Hinamizawa Hell

"Revealing Demons" Arc: 2

Ch. 13: The Fulfilled Promise part 2

"Mion…Shion!"

"GAH! M…MOTHER!"

"Dear, please, no heart attacks tonight, alright?"

"Oh, don't you start! With all that's happened and from what I've seen, someone will pay hell tonight!"

Akane Sonozaki, storming into the room followed by her frightened husband, Kasai, Dr. Irie and Takano, burst through the doors wearing her common attired black kimono; hell bent for some answers. Her eyes narrowed around the room, finding two men in hospital beds followed by bruised and beaten teenagers, then her daughter looking like she'd gone through hell and back with her lover, Keiichi. Mion and Shion looked back at their mother, wishing they could face the Oni again instead of their mother's wrath.

"Mother…please, calm down…" spoke Shion weakly, frightened by her mother. Sweat beaded down Shion's forehead, her presence feeling miniscule by her parents' attendance now.

"Shion! I will not do any of the sort till I am told why both of you and the others are so injured, and why the hell the torture devices were out in the dungeon viewing room! Those are not meant to be used except only by the head…"

"Then we have no problem on that part, since I was the one who used them…"

All eyes turned on Mion, her gaze fierce even at her own mother. Akane stopped short of this spectacle, fearing even her daughter's intense stare. It was almost like looking into her own mother's eyes again, the fierceness of Oryu living on through Mion.

"Mi-chan…why did you bring those out? Tell me you didn't…" Akane spoke hesitantly, almost frightened to hear the answer. Mion used this to her advantage, acting like a true leader again.

"If Dr. Irie and Takano-san haven't told you by now, I wasn't in the right mind. And for your information, mother, what I do with those cursed things is my own business. That's why I'm having Kasai store those devices back where they belong: at the Furude Shrine!"

Akane gulped whatever fear she had and refocused her mind. It was true that Dr. Irie and Takano had explained to her the ludicrously-sounding disease which Mion had experienced, but it seemed like a fantasy to her. However, Oryu once spoke to Akane of such things in Hinamizawa, so she couldn't assume it to be entirely false. It was so confusing to her, almost too much to take in.

"I'm…just concerned for all of you. How do you think I feel like after seeing both my daughters injured and their friends off much worse? Can you imagine what thoughts are going through your mother's head right now?" Akane's words took the twins off guard now, making them feel guilty about the whole thing. Thankfully, Mizuho stepped in; trying her best to calm whatever matters were on Akane's mind. Hopefully, her role as their teacher would play some part in this matter.

"Akane-san, I may not have been down there, but I'd think everyone would agree with me when I say that they're all fine, except for this big oaf. If they don't want to talk about it, then let it be. They will tell you when they're ready, ok?" Mizuho smiled sweetly at Akane, managing to succeed in her attempts.

"…fine…but, there will be a lot of explaining to do in the future. Mion may still be the head of the family, but it doesn't change the fact that I'm her mother…" Akane pouted a bit, causing Kasai and her husband to giggle.

"Well, I'm glad that's over. Now Keiichi-san, granted that we weren't at the Watanagashi Festival to receive what we asked of you, I'm guessing that by judging by the look on your face you and Hagara-san failed?" Akane's husband looked sternly at Keiichi; Mion turning to him intently as the answer she had longed for finally came to light.

"Actually, no, the journey ended in my complete victory! Here, look for yourself!"

Akane stepped forward, grabbing the bag from Keiichi and opening it. Reaching down into the depths of the bag, she fondled what appeared to be a wooden box. Akane's eyes went wide, her smile large and obvious to the others. Pulling the box out for the others to see, she showed the item to the rest; confusion and awe on their faces. However, for her husband it was utter disappointment; his smile turning to a frown.

"Well done Kei-chan! Well done indeed! I see you actually found it…"

"Huh? What is that? Kei-kun, tell me please!" Mion's eyes pleaded for Keiichi to end the dilemma on her part; to at last tell her why he left her for two whole weeks. He smiled and nodded, looking at her parents for confirmation. With one very large sigh from Mion's father, a defeated one at that, he nodded and bit his tongue.

