03x09 - Holy Mother Veneration

[bunniefuu]

Hacking by way of magic, are you?

[KANZAKI yells]

You really are quite something else.

But it seems to me your body is screaming

from all this high-speed combat, isn't it?

[KANZAKI] The power of Gabriel dwelt within Misha Kruezhev.

That incarnation seems to have been incomplete.

But I'm sensing something greater from Acqua.

Still, can a human really possess this much power?

[KANZAKI yells]

It's been a long time since I've had a decent workout.

However, it's about time to finish this.

[ACQUA] T-H-M-I-M-S-S-P!

What is this?

[ACQUA] T-C-T-C-D-B-P-T-T.

R-O-G-B. W-I-M-A-A-T-H!

Now tell me where to find Imagine Breaker.

Perhaps,

if I continue breaking through all the various levels,

I may eventually run into him.

[KANZAKI] Acqua!

[KANZAKI coughs]

You are no longer in any shape to continue fighting me.

[KANZAKI] I won't let the reason that boy demonstrated

or the conviction he showed by risking his life

be trampled underfoot by this coward.

With nothing but his talent!

[KANZAKI gasps]

[KANZAKI yelling]

[ITSUWA] What in the world was I doing?

I feel like I was putting in grueling effort,

but compared to both of those saints,

I may as well have been playing some kind of a game.

[MIKOTO] Aw, damn it!

I don't know if the system is glitching or what,

But now I'm stranded because of this low-oxygen alert.

And to top it all off, the gate is malfunctioning,

so I can't get back to the ground level.

This sucks!

[gasps]

You're not looking so good. Is everything okay?

Hey, is that you, Misaka?

I have to go.

Huh? Wait, hold on!

Dummy. What's going on?

What happened to you?

Don't tell me you snuck out of the hospital.

I really have to go.

They're fighting.

Still. I have to go, too.

They're close. I have to find them.

[MIKOTO] Why won't you just say it?

That you need my help!

Or that you need help from someone!

Just say that you feel scared or anxious!

You don't even have to be specific about why!

Misaka, what are you saying?

Listen. I know all about it, okay?

I know that you have amnesia.

I get that you're carrying the weight of something huge

inside of you.

But is it absolutely necessary for you to carry it

all by yourself?

You look like you've been through the wringer.

You even lost your memory.

So what reason could you possibly have

to keep doing things alone?

I can fight too, you know.

I'm serious!

I can be of help to you!

So say something.

Tell me where you're going

and who it is you're about to fight!

I want to make this easier.

I'm gonna fight too this time!

Misaka.

Whatever. Fine.

You're not listening to me anyway.

I'll watch out for you until you go back.

So. I guess you found out about all that,

but you've got it wrong.

I can't remember who I was before,

but apparently I wasn't the kind of guy who was willing

to ask for help.

The me that I can't remember

is the one who is driving who I am now.

He's still there.

Maybe not up here. But here.

If I don't know, he still understands.

He knows what I want to accomplish

and what to do.

I'm sorry, Misaka.

But you should hurry up and get going.

When you think about it, nothing's changed.

Even if my gears hadn't slipped and I hadn't lost my memories,

I'd still be doing the same thing.

I wouldn't be able to leave it to someone else.

That's not Toma Kamijo.

He's not shaken by whether or not he has his memories.

[MIKOTO] There's nothing wrong with what I said.

He has to get back to the hospital right away.

Even though I have the option of going with him

and assisting with the fight.

Should I?

I mean, I believe what he said,

and there's probably some special significance

for him in standing on his own two feet.

So if that's the case, it wouldn't be right to stop him.

The best thing I could do is see him off from here.

What now?

I don't feel satisfied by that at all.

[MIKOTO] Oh. That's why.

[KANZAKI yells]

[KANZAKI yells]

[ACQUA] Are you finished already, Saint of the Far East?

[KANZAKI] How can he possibly wield such power?

Drawing forth that much from one being

should instantly disintegrate a person's body

both physically and magically.

Not to mention,

Acqua's power is from the Right Seat of God.

This shouldn't be possible.

It's beyond the realm of potential and natural talent.

