Helentine: Lacrimosa VI
"Helena's" Studio
A woman in formal attire sits poised on the sofa, savoring her tea with measured grace.
"Helena" picks up a small stack of manuscripts from her desk and hands them to the woman on the sofa.
The manuscript for the final chapter.
The woman takes the manuscript, her eyes sweeping across the pages with anticipation.
The way you were before, I was worried you wouldn't be able to finish this final chapter.
Looks like Dr. Raven has done wonders for you. I told you the good doctor was a professional.
"Helena" refills her teacup, then takes a seat across from her editor.
Yes, I've... come to understand a lot of emotions firsthand now.
The editor smiles cheekily, though her eyes remain fixed on the manuscript as she continues with what sounds like gentle chiding.
I'm just glad you finally got it done. I've been getting it from both my boss and your readers. You've missed two book signings already, and we've had to push back the new book launch more times than I can count.
She pauses, then adds almost as an afterthought—
Everyone's been worried about you.
"Helena" can now easily recognize the roundabout way her editor shows concern.
Thank you...
The editor's reading slows to a crawl. Her fingers hover over the page, refusing to turn it. After a long pause, she seems to steel herself.
...You know, I heard Dr. Raven is leaving the city.
...
Aren't you going to see the doctor off?
East Station. The nine o'clock train. You can still make it if you leave now.
...I don't know what we even are to each other... or what I'd say.
Things like that don't matter. You'll figure it out once you see each other.
"Helena" rises from her seat and begins absentmindedly gathering the scattered documents on her desk.
The editor says nothing more, returning her attention to the manuscripts in her hands. An uncomfortable silence settles over the room.
The silence lingers for a moment before "Helena" softly speaks.
...I think I'll step out for a bit.
I've got things covered here. Don't worry.
An indescribable sense of vertigo washes over "Helena" as she stumbles out of the studio.
The weekend streets teem with bustling pedestrians. "Helena" finds herself swept into the dazzling, vibrant flow of people, yet feels completely out of place among them.
A powerful urge swells within her, an almost physical force compelling her to move.
Conversations from the people around her reach "Helena's" ears.
I can't believe you remembered our anniversary.
I wouldn't miss such an important day for the world.
Good thing I caught the morning train. If I'd missed this meeting, who knows when I'd get another chance.
I wonder if they'll even agree to our proposal.
You've done everything you could. As long as you don't have regrets.
Step right up! Don't miss your chance!
Don't miss out
Leave no regrets
Don't miss out
Leave no regrets
Don't miss out
Leave no regrets
Don't miss out
Leave no regrets
"Helena" gazes around at the passersby in a daze. It feels as though everyone wants to tell her something, and everyone's eyes are locked on hers.
But when she looks more carefully, she realizes it's all in her head.
When you understand your own heart, you have to express it boldly. Even if things don't turn out the way you hoped, you can't let yourself live with regrets.
Her mind hasn't fully processed everything, but her body is already moving.
She breaks into a run, racing toward the station, toward that person. She needs to know if Raven feels the same way.
In a flash, every moment they shared comes rushing back, flooding her vision and swirling around her.
Around the corner of that building, Raven is about to turn away, becoming a stranger once more.
She runs forward, wanting to give that flower to the one who has captured her heart.
She finally understands what stirred in her heart that ambiguous, rain-soaked night.
The rain has passed, replaced by an even more uncertain twilight as she runs through these same streets once more.
She can finally face her feelings for Raven.
She can finally face herself and accept those feelings for what they are.
The station.
This station has been running for over a century, its multiple renovations and expansions creating a unique blend of classical charm and modern functionality.
Suitcase in hand, you stand on the platform, eyes fixed on a pocket watch.
The train whistle sounds again, warning travelers that the final call is drawing near.
A train attendant making rounds on the platform notices you hesitating.
Dear passenger, the train is about to depart! Please board immediately!
You snap the watch shut, nod to the attendant, and step forward.
The whistle sounds a second time, echoing through the night air across the platform.
"Helena's" footsteps echo through the empty hall of the quiet station on this off-season night.
The train whistle blares through the station, drowning out her footsteps.
Where is it?
Seeing Helena standing there at a loss, a staff member at the front desk calls out to her.
Miss, is there anything I can help you with?
The platform... I need to get to the platform...
"Helena" follows the signs, racing toward the platform.
"Run. Keep running. This love has always been yours to claim."
"Don't miss this chance." This single thought propels her forward.
She finally understands it all, what it means to be in love.
But now, she's also going to learn what regret means.
Did I... Did I miss it?
"Helena" reaches the platform, only to find the tracks completely empty.
In the distance, the massive clock hanging overhead shows its hands resting precisely on the number 12.
She is five minutes too late.
...
