LOST SONG Episode 3: The Song of Love

The episode opens with Akari Murayama in a spiritual realm, surrounded by shadowy threats. She battles with a fierce, almost reckless abandon, ignoring Sette's cautions to clear the area first. Her blade glows with a fiery aura, but her eagerness to strike the 'boss' leaves her vulnerable. A powerful swordsman spirit appears, piercing her with spiritual spikes and sending her crashing to the ground, wounded.

Back at the shrine, a bandaged Akari grouses under the care of Rui Ichikawa. Her irritation at being sidelined is clear, a defiance that Seria Aiba and Riku Aoki observe with concern. Despite her injuries, Akari's spirit remains unbroken, even if her body requires some mending. It is a brief moment of calm before the storm, highlighting her stubborn nature.

Sette explains the danger of 'Great Ghosts,' identifying the swordsman as a historical figure of immense power. This revelation broadens the scope of their mission, lending gravity to their spiritual battles. Suddenly, Seria's own bound Great Ghosts—Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Marcus Antoninus—manifest. They offer their strength, their banter with Seria providing a lighthearted counterpoint to the impending threat, while their quest for their lost son, Caesarion, adds another layer of emotional depth.

Akari's frustration boils over when Sette forbids her from joining the next mission, leading to a comedic encounter with Yotetsu, a sleek official. Yotetsu's snide remark about Sette's companions earns him a swift, well-placed punch from the monk. This brief, physical comedy reveals a long-standing, antagonistic yet familiar relationship between the two men, offering a moment of levity.

Yotetsu officially inducts Seria into TERA, recognizing her unique abilities as a spiritualist. This formalizes her role in the ongoing struggle to reclaim territories in the spiritual realm. Seria reads the contract with a mixture of nervousness and pride, understanding the weight of her new responsibility. Sette then sets the stage for an immediate departure, emphasizing the urgency of their mission.

At the Murayama home, Akari shares a quiet moment with her grandfather, Masanori, preparing his dinner. He asks her to retrieve a specific record, 'Days of Decadence,' which sparks a nostalgic conversation. Masanori reveals the record's sentimental value, purchased with his late wife, Eriko, and expresses his love for tangible memories. The atmosphere shifts to a gentle melancholy when he laments his inability to hear the music due to his failing hearing.

The tender moment is abruptly interrupted by the MiuS system, chastising Masanori for singing. Akari's protective anger flares, and she vows to restore his ability to enjoy music freely. Just then, Seria arrives with medicine from Rui, and Masanori warmly invites her inside. This scene effectively links Masanori's plight to Akari's burgeoning resolve and Seria's growing connection to the family.

On the porch, Akari and Seria share iced coffee, a bonding moment that deepens their friendship. Akari reveals her grandmother passed away some time ago, surprising Seria and showing a vulnerable side. To lighten the mood, Akari nicknames Seria 'Serian,' a playful gesture of acceptance. This exchange shows Akari's rough exterior often masks deeper feelings, and Seria's quiet understanding strengthens their connection.

Seria stands alone on a bridge, contemplating her unusual existence. To the world, she is dead, a fact that weighs on her but also clarifies her perspective. A brief flashback to her funeral portrait underscores her unique predicament. Despite the limitations of her 'undead' status, her resolve to help Akari and others grows, finding a new purpose in fulfilling her friends' wishes.

The group gathers at the shrine, finding a moment of levity watching a humorous video. The comedian's simple gag brings laughter, even drawing a rare smile from Riku. Akari explains her grandmother's love for this kind of humor, connecting the present moment of joy to cherished memories. This shared laughter acts as a necessary emotional release, a small breath before they face the dangers of the spiritual realm once more.

Lying in her futon, Seria experiences a fleeting vision: two children playing in a sandbox, a young girl waving goodbye. The memory is distant, hazy, yet leaves a lingering sense of nostalgia. She looks at the full moon, her mind turning to the upcoming mission and her commitment to her new companions. The scene implies a past for Seria that remains largely untold, adding a layer of mystery to her character.

The mission begins in a spirit-infested area, where Yotetsu erects a defensive barrier. Riku steps forward, showcasing her 'Necromancy of the Dead' technique. With a prayer, she converts aggressive shadow spirits into harmless green lights, demonstrating her unique ability to pacify corrupted souls. As the powerful swordsman spirit reappears, Sette directs Seria to confront him, and she undergoes a vibrant transformation, manifesting two glowing blades and a regal, ancient warrior outfit.

Seria engages the swordsman in a fierce duel, their blades clashing with spiritual energy. She notes the tears streaming down his face, recognizing his grief rather than malice. This insight shifts the nature of their confrontation. Seria begins to sing, her voice carrying across the battlefield, resonating with the spirit's pain. Images of the Shinsengumi's tragic past appear as the song progresses, pacifying the spirits and entrancing the swordsman.

As the song concludes, the swordsman, identified as Hijikata Toshizo, stands before Seria, his expression now calm. Seria gently recounts the historical fate of the Shinsengumi, explaining their enduring legacy and honor in the modern age. Hijikata listens, finally finding a sense of closure after centuries of lingering sorrow. His form stabilizes, no longer burdened by shadow, a testament to Seria's ability to offer peace.

With the mission accomplished, Akari, despite her injuries, boldly asks Hijikata to train her in swordsmanship. He agrees, recognizing her spirit, much to the delight of her companions. Meanwhile, Sette and Yotetsu discuss their overarching goal: seeking revenge against an organization that caused them personal loss. The episode closes with Akari and Seria visiting the Murayama family grave, where Seria sings for Akari's grandmother, her voice connecting living and dead in a heartfelt conclusion.