Light streams through stained glass. El Mariachi Muerte stands in the doorway to an empty Church of Zion.
“They are searching. But he makes sure they find what they are looking for.”
“Not all that wander are lost. And not all that are lost will find what they seek. But nobody finds their salvation for seven credits a month.”
He lifts his guitar, strumming a chord.
“Some remain, hidden in plain sight. Unable to see the forest through the trees.”
♪ I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you ♪
“What would you give, Colt Ramsey, to find that which you’re looking for? Your soul, sold so cheaply to find that missing piece. You seek that purpose, a way forward… but you found Zion instead.”
“This place is tailor made to attract the likes of you. Downtrodden, outcast souls of a society that stopped caring about them.”
“But Zion is not your salvation. It is just another winding path through the forest of life that goes round in circles.”
♪ I have kissed Zion’s lips
Felt the healing in the fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire ♪
♪ I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone ♪
♪ But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for ♪
“You were taken in by those honey lips, Colt. The cheshire smile of a charismatic leader who has your best interest in heart, as long as you keep paying the devil his dues.”
“But you will not find your purpose in Zion. It will not replace what you lost. Your dignity, your livelihood, your reputation. You lost it all when the Uprising broke Arcadia. They stole that from you.”
“But you always held on to your integrity. It was integrity that drove you to publish that article, knowing the fallout that would come. The search for purpose brought you here, but you gave Lionel Troy much more than seven credits a month.”
“You sold him that integrity.”
“That is why you feel empty inside. Not because of what the Uprising stole from you or what you have lost, but because the shred of dignity you had left… You sold for the measley price of seven credits a month.”
♪ You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
You know I believe it ♪
“I cannot provide you purpose, Colt, for I never lost mine. La Musica holds within it the secret of salvation, but only you can hear it.”
“And it will not cost you seven credits a month to listen.”
“You hold the secret to navigating this forest that has you lost. Not Lionel Troy, not Zion. Listen to your song, and find for yourself what you seek, mi amigo.”
Muerte places seven gold coins upon the altar.
“Nobody buys salvation. But here’s enough to purchase another month of bullshit.”
He sings as he exits the church, leaving behind the seven coins.
♪ I still haven’t found what I’m looking for ♪