"It's ok Kei-chan. You can now tell Mion. After all, she of all people deserves to know…." Akane smiled, peering inside the box slowly and smiling at the item. What the beautifully crafted box with the flower designs contained on the inside was exactly what they asked for. Keiichi cleared his throat, holding Mion's hand in his gently. She blushed, not knowing what to expect.

"Well, Mi-chan, like I promised before I'll tell you. We've known each other for over two years I'd think, but we've only been together for over half a year. That doesn't matter to me, because…I've felt you and I are beyond that. I know you too well when I see you're having a tough time, and I gave it a lot of thought for many months since you started having problems at home…" Keiichi sighed; trying to make sure he said exactly what needed to be said. Mion looked on, listening intently like everyone else was. "…So, what I did was ended up going to your parents and discussing the possibility of certain…arrangements. Umm…I'm not trying to be too dramatic here, but bear with me. Anyway, they said that if I wanted something like 'that' to happen, I needed to prove my worth to you…"

"What Keiichi is trying to say is that the box your mother is now holding was the item she requested. Keiichi needed that to prove his worth to your family, and to get that required a two week trip through hellish terrain and impossible obstacles. Keiichi almost drowned in a river to get to the base of the cliff even…" spoke Komoto, trying to ease the tension off his friend. Keiichi thanked him for that, now taking the reigns back on the story.

"At the top of the cliff was an old shrine dedicated by your family to Oyashiro-sama. When I got up there I learned a little about your family's history, but I was more focused on finding that item. After using a clue your mom gave me to find it, I managed to locate the real box and return with Komoto. I got to tell you, I had such a death grip on that thing during the return trip that I even slept with it in my arms at night. But, when I came back, well, you know…" He smiled to Mion, enjoying the dramatic teasing of her as he told his story. She looked at him more confused than ever, tired of all this drama and nonsense.

"Ok, I get that, but Kei-kun, please, just tell me why you did this!" she pouted.

"…yeah, I probably should. Well…Mi-chan, I saw how much pressure was on your shoulders, and I didn't want to see you so…sad like that. You seemed so broken at times, and we were always apart. I hated that so much; I couldn't stand being away from you that long. If being the family head meant sacrificing your time with the others and me, then I wouldn't stand for it. Therefore, I decided to do this on my own, except with some minor aid from Komoto, and get that item in exchange for those two weeks of our summer. You see…that item belonged to your grandmother…and it entitles me to something very wonderful…"

At this point, Akane opened the box, amazing everyone with the content's beautiful design. Inside the box, resting in a satin-like pillow was a stunning necklace designed intricately with gold flowers and lotuses all around. What amazed most, though, and in particular Hanyuu and Rika, was the blue shard acting like a pendant. The crystal-like object glowed oddly now; multiple colors moving about depending on the angle of the light. Rena cooed at the cute designs, wishing she could keep it for herself, whereas the others studied its style.

"Mion, this necklace has been in our family for generations. We believed it to be a rare heirloom belonging to Oyashiro-sama, and our family has kept it safe over these years. Your grandmother was the last to keep this artifact, as a matter of honor in the family. Her husband brought it down from that mountain, and later on it was returned when your grandfather died. Since I married outside of the family, your father didn't have to take this test. This time, though, you were the head of the family upon Kei-chan's choosing to undertake this journey. Therefore, it is his right now upon your acceptance. Kei-chan…you may proceed."

"My…acceptance? Acceptance of what? Mion shook now, understanding very little of what this story unfolded to her. She felt a rush of excitement, almost too much to hold her joy in. In the depths of her heart, she knew this coming moment was something that would define their relationship with one another for the rest of their lives. However, she couldn't believe it until Keiichi did the unthinkable; stunning those in the room who didn't know the true intentions of his journey.

As Mion watched on with eager eyes, Keiichi got up from his chair, took the necklace in his hands from Akane, and returned back to Mion's bedside. She looked over to him with wide eyes; the tension building as he looked lovingly at her; his own nervousness increasing now.