There is no way he can condense two

extraordinary aptitudes into a single body like this.

There's more to it.

He must be using some sort of trick.

Saintly powers and those from the Right Seat of God

are incompatible.

What's allowing them to coexist?

So you still intend to fight!

I bet you're fuming right now.

Telling yourself not to drag civilians

and Amakusa Church members into a fight

between saints when our powers are so vastly different.

But that's the nature of the b*ttlefield.

Differences in abilities, the quality of weapons,

the strength of numbers.

Attacking others with such obvious disparities

is the rule here.

If you don't like that, then too bad!

You shouldn't have come here in the first place!

[KANZAKI grunts]

[ACQUA] There is absolutely no reason to make those

who have no power fight.

It shouldn't be done.

Only true soldiers should be the ones to take up swords!

I'm sure I've never heard a more arrogant way of thinking.

How could I have been such an idiot?

What is the right decision to make?

What choice will ultimately save my friends?

What choice will finally correct Acqua of the Rear's mistake?

What will uncover his secret?

And what choice could I possibly make

to counteract his overwhelming power?

Help me. Give me strength.

Yes, I need your strength!

[ITSUWA gasps]

Let's move!

It's time for us to bring the Amakusa Church

where it needs to be!

[AMAKUSA CHURCH yells]

What's this?

You're seeking salvation from the weak?

Is this how badly you fear the fate of death?

Is that what it looks like?

It's true that I have friends who were hurt

standing by my side, and I feared it would happen again.

Because of that,

I decided to rethink my involvement with the Amakusa.

But I was wrong.

This tragedy did not happen because they were weaklings.

I labeled them as weak,

and I was unable to trust in their abilities.

Somewhere inside me, I looked down on them.

And I would never allow them to protect me.

The real tragedy is my arrogance in believing

that I was the one who had to protect them.

And that's why I'm going to overcome it.

I'll trust them to have my back.

And with all of us trusting and supporting each other,

I will surmount this.

And the Amakusa Church will have the revival it deserves!

[ACQUA] Your baseless hope is simply a delusion.

What's wrong with you?

Did you truly think you could surpass me by doing this?

[KANZAKI] Saints were born with physical characteristics

very similar to the Son of God.

So they have a portion of that power on loan to them.

[KANZAKI] Be that as it may...

They cannot wield the kind of power that you have.

You clearly have powers above those of a simple saint.

And why is that?

The answer's obvious.

It's your Holy Mother Veneration.

You have physical characteristics not just similar

to the son of God, but to the Holy Mother as well.

By stacking the attributes of both saint and Holy Mother,

you've taken that power that would normally

run out of control,

and found a way to forcibly integrate it!

So what difference does it make to you if I have?

It doesn't.

Because you have an unfortunate weakness.

Compared to all the other saints in the world,

you have an even greater vulnerability to counter spells

that specifically target you!

She means Saint Breakout.

[KANZAKI] Saint Breakout.

It forcibly collapses the balance of traits

similar to the Son of God.

And this causes the power to run rampant within them.

If you have both those traits

and are then hit with a Saint Breaker spell...

He would detonate.

It makes sense.

That's why he was exclusively using his magical abilities

defensively when we fought earlier.

I see. So that's your play.

[KANZAKI yells]

These are all symbols from the crucifixion

of the Son of God.

[KANZAKI] Longinus, It's time for the final key

to his execution!

This should be good.

Fighting against the entire Amakusa Church.

Such is a name worthy to be engraved upon my heart

for all time.

[ACQUA] T-H-M-I-M-S-S-P.

T-C-T-C-D-B-P-T.

T-R-O-G-B-W-I-M-A-A-T-H!

[AMAKUSA CHURCH yells]

[ACQUA yelling]

Go, now!

What the--?

Just leave him to me!

I've got this Saint Breakout!

[ACQUA yelling]

[ACQUA yelling]

[KNIGHT A] Sir William, you're safe!

[KNIGHT B] That's William Orwell for ya!

That's what you get for tricking me

and saving the best part for yourself.

So, is it true what I've heard--

that you're really planning to leave England?

[ACQUA [WILLIAM]] Yes.

