Hinamizawa Hell

Arc 1: "Stained Souls Chapter"

Ch. 14: Reunion of Unstained Souls: Part 2

*Crack Crack*

Komoto managed to fire two rounds into the Dark Spector's kneecaps, causing her to fall back in pain, thus, protecting himself from her final attack. Her legs were unable to support such an impact; her remaining parts of her legs hanging on threads to her thighs. She fell back into the snow, blood beginning to spill and soak into the snow to all directions.

Komoto got up and backed away, knowing that the battle was over. He holstered his pistols and sighed, shaking his head.

"You're sadistic at best, but your path on fate was of your own doing…" he stated.

After some of the pain subsided, the Dark Spector lurched forward, trying her best to face Komoto.

"Fi…finish me off! Do it…or can't..hah…you can't…because…hah…you're too weak…heheheeheee!" she cackled. Komoto turned around, gritting his teeth a bit.

What astounded everyone next was Komoto's next move. He quickly took out his pistol and fired a single round into the snow near the Dark Spector's head. She cringed, falling back a bit in fear.

"…You're pathetic…for fearing death…" he smirked "…I promised long ago that there would be no more killing at my hands. I'm keeping to it…" he holstered his pistol and walked away, back towards his main objective.

For the Dark Spector, it wasn't over.

"Don't…you DARE WALK AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!"

The Dark Spector reached for another knife, raising it high for a powerful throw. Komoto didn't react in time to dodge, unable to match the enemy's speed now that the adrenaline was wearing off. He turned around, just able to see the knife flying towards him.

"KOMOTO-SENPAI, WATCH OUT!" screamed Rika from the crowd. Everyone else cringed from what was expected next, but as they were about to, three large gun blasts were heard, nearly deafening, that ended the battle.

*Crack Crack Crack*

Komoto remained motionless, standing at the sight before him. He watched the knife suddenly shatter midair, and the hands of the Dark Spector become blown off clean. She screamed in pain, falling back into the snow and writhing in torture. Those around could even hear cries of sadness; the crowd even showing small signs of sympathy.

Komoto and the others turned to see the brown cloaked figure, now revealing her un-shrouded face to the others, with her large rifle fitted into her shoulder. Her eyes were keenly focused into the scope, not missing her targets once. She didn't cringe from anything that happened; how focused was her mind now on eliminating her target.

At seeing her long, blue hair flow with the wind of the cold winter night, and her green eyes dimly lit in the darkness, Rika finally realized who the cloaked figure was. Mizuho Otome, the one Komoto Hagara had loved dearly in his heart, saved him from yet another deadly attempt on his life. He looked at her, but didn't react or thank her for the save. From this Rika could notice something still wasn't right.

At long last, Mizuho spoke directly to Komoto, showing an adversity unknown to him. Behind him, military paramedics were restraining the Dark Spector and trying their best to stop the bleeding. They began to move her on a stretcher, with an armed guard protecting her from the angry villagers. If anything, the Dark Spector was going to live to see her own trial and execution for her crimes.

"Mizu-chan…" spoke Komoto. He didn't pick raise his pistols or do anything to protect himself. He just stood there, averting his own eyes from seeing hers.

"Here I thought you were dead…and now I get pulled into this damn mess. You've trapped me and played me like a fool! Trying to finish the job I see…" Mizuho spoke with spite at Komoto, sending chills down his spine for once. Rika moved past the others to the forefront, but was held back my Hanyuu.

"Let him do this Rika-chan…it'll be alright, I'm sure," spoke her friend.

"Mizu-chan…I have… so much to explain to you right now, and I know you may… think I'm your enemy, but I'm not! As your former commander of our ex-mercenary group, I'm asking you to hear me out first, ok?" he asked, sincere in his request.

"I've listened long enough, Komoto-san. I know what happened with the mercenary team and how I was somehow betrayed. You're the only one left, so I'm guessing you're here to do me in. And here I thought you were my partner…"

"I am your Partner!" he yelled, his tone of voice loud and clear. She looked at him with wider eyes, noticing an old part of him emerge: a part of him that was commanding and decisive in times of war and battle.

"Fine…explain before I decide to kill you…" she sweated a little at that statement, finding it harder said than done.

"…I've been looking for you all along Mizu-chan. I found the site where they said you went Section 8 on everyone, but I knew that was a lie. What I believed was that you succumbed to Hinamizawa Syndrome…" At this point in the conversation, what was said was only between them so as to not alert the other villagers unknown to the syndrome watching and listening.