To Shion's delight, to Satoshi's pleasure, to Satoko's amazement, to Rena's happiness, to Ryuu's delight, to Hanyuu and Rika's newfound discovery, to Akane and her husband's acceptance, and to Mizuho and Komoto's expectations, Keiichi Maebara, having passed all trials and tribulations for this right of passage, bent down on one knee in front of Mion Sonozaki, raising the necklace to her. She let out a large gasp quickly, tears forming out of the sides of her eyes now while an extremely large blush formed from her surprise of this moment. In the next few seconds, Keiichi asked the one question to her that had been on his mind for so long; achieving this long awaited goal at last.

"Mi-chan…I told you my heart belonged only to you, and I intend to keep it that way. So, will you accept my proposal here and now? Mi-chan, will you marry me?"

Time froze again, this moment burning into the minds of those present. Mion's shock, as well as the others, was clear in that room then and there. Shion's eyes brimmed with tears as the others waited in anticipation for her sister's answer. They already knew it from the start, the answer that would be given to Keiichi had he ever asked such a question. Even though they were young, still in school and just teenagers, Mion had assumed the right as head of the family whereas Keiichi possessed the one item that allowed him to be accepted by such a family. No one could say otherwise; they were ready for this moment no matter how unusual it seemed. At the same time, no one could doubt this love; the love that allowed any sin between the two to be forgiven with ease. Mion Sonozaki looking over to Keiichi Maebara bending down on one knee with a token for her hand in marriage was all too thrilling. This was the moment Mion could have only dreamed of, yet, it was happening right now. It was better than she had ever imagined.

With that known in the depths of her heart, Mion could only respond with her fated answer. This answer was truest in all forms; the definitive desire coming full circle for them that very moment.

"YES! I WILL!"

Upon the utterance of these fated words, Keiichi rose up and put the necklace around Mion's neck, and next, took her gently by the cheek and moved in. As they embraced in an everlasting kiss for what felt like years, the others cheered and clapped in applause; congratulating the two lovebirds on their declaration of marriage for one another. Most of the women cried in joy from seeing such a proposal, whereas the guys just grinned on for Keiichi. However, the one feeling was clear in this room; Keiichi and Mion's marriage statement was greatly accepted with open arms.

As the two separated from the kiss and looked deeply into each other's eyes, knowing full well what the other thought as they blushed profusely, Shion and the others who could rushed up and embraced them in a giant hug. The feeling was mutual; the happiness more than apparent after what was a long and hellish nightmare. Mion and Keiichi were caught in the dog pile from the others for a few minutes, but once everyone settled down again did Akane try to resolve the situation.

"Ahem…now, Mion, your father and I accept this with our full blessings. However, just because you and Keiichi are allowed to wed doesn't mean it will be immediate. I will only accept the full marriage until after you two are finished with your schooling. Expect a long engagement, say, 4 more years." Mion and Keiichi looked at each other, chuckled then looked back to Akane; their smiles displaying their agreement entirely.

"We're fine with that; a long engagement is something we would do anyway," spoke Mion, surprising her mother on the idea.

"We're still too young to get married, but we're fine with waiting till after school," responded Keiichi. He held Mion's hands in his, their warmth for one another greater than ever.

"Yes, that's right. Besides, I'm the only one in this room getting married first!" spoke Takano, musing over her marriage coming up in the next two months. Everyone else laughed at this fact, the tension relieved for a bit.

"However, there are still a few problems…" stated Keiichi. All eyes turned on him again, trying to figure him out. Mion couldn't guess what he would say, so she remained quiet to hear him out.

"Oh? And what is that?" asked Akane, listening intently.

"This doesn't change the fact that Mi-chan is still undergoing so much pressure. Even with her acceptance it still won't alleviate the problems we've had with seeing one another. That's why, if you'll accept me into your family during this engagement…then I want…to be by her side as much as possible. If you'll let me, I would like to live with her…"

Dead silence was again apparent in the room, some thinking it was a joke at first but then realizing the serious expression on Keiichi and Mion's faces. Ryuu smiled at his cousin, wishing he was that lucky to have Rena live with him. Even Shion and Satoshi looked at her parents, wondering if it would be possible. Hell, they lived together at their age, so why not them. Though Mion's father blushed and seemed like he was about to rip off Keiichi's head, Akane held him back and gave her opinion on the matter for once that night.

