On the other side…

"So…my memories…"

Index's voice trembled so much it was barely audible.

"Every year, I lose a chunk of my memory… and it's because of you all?"

Kanzaki Kaori stood before her, fists tightly clenched, nails digging into her palms. This usually valiant female Saint now looked like a scolded child who didn't dare meet Index's eyes.

After revealing the truth to Index, every second felt like agony gnawing at her heart.

"Yes."

Kanzaki's voice was low and hoarse.

Silence descended over the space.

Kuroko's eyes were wide in disbelief. Shokuhou Misaki's mouth curved in a mocking smirk, while Mikoto simply frowned. But all attention was on the small nun in front of them.

Index's shoulders began to quake, at first slightly, then more and more violently. She lifted her head, tears pooling in her jade-green eyes.

"Why…wouldn't you tell me?"

Her voice cracked.

"I trusted you. I trusted the Church. I trusted…God…"

Each of her words stabbed Kanzaki's heart like a knife. Kanzaki recalled scenes from their past—Index was once so innocent, praying wholeheartedly, trusting the Church unconditionally—and she had personally erased that purity.

"The Archbishop said it was all…for your sake…"

Kanzaki forced the words out, every syllable burning her throat.

"Ha?"

Shokuhou let out a sharp, scornful laugh.

"What a lofty excuse. You magicians are even more foolish than I thought."

Kuroko said nothing, but the disapproval in her eyes was clear. Mikoto lightly tugged at Shokuhou's sleeve, signaling her not to provoke Kanzaki any further.

Index seemed not to hear the comments around her. She stared into space, silent tears sliding down her cheeks.

"All those memories I cherished, all the doctrines I struggled to remember, every prayer, every smile…"

Her voice grew softer and softer.

"Were they…all a lie?"

Kanzaki couldn't endure it anymore. She dropped to her knees in front of Index, her forehead nearly touching the ground.

"I'm sorry!"

Her voice brimmed with unprecedented anguish.

"I know an apology won't change anything, but I'm so—so sorry!"

"I thought…I was protecting you."

Her voice choked up.

"But now I understand I was only hurting you."

Index slowly raised her hand, gently pressing a finger to her temple, as if checking whether her memories were still there.

"Every time I woke up, there was always this strange emptiness inside…"

She murmured. "Now I finally know why."

Kanzaki looked up, and saw the light in Index's eyes fading away—the collapse of faith. As a once-devout believer, Kanzaki knew better than anyone how agonizing that feeling was.

"I'm not asking you to forgive me."

Still on her knees, Kanzaki straightened her back.

"But I want to tell you the truth, all of it."

She took a deep breath, deciding to hold nothing back.

"Today, we were supposed to carry out the memory erasure again. If not for them interfering…"

She glanced at Mikoto and the others. Mikoto folded her arms.

"Hmph, if I see that kind of situation, I'm not going to stand by and watch someone die."

Kuroko's face was equally grim.

"The way you acted, you looked like murderers bullying someone weaker. If I could've beaten you, I would've arrested you on the spot."

"Heh."

Shokuhou snorted coldly.

"I only got dragged into this mess because of these two idiots."

Kanzaki didn't argue. She bore every accusation because they were all true. She turned her remorseful gaze to Index. She was trembling with the pain of being deceived and the anger at her own complicity.

"I'll return to the Anglican Church—face the Archbishop personally."

Hearing that, Shokuhou sneered.

"Oh? Then what—your so-called 'benevolent' Archbishop cleans you up?"

"I don't care."

Kanzaki's tone was firm.

"I'm one of the Saints. At least I can force her to give me some answers."

Mikoto frowned and quickly stopped her.

"Wait. If you leave now, what about him?"

She gestured toward Stiyl, who'd been frozen in time by Rei Ao.

Kanzaki froze for a moment—she'd almost forgotten about her partner, who was stuck motionless thanks to Rei Ao's power. Despite his obstinate nature, he was still her comrade; she couldn't abandon him.

"I suggest waiting for Rei Ao to come back before deciding anything," Mikoto proposed. "After all, he's the one who froze him—he should know how to undo it."

Kanzaki hesitated, then eventually nodded. She turned to Index and saw the little nun regarding her with a complex expression—pain, confusion…but oddly, no hatred.

"Index…"

A long pause followed, so long that Kanzaki thought Index might never speak again. But finally, she did:

"I forgive you."

Those four words struck Kanzaki's heart like thunder. She looked up in disbelief.

"What?"

"I said, I forgive you."

Index repeated, quietly but firmly.

"Because I understand how much you're hurting, too."

Tears burst from Kanzaki's eyes at last. Never had she expected forgiveness—especially not from her own victim.

"You don't have to—"

She choked out.

"I know."

Index gave a small smile, tears still glistening.

"But it's a lot easier than hating you."

She gazed at the moonlit night outside the window, seeking a measure of calm.

Kanzaki could hold herself back no longer. She lunged forward, hugging Index tightly, sobbing like a child.

"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…"

Index gently patted Kanzaki's back with her small hand, like comforting a child who'd had a nightmare. The victim was now consoling the perpetrator—an absurd yet deeply moving scene.

~~~

Didn't upload yesterday. My bad! Thank you for the support nonetheless!