"Hinamizawa Syndrome? What, is that supposed to be your best excuse?" she scorned him.

"Anyone from Hinamizawa is born with the syndrome; a mental degradation of the mind where paranoia drives the individual to madness, leading to eventual suicide from clawing out the throat. That's why some of us take medications to suppress it, and for me…well…" he touched his blindfolded eyes, dwelling on a bad memory that may have to repeat itself soon.

"Ok, so you're saying I have this syndrome. Why haven't I killed myself?" she asked.

"I went looking for you after the incident, and was supposedly tipped off that info to your location was relevant to an upcoming mission. But like you, I was betrayed and almost killed. I was comatose for a while, and when I awoke I had bypassed the killing aspect of the syndrome…along with these eyes…" again he touched them, feeling the cold cloth on his fingertips.

"That didn't answer my question…"

"Where were you all this time after the betrayal? Did you lay low or hide from the mercenary group till you thought it was safe?" he asked, hoping for an answer.

"…I was in Hinamizawa…I returned… home…"

Komoto stood frozen to the ground, shocked at the answer. She told only truths to him, and he had to believe her. It was possible, that the one place he didn't look to find her was right under his nose, right in his hometown.

"Then you made it…for now. You need to be in Hinamizawa to control the syndrome. Dr. Irie has a vaccine that will help maintain it. If you let me administer it to you, you'll lose those feelings of paranoia and…"

"To hell with that idea. There's no way in hell I'm gonna let you poison me with some all tale cure! I'm not gonna fall for your tricks Komoto-san…" she raised his rifle at him, stunning the crowd. However, he did not react but just stand his ground.

"Mizu-chan…please…I beg you…"

"Stop calling me that! You lost that right the moment you betrayed me! I didn't come back to Hinamizawa to save you! Yeah, I protected the kids from that sick bitch, but I came back to exact my revenge for her supposedly killing you! That was my job: I was the one who was supposed to do that!" she started crying a little, some tears falling down her face. "…So stop saying that name and pick up your pistols. Let's end this once and for all! We're soldiers, so I'll give you the rights to die like one!" she screamed.

"No…I won't…"

"DO IT!" she screamed again. She cocked her rifle into her arm, gritting her teeth hard. Her eyes were wide, almost near the brink of madness.

Komoto cringed a bit at her screaming, but still didn't move. At first, his hands trembled a bit, but he slowly went for his waist. He didn't pull out his guns though, but unbuckle his tactical belt and throw it to the side. He did the same with his knife. Mizuho was stunned, not understanding what he was doing.

"J…just what the hell are you…" she murmured.

He didn't respond. He walked forward and knelt before her in the ground, the snow biting with a cold pain into his knees. He outstretched his arms in a cross shape, and bowed his head to her.

"If you hate me so much…then kill me…Mizu-chan…" he said. Rika could see his blindfold become wet: wet with tears of sadness.

"…Don't say my name like that! Stop it!" she screamed. Her rifle trembled in her hands for the first time, almost unable to respond.

"…love you…" he murmured.

"W…what?" she responded. Her trembling stopped, her body frozen from what he said.

"…I…love you…that's why I call you that…Mizu-chan…" he said. He didn't look up to her.

Everyone heard that last part of the conversation. The police still held back the villagers all the while, not moving until Akasaka gave the order. Rika and the others looked on, having heard most of the conversation themselves. Some tears formed in their eyes, anticipating what would either be a happy ending or a sorrowful tragedy. For now, they had faith in the former, praying for a peaceful resolve.

Mizuho stood over him, still aiming the rifle at his head. He didn't fight back or do anything but wait.

"You…why…this…" she murmured again. She didn't know what to do.

"I love Mizu-chan…because she showed me my first happiness so long ago in times of darkness. Even for us to meet like this now…must be fate. I accept that, and for that I'm thankful to have ever known Mizu-chan: as both a child and a comrade. I won't stop loving you for that. I can't have it any other way. So choose now Mizu-chan. It's your call…"

"…Let me see your eyes. Let me see the truth in your eyes like in the old days…"

Komoto stopped breathing, his mind going into meltdown. His worst fear was realized, and from that he shook his head wildly, trying to persuade her to forego the idea.

"No! I can't do that! If you do then you'll…"

She didn't care for his answer. She took the knife belonging to the Dark Spector from the ground and sliced off his blindfold quickly. He covered his eyes, bowing his head away from her.

