Secret Story [Completed]

Hanashi 20 - The Price of Vice

As they step into the spacious and elegantly lit ballroom, a lighthearted and gentle melody starts to play, causing the two dancers to sway and twirl in an endless flow of graceful movements. Their steps are in perfect sync, as if they were a single entity moving to the rhythm of the music.

The spectators watch in awe, captivated by the beauty and harmony of the dancers. Some of them are inspired, while others envy the attention and spotlight. They yearn to be on the dance floor, free from their own limitations and madness.

But time is fleeting, and the moment will soon fade away. For darkness is merely the absence of light, and the light is about to shine again, banishing the shadows forever. Those who deny this truth are misguided and foolish.

As Atsuko and Hideo dance, a flood of memories rushes back to them, prompting tears to stream down their cheeks and bittersweet smiles to form on their lips. These memories were buried deep within their hearts, forgotten until this moment.

The music is nostalgic and hopeful, evoking a sense of sorrow and joy that words cannot express. Atsuko looks up at her partner, no longer afraid or apprehensive.

As Hideo's inner darkness begins to dissipate, Atsuko can't help but feel sorry for him. She realizes that he too has been ruined by the curse of Dr. Alistair's family bloodline. Hideo's Daten-shi appearance slowly fades away, and he transforms back into his human form. His short brown hair and stern yet gentle golden eyes return, reflecting a kind and pure happiness that will soon be lost forever.

"I'm sorry for all the things I've done...." Hideo whispers, holding Atsuko's hand and twirling her around before bringing her back to his front. Tears stream down his face uncontrollably, and he can't help but regret all the things he has done.

Atsuko responds, "It's okay; Everything will soon be history." She is relieved that Hideo is no longer blind to the truth, and she is equally glad that she too can see things for what they really are.

The truth can be a heavy burden to bear, often accompanied by great sorrow. However, accepting the truth is the key to freedom and liberation. Mere complaining and sulking does not bring change. To bring about change, it is necessary to confront and overcome the darkest parts of one's heart, allowing the light to shine through.

As the music fades away, Hideo halts his dance and pulls Atsuko close for a warm embrace. Atsuko reciprocates the hug, fervently hoping for a happy ending for Hideo. Hideo closes his eyes, feeling no pain as his body starts to vanish into thin air. He knows that he is finally free from the role of a villain.

Stunned and bewildered, Atsuko stands in the now-silent and brightly-lit ballroom, trying to make sense of everything that has happened. She gazes down at her own hands, watching as they slowly become transparent.

In the blink of an eye, the scene around her starts to fade away, and a bright, all-encompassing light engulfs everything, including Atsuko herself. Overwhelmed by the experience, she blacks out, her mind unable to comprehend the events unfolding around her.

****

Remiel observes the scene with keen interest, his eyes fixed on the sleeping pods of Atsuko and Hideo. As he monitors their vitals, he notes that Atsuko's readings are stable, while Hideo's vital signs have plummeted to a thin, lifeless line. The water in his pod has turned from transparent to a murky black.