[VILIAN gasps]

[KNIGHT LEADER] You're not cut out to be a mercenary, William!

I pulled so many strings.

I had hoped to finally welcome you in as a knight,

but you didn't care. You just brushed it all away.

What is it you're going after?

It's not that I'm turning it down for a better option.

Knights and mercenaries are both important roles.

You know that. Changing won't solve anything.

Meaning what?

We're fine as-is.

I protect from without.

Meanwhile, you safeguard everything from within.

It's perfect.

We'll have greater latitude this way.

I guess there's no stopping you, then.

[ACQUA [WILLIAM]] Oh, that reminds me.

Could you do me a favor?

An order has been placed with a craftsman

outside of London for an escutcheon.

Cancel it for me, would you?

[KNIGHT LEADER] As though he could lay it aside.

As though it could be laid aside.

Damn it.

Looks like you're coming around!

Uh, here. See if this helps.

Oh, no! Please don't strain yourself!

Not after the battle you've been through.

Uh, actually, to be honest,

I don't remember much of anything

after I'd left the hospital.

We took down a saint!

There's not even twenty of them in the entire world!

And you were a big part of that!

That on its own is a miracle!

Just like a sh**ting star.

Or like Santa Claus tripped and all the presents

were scattered everywhere!

You know?

Sure.

So then, you're basically saying we b*at Acqua

and that you and the Amakusa are awesome?

Oh! No!

I didn't mean it like that!

Although, I have to admit it's true.

But it's not really for me to say, so...

Wait. Can you tell me what day it is today?

My attendance numbers are still okay, right?

Please say yes!

There have been so many incidents happening lately.

You shouldn't be getting up!

Just lay back down!

Uh, I mean, if you...

[INDEX] Toma...!

I'm the one who was sitting there for most of the time

and you didn't even notice.

[BOTH gasp]

We were talking!

[INDEX] You haven't even apologized for sneaking out

of the hospital without telling me!

Yeah. She's right!

[KAMIJO] Huh?

How could you do that?

You shouldn't've been fighting Acqua in your condition!

As in Acqua from the Right Seat of God?

Why wouldn't you think of turning to me for help

against an enemy who's that powerful, Toma?

Uh... Well, uh...

Wait, when did Itsuwa start taking Index's side?

Is this the Amakusa environmental adaptation

ability at work?

[TSUCHIMIKADO] Hey, there, sweetie.

While you're standing there,

the window of opportunity is closing.

[KANZAKI gasps]

You need to find a suitable way of thanking Kami

for all the help he gave the Amakusa, don't you?

I intend to express my gratitude.

--I just-- --Well?

I assume you brought your fallen angel maid set along, right?

No! Of course I didn't bring it here!

Really.

I couldn't do that with others around anyway,

but especially not considering that girl's perfect memory.

Yeah, I figured you might be too uptight, so...

Ta-da!

I took the liberty of bringing a new-and-improved

fallen maid set for you. Nice, huh?

Check out how open the décolletage is!

And this skirt'll be perfect for showing off those legs.

[KANZAKI] No! No, no, no, no, no!

Then what will you do?

Come on sweetie, you must have some sort of plan!

After everything that's happened,

you can't just phone it in.

A tilt of the head and "I'm so grateful!"

That kind of "thank you" isn't gonna cut it this time!

Yes, fine.

So... I...

I have to do something more.

But what would that be?

[TSUCHIMIKADO] Try getting off your high horse.

Hey, I have a question!

What do you think those lovely testaments to mammality are for?

Yes, those. Right there.

I mean your boobs, sweetie.

Why are they there?

And what are they for if you don't know how to use them?

Wh-What?

Come on. Level with me.

You think this slow pace is the best tactic?

Wait. What are you talking about?

[TSUCHIMIKADO] I'm talking about Itsuwa.

The fact is, she wouldn't think twice

about playing the sexy fallen angel maid

if she needed to.

You're wrong! She'd never.

Listen!

You're starting to fall way behind Itsuwa.

On a feminine level!

Really.

Are you going to let your pride get the better of you?

You women and your delicate sensibilities.

