The night before the competition, the bank CEO admires his concert hall, which is a gaudy mix of European and Asian influences. Meanwhile, Aunty Floresta remains worried about Lan, who has been working frantically to finish the stargate since learning about Shizuka’s situation.

As Shizuka reflects on her life and impending doom, Tremon attempts to tempt Katrina. If she’ll take the cursed bow, he’ll ensure that no one is ever cruel to her again. Katrina refuses. Tremon reveals then that Shizuka will lose her soul. Though Katrina is shocked, Tremon insists Katrina must have known deep down and chosen not to see it out of selfishness. Katrina sneaks into Shizuka’s room and steals the dogwood bow. On a whim, Katrina calls her mom, but when the woman shows no sign of acceptance or personal growth, Katrina hangs up and blocks her number.

They arrive at the competition. As Katrina heads backstage, she tells Shizuka she loves her.

Backstage, Tremon and the bank CEO inspect the players, and the CEO pauses to grope Katrina’s crotch. When she walks onstage, the announcer presents her as a “transgender activist” and comments on her dress, but Katrina is unfazed. She pulls out her bow—now the cursed dogwood bow—and performs the Bartók piece to perfection, throwing her entire soul into it.