Forgiveness II

"It's serious, we need to meet up with Emiko and Hideki. Plant has gotten Mitsuko." Fulvius takes my hand.

"What do you mean it's gotten Mitsuko?" Do you mean to say that...?" I ask.
“Yes. It devoured Mitsuko whole. She's dead," Fulvius replies.
"Oh no, that's horrible. Poor Mitsuko," I exclaim in dread. Right now, I'm sick to my stomach and wish we had never even created the plant.

"We are to blame. The best thing to do is to go and assist them, express our deepest condolences, and pray that they won't report us to the authorities." Fulvius appears more concerned with the outcomes than with the fact that the plant we developed killed someone.

"You're correct. It was our fault for creating it." Do you believe they observed us performing the ritual?" I query in wonder.

"They did, in fact. Truthfully, I saw Hideki that day. Although Mitsuko and Emiko were undoubtedly present, he claimed he was the only one observing us. Then we got into a brawl," Fulvius stated.

"Is that why you were beaten up so badly?" I inquire, a little annoyed that he held this information back from me earlier.

“Hideki caught me off guard and I really didn't want to beat him up. I'm sorry, but I didn't want to bother you with it." Fulvius remarked.
"I see. We definitely need to get out of the woods now. To be honest, I'm scared right now. We should go see them." I remark as I take his hand.
He says, "Yeah, let's go."

We are walking down the street. The same street that used to give me a great romantic vibe since it was tranquil and well-lit by the street lights now gives me a feeling of horror. I notice how street signs are twisted or lying on the ground. The fact that the asphalt is cracked and there is blood on the ground makes me want to flee. I can even hear the monster making noises in the distance.

"This is the one. According to Hideki it is red and had numerous balconies," Fulvius recalls. His facial expression makes it clear that he feels the same way I do right now.

As we approach the third floor, we notice Emiko snuggling up to Hideki. She is crying on his shoulder and she is quite loud in doing so. She must be in excruciating pain. In the meantime, Hideki consoles her. She is shaky and is wearing his coat. Hideki, on the other hand, is clutching her jacket and is only wearing a long sleeve T-shirt.

He notices us and says, "Hello. I truly appreciate you coming."
"Naturally, we would come. Lives are on the line." Fulvius then asks, "How is she?" as he turns to face Hideki.

Emiko sneezes into a tissue and shouts, "How dare you ask how I am? My girlfriend is dead because of your stupid plant. I observed you when you were creating it."

Fulvius replies angrily, "Calm down Emiko, I did not come here to have you shout at me.
“Besides. You and your now deceased girlfriend Mitsuko are to blame for its release. Do you have any idea how many people will now suffer? It's not like Mitsuko is the only one." Fulvius tacked on.

“You! That creature was a result of your actions. It merely happened accidently since we were a little curious." Emiko cries out in a childlike manner, her eyes are bloodshot, and the area underneath her nose is all covered in snots. She seems to be threatening Fulvius and me.

"No one asked that you snoop on us. For your safety, we wanted to keep it hidden from you. However, you had to poke your noses into everything," Fulvius loses his cool.
"I will reveal everything to the homeroom teacher. Emiko hisses fiercely, "We even have a video proof.

"Emiko, while I understand how hurt you are, don't you see how they feel? Despite the fact that we set the monster free, they still feel guilty for everything that has happened. We're not going to show the video to anyone." Hideki says, attempting to defend us.

"Hideki, when did you start acting like such a kind guy?" Fulvius is sincerely interested in learning what drives him.

"I have always been. If you hadn't provoked me, that would not have happened. Since now human lives are on the line, we must collaborate on this. Together, we must shoulder the burden and put those petty power struggles behind us."

"I actually agree with you. Everything was foolish and stupid. I shouldn't have created that monster, but I did so for selfish reasons. My life has been ruined, so I set out to ruin the life of the person responsible, but I ended up unwittingly damaging the lives of individuals who did not deserve it." Fulvius exploded, and he is now telling us all how he really feels. His repressed feelings.

"No problem. I can relate to you. It pains me that this had to happen though. Maybe if I hadn't agree d to accompany the girls to the forest, they wouldn't have gone at all. Maybe it would have been even worse, and both Mitsuko and Emiko would be dead by now." Hideki declares.

"It's pointless to bring up what ifs right now. Unfortunately, given how terrible the monster we have made is, it was inevitable that a tragedy occurred."
Fulvius regrets it all and says, "Even I didn't know it was going to be that deadly."
"I am such a failure. I wish I had been able to defend both of them," Hideki grumbles while placing both of his palms on his head.

"Emiko is here because you put your life in danger to keep her safe," Fulvius reminds him.
"I'm grateful, Hideki. You kept me safe. I will forever be in your debt." Emiko comments after hearing Fulvius express it in such manner.

"Forget the debt, you are my dear friend, and of course I would do it again if I had to," Hideki responds, shuddering at the strength of the feelings.

Emiko is now embracing Hideki. It is a lengthy, heartfelt hug. She continues, "I am sorry for making you feel so horrible for always hanging out with Mitsuko and me while you felt so silly for doing it."

"Emiko, it's ok. Everyone makes mistakes," Hideki says.