How dare you say something like that to me?

Maybe you're not truly cut out to lead

those little lost sheep of yours.

Well, sweetie. What now?

What will you do? What will you do?

What will you do?

[KAMIJO] Every inch of me is covered in bruises.

But something like that won't stop you from biting me, huh?

Hmph! It's your own fault, Toma!

[door opens]

[KANZAKI] Pardon me.

[GROUP] Huh?!

[yells]

[ROMAN POPE] I don't understand.

How in the world was Acqua beaten?

[FIAMMA] It means the opposition is progressing

more quickly than expected.

When did you emerge from your bolt-hole,

Fiamma of the Right?

[FIAMMA] That sort reaction won't do.

It makes it seem like you're not cut out

for your exalted position.

[ROMAN POPE] What are you planning?

[FIAMMA] First, we are going to strike England.

[ROMAN POPE] What?

[FIAMMA] Don't you understand?

With the exception of England,

we've now managed to bring nearly all of Europe

under our control.

We're going to contact the other nations,

and with their help, we'll dry England up.

I don't see how that will do any substantial damage

to Academy City.

[FIAMMA] I'm not interested in Academy City.

My focus is England because it is there.

What do you mean by "it"?

[FIAMMA] Heh. Something we will get our hands on.

Though it may require exerting a great deal of power.

[ROMAN POPE] It can't be.

Are you truly a follower of the Church of the Cross?

You tell me. Do you think that I am?

Damn you.

Now, now.

Such rough language is hardly suitable for a pope.

You fool!

Do you really expect me to sit back and do nothing?

Would you take me on?

An old man against the leader of the Right Seat of God?

Old man, eh?

I call on the apostles one to twelve,

and I beseech thee, o infinite Lord!

May thy power be overflowing!

I am one who knows its proper meaning.

I implore thee that by this power,

my enemy be defeated!

You will remain idle here for the next forty years.

You should use the experience of this extended isolation

to sharpen your mind and achieve some measure of wisdom.

[ROMAN POPE gasps]

[ROMAN POPE yells]

No!

That power, it can't be.

Yes. The right hand symbolizes miracles, old man.

In Michael's right arm is the mightiest of weapons.

I have within me the very quintessence of miracles,

but I am unable to use it to its fullest.

I lack the correct output terminals to collect

and control it.

The power I wield in my current state is nothing

compared to what it might be.

Be honest.

Wouldn't you want to possess this?

The symbol of all miracles.

The Holy Right.

How could you?

I seek mastery of this w*apon.

But it requires overwhelming knowledge

beyond the domain of mankind in order to control

overwhelming power.

[ROMAN POPE] Index Librorum Prohibitorum!

Heh. Quite a delicate little package for such an immense

store of knowledge, wouldn't you say?

No! I won't allow this!

It's positively absurd that you think you stand a chance

against me, but at least this should be entertaining.

[FIAMMA] He took all of that by himself?

Formidable bastard.

[ROMAN POPE coughs]

[VENTO] Ha! Took all of that by yourself, huh?

You wouldn't have had to if you'd simply forsaken this city.

Fiamma's revealed that his target is in England.

--Go, quickly-- --Silence!

I don't take orders from you!

Although, if it coincides with k*lling that rat bastard, well,

I suppose that I might be willing to assist you.

[BOATMAN] I have a report.

It appears that an internal dispute has arisen

within the Roman Orthodoxy.

The pope was caught up in it and is gravely injured.

From the amount of magical force detected,

the damage to Vatican City should be substantial,

but it's still being calculated.

Do-gooder.

However, I'd bet anything you were smiling as you fought.

You do-good rascal.

[ALEISTER] It will take another several hours to restore

the Underline information net.

I want you to process the data that has been collected

just before shutdown.

Use the neural operational status and AIM diffusion

field offset data to derive the right arm's power

quality and quantity.

[overlapping voices]

[overlapping voices]

[KAMIJO] Under the archbishop's orders,

Index and I head for England.

An underhanded in-flight plot spurs sorcerers into action.

Next time, "Sky Bus Three-Six-Five."

When science and magic cross paths,

a story is born.