They say that the Mariachi play the sweetest songs in all of Arcadia: that those songs are meant to influence the people around them, to keep the circle of Arcadian life moving. 

At the end of the day, a Mariachi’s song is meant for all.  It’s intended for everyone. 

It’s something to be shared to be given to others willingly… Even if it’s la canción de los muertos.  The songs aren’t meant to be held selfishly, because the Mariachi’s voice is meant for everyone.   

Yet, recently, I’ve watched the last Mariachi sing his songs for himself.  It has always been about him. 

He wants to protect himself from seeing his love tortured; he chooses to rob Arcadia of love and sings his song to protect his eyes and his heart from the experience.  He wants to keep the woman he has feelings for in the dark about the evil they’ve done for evil people?  He sings to her to make her forget, so he can protect himself from the conversation about their misdeeds. 

But that’s what it’s all about with you, Muerte, isn’t it?  You, you, fucking you… 

You want to protect yourself from consequences, so you use your little voice to suit your ends.  To insulate yourself the best you can. 

But what about the people who’re counting on you, Muerte?  Those who want to be safe and secure in the people we choose to surround ourselves with. 

Fuck them, right?  You want to bring the Horseman of War into our ranks because you want him here. 

No, no, fuck you, because Muerte, buddy, pal o’ mine.  I’ve taken a step back and looked at it all. 

Where I thought we had common ground, you and I, I realize there was none.  I’ve faced every piss poor decision I’ve made, owned up and taken responsibility. 

My daughter hates me because of what I did and am still willing to do?  I own that, I caused that, I face and live with it every day!  It’s partly my fault that Zeus is as influential as he is.  I own that, I am responsible, and because of that, I put the needs of the many above my own.   

The needs of those who count on me to make the right call for them.  The ones who put their trust in me.  I put that weight on my shoulders, and I carry it.  I am thankful and count myself lucky that The Night is willing to shoulder that weight with me, because if it were on yours, it would crush you. 

Which is what will happen at Hounds of Hades, I’m gonna fuck you up, and drop the weight of everyone’s need directly on your back.  Just so I can watch you crumble in front of everyone, Gemini, Jackson, Ayame, all of them will see that you are only in this to meet your own needs…  

One shot, one kill, and they’ll all see you’re nothing but a man trying to preserve his status quo.  Another selfish motherfucking Preservationist to be dealt with.