Editing Luke's Sweet Chapter 02-06

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|gameMode=Character Stories
|stageType=Story
|name={{PAGENAME}}
|previousStage=Luke's Sweet Chapter 02-03
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===Script===
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Hotel Visit I: Central Business District
|characterLinks=You!Main Character,Luke!Luke Pearce,Aaron Yishmir!Aaron Yishmir,Morten Rickmon!Morten Rickmon
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Waterfront Central Business District|location=Stellis Central Business District|image=Stellis - CBD RPG map.png}}}}
''Check the hotel where Morten Rickmon once lived with Luke.''

{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|Hello, checking in?}}
Upon entering the hotel lobby, the receptionist greets you and Luke warmly.

{{SL|You|No... We have something to ask you.}}
{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|How can I help you two?}}
{{SL|Luke|Did anyone by the name of "Morten Rickmon" check in to this hotel some time ago?}}
Hearing Luke's question, the receptionist shows a slightly surprised look.

{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|May I ask about your relationship with Mr. Rickmon...?}}
{{SL|You|Well, Morten Rickmon got into an accident recently, and the police are investigating the matter. We're helping the police with the investigation...}}
You tell the receptionist exactly what you told the bookstore owner.

After showing her the official police seal, Luke also flashes his ID.

{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|Understood... I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Rickmon.}}
{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|Mr. Rickmon is indeed a guest at our hotel, and he's a big customer who booked a room for three months at a time...}}
{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|Mr. Rickmon left a deep impression on the hotel staff.}}
{{SL|Luke|Do you remember anything strange during Morten Rickmon's stay here?}}
{{SL|Luke|Or... did he make an appointment to see anyone?}}
The receptionist thinks for a moment, then shakes her head.

{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|No... no guests came to visit Mr. Rickmon.}}
{{SL|Luke|...}}
{{SL|You|...}}
As you and Luke decide on what else to ask, the receptionist suddenly remembers something.

{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|Oh, yes. A package came for Mr. Rickmon that he never picked up. We still have it in our possession.}}
{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|Please wait a moment. Let me go find it.}}
After a while, the receptionist returns with a square package.

{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|This is it.}}
You and Luke exchange a look and nod at the same time.

{{SL|Luke|We will need to take the package with us, as it might contain important evidence.}}
{{SL|Luke|If necessary, we can leave our names and contact information so you can explain this to the hotel.}}
{{SL|Hotel Front Desk|That'll be all right. Thank you.}}
After taking the package and leaving the hotel, you and Luke decide to find a secluded place.
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Hotel Visit II: Central Plaza
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Central Plaza|location=Stellis Central Business District|image=Stellis - Celebration Plaza.png}}}}
''What will be in the mystery package?''

You and Luke find a long bench to rest on. As Luke starts to unwrap the package, you feel somewhat nervous.

What's... inside? Could it be an important clue?

Not long after, Luke holds a beautiful notebook in his hands.

{{SL|You|This... is the custom notebook that Morten Rickmon commissioned from the bookstore owner.}}
{{SL|Luke|It seems like something happened to him before he could pick it up.}}
Luke opens the cover delicately, which is inscribed with the short yet powerful words, "To my beautiful Oli."

Flipping through the pages, you and Luke find it filled with Morten Rickmon's memories and regrets of his girlfriend.

{{SL|Luke|"My dear Oli, I have come to Stellis. It's breathtakingly beautiful here, very different from Bridmere... You would've loved it here."}}
{{SL|Luke|"...I heard great things about the amusement park here. Oli, I wanted to bring you here when you got better."}}
{{SL|Luke|"Oli, I'm so sorry. I couldn't take better care of you. But can you forgive me? Please?"}}
{{SL|Luke|"...I promise that I'll find out who hurt you. I'll make them all pay."}}
{{SL|Luke|"...Oli, I miss you so much..."}}
Luke's voice fades away. You take the notebook from him and continue to flip through it.

{{SL|You|"Oli, I'm sitting by the lake, taking advantage of the slightly salty wind to write you a poem..."}}
{{SL|You|"...Do you think the wind will be kind enough to bring the poem to you so that you may hear my voice again?"}}
{{SL|You|"My dear Oli... When will I see you again?"}}
{{SL|You|...}}
The words emit a heavy sentiment that Morten Rickmon could not convey to his girlfriend.

He could have written the most beautiful words of love in this notebook... but his lover will never hear them.

Melancholy swirls in your and Luke's eyes as silence lingers between the two of you.

This wasn't the clue that you were searching for, and the information isn't particularly useful, but...

{{SL|Luke|[Player], let's go visit Morten Rickmon.}}
{{SL|You|All right...}}

''Obtain item: Exquisite Custom-Made Notebook''
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Strong Affection I: Central Business District
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Hospital Ward|location=Stellis Public Hospital|image=Hospital - Patient Room (Day).png}}}}
''Nothing new. Check on Morten Rickmon again.''

Accompanied by Aaron, the two of you return to Morten Rickmon's ward.

He is sitting up in bed, staring blankly out the window at something.

