Hanashi 13 - Stay With Me

As Atsuko steps out of the castle and into the courtyard, she is greeted by the sight of a breathtakingly beautiful blue sky that looks like it was plucked straight out of a painting. The sun is shining brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over everything around her. In the distance, Atsuko spots Kenzo standing under a white and brown garden shelter. He seems lost in thought, staring off into the distance, but as soon as he notices her, a mischievous grin spreads across his face. "You wanted to speak with me?" Atsuko asks as she approaches him. Kenzo nods, his eyes still fixed on her. "Yes, that's right. I have an offer for you. Or perhaps it's more of a bargain." Atsuko frowns, sensing that there is more to this than meets the eye. "What happens if I refuse?" Kenzo bursts out laughing as if Atsuko has just said something incredibly funny. It's the kind of laugh that sends shivers down her spine, and she knows that there is something sinister lurking beneath the surface. "Why are you doing this?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly. "Because I love you," Kenzo replies, his tone softening. "I want you to stay with me. I promise to treat you well, to keep you safe from harm." Atsuko shakes her head in disbelief. "That doesn't even make any sense. Love isn't about forcing someone to stay with you. It's about letting them go if they want to leave." Kenzo takes her hand and pulls her into a cold, yet strangely comforting hug. "Please, Atsuko. Don't leave me. I can't bear the thought of losing you." Atsuko looks up at him, her eyes filling with tears. She knows that Kenzo isn't human, that he's a Daten-shi, a fallen angel who is also an incubus. He has been watching her since the day she was born, and he wants her to stay with him forever in this fabricated simulation. But as she stands there, wrapped in his embrace, Atsuko begins to question why she would want to stay in such a place. Does she want to spend the rest of her life in a world that isn't real? Atsuko's memories of the outside world are hazy and distant, almost as if they belonged to someone else. Instead, her mind is consumed by the memories of Jun and the day that led to their entrapment. 

They were both like caged animals, imprisoned forever in their hell. Despite this, Atsuko was torn between her desire to return to her real life and her reluctance to leave her comfort zone. She knew that the comfort zone was nothing more than a death trap of eternal torture, but the thought of leaving still filled her with dread. Staying with toxicity was like breathing in a poison that would slowly but surely corrupt her soul. “What will happen if I refuse your offer?” Atsuko asks again. From hearing this, Kenzo scowls, having a hard time processing Atsuko's desire to leave him. He despised the thought of losing her and wore a look of confusion on his face that was more suited to a human than a demon. He struggles to understand his own emotions. How could a demon like him have any feelings for a human, a mere prey to be hunted and consumed? With a cold smile, he answers her, "Then choose. You can either stay with me and become my one and only bride. Or you can refuse and from that decision onward, I will always be your enemy and it won't be nice." Atsuko ponders on her decision, wondering what the future holds for her. Should she stay with Kenzo and accept her fate as his bride? Or should she refuse and face the unknown dangers that awaited her?

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Deep within the vast forest, there lies a faint glimmer of hope. It's a glimmer of light that is barely perceptible, and it flickers intermittently as if it's trying to hide from the darkness that surrounds it. The source of this light is a mysterious building called Weavers Dream that stands amidst the sea of trees. This place is a replica of Jun's old home but with his personal touches added to it. As he waits for Atsuko to arrive, Jun can't help but feel a sense of anxiety and dread. He hopes that she hasn't fallen for Kenzo's lies and that she will come to him soon However, the threat is not just Kenzo but Dr. Alistair has also played a significant role in their current predicament. Jun hates him for that, and he grits his teeth in frustration as he paces around the living room. Revenge seems like the only way to make things right, but Jun knows that it's a double-edged sword. It may bring a sense of satisfaction at first, but it will ultimately leave him feeling hollow and empty. As he stands there, Jun notices that his hands are starting to change. He can sense that he's turning into a full-fledged Daten-shi, a malevolent creature that is feared by many in the land of Caspien. However, there is also a rumor that there is a savior who can help those who have succumbed to darkness. The light will never be extinguished, even amid the darkest night. Sadly, many people are deceived by their desires. They pursue pleasure and gratification without any regard for the consequences. They don't want a savior; they want to indulge in their selfish pursuits. It's a slow poison that turns them into mindless fools, blinded by their spiritual wickedness.  A sudden ring of the doorbell startles Jun, triggering flashbacks from a recent false scenario that felt all too real. Life used to be simple, with no worries or suspicions. But now, everything has changed, and he has to be on guard at all times. When he finally reaches the door, he comes face-to-face with Leonarda, his sister. However, she's not real - she only exists in this realm thanks to Remiel. "Hello, big brother." Leonarda grins sweetly. Jun frowns, "Why are you here? You're not real." 

"I only exist here thanks to Remiel. It's the same for our father. We were sent here to assist you. But it was difficult to reach you a while ago." Leonarda explains, wearing an expression of deep sadness. "Want to come inside?" Jun asks, mentally sighing. He knows the truth so wanting to interact with Leonarda makes him question if it's worth doing. "No thanks. I came here to say goodbye," Leonarda reveals, "I will make sure Atsuko finds her way here." Jun's eyes widened in surprise, "Why would you even help? You barely knew anything about Atsuko in the real world." Leonarda giggles while Jun's eyes begin to water. He holds back tears. "I've been programmed to help her but not by surpassing my limit."Leonarda begins to glitch, her body is almost unrecognizable and just a mere blurry and distorted image. "I was only meant to stay here for a short amount of time, once you and Atsuko know the truth about Caspien, I no longer exist. It's fair so I will help one last time. I will stay here one last time to help you out, big brother." Leonarda begins to cry as she hugs Jun. Jun doesn't hug back, trying to remain emotionless. He doesn't want to cry. But out of nowhere he gives in and ends up hugging back. He cries out, recalling what his two real purposes are. First, it's to save Atsuko from Kenzo and second, it's to escape the land of Caspien with her. "Stay with me, Leonarda. Why can't things go back to the way they truly were? Why did you and father have to die?!" Jun cries, wishing for Leonarda to reply back but now she's gone, she has disappeared, carrying out her final action. Hopefully, she can help bring Atsuko to Jun.