"Don't look! Please, DON'T!" he screamed. However, Mizuho slung her rifle on her back and grabbed his hands. She pulled away and watched as he forced his eyes shut. She gave him an ultimatum finally to end this situation.

"I always saw truth in the real Komoto Hagara-san's eyes. Let me see yours, because I don't know this Hagara-san that kneels before me. Hagara-san wasn't this weak for anything! He never let those pistols leave his side, nor did he ever let an opponent win so easily! Let me see the truth I only know, and then I'll decide. So open your eyes now before I kill you!"

Komoto gave in. He didn't have any other choice. He looked up to her slowly, and opened his eyes.

Rika ran past Tomitake while his guard was down to try and stop Mizuho. However, it was too late. Mizuho stood frozen to the spot, succumbing to his eye's abilities. But unlike her experience, something anew awakened in this moment in time.

Mizuho didn't scream in pain or go mad from a broken mind. From what one could see, her green eyes softened, and her own body knelt beside him. She cried tears of sadness unlike any felt before in her life.

For Komoto, however, something different happened to him. He contorted his eyes shut, almost in pain, but soon after opened them as if seeing the world for the first time. He looked around, seeing Mizuho crying before him. It seemed like the Hinamizawa Syndrome had left her body, leaving Mizuho with a clearer mind.

"Komoto-kun…I…how…?" She grabbed him quickly and held onto him for dear life. She wailed into his chest, giving up all the sadness she felt from the time she last saw him to now. Over and over again did she ask for forgiveness, wailing "I'm Sorry!" into his chest over and over again. Komoto hugged her tightly close his body, trying his best to soothe and comfort her weary mind. He finally realized why his eyes were like they were before, and given the current moment, was somehow sure that the curse was finally lifted from his body.

At that moment it began to rain upon everyone around. Akasaka gave the order to let the villagers move forward, knowing that it was finally over. The villagers began to surround Komoto and Mizuho, knowing that the climatic event that which rout so many tears and bloodshed was finally finished. Rika rushed up to Komoto and Mizuho, wanting to see the final outcome.

Everyone for the first time saw Komoto without his blindfold on, and succumbed to no recoil or effects from his eyes. Rika was amazed at what occurred, wishing that she would soon have an answer from him. For now, she let the two be, knowing that she would get an answer later.

Deep down, Komoto knew why his eyes were cursed from the beginning. Mizuho saw all the truths deep down in Komoto's mind, and broke away from the grip of the Hinamizawa Syndrome, but for him he had recovered both his love and his sight. In Mizuho's mind, he saw the happiness that he longed to see and experience with her again in Hinamizawa, that of their childhood days and days in the mercenary group while away on missions together. Somehow from that, Komoto regained a part of himself, finding the purpose in life he had been separated from for so long. His eyes were cursed because he cursed his own life for losing Mizuho before, subconsciously wishing to see only her with his eyes and mind. Till then, he was cursed to see the stories of other people, breaking those minds which were sinful and experiencing those sins himself through memories. For those who were sinless, he learned from their memories of happiness and sadness, despair and joy. From those learning experiences, he started to drift away from his inner demons and more towards who he was destined to be. Till he saw Mizuho's own eyes that moment, he was cursed. Seeing her eyes now brought back his happiness and purpose in life, and from that the curse was finally lifted. His eyes remained grey as they were before, but this time, normal.

So as the rain fell upon all those gathering around, witnessing the two comrades soon to be couple reunited after so long, the blood which was seen in the snow washed away into the open drain pipes of the Dam's unfinished parts, never to be seen again. For Komoto and Mizuho, the rain also washed away the blood that had seemingly stained their bodies for so long. As it was, they were finally forgiven: clean slate and all on their souls.

The villagers quieted down soon after the event was over. Akasaka and Tomitake did the favor for Komoto in terms of debriefing everyone on what occurred. It would be a long night for them, but from all that happened and how successful the trap was, they didn't mind making clear the aftermath.

Detective Oishi and his police officers gathered the villagers to the town hall for a special meeting. Once there, Oryu and the Sonozaki family members maintained the crowd in eager anticipation for the answers to their questions. Throughout the night, once being told what had occurred and what was the means to the end, Oryu was finally satisfied with the results. As most other villagers were, they recalled their former impressions of Komoto Hagara, now believing that although his first impressions were mysterious, all had some purpose up to that point of which was known that night. They left the town hall and returned to their families, happy to know that the nightmare of the Dark Spector's terror was finally over.

