Prologue
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A long time ago, it wasn't quiet. The village was bustling, full of energy. A moment changed it all, no... Not a moment. A person did it. A woman named Fumiko stepped on the wrong path and she continued walking on that path.337Please respect copyright.PENANAO0KXp9tMxv
If it didn't happen, the village would bloom full of life. It didn't, it bloomed full of death instead. Not after that rampage.337Please respect copyright.PENANAnASLTQzbyP
In the end, it did stop, but it never disappeared. Remnants of the memories were still there. She was still lurking in the dark corners.337Please respect copyright.PENANAqdM5oGPpK7
History was painted with blood. It wasn't war, it was a curse. One that didn't wanna leave Japan alone. An threat who was alive, walking.337Please respect copyright.PENANAV7xBtM1khJ
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.337Please respect copyright.PENANAlmzPXRRA2y
Gin was the person who was able to stop it but... At what cost? Hundreds of lives went to waste. Hundreds of souls were lost. Hundreds of people got hurt. Kawasaki village became unpopular and small. Barely any stores, schools, hospitals and houses. And if they were there, it would most likely be abandoned.337Please respect copyright.PENANAoHkEJK5EgQ
No one spoke much, because she was always watching. The devil was with her. They were allies, planning to take over Japan. And maybe... Just maybe... The world as well. Their succes rate was extremely high.337Please respect copyright.PENANA0MrDrc5RAD
Who would even be able to stop them? Its like... Kill one specific person, save eight billion people. If you didn't manage to kill that person, then humanity loses.337Please respect copyright.PENANA4NraXHAcVK
Someone has to do it. There should be heroes. But who would become one, if Fumiko haunts Kawasaki village just to achieve that boy's intelligence and power?337Please respect copyright.PENANAhfRjHc6Dx7
She's getting stronger. People are getting weaker. The amount of people alive on earth is getting lower. Years passed like falling leaves. Nothing happened. She didn't appear yet. She's still waiting for the right moment. People have described her in ways others can't imagine. She's called... The Yurei.337Please respect copyright.PENANAtiFE5SP0sO
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- Japan's history.
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Chapter 1
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It was a calm, quiet night on the roof of a house. It was midnight, and the time passed by slowly. Kanzaki and Akira sat next to each other, not saying anything. The full red moon was pretty, its magenta glow painting the dark places in soft, pink and red shades.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKSeSaUnpIP
Akira's gaze was fixed on the moon, her blue eyes reflecting the moonlight. "It's so quiet tonight," she said softly, breaking the silence. "Don't you think so, Kanzaki?" She said, smiling. Kanzaki nodded, his lips curling into a small smile.337Please respect copyright.PENANAU7uOI0Qoq8
The wind breezed softly, making Akira's hair sway. She stood up, reaching her arms out towards the sky. "It's beautiful," she whispered, smiling as she stared at the glowing moon. "Almost like it's guarding a secret." Kanzaki leaned back, resting on his elbows, and closed his eyes.337Please respect copyright.PENANAJfosZSCRF2
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. As if they were the only ones awake in the village.337Please respect copyright.PENANA184imQlKyX
"What if curses really exist?" Akira asks, thoughtful. "Do you think there would be people to solve them?" she added. Her words linger in the air, unanswered. Kanzaki stayed quiet.337Please respect copyright.PENANAPn9eEkrnWC
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.337Please respect copyright.PENANA0lpVqKAmBS
For a split second, Kanzaki saw a dark figure around the corner. He rubs his eyes with the back of his hands. He looks again, but nothing was there...337Please respect copyright.PENANAsaMzzUCOG1
Short introduction: Akira is a 14-year-old girl, born in Tokyo on the 13th of May. She has long black wavy hair and blue eyes, she loves going on adventures (doing scary things) and is a fan of history. Kanzaki is a 15-year-old boy, born in Shinjuku on the 28th of June. He has straight black hair and gray eyes. He loves gaming and is a fan of horror.337Please respect copyright.PENANAwidTVQXm0z
"Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Kanzaki says, sighing. Akira glares at him.337Please respect copyright.PENANAdoXVQtrjJy
"What if I'm right?" she asks.337Please respect copyright.PENANAVQZIA0bDlU
"Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away.337Please respect copyright.PENANAPmCGAkax3Q
"Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks, looking at his hand.337Please respect copyright.PENANAqnmpypX8Ct
"He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining.337Please respect copyright.PENANAdItbMwk51b
Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.337Please respect copyright.PENANAMaCrRcc4y7
