Ending A
Forever Bonded Ending
In her heart, Aimi knew what really needed to be done. Ignoring her own heartache and pain, Aimi finally delivered the final blow by slicing the glowing Red Spider Lily from Hanari Kimura's chest. At last the deed was done. Feeling the shears growing cold in her hand, Aimi watched as the dead woman sat crouched in the field of red lilies, harmless and docile. With all her roots cut off for good, Hanari Kimura was finally cured of her Hanahaki Disease. Now Aimi watched silently as Hanari slowly rose up and seemed to gaze over at her where their eyes met.
For the first time, Hanari Kimura looked just as she did when she was once alive. But her expression remained melancholy as she stared piteously at Aimi standing there in the meadow of shadows. At least her soul was free now… With nothing tying her to this world, Hanari's spirit got absorbed into the red lilies and became one with the garden. And that's when Aimi knew it was over. The Red Spider Lilies would form the path that would guide Hanari Kimura into the next life… But unfortunately, Aimi knew her own time had come at last. There was no saving her from her own disease.
The Spiritual Shears fell from her hand as Aimi's coughing fit hadn't let up but only this time, she couldn't stop it. She couldn't stop loving Shou. So she would live forever with the pain of unrequited love. Perhaps she would become the next ghost who couldn't rest in peace… Aimi closed her eyes as she felt the gardenias growing from her open mouth and waited for the pain to stop, waited for her heart to stop beating in her throbbing chest. Maybe it was better this way. This way she wouldn't have to give it up.
"STOP AIMI!"
Shou was just in time as he managed to free himself from the Red Spider Lilies and immediately raced to Aimi's side. It wasn't too late. He reached her in time. And now he threw his arms around her and was determined to put an end to it once and for all. "I love you! I've always loved you!" Shou finally confessed.
Shou hoped it was enough. He hoped Aimi believed that their love could be real. Here in this supernatural underground meadow where broken hearts were laid to rest, Shou prayed that his love could pull Aimi back from the brink. Aimi had stiffened in his arms and Shou feared that his confession had come too late. Maybe it wasn't enough. However whatever doubts Shou had, vanished the second he felt Aimi returning their embrace. Shou's heart burst with pure happiness and relief as Aimi nestled her head in his chest and that's when he knew…
Aimi could feel it… The pain was subsiding. The white gardenias withered out of her mouth and vanishing altogether. It wasn't in vain. Shou loved her too and she would never have doubts about that. And finally the Hanahaki disease was lifted and cursed her no more. It was finally over. Standing together among the beautiful meadow of red-spider lilies, Aimi lifted her head up to smile into Shou's eyes. Despite everything's that happened, their love got them through the horrible night.
"I love you, Shou," Aimi whispered lovingly. "I never stopped loving you."
Shou's hand reached up to fondly caress Aimi's tender face as he gazed into her dark eyes. Suddenly the both of them looked up in time to notice the others ghosts that haunted the abandoned town of Matsumura. The ghosts of Ayuki Kihara, Manami Ishida, Yasue Takagi, and even her once good friend, Naoki Sugitani. All the restless spirits have arrived here and they too became one with the garden of red spider lilies. Perhaps Aimi's and Shou's love provided the token needed to placate the lonely spirits and to ensure their journey to the otherworld.
Aimi bent down and picked up the Spiritual Shears and studied the object in her hand. Shou had already picked up the Camera Obscura and checked it carefully for any damage done to it. Now hand-in-hand with Aimi by his side, the two of them decided there was no reason to hang around Shadow Meadow any longer. The spirits here could finally rest in peace. And with her special Empath abilities, Aimi Hanazawa may take up the mantle to cure those from suffering one-sided love. Something the previous Shrine Keeper was unable to do anymore. Aimi and Shou would leave Matsumura and reunite with Ume…
Epilogue
The Cherry Blossom Festival was always one of Aimi's favorite events. Holding hands with her boyfriend Shou, the two of them strolled along the pavement while taking in the picturesque view of the pink flower petals cascading from the trees along with the light breeze. It was one of the popular spots to see the cherry blossoms in full view this spring. Thanks to their adventures in Matsumura, Aimi and Shou were closer than ever. And as for Shou's little sister Ume, she too made a full recovery from the Hanahaki Disease. Hopefully now Ume could find someone who could reciprocate her love…
Aimi was walking along the path while happily watching other the romantic couples' picnic on the bright green fields while taking pictures of the stunning cherry blossom trees. The weather conditions were perfect today as there wasn't a cloud to be seen in the bright blue sky. As Shou was excitedly pointing out the view of the river to her, something caught Aimi's attention.
Standing not too far away was what appeared to be a young woman. A woman who stood facing the field of the happy couples and families frequenting the park. Aimi stopped walking and curiously watched the woman while wondering why she was overcome with a familiar feeling. Shou noticed the woman too and also saw the way his girlfriend was staring at her. Aimi recognized the feeling all too well. Due to her ability of Empathy, she could sense the woman was suffering from one-sided love. This could only mean one thing…
Seeing the sadness in the woman's expression, Aimi turned to Shou who nodded his head encouragingly to her. With a more confident smile, Aimi turned and headed toward the woman's direction. Call it hobby of hers, but Aimi Hanazawa brought it upon herself to cure those of the Hanahaki Disease. Something she was unable to do for poor Naoki Sugitani. This was something only she could do…
Ahhh, wasn't that nice? This is considered the better ending and if I had to throw in a word of god here, I'd prefer this ending to be canon. Although to be fair, neither ending can be canon and it's up to readers on which ending they think is a better conclusion to the story. Me being the cock-eyed optimist that I am, I usually strive to get the golden-endings in video games if I can. What do you all think? Anyway, I hope this conclusion was satisfactory for readers. Until next time!
Sincerely, ActionGalo7, AG07