Across Japan, word spread faster than was humanly possible about the capture of the Dark Spector. Newscasters all across Japan gave detailed reports on the situation, however, the military, as ordered, left out any details of the identities of Komoto Hagara and Mizuho Otome. The end story to this ordeal was falsified as such:

"…Yes, the Dark Spector was finally caught after numerous hours of tracking and searching in the infamous town of Hinamizawa. The Dark Spector, aka Kima Suzumi, a former resident of Hinamizawa, was an individual brought on in an early age up North in Japan by a Satanist cult bent on annihilating society. More details will be found later in the investigation, but for now the Dark Spector is at an undisclosed military hospital under 24/7 lockdown while being treated for major injuries sustained from gun shot wounds. A private mercenary group located the Dark Spector late this night after skillful tracking, which led to an all out gunfight that resulted in minor injuries sustained to the heroic mercenary group. The military and other officials such as the Okinawa police officers were on scene to enclose the Dark Spector in an inescapable perimeter, thus, preventing any chance of the Dark Spector giving the slip to the government. With this ordeal finally ended, mourning will commence for those lost at the hands of this sick and mentally deranged individual. As many already know, 64 confirmed killings were made these last 6 months, but as more information is declassified to the public by the military and government, more and more victims are being found with each passing hour. It is believed that at least 664 total victims are possible so far, and arduous manhours are being put in by the government to find and release the names of such victims. For now, our nation can sleep soundly tonight, with no more nightmares or terror from the Dark Spector…"

At the remainder of the night's event, the group that was tied closest to Komoto returned to the Irie clinic. The parents of Mion, Keiichi, and the others were informed of their safety at the clinic, from which they would return home the next morning. For the meantime, it was in order that Komoto give what was rightfully belonging to everyone else: a long and overdue explanation.

While Mizuho was treated for the syndrome with the vaccine created by Dr. Irie in another room, Komoto sat in the lobby around all the others, soaked to the bone in wet clothing. Takano, who was present at the clinic, brought him and the others towels to dry off. She looked at him curiously, scared a bit at looking at his eyes but more curious as to his nature. She thought he would be a great subject of study, but somehow deep down she knew such a chance was impossible for now.

After that and receiving warm drinks of tea, Komoto looked for the first time into the eyes of the others, feeling a bit off at the whole situation. With a sigh, he surprised everyone by getting on his knees and bowing to them, asking for forgiveness.

"I'm sorry…everyone…for putting you through all this. I never meant to hurt any of you or curse you over this. I had goals that I needed to fulfill…and if anything for that I'm sorry for being selfish…I'll make this up to all…I promise…"

He looked up to everyone after a while and was surprised to see or hear no ill ideas or scorn towards him. They looked at him with understanding and some questions that needed to be answered. By this time, Mizuho and Dr. Irie, who still stumbled with a now mended broken leg, hobbled into the room and sat down on chairs. Mizuho herself sat next to Komoto, but a little away from him. She still harbored some confusion and awkwardness on her part, which a new side was seen to everyone compared to her previous state a few hours ago. It could also be seen that she was blushing quite red, which made Keiichi and Satoko grin a bit. The only ones not present in the room were Satoshi and Shion, who were below in the clinic by themselves. They knew the story already, and from being relocated in the past few days in cold and damp conditions; only wanted a hot shower and a bed to sleep in together.

After a few more moments of silence, Rika spoke for everyone else. She felt like she should have beaten him for deceiving her, but somehow now it wasn't appropriate. If anything, she was happy to just see him alive.

"You've deceived us all…but…we can't hold that against you. We understood why you did what you did, but we don't know how you did it. Komoto-senpai…we forgive you for that, so let that be the past…" everyone agreed with her, smiling. Mizuho looked at Komoto, surprised that they were so forgiving. He smiled at her, returning her with a small blush.

"Well…I guess I have a lot of explaining. Where would you like me to start?" he asked.

This time, Keiichi responded, wanting to get the full story out from Komoto.

"We all figured out not too long ago that you faked your death, but Rika, the others and I still couldn't figure out some pieces to the puzzle. Can you start from the beginning, right where you put the plan into action…" he asked.

To their amazement, Komoto started long before even faking his own death.