"I…am fine with that idea. Shion and Satoshi-kun are already living together on their own, and since you two are under strict scrutiny for marrying to a resident of Hinamizawa and, for that matter, the head of the Sonozaki family, it is an acceptable offer, as we will be able to slowly accept you into our family. However, this decision is entirely up to Mion alone; she owns the property and the rights to the Sonozaki estate now."

This proclamation was clear to them; Akane's words evanescent to those around. Keiichi looked to his love now, finding encouragement in her eyes and in her agreement. She looked over to her mother, offering her acceptance of this. This idea was thrilling, very hoped for in fact, but in order to contain her giddiness with Keiichi living in with her, she had to remain resilient on the matter. For that, she took a moment to think before giving her final answer.

"I would…greatly enjoy having him live with me…that is, if his parents will let him do so. I won't be selfish and have him all to myself, but…I want him to be by my side every morning and with me in bed every night. If that happens, then I would like Keiichi to live with me back at the estate." Everyone looked back to Akane's response, hopeful this would all be accepted. However, upon thinking that Akane would deliver a serious answer, she began smiling evilly and replied with something horrorifying to think about.

"Hehehe…Kei-chan, you may need your parents' permission, but if you have already told them this much of your intentions to marry my daughter then I'm sure you will have no problems with that. When we meet your parents next week, we shall finalize this. But remember, if you live with Mion in her home, then you shall be at her mercy! AHAHAHAH!"

Keiichi turned to Mion, nervously rubbing the back on his head. He chuckled at this thought, finding it a rather small joke. He couldn't be more wrong…

"Yeah, isn't that right, Mi-chan?"

"Well, you did lose that game before. You are still technically my slave for the rest of the summer break, right Kei-kun?" Mion looked at him darkly, the devilish smile on her face seductive. He gulped nervously, wondering if this whole event was just a perfectly planned trap to have Mion utilize Keiichi as her servant for the rest of his natural born life. As Mion jabbed him in his chest lightly, the others broke down in tears from this spectacle; the laughter too much.

"Mion, I know you may be under a lot of stress, but you are still obligated to your duties as head of the family. If you find Kei-chan's marriage proposal and living in with you to be alleviating the matter, then I'd hope this would be the end of it. However, if you are still under that much stress…"

"Mother, wait…I think Sis and I have something to tell you…"

As if it were another surprise that night, Shion suddenly stood up and looked at her sister; giving her the look that could say anything to her. Upon hearing her next words, Mion understood somewhat of what Shion wanted to do, but at the same time was confused. However, the feeling was mutual between them; they agreed to get a heavy, dark secret off their minds once and for all.

"Mother…Father…we need to tell you something we've kept from you for a long time. You see…when we were younger Mion and I used to play games with each other and try to fool everyone by switching places…" spoke Shion, fearing that the next coming backlash from her mother could indefinitely cripple her. However, Shion was doing this for her sister; something she owed to her for quite some time. It needed to be done, and from what Komoto had seen he was impressed with their sudden confession.

"Eh? What are they talking about?" asked Mizuho, eating another spoonful of pudding during this event. She still couldn't satisfy her sudden hunger.

"I already know about it. Just listen and watch…" he responded.

"One day, you accidently took me to a secret gathering to be tattooed with the Oni. We were still playing in the field that day, impersonating one another. You didn't give us any time to explain; you separated us from that day forth and sent us to different schools," continued Mion, tense in her grip on Keiichi's hand. Keiichi merely gave her a supportive hold, encouraging her to continue.

"Wait, what are you both talking about? You don't mean…" Akane's eyes went wide at these sudden confessions from her daughters, but wouldn't determine what exactly to do if her thoughts were correct. She listened on, wondering if what her daughters were trying to say was true.

