono's Useful News Report!
Things waver when you're dizzy, and they waver when it's hot out!
They say fire can't put fire out,
but you can fight fire with fire, plus fire's no match for water!
Next episode's highlight is Hiyono and Ayumu doing a bucket relay!
On the next Spiral: ""The Sound of a Breaking Heart""
Don't fall into the water while trying to avoid the fire!
That's all for today's Hiyono's Playhouse!