"The Zombie! Game. That's where I created this whole plan…," he said. Everyone around except Mizuho was surprised at this. She didn't know the game, from which Komoto turned to her and said he would explain the game later, but for now he wanted to get the point out. "…Anyway, after losing the game to all of you, it made me wonder in terms of how to find Mizuho. I already had some information that tied her to the Dark Spector, but I honestly assumed her to be the villain because of the Hinamizawa Syndrome. Seeing her tonight against the other one really stunned me…" He looked to Mizuho, who looked nervously at the ground, blushing. "…my goal from the start in Hinamizawa was to find a way to locate Mizuho. Though my method was unorthodox, it clearly worked as it did tonight in more ways than one. I can safely say all my goals were met."

"But why and how did you fake your own death? Why couldn't it be a different plan or someone else dying?" asked Rena. Everyone agreed it was a good question.

"My plan was to lure her back here, but of all the ways I considered to do so, I didn't expect that faking my own death was the answer. I got the idea from the game to create a trap, but as to the bait I could only think of faking my death as the only way. You see…if my death was broadcasted over television across Japan as being the work of the Dark Spector, then Mizuho, assuming that she was actually the Dark Spector, would come to Hinamizawa to search for me. The real Dark Spector coming in was a risk on my part, but I made sure that all newcomers in Hinamizawa were watched with a careful eye. As I had found out a week ago after some research, the organization "Tokyo" was messing with the syndrome in underground labs, and unknown to me up till recently the Dark Spector was a pet project gone horribly wrong. She escaped the lab as a live test subject and scourged Japan for victims in her madness. Thankfully, we ended it tonight…"

At hearing of an enemy from the past come to light, everyone cringed in their seat. Takano even took dismay to the "Tokyo" name, leaving the room for a few moments. Komoto continued, giving them the full details.

"As to how I faked my death, I contacted Akasaka-san, whom was trustworthy and dependable through Dr. Irie and Rika-chan, to aid me. He was hesitant at first, but I assured him that every possible measure would be taken to protect all of you. However, I didn't think the Dark Spector would target you all so simply compared to other residents in Hinamizawa. Concurringly, Akasaka-san helped fake my death at the mill. With his powers in the police force, we managed to set up a gruesome murder scene using some of my real blood and other things aside. The Adrenaline Stimulants you found were used to speed my heart up to a flat line, making it seem like I was dead. After the crime scene was processed and my supposedly dead body was brought back here for an "autopsy", Dr. Irie administered drugs to return my heart to a normal state. From there, I was evacuated from the clinic and kept at the final location for tonight's events: the Dam project."

"That explains the physics behind posing your body and the question as to why it was supposedly so easy for the Dark Spector to find and kill you, but why did you make it so gruesome?" asked Mion.

"The Dark Spector killed two victims at a time. Having just one die and be broadcasted over the news, along with qualities unbecoming of her killing style, would have really irked her. She would have such an urge to come investigate the murder herself; it was too easy to lure her here. Hmm…now, where else?" he asked.

"Why did you capture Shi-chan and Satoshi-kun?" asked Hanyuu.

"Well, its simple…he wanted to ensure that the military would step in to close off Hinamizawa. Its simple sabotage on his part: make it seem like the enemy was in an area and seal it off as quarantine. Those two just happened to be at the right place at the right time…" Mizuho had all eyes on her, from which she felt a bit embarrassed, although, Komoto smiled at her, nodding in response.

"I figured Shi-chan and Satoshi-kun would habituate to another one of their…ah…please cover Satoko-chan's ears Mi-chan…" he asked. Mion did as told quickly before she comprehended the idea. "…well, you know how far those two would go for some privacy, so I happened to "kidnap" them while they were there, given it wasn't far from the Dam. That would explain the evidence of the school books you found, which I intentionally left behind. However, Shi-chan wasn't a happy camper about all that…hehehhe" he grinned. Mion let go of Satoko's ears, blushing and gritting her teeth.

"Dammit Shi-chan…"

"Wait, what did he say?" asked a confused Satoko. Everyone just laughed around her, confusing her even more.

"And up to that point, I guess that covers almost everything…" stated Komoto. However, Rika still had some questions.

"Well, why did you leave so many clues for us to find? I found the diary in your attic, and I think you already know what questions I'm going to ask…" she said, her eyes narrowing and tone of voice that of her wiser personality. Komoto looked at her sternly, accepting that he had to give her an answer.

"Rika-chan…as for the answer to your question: I'm not fond of your family's crest. It just disturbed me and seemed very imbalanced. I can't really explain it to you now, but I promise I'll tell you some other day. As for the clues…hehehe…hahahahha…"

Komoto began to actually laugh at his idea. Everyone looked around him, confused and scared as to why he was acting so. Mizuho just looked at him with her keen, green eyes, seeing a part of him not known to her.