"Yes. I'm not really Mion and Shion isn't Shion. I'm really the younger Shion, whereas she is the true elder Mion Sonozaki…"

Everyone gasped as this new discovery unfolded to their parents; their eyes wide in wonder. Keiichi didn't care either way, knowing full well which Mion he really loved. The others felt the same sentiments, so only Mion and Shion's parents would take the full force of this statement to heart. Akane thanked God that Oryu wasn't alive to see any of this, or else heads would really start rolling.

"…I don't know what to say, honestly. If…what you're saying is true then Shion, who was separated from this family for so long, is the real Mion and you, Mion, are the younger Shion, then this whole controversy has defied the laws of our family. If anything, Shion should have been given the Oni tattoo and claimed her right as head long ago. Why did you not tell us this?" Their mother didn't scold them, but wanted answers. She knew deep down it was the family's fault of separating them and that may have caused all their negative problems from that day forth. The twins did what they said they did, that much she knew as the act of switching places when they were younger was a favorite past time of theirs. Who were they to know that they had switched places on that very day?

"…If we told you then grandmother would have surely disowned us. But, it's not our fault. We honestly don't care about the old traditions of this family. You even said it yourself that our family needs to adopt better practices, so since everything is happening as it is now, let us fix this mess and just leave it be. Who cares if Mion came a few seconds earlier at birth than Shion? We're both heirs to the Sonozaki family in some respect…" spoke Mion, acting like a true leader.

"Sis is right. I brought this up today because we've had it on our minds for so long. And with all the stress that has been clearly placed on her shoulders, whereas it should have been on mine, none of this was fair! But…if this never happened then I wouldn't have met Satoshi-kun, nor Mion would have never met Kei-chan. So…I was hoping to adopt a new practice from now on. I want…Mion and I to share the same responsibility as HEIRS to the Sonozaki family. We will both share the responsibility of dealing with family affairs AND that of the village's…"

Akane looked to both of her daughters, letting all of these truths to set in. She sat down on a chair provided by Rika and sighed greatly. Her eyes were casted down to the floor for awhile, as if she were searching for something deep in her heart. Her husband gave a firm hold on Akane's shoulder, providing some support in this decision. After a few moments more of thinking, Akane looked up to them; giving the total truth for them to experience.

"I know this may seem simple to you two, but…this is a delicate matter. The other village elders will not take this so easily like I will…"

"Then, you accept our proposal?!" the twins spoke in unison, startling Akane for a second. She coughed and refocused her mind; trying to contain even her excitement.

"Well, yes, I suppose. I wasn't happy when…mother…instigated the twin rule at your birth. You are both my daughters, and I would have thrown away my family's lifestyle to protect you two…"

"Mother…grandmother told me…that she was sorry for that. She wanted to apologize to Shion and I about what happened, so I think it's safe to say that even she wanted to give up that tradition. If anything really matters in this family, then it's not the 'distinguishing' of our family members or living by laws that were meant to protect the wellbeing of this family. What counts is if we have faith in one another and if we work together to protect this family AND the village. If you tell that to the elders, and remember that it was grandmother's dying request of us, then I'm sure there will be no fault on our part. I think if Shion and I work together and manage the family the way it was supposed to be then…I'm sure we'll come out stronger than ever before…" Mion's words were straightforward to Akane, leaving her with little options. After considering this more for a moment, she smiled to them and nodded, getting up and brushing herself off.

"Then it's settled. I will hold a meeting this week with the elders to discuss this change of structure in our family. If they don't agree, I'll just have Kasai force them to…hehehe!" Akane laughed in her usual tone, whereas Kasai bowed to this idea.

"If you ask it of me, Akane-sama, then I will do it…"

"Uh, Kasai, it's a joke. Calm down and smile…" went Shion. Kasai looked at her with his emotionless face again, unable to let off on the serious attitude.