{{SL|Luke|...}}
{{SL|You|...}}
{{SL|Aaron Yishmir|Oh... how are things moving along?}}
Perhaps sensing that you and Luke are in a bad mood, Aaron smiles and asks about the investigation.

{{SL|Luke|We already know Morten Rickmon's detailed background and his reason for coming to Stellis... but we don't have anything concrete yet.}}
{{SL|Luke|By the way, Aaron, I have something to discuss with you about an intercity investigation. I'll talk to you later, okay?}}
{{SL|Aaron Yishmir|Sure, no problem.}}
As Luke briefs Aaron on the current situation, your focus is on Morten Rickmon.

There is a stark contrast between the sincere and moving words in the notebook and the disturbed man before you.

You can't help but squeeze the notebook he had specially prepared for Olivia Kilner. You look at Aaron again.

{{SL|You|Aaron, these are things that Rickmon prepared specially for his girlfriend. It was very important to him...}}
{{SL|You|Can we return this notebook to him now? I'm just worried about any adverse reactions.}}
Thinking about Rickmon's condition, your tone is inevitably hesitant.

Aaron doesn't immediately respond to you, but holds his chin pondering your question.

Then he turns to Rickmon and comes to a decision with a nod.

{{SL|Aaron Yishmir|Give it to him.}}
{{SL|Aaron Yishmir|Give him the notebook... It might somehow jog his memory and help his treatment.}}
{{SL|You|Thanks, Aaron!}}
Having obtained Aaron's permission, you look at Luke, who also nods at you.

Then, you take a deep breath and approach Rickmon. You place the notebook gently in his hands.

Rickmon stares at you while you do all this, then looks down slightly at the notebook...

At first, Rickmon doesn't react, looking at the notebook as if it is some kind of toy.

But gradually... a strange expression appears on his face, his eyes growing red...

Then tear drops fall on the paper, one by one.

{{SL|Morten Rickmon|Oli... Oli...}}
Muttering Olivia Kilner's name a few times, he throws the notebook down by the bed and hides in the corner with his hands on his head.

His whole body and voice tremble... an unspeakable sadness and terror in his tone.

{{SL|Morten Rickmon|Don't look at me! Don't look at me! Oli, I look terrible right now.}}
{{SL|Morten Rickmon|This isn't me, Oli... So don't look at me now...}}
{{SL|Luke|...}}
{{SL|You|This...}}
{{SL|Aaron Yishmir|...}}
Rickmon seems to know that something is wrong with him now, but he has forgotten about Kilner's death...

You understand Rickmon's reaction. He doesn't want his lover to see this side of him.

At this point, an infinite sadness rises in your heart, and Luke also stands there, silent.

Aaron wants to comfort Rickmon, but he screams with every step Aaron takes.

{{SL|Morten Rickmon|Stay away! Leave me alone!}}
{{SL|Morten Rickmon|This isn't me!}}
After a long time, Rickmon gradually calms down by himself, but he remains curled up in the corner, refusing to move.

Without any other way, Aaron lets out a helpless sigh, then shakes his head at the two of you.

{{SL|Aaron Yishmir|You guys should go home. I think... he still needs some time.}}
{{SL|Luke|...All right.}}
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Clinic Corridor|location=Stellis Public Hospital|image=Hospital - Hallway.png}}}}
You and Luke follow Aaron's suggestion and leave Rickmon's ward. Standing in the corridor, both your minds are still tense.

The atmosphere seems much heavier than when the two of you read the notebook at the Central Plaza.

After some time passes, Luke only manages to show a bitter smile.

{{SL|Luke|[Player], we don't have any other leads to follow.}}
{{SL|Luke|Let's listen to Aaron and go home for now.}}
{{SL|You|Okay...}}
}}
{{Script
|scriptHeader=Strong Affection II: Luke's Residence 3F
|script=
{{Float|{{Background location|name=Luke's Bedroom|location=Time's Antiquities|image=Time's Antiquities - Bedroom (Sunset).png}}}}
''Chat with Luke and see what's on his mind.''

It is late afternoon by the time you head back to Luke's place. The two of you sit beside the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Both of your minds are still stuck at the hospital, back in Rickmon's moment of panic...

You can't help but lean into Luke's embrace, wanting to soothe your heart with his warmth...

And naturally, Luke grabs your shoulders, his head brushing against your cheeks.

{{SL|Luke|Do you feel any better?}}
{{SL|You|Hard to say...}}
{{SL|You|After seeing Rickmon like that... I felt miserable, and I still can't get it out of my mind.}}
{{SL|You|Rickmon remembers his love for Kilner, but he doesn't remember her passing away.}}
{{SL|You|When I looked into his eyes, I really wanted to ask him how things turned out like this...}}
At this point, you choke on your words, unable to continue.

{{SL|You|I even wondered if it was the wrong decision to return the notebook to Rickmon...}}
{{SL|You|If I didn't, maybe... he wouldn't be so miserable now.}}
Hearing your words, Luke takes your hand quickly, clenching it firmly in his palms.