"Well…payback really. I had you all play a game while not knowing it, hehehee…"

"WHAT?!" everyone went. They all looked at him with wide eyes.

"That's right. I wanted to leave clues behind to see if you could solve the puzzle. And by the looks of it the winners of the game were Rika and Keiichi…which leaves the rest of you all…especially Hanyuu-chan…to suffer the Penalty Game…MUAHAHAHAHHAH!"

Komoto, Rika and Keiichi all grinned evilly and turned to their friends. They got up in a zombie like fashion and moved towards their targets: Mion, Satoko, Hanyuu, and Rena. They moved back into a corner in fear, not knowing what was going to happen.

"What, Hanyuu? Didn't think I was going to get payback for that "Creampuff Revenge" tactic? Nobody gets to screw me over in a game and get away from it unscathed….heheheh…" he laughed, in a creepy fashion.

"Heheheh…Mi-chan…it looks like I can finally get you to wear one of your skimpy maid outfits now! Any penalty I want, you'll need to succumb to!" Keiichi waved his tongue out, licking his lips. Mion went as far back into the corner as possible, trying to find a way to escape. She screamed out like a girl in danger, which Keiichi found cute.

"Sorry Satoko-chan, but right now it seems I found a replacement for the maid outfit dresses. Looks like Rena-chan will be sucking on the pacifier with you now, heheheheh…" Rika cackled like a slave being freed from an eternal punishment.

"Auuuu! Rena-chan and Satoko-chan in outfits! Here, choose your pick everyone! I happen to have my wardrobe right here!" mewed Dr. Irie. He pulled his coat rack of costumes and cosplay out for the girls to wear. Rena cooed over some of the cutest of dresses, not minding the penalty somewhat.

However, just as they got closer, waving their arms like zombies reaching out for victims, Mizuho came behind Komoto and clonked him with the butt stock of her rifle. A red blush was clearly seen over her face.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"Heheheh…you really have changed so much, haven't you Komoto-kun?" she said, giggling.

"That's…the first time you called me that…"

Komoto looked at her and froze from his movements, sparing Hanyuu from meeting any revenge on his part. She hid behind a now dressed Mion, Rena and Satoko, dressed in full maid cosplay. Keiichi hugged Mion as tight as he could, cooing over her in the getup. She acted as if he was perverted, but deep down she was happy that she was finally getting some attention from him. Rena, on the other hand, just mewed over how cute Satoko was, aiming to take her home, but was prevented by Dr. Irie who was hell bent on taking photos.

For Komoto, and unbeknownst to the others but Mizuho, he blushed and looked deeply into her eyes. She did likewise and smiled, finally accustomed to the whole situation. They looked at the others, smiling and watching as their antics played out before them. They even laughed at seeing Dr. Irie get pounded by Rika when he attempted to put a cosplay on her.

"Hinamizawa really is a wonderful place…" Komoto stated.

"Yeah…" was Mizuho's response. She looked at everyone, smiled, and sat back down, wanting Komoto to follow. Once he sat down next to her, she looked at him in the eyes.

"You and I…should talk when we're in private. I think we have some things to discuss…" she said, blushing.

Komoto looked back at her, and brushed his hair with his hand. He smiled awkwardly, looking to the ground as if something there was interesting. The amount of shyness and embarrassment now coming over him felt unusual, and deep down he knew this would have to be discussed one time or another. He smiled and watched the others again.

"I'll fulfill my promise to you…Mizuho-chan…when we leave the clinic tomorrow. Till then, let us enjoy these shenanigans…ok?"

Komoto reached out and held her hand gently in his, to which her only response was another smile and her gripping his hand with some tension. The rest of the night was filled with newfound laughter and joy once more for those in Hinamizawa, as another nightmare was locked away in the sands of time and new memories were about to become a reality.

For Mizuho, Komoto and the others, the coming days would be rather long and interesting, as the holidays were on the horizon.

Author's Note: And so ends the first arc of "Hinamizawa Hell". Thank you to all my supporters who have enjoyed the story thus far. I know there are still questions and loop holes probably abounding in my story somewhere, but either through PM's or in time they will come together.

Coming up in the next chapter is a mild go between this arc and the next. As well, it can be considered to be an Omake, as it will revolve around the holidays. So stay tuned.

The next arc hasn't been titled yet, but I think you will all find it interesting in the sense that…awww…you'll find out. LOL.

So keep watching and keep listening and keep the Higurashi love strong.