Secret Story [Completed]

Himitsu 21 - Clashing Souls

Exiting from Weavers Dream, their only source of haven, Leonarda takes the lead, wasting no time. Atsuko and Jun trail behind her, keeping close as they walk side by side, looking around the beautiful and vast forest they find themselves in. This scenery takes them back to the memory of their captivity. It was Jun's birthday and the last day of freedom for both himself and Atsuko.

As they walk, Atsuko grabs Jun's hand and glances at him. Jun holds Atsuko's hand back and shows a small smile before looking away. He can't believe that they are finally free. However, he knows that it's not reasonable to get too caught up in the good things in life. Sometimes things are good, and sometimes things are bad, but what's important is to be hopeful and not let the good blind you into believing that things will always be good and for the bad, not to curse your own life and complain. You just have to keep on going, be hopeful in the good and the bad.

Leonarda hums softly, and Jun stares at her with eyes filled with sorrow. He secretly hates how he can see his dead sister still alive within this realm. It hurts him so much that she died at the hands of Dr. Alistair Crane.

"How did you die, Leonarda?" Jun asks out of nowhere.

Leonarda stops walking and looks back at Jun sternly, "I don't want to tell you how."

Atsuko stops smiling, and the word "death" triggers something within her.

"That's not the answer I want to hear...." Jun adds.

"Oh well, why should it matter how I died? I'm here right now. Isn't that enough?" Leonarda responds.

Hidden rage from within Jun sprouts, yet he contains it, suddenly letting out a dry laugh, "I forgot. You're practically not human. Just a fake...."

"What's the matter, Jun? We shouldn't be acting like this...." Atsuko whispers sadly, using both hands to hold Jun's hand, "Leonarda is helping us. Even if she isn't a real person, she's still your sister. Just a fragment of how long she lived before you know....." The brunette doesn't say the whole word, feeling sad and even on the verge of tears.

Jun calms down and stares at Atsuko and then at Leonarda, "I.....I'm sorry."

Leonarda smiles a bit, "It's okay. You're right about everything, but even so, the real reason why I can't tell you how I died is that if I reveal such information, then that will corrupt my programming....."

"I understand...." Jun tears up.

As Leonarda glances at her two teary-eyed companions, she tries to lift their spirits, "Cheer up, please. Or else!" she exclaims, flashing a smile.

Atsuko, wiping away her tears, sniffles and nods silently. Meanwhile, Jun is trembling, and Atsuko gives him a gentle yet firm hug, sensing his emotional exhaustion.

The red sky above them is a sickening sight, and the gravity of their situation threatens to push Jun over the edge.

When Atsuko suddenly plants a kiss on Jun's lips, he snaps back into reality and kisses her back. Leonarda, feeling embarrassed, quickly averts her gaze and stares off into the distance.

"Just keep going," Atsuko smiles, pulling away from the kiss. "We can't let despair win."

Jun nods in agreement, still blushing. Leonarda leads the way once more, and the three continue to walk deeper into the forest.