A hollowness suddenly wells up in her chest, as if a strip of film has been cut away, leaving only a void behind. An emotion called regret begins to consume "Helena".
She sits down on a nearby bench, staring blankly ahead.
The tracks are silent. All that remains on the platform is the sound of her breathing.
The station announcements crackle through the speakers once more, but "Helena" no longer has the will to listen.
I can't... hold on to anything...
A sound drifts from somewhere impossibly distant, lingering at the edge of her awareness.
!!!
"Helena's" head snaps up, but she doesn't dare turn to look.
She's afraid this is all just an illusion, a trick of her mind.
She knows now. This is real.
The surprise fades from her eyes, replaced by something she can't quite name: a mixture of lingering dread and overwhelming warmth.
"Helena" turns to look. There, greeting her eyes, is your familiar smile, warm and unchanging as always.
Only then does she remember your question.
No. My train is right here, waiting for me.
The platform lights begin going out one row at a time, leaving just enough for the two of you.
Helena takes in the familiar weight of your coat, the familiar voice, the familiar scent, the familiar, gentle presence.
She hasn't missed it.
Because someone else refused to let her slip away.
Someone has been waiting here for her, ready to return her feelings.
Raven...
I was too late.
She looks at you, saying the lines she practiced multiple times on her way here.
I came here to tell you...
...These feelings I've held inside... my feelings for you.
I love you.
I love you.
Before all hope is lost, the one she loves answers her heart.
At last, she has seized her happiness.
The lovers embrace on the platform.
Cut.
The moment the director calls cut, people from all directions flood onto the platform set.
Spelmin family members in different crew uniforms emerge: script supervisors, camera operators, focus pullers, lighting technicians, sound engineers...
Excitement fills everyone's faces as the maid in the front wheels over a cart with a cake.
Happy birthday, Lady Helentine!
...Thank you all.
After leaving Helentine's M.I.N.D., you two hand over the damaged videotape to a former film producer who happens to be attending Helentine's birthday party, hoping it can be restored.
The answer is affirmative. While it won't be easy, with the WGAA's restoration technology, it's only a matter of time.
With several days remaining before the birthday party, there's time to spare.
Auntie Swan never finished filming the ending. It's always been one of her regrets.
Director Swan? I had the honor of working with her back in her heyday. I've always admired her work.
The family can handle costumes, makeup, and props. We have studios and professional crews for set construction. All we need is someone to coordinate and direct.
You'll have full authority over the manor's staff.
I'd be happy to help. Let's go over the script together.
While the confession was already filmed in the M.I.N.D., that was Ellen's heavily adapted version.
After digitally restoring the film reels and editing the raw footage according to the original script, you three finally pinpoint exactly what's missing.
After Raven embraces Helena and helps her overcome her alexithymia, Helena spends all her time avoiding her own feelings... and avoiding Raven.
Raven assumes this is Helena's choice. With her treatment complete, Raven gradually withdraws from her life, until the hospital assigns the doctor to a new post.
The story cuts off right at the moment Helena chases after Raven. Swan never filmed the rest after her breakdown.
The train station set shouldn't be a problem. The family's studio already has all the foundational elements in place.
Since this was the last film ever shot in our studio, the set has been preserved all this time.
With that in place, it'll cut down the prep work significantly.
Once the details are settled, preparations move forward swiftly. Working from the original film, Helentine and you quickly hand the revised script to the producer.
During prep, the producer asks Helentine if she has any particular requests for her costume.
I'd like to wear this "Helentine" outfit.
Because this film isn't just Auntie Swan's regrets... it's about my wish, too.
You can also just wear your own clothes, Commandant.
It's settled, then. If we can nail it in one take, wrapping everything up on your birthday should be no problem.
My only concern is your chemistry together. Neither of you are trained actors, after all.
[player name] and I work well together already.
Everyone, come take a look at how the edit turned out.
I handled this part of the edit myself. I'm a bit rusty, so please bear with me.
But thanks to everyone's hard work, especially our leads and their chemistry, what we've got here is practically commercial film quality.
After a quick round of cake, the cast and crew gather around the editing station to watch the director's cut, some still in their costumes.
You are about to join the others when Helentine holds you back, keeping you both where you are.
She has just finished her slice of birthday cake. A bit of frosting still lingers at the corner of her mouth.
The noise of the crowd fades away. It feels as though the two of you have returned to that world within the M.I.N.D., where only you and Helentine exist.
Yes, but...
Helentine looks at you, as if searching for confirmation. Then, she does something that wasn't in any script.
She wraps her arms around you once more, genuine and wholehearted, with nothing held back.
This time, it's Helentine... the real Helentine... embracing you, [player name].
I already have the best birthday gift.
She gazes at you, warmth and affection gleaming in her eyes.