"Maybe," he says as he stands up. "Up for a walk? I can't keep sitting... I practically have ADHD when I sit for a while," he jokes.337Please respect copyright.PENANA0aBvhtXRv4
After they climb down from the roof... "It's been a while since we've seen this moon, huh?" Akira says, pulling out her phone to take a picture of it. "Your grandpa will definitely like it," she says, smiling.337Please respect copyright.PENANAwbCVlnOY7h
They lived in Kawasaki village. It was surrounded by forests. The houses in the village were old and abandoned, as if a touch could break their wooden frames. Moss crept on the walls and rooftops, a forest and dark green color.337Please respect copyright.PENANA6JEXKKdxz2
Despite the appearance, the houses had stood for generations, each holding memories of the people who once lived in them. The village had dirt paths instead of clean roads.337Please respect copyright.PENANATGJXbyVkkv
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly.337Please respect copyright.PENANAwqOpFhXk7y
The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.337Please respect copyright.PENANA1Spzb28NZC
But as soon as she reads it, her eyes shine out of excitement. "Check this out..." she says, gesturing for Kanzaki to hurry up and come.337Please respect copyright.PENANAp4onikqmTv
Kanzaki reads it out loud: "Lately, people have been going missing, and a lot of murders have occurred... It's becoming chaotic again. This hasn't happened in nearly seventy years. We don't know what it is. But one thing is sure... Japan is in danger. No one will be able to save it. Japan will turn into ashes before you know it. The more you don't care, the worse it becomes. As of now... The tables have turned, and the future won't be seen..."337Please respect copyright.PENANAtEyCKrjJEv
He tilts his head to the side. "What kind of nonsense is this?" he asks. There were missing posters everywhere these days. "They're probably joking aro-"337Please respect copyright.PENANA2MfGA9gjE0
Before he could finish his sentence, Akira interfered. "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" she yells. Kanzaki facepalms.337Please respect copyright.PENANAj9Z8G3TB6I
"Alright, chill," he says.337Please respect copyright.PENANAE1JHlRatJS
"Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes.337Please respect copyright.PENANAg96lOUgY7k
"No, probably not," he answers.337Please respect copyright.PENANAcRMmDS93TS
"It's so cold..." Akira says, shivering. Kanzaki glares at her.337Please respect copyright.PENANAZOR7gtlMLe
"I literally told you to bring a jacket, idiot," he says, taking off his jacket and putting it over Akira's shoulders. "Just... take it," he says, looking at the entrance of the forest again.337Please respect copyright.PENANAXLhniGULWY
"Oii, let's go to my house. My parents are going to be worried to death if they don't find me in bed," Akira says, dragging Kanzaki as she walks.337Please respect copyright.PENANAt3raUCM19F
"Let go of my collar!" Kanzaki protests, his words strained as Akira's grip tightens around his shirt, choking him. "I have legs too, y'know," he informs, coughing as he tries to regain his composure.337Please respect copyright.PENANAlONWghZDc2
"If I was in a wheelchair, then you could push me or drag me around, but I'm not! So stop dragging me everywhere like I'm your luggage!" Akira rolls her eyes but lets go of him with a huff. Kanzaki straightens his collar.337Please respect copyright.PENANA5SYYSKm6Zz
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing.337Please respect copyright.PENANAoC6UgRLoAO
"You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says.337Please respect copyright.PENANA4YEyjhj6dZ
Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks.337Please respect copyright.PENANAqe7rE60CMU
"Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKFvuClm5JY
Akira holds her hand up as if she's going to slap him. Out of instinct, Kanzaki covers his face. Akira just laughs. "Scaredy cat!" she says as Kanzaki lowers his hands.337Please respect copyright.PENANASy7U9i0ZRL
"Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.337Please respect copyright.PENANAw65lKnAQle
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Chapter 2337Please respect copyright.PENANAd0xo9xBOSR
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They arrived at the door of her house. Akira silently pulled the key from her pocket and unlocked it. "Ninja material," Kanzaki said, grinning.337Please respect copyright.PENANAU3YacmVYLw
Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.337Please respect copyright.PENANA10oc7pxMP2
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.337Please respect copyright.PENANAEzIrqLqUQc
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red.337Please respect copyright.PENANASWyd9s3o0u
Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.337Please respect copyright.PENANAvyP3z6FY3v
A woman in a long white dress sat silently beside the dead bodies. The white fabric of her dress was streaked with blood, and her long black hair obscured her face.337Please respect copyright.PENANAqAgFWK1tr7