"Good, I expect that much from you Kasai. Well, with that said your father and I will talk some more with Takano-san and Dr. Irie before leaving. Mion…I don't want you pushing yourself tonight, so be careful. I can already guess that you're going to Keiichi's house, or should I say your fiancé's house, so take it easy. As for the rest of you, I hope you get well…from whatever had happened. I will be getting my explanations soon, so don't worry about any ill intent on our part. Goodnight…"

Akane and her husband bowed to the rest of the group and then went with Kasai back to the waiting room. They talked some more with Takano and Dr. Irie about what had happened, and after giving in to the idea of this "syndrome", Akane still asked for documentation about the illness. Thankfully, by this point in the research Dr. Irie had the necessary clearance to inform certain villagers that came to the notice of the syndrome and clear it over with them. Over the next week, Akane and her husband would learn all about the disease, and hopefully, how to notice the symptoms in others for future care.

With their leaving, the entire room experienced many sighs of relief in unison. Mion lied back into her bed, feeling somewhat energetic still from that event; whereas the others were just glad it was all over. However, Rena seemed uneasy about something during the conversation, so Mion tried her best to determine her friend's problem.

"Something on your mind, Rena-chan?

"Actually, yeah. Since…your evil side controlled you and captured some of us…we weren't able to participate in the Cotton Drifting Festival. I'm worried that we'll have bad luck…I really do." Rena was worried, her hands covering her mouth now. She shook a bit, becoming fearful that more misfortune would befall her and the others for missing the ritual. However, to her amazement Keiichi put his hand into a pocket and returned with a gift.

"I thought this might come in handy, so I grabbed an extra amount of cotton. I think its enough for you four. I doubt Oyashiro-sama will be mad at you guys for missing out on the event, so just do it later when you have time. Right Rika-chan?"

"Yes sir! That will work just fine. Nipah!"

Rena and the others smiled again, taking their bits of cotton and putting it into their respective pockets. If Rika said it was alright, her being the shrine maiden to the god Oyashiro, then no harm would come to them. That much was certain for the time being.

As Dr. Irie finished patching up the others and giving them some medicine for their home use, another spectacle unfolded as he came back into the room with a file and went over to Mizuho.

"Ah, Otome-san, I have the results from your tests. Is now the right time for me to tell you?" asked Dr. Irie, holding a pad to his chest. Komoto and the others stopped what they were doing and looked at her, puzzled as to what that meant.

"Tests? For what? You look perfectly fine to me, barring the fact you're hogging all my food!"

Mion watched as Komoto joked to Mizuho, kidding about the food. However, like most women in the room, it didn't take much to put two and two together. First, Mizuho was hungry, a lot lately from what Mion remembered. Second, she was sweaty and fidgeting this whole time; like she really needed to tell Komoto something. And third, upon the mentioning of the "tests" coming up, any female could guess what was about to unfold. However, the guys in the room were left dumbfounded, like usual.

"Well…I wanted to tell you, but I didn't expect the others to find out like this. I…might as well say it. Lately, I've been thinking I was putting on weight, and I can't control these appetites at all! I'm having all these cravings…and also…I missed that "time of the month"…so…"

Komoto stared at Mizuho, noticing the unusually large blush on her face. She looked down to the floor, embarrassed somewhat from telling Komoto all these things. He looked at her and Dr. Irie with a blank face, unable to discern what was about to happen.

"Then…is she sick doc? Is everything ok?" Komoto asked, genuinely concerned about her health. The women in the room slapped themselves in the head, astonished that Komoto was that dense at such a moment. However, they remembered that morphine was going through his veins as they spoke, so they attributed his dense mental capability to that.

"Actually, Komoto-san, she's perfectly healthy. Rather, I'd say they're both perfectly healthy…"

"Wait…'they're'? You don't mean…" Komoto finally got it, his eyes going wide in amazement. She looked away from him, fearing that he would hate her for what happened.

"Umm…remember the night when I came home from the last day of school? You and I…well…yeah, really lived up that night. So yeah…Komoto-kun, I guess…I'm pregnant…"

It was awkward at best for a long while, Komoto looking at Mizuho with a blank face. After a minute of this, Keiichi went up and raised a hand in front of Komoto's face; trying to determine if he had suddenly died from the drugs. His eyes didn't move, nor did he even seem alive. Mizuho looked completely embarrassed, worried that he was going to dump her like that.

