One does not simply rock their way past June of 1983
With title as ominous as Massacre chapter it highly unlikely that
we'll see a happy ending for the Hinamizawa gang. We begin with a small
discussion of the obstacles to Rika quest. Although not named as such
we're given the rules X,Y and Z (not to be mistaken with the XYZ affair) along with a definite debunking of the Sonozaki Conspiracy.
- Rule X: Madness: Someone will become delusional and all hell will break loose.
- Onikakushi-hen: Keichi kills Mion and Rena
- Watanagashi-hen
and Meakeshi-hen: Shion goes on the war path and kills Oryo Sonozaki,
Kiichirō Kimiyoshi,Rika, Satoko, Mion, and indirectly Keichi
-
- Tatarigoroshi-hen: Keichi killed Teppei Hojo and
wanted most everyone else to be killed by Oyashiro-sama. Also Satoko
was irrational and shoved Keichi(Not necessarily a bad idea since
Keichi wasn't exactly sane) off a bridge
- Tsumihoroboshi-hen: Rena murdered Rina and Teppei Hojo, then went terrorist and held the school hostage
- Yakusamashi-hen Satoko had some (justifiable) paranoia issues
In general Rika's friends are good folk, but when (im)properly stimulated they can do horrible things.
- Rule Y - Three Murders and the Great Hinamizawa disaster:
Without fail Takano and Tomitake are murdered on the Watanagashi
festival night in every arc. Then soon afterwards Rika is sacrificed at
the shine and the disaster strikes the village; unless Rule X kills Rika first
. Then there is no disaster and Hinamizawa is not destroyed. This
mystery and blows yet another large whole through the governments lame
volcanic gas explanation for the disaster.
- Rule Z - The Sonozaki Reputation:
Simply put the Sonazaki have used the chain of murders to enhance their
standing. Even though they weren't behind them, having people think
they were gives them more standing and power in the village.
Unfortunately this also fuels Rule X, giving Shion,Keichi and Rena a
visible evil villain to construct their delusions around.
If
Rika can just defeat Rules X,Y and X she could live happily past June
of 1983 with all her friends. Soon after explaining that Rika is
constantly being returned to June of 1983 we see Rika land after
falling from a cliff and her friends hurry down and were introduced to
Hanyu. Hanyu is Oyashiro-sama and she a rather timid being that only
Rika can see. She is the one enabling Rika to keep seeking a happy
ending, but her powers are weakening and they have only a little under
two weeks till the festival.
As if Rules X,Y and Z weren't enough, in this arc an added problem
arises. Satoko's uncle Teppei returns and begins abusing her. Several
times before this senario appeared, most notably Tatarigoroshi-hen,
Never before has this world remotely turned out well. Either Keichi or
Shion goes berserk and/or Satoko is completely destroyed by Teppei.
Rika just about gives up hope, but Keichi finds the strength the change
fate and save Satoko without failing victim to rule X.
Unfortunately
even though Rule X was Defeated, Rika and co. unprepared for Rule Y.
Tomitaki was murdered on cue and the evil villain was revealed.o be
Takano and her mercenary henchmen: the Yamainu
Defeated
the villain strong will takes more preparation and assets than the
Rika's group possess, but they put up a valiant effort, they are taken
out one by one. At the very end they realize they needed Hanyu's aid to
overcome fate and she agreed no longer be just a spectator but to join
in as an active participate.
Thoughts:
Rika
learns several important lessons in this arc. The was that with a
strong will fate can be changed and of almost equally importance, she
finally learned who her true friends and enemies are. Seeing Keichi
unite the whole town in order to save Satoko was touching and showed
the that working together Rika's friends could change fate. It was very
enjoyable to see my suspicions proven as fact as well as to get incite
into why Rika death triggers the Disaster. We also learn that a
parasitic disease has infected the residents of Hinamizawa, leaving the
residents more susceptible to delusions than normal which is the likely
source of Rule X.
Links