A bit of her red glowing eyes was seen under the hair. She was thin, you could nearly see her bones. A dark aura surrounded her.337Please respect copyright.PENANAQcm7uEElSN
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm.337Please respect copyright.PENANAjex4koNb6b
"Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling.337Please respect copyright.PENANArijfgplimk
"Don't... go near her..." Kanzaki whispered, worried. Akira's eyes blazed with fire. The woman's head tilted slowly, as if her neck could barely hold its weight. Kanzaki froze as a soft chuckle echoed, sending chills down his spine.337Please respect copyright.PENANAk9d8cs9cQf
Akira pushed Kanzaki away before lunging herself to the woman. "HOW DARE YOU KILL THEM?!" Akira yelled, grabbing the woman's neck. The woman smiled at her...337Please respect copyright.PENANAr0Mh0CY83p
"Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.337Please respect copyright.PENANA9HgWTbHf7H
Kanzaki stepped forward, grabbing Akira's hand. He covered her mouth and slowly dragged her out of the house. Akira struggled to free herself from Kanzaki's firm grip.337Please respect copyright.PENANAIGQsEDqO0E
"R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.337Please respect copyright.PENANAJayP7ETgFj
The balcony door creaked open, the sound cutting through the thick silence like a blade. From the balcony next to her parents' room, the woman stood motionless, her head facing Kanzaki and Akira.337Please respect copyright.PENANAaFsbcUdCB1
The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?337Please respect copyright.PENANA18cbcqOApS
"Run... AKIRA, RUN!!!" Kanzaki yelled, his voice echoing through Kawasaki village. Akira started running, and Kanzaki followed, but then she suddenly went left while he went right. "AKIRA, GO TO MY HOUSE!!!" he shouted as he kept running.337Please respect copyright.PENANALiclcD3Iu2
The woman stood silently beside Akira's house, her figure visible in the moonlight as she watched them run away. A cold smirk was on her face. She heads back into the room. The door creaked shut behind her.337Please respect copyright.PENANARcamyroyqT
Kanzaki glanced behind him, relieved to see that the woman wasn't following him. "What if she went after Akira...?" he thought. "No, Akira isn't that slow. Come back to your senses, punk," he whispered, slapping his own face.337Please respect copyright.PENANAh4ATpLnRxQ
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?337Please respect copyright.PENANASYORARYocT
Kanzaki continues running, trying to get to his house. He stops and tries to catch his breath for a moment. He tilts his head to the side and sees something. It was strange...337Please respect copyright.PENANAaVCLgmqxTa
The person looked like she had no idea where she was... The girl smiled at him, even though her ginger hair covered most parts of her face. Kanzaki took a few steps back.337Please respect copyright.PENANAdR5BehsWAx
"Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance.337Please respect copyright.PENANA3nLAxepDvj
"Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression.337Please respect copyright.PENANAm3ptFrtycp
"What are you doing here...?" he asks, uncertain if she was dangerous. Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.337Please respect copyright.PENANA9GOsYs5maL
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.337Please respect copyright.PENANA5SJ91ywVmW
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice.337Please respect copyright.PENANARiFMV9WehK
"I'm not real. I'm not human... I'm just a mere tool for him..." she says, clenching her fists. "So please... Kill me... I don't want to go back to that place..." Momosuke said before she handed him a knife. Kanzaki threw the knife away.337Please respect copyright.PENANA4cloF5Z7VU
"W-what... Are you talking about...?!" he yells before she dragged away by a dark figure. Kanzaki freezes... "What was she talking about... Is she in danger...?" he thinks.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKbWNKPD2KK
He looks at the knife. He realizes on the side, there was written 'Dead'. He was confused but decided to take the knife with him...337Please respect copyright.PENANA5618MHrpfx
Akira's still waiting... I should go. He looks at the spot where Momosuke stood and then runs to his house. Now... Monsters do exist...337Please respect copyright.PENANAk3pIFWQ9IH
When Kanzaki arrived at his house, he stopped. Akira was there, leaning against the wall. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, the words stuck in his throat.337Please respect copyright.PENANAnjM6CMhnVO
Finally, he mumbled, "Monsters... exist." Akira didn't look up, but she nodded. Her eyes were swollen because she cried. The cold had left her nose red, but her face was blank, her gaze fixed on the ground.337Please respect copyright.PENANAhL3PhMlVV2
He took the keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He opened it wide, waiting for her to come in. She kept standing there, looking at the sky.337Please respect copyright.PENANAsaUzGmKWsO
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders.337Please respect copyright.PENANAQo7c14o1QQ
"Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.337Please respect copyright.PENANAO37cEQxeHT
"It will be alright. We will be the people who solve it. You wanted to become one, so now we can!" he said, trying to reassure her. She nodded, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand.337Please respect copyright.PENANANc9kjWN1UQ
"Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.337Please respect copyright.PENANAHfiLtOKVfn
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed...337Please respect copyright.PENANARVG5NRq9HX
Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.337Please respect copyright.PENANAuDKlDp1J4E
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.337Please respect copyright.PENANAf5WpahpFJJ
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing.337Please respect copyright.PENANAzOXcxLLKyL
His father had gone into the forest to solve an important matter, but he never came back. He closed the door after Akira got into the room.337Please respect copyright.PENANA6Bzp1oayTi
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk.337Please respect copyright.PENANAVaorC53vHG
"Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.337Please respect copyright.PENANACtj01CM82W
"Considering she didn't follow me or you, she's probably still there," Kanzaki said, before spotting a bit of blood on Akira's finger. "You got hurt without telling me?!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists.337Please respect copyright.PENANAcMOwXvjfY8
"I... I'm sorry... It just happened when... I don't really know what it was, but it looked like, uhh..." she said, unable to explain.337Please respect copyright.PENANA0EGIhejl8T
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now.337Please respect copyright.PENANAn63TMPIOti
"Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.337Please respect copyright.PENANAYNYk6Lilz6
"Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.
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Chapter 3337Please respect copyright.PENANAlVgIwrcfEd
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After making a lot of jokes and talking, Kanzaki finally felt tired. He set up a bed for Akira and then collapsed onto his own bed, falling asleep. Akira, stayed awake, lying on her left side.337Please respect copyright.PENANAXr5Xa3IzH0
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people.337Please respect copyright.PENANAqnFQmUVJkO
Akira felt so vulnerable, so weak... The woman was on a whole other level, she wasn't human at all... A threat to Japan, that's what she was.337Please respect copyright.PENANAgZlU92opQl
The thought was humiliating, and it caused Akira to hurt herself, just to escape reality... She wished she could turn back time and stop all of this. If she could... She sat up, looking at Kanzaki, her mind racing.337Please respect copyright.PENANAI859c6KlHX
"I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.337Please respect copyright.PENANAVNQLcxGFZr
A chilling voice whispered, cold... "You will not escape from me... I am the queen of the Yurei, my lovely feast. We will meet soon enough, Akira... Please be ready to be another decoration in the forest..."337Please respect copyright.PENANACFIWZTIxba
Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.337Please respect copyright.PENANAt04QaDKQKW
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.337Please respect copyright.PENANACKfGty522n
"It's fine, just a nightmare," she answered quickly, pulling the blanket over her face, hoping to protect herself from the fear. She fell asleep once again.337Please respect copyright.PENANAK4ASB656th
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.337Please respect copyright.PENANAchbxgGQzi9
The sunlight was seen through the brown curtains. Kanzaki stirred awake, stretching as his eyes adjusted to the light. He glanced at Akira, who was still asleep.337Please respect copyright.PENANAZu5U3JajZs
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom.337Please respect copyright.PENANAtW3ZzkzHwQ
As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.337Please respect copyright.PENANAztZGApRjDG
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see.337Please respect copyright.PENANALeki7oXMFW
Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.337Please respect copyright.PENANAGrrqkQ2WKu
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then."337Please respect copyright.PENANAoy8OXHtY34
"No!" Kanzaki snapped, his fear replaced by anger. "I won't let you get closer to her! What do you want from her?! You already ruined enough lives... everyone who entered that forest! You destroyed their happiness!"337Please respect copyright.PENANAFHdg2NtoIl
The woman tilted her head, her lips curling into a smirk. "The people in the forest aren't dead... They're trapped in there. So is your father." Kanzaki's heart dropped, but his resolve didn't.337Please respect copyright.PENANAOfXDH9K7u2
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.337Please respect copyright.PENANA8ONSpGBLSJ
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room.337Please respect copyright.PENANAwj1BCSC5mI
"No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.337Please respect copyright.PENANAmr9hKsHsl5