"Um…I think he's not breathing. Komoto-san, you there? Hello?" Shion went up and tried to get him to respond, however, he didn't move.

"Uh oh, I think you killed him Otome-sensei. Is he going to be alright?" asked Satoko.

"I'm…going to be…a father?"

He spoke with a growing smile on his face, stunning Mizuho with his answer. For a good while, she honestly believed he was going to belittle her for that, but once Mizuho saw his large smile did relief slowly come back to her.

"So, you don't…hate me?" she asked, weakly. Mizuho gazed at Komoto with wide eyes, her blue hair covering the large blush forming over her cheeks now.

"Hate you? Mizu-chan, I may be a bit shocked over it, but I'm overjoyed! I can't believe I'm going to be a father!" Komoto tried to get out of the bed to hug Mizuho, but thankfully the others restrained him from doing so. It was clear to those looking on in the room; Komoto and Mizuho were completely for starting a family. It seemed Komoto, now, would finally get to see his wish granted; a peaceful life with Mizuho, starting a family with her, and living in Hinamizawa together. He couldn't be any happier…

As she cried tearfully from his acceptance of the news, Mizuho moved over to Komoto and embraced him in a loving kiss. The others congratulated them on the good news, leaving Keiichi and Mion to smile on while holding one another's hands. They looked at each other, sharing similar thoughts of a not so far off distant future for themselves.

*Kei-kun and I…someday can be like that.* Mion thought to herself, blushing. Keiichi could have been said to be thinking the same thing.

"Well, everyone, I'm glad that we've had such good tidings today. However, it its getting late and visiting hours will be over soon. Barring Hagara-san and Ryuu Maebara-san, I'm afraid the rest of you need to go home and come back to visit tomorrow. Mi-chan, you are clear to go since all the tests came back positive, though you should take it easy and get some rest over the next few days. Otome-san, since you're clearly an adult, you can stay with Hagara-san overnight till he recovers. I'll bring in a bed for you…" As Takano was about to leave, Rena spoke up to ask one important question.

"Takano-san, may I stay overnight as well? Ryuu-kun is still in bad shape, so I'm worried about him, so may I? Please?" Rena gazed at Takano greatly, hoping that her wish would be granted. Takano smiled and nodded, not wanting to cause the young girl any worry.

"Sure, why not. I'll get you a bed too. However, the others should be going. Say goodbye and we'll prepare for the night shift."

As Takano left, Shion and Mion said their goodbyes just as Ryuu, Komoto, Keiichi and the others did as well. Leaving the two couples in the multi room, the remainder of the group exited the clinic and waited outside for awhile; enjoying the setting sun over Hinamizawa. Dr. Irie went out with the others, deciding to give them a lift back to their houses.

"Hmm, aren't you two coming?" asked Dr. Irie. Rika, Satoko, Hanyuu, Shion and Satoshi were all ready to go, sitting in the van now, but Mion and Keiichi remained outside watching on.

"Actually, we could use a nice walk back to my house. You guys go on ahead, we'll be fine." Keiichi responded. Dr. Irie looked at him, wondering if he should deny such a request and make sure Mion was brought to his house safely. However, Satoko pulled him in the car to take no heed of them.

"They can handle themselves. Come on Irie-sensei, if we don't hurry it'll get too late. Let's go!" asked Satoko, smiling. Dr. Irie just smiled and gave in, trusting in the two youths for now.

As they drove away, Mion took Keiichi by the arm and walked down the dirt path towards his house for a couple days of much needed relaxation. Though the nightmare was finally over, for most it would soon be another new day; daybreak on the horizon.

A single cicada sings in the darkness of the night.

Crying out for help, yet no one comes.

A demon scavenges the woods,

Its Evil machinations devised on the less fortunate.

The demon comes upon the single cicada, ready for its meal.

But then, did the demon realize, it was not the hunter.

For the demon was the prey,

And the hunter was but all the cicadas.

Hungry to feast on the Evil…

Next time on "Hinamizawa Hell", "Revealing Demons" Arc, ch. 14: Daybreak.

Can you truly believe in this?