{{SL|Luke|This isn't your fault.}}
{{SL|Luke|If Rickmon was lucid, I'm sure he would have wanted you to return it.}}
{{SL|Luke|All this... Maybe fate just likes to play tricks on couples.}}
{{SL|You|...}}
You detect a hint of bitterness in Luke's words. However, the bitterness doesn't seem to be directed at Rickmon's woes, but at something else...

You look at Luke, trying to find out more from his expression, but he hastily turns his head sideways to avoid your gaze.

At the point, a gust of wind blows, sobering you up.

Luke must have been deeply affected by Rickmon, much more so than you...

You brush your head against his chest as he had done.

{{SL|You|Luke, when you said couples, you didn't mean just Rickmon and Kilner, right?}}
{{SL|Luke|...}}
Luke doesn't immediately respond, but lets out a soft sigh after a while.

{{SL|Luke|Sometimes, I wish you weren't so perceptive...}}
{{SL|Luke|Maybe that way, I wouldn't affect you with my sadness.}}
{{SL|You|...}}
{{SL|You|But... just as you said, fate likes to play tricks on couples.}}
{{SL|You|Since fate wants me to understand you, you should share your sadness with me... right?}}
A faint breath blows by your ears as Luke snaps your body around to face him.

{{SL|Luke|You're right. I'm destined to share everything with you.}}
Luke closes his eyes as if coming to a decision.

{{SL|Luke|Actually, when I saw Morten Rickmon hiding in a corner, what I saw... wasn't him.}}
{{SL|Luke|I saw myself.}}
{{SL|Luke|I couldn't help but wonder if I would turn out like him, never being able to find out the truth or the answers...}}
{{SL|You|You wo...}}
Before you can finish, Luke shakes his head.

His graceful hand brushes against your eyebrows, then moves down... as if he is tracing your face.

{{SL|Luke|I've experienced it many times in the past, where I found a lead that led nowhere.}}
{{SL|Luke|But this time with you... I've found that I can no longer tolerate disappointment.}}
{{SL|Luke|I don't want you to see me upset, and I don't want to struggle repeatedly in loss and anticipation...}}
{{SL|Luke|And I definitely don't... want you to experience those same feelings.}}
{{SL|Luke|I want it to be different this time, for my expectations to be real. Is that too greedy?}}
At this moment, Luke's fingers linger on your trembling lips.

You subconsciously put your arms around his waist, drawing him closer to you.

{{SL|You|No... I'm more greedy than you.}}
{{SL|You|Not only this time, but every time. I want to be like this forever...}}
Hearing your words, an obscure emotion appears in his eyes.

{{SL|Luke|[Player]...}}
After a while, Luke, who you are still hugging, gradually calms down.

You gently hold his face and move closer, pressing your forehead against his while looking at him earnestly.

His eyes are wet, like those of a newborn puppy.

{{SL|You|Now... can you hear what I have to say?}}
Luke blinks, then nods.

You take a deep breath and decide to pour your heart out.

{{SL|You|Luke, I know what happened with Rickmon and Kilner might lead you down a path of terrible associations...}}
{{SL|You|But that's them, and we are us. Their stories are regrettable, but we hold our future in our hands.}}
{{SL|You|And whatever the outcome of the investigation, whether there is a cure, I will always be there for you.}}
{{SL|You|My love for you will remain steadfast, without fail... just like Rickmon's love for Kilner.}}
{{SL|You|We have already exchanged vows, so let our fates intertwine as one...}}
{{SL|Luke|[Player]...}}
Luke's eyes become clear and warm. He seems to want to say something, but you stop him.

{{SL|You|I know, there might come a day when you'll feel down... even moments where your imagination runs wild.}}
{{SL|You|It's fine, you can tell me everything. I am willing, heart and soul...}}
{{SL|You|...to repeat these words to you over and over again.}}
Then you plant a gentle kiss on Luke's lips.

By this time, a gentle wind drapes the sunset glow over you and Luke.

His eyebrows finally soften up, and a smile finally appears on his face.

With the sunset as the backdrop, Luke looks warm and gentle.

{{SL|Luke|Thank you, [Player]. You have "rescued" me once more.}}
{{SL|Luke|I'm really lucky to have you by my side...}}
Luke gradually moves closer to you... his face growing larger in your pupils.

The sensation on your lips is soft and lingering...
}}
|summary=
|characters=
{{Character|name=Luke Pearce|image=Luke character icon 1.png}}
{{Character|name=Aaron Yishmir|image=Aaron Yishmir character icon 2.png}}
{{Character|name=Morten Rickmon|image=Morten Rickmon character icon.png}}
{{Character|name=Hotel Front Desk|image=Boss 8 character icon.png|nolink=true}}
|locations=
|evidence=
{{Evidence
|name=Exquisite Custom-Made Notebook
|image=Exquisite Custom-Made Notebook icon.png
|description=A beautiful, custom-made notebook with romantic colors. Morten Rickmon prepared it for his girlfriend, Olivia Kilner, who passed away. Inside, Morten recorded his longing and love for Olivia, as well as his regrets.
}}
}}