Helentine lies still, completely submerged in shallow water. Occasionally, streams of bubbles would rise from her mouth.
The weight of what just transpired has left her completely overwhelmed. Her expression has returned to its usual blank slate, yet an unnatural flush still colors her skin from the tips of her ears down to her neck.
"Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going?" These questions wrap themselves in bubbles, rising from the water and drifting into the air.
She waits for a certain someone to take her hand, pull her out of this makeshift cooling system, and bring her back to reality.
You extend a hand to help, but Helentine remains perfectly still.
And so you lie down as well, submerging alongside her in this sea of questions.
The moment the water rises over your ears, the world falls away. The sounds of Heleywood being torn down, mechanoids hauling light fixtures, Director Ellen shouting and calling it a day... all of it fades.
The water is gentler and clearer than expected. Through it, the stars overhead shine with perfect clarity.
Sensing your warmth, Helentine's cold hand reaches through the water, fumbling and touching, confirming your presence.
"I'm here."
This is the thought you convey, and a touch becomes fingers intertwined.
Starlight dances across the water's surface. Her hand disturbs it, reaching for a dream she can barely comprehend.
The chaos in her mind gradually settles.
Then, droplets catch the starlight as they scatter, glittering against the bright night sky.
Helentine suddenly sits up, letting out a long breath.
Still stiff, she slowly lowers her arm.
She awakens from the haze of a dream and gazes off into the distance.
Yes, I've sorted out my feelings about you, Commandant.
Cut! Clap-clap!
Perfect performance! I hereby declare New Deviant Love officially wrapped!
The mechanoid crew around you has already started packing up.
Because you two rewrote the story's ending.
Tears glisten at the corners of Ellen's eyes.
I couldn't change the ending of Auntie Swan's story, but I can change Helentine's...
...My own ending.
I remember now. Thank you both.
What Auntie Swan left me... I've finally found it.
The feelings in my heart... I've rediscovered them too.
Helentine closes her eyes, savoring everything that just transpired.
As this unfolds, the Heleywood sky is gradually dismantled, revealing the steel framework hidden behind.
Now that the emptiness in your heart has been filled, my mission as Chief Romance Advisor is complete.
Helentine looks at Ellen in silence for a moment.
Thank you, my other self.
Ellen closes her eyes upon hearing this.
Then, her signature smile appears.
No regrets. This time, no one is leaving with any regrets. I'm so glad.
She takes a step back, and the last light in Heleywood goes out behind her. Light begins to fade from her fingertips, spreading like the white glare of burnt films.
The M.I.N.D. calms.
Yes.