Akira woke up at 10 A.M., blinking rapidly. She rubbed her eyes and saw Kanzaki sitting on his bed, writing something in his notebook, focused.337Please respect copyright.PENANAL2HD2RmTQD
He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.337Please respect copyright.PENANAV0XcnHLjid
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.337Please respect copyright.PENANALBdOuMF1B5
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down.337Please respect copyright.PENANAuIZORiIgND
"Akira..." he began, his voice soft. "Something happened between you and that woman, am I right or am I wrong? I understand you don't want me to worry, but... You're her main goal." Akira's heartbeat slowed down.337Please respect copyright.PENANA1oua1XV7lI
She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.337Please respect copyright.PENANAINnGm4ok6g
"I want you to leave Kawasaki. Go to another city or village... Tokyo, or anywhere. It doesn't matter," he continued, trying to hide the shaking of his hands as he crumpled up a piece of paper.337Please respect copyright.PENANAz5HvQfyel7
"Just get out of Kawasaki. It's too dangerous here, so please... survive somewhere else," he said. His voice faltered slightly at the end, a mix of sadness and hope in it.337Please respect copyright.PENANA0km16aSZo6
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it.337Please respect copyright.PENANA6QszLSTxVB
She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"337Please respect copyright.PENANAZoJROQ2r02
Kanzaki's answer was immediate. "No." The single word felt like a dagger in her heart, and Akira turned her face away to hide her face. She fought back the tears threatening to spill.337Please respect copyright.PENANAS2dqyDu0mr
A silence filled the room before she spoke again, almost yelling, "Then... you have to survive too!" Kanzaki blinked, surprised by her tone. "Promise?" she asked, looking at him with puppy eyes.337Please respect copyright.PENANA1Yxnf7TgJh
She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.337Please respect copyright.PENANAdQacBnWQDP
But after hesitation, he nodded and wrapped his pinky around hers. "Promise!" he said, his voice low. "Promise!" Akira repeated, her intensity higher than his.337Please respect copyright.PENANA6mxPKzkrII
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.337Please respect copyright.PENANAJsppocISNW
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio.337Please respect copyright.PENANA3UOSp1XWT7
She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.337Please respect copyright.PENANAJD69gg1WVB
Mio understood and respected their decision. "I'll come back, mom!" Kanzaki informed before he closed the door behind him. "Let's go to Kawasaki Station. Stay safe, Akira," he whispered.337Please respect copyright.PENANAGpeVnV8uSY
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked.337Please respect copyright.PENANAfsmMdy8kvW
"Yeah, of course. I'm not leaving you alone," he reassured her, smiling. Even though Akira felt relieved, she felt danger... The feeling that something bad would happen if she left.337Please respect copyright.PENANA8rYpTrgICt
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off.337Please respect copyright.PENANAVQmnqWyc2k
"Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her.337Please respect copyright.PENANAuBNWZwQiRK
''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.337Please respect copyright.PENANAVSNlFqn5ch
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul.337Please respect copyright.PENANA5TRPbENkf8
"Shut up," Akira says, grinning.337Please respect copyright.PENANA6MB5nHioSu
At Kawasaki Station. Footsteps echoed, announcements were played and a lot of people were talking. Neon lights and LED screens flickered, advertising everything. It smelled like coffee and people were rushing to trains every time one of them arrived.337Please respect copyright.PENANAti9jVqIHr2
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.337Please respect copyright.PENANAgIvW2BN6Ua
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly.337Please respect copyright.PENANAdmr25d7JPR
"Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.337Please respect copyright.PENANAkrXRFRhDMV
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope.337Please respect copyright.PENANAStdrSO4JS4
With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station. There was an itching sensation in his heart.337Please respect copyright.PENANAaNlGEQvBoW
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.337Please respect copyright.PENANAICbJK0eGqO
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.337Please respect copyright.PENANAv4epDbRuGR
Chapter 4
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As Kanzaki arrived at the entrance of Kawasaki village, the sweet scent of trees greeted him. The quietness of the place felt natural. Kanzaki's eyes lingered on the rooftop where he and Akira sat that night.337Please respect copyright.PENANAfZs1jF4L2i
Suddenly, his phone rang. It was an unknown number. He answered, and a whisper came through the line. "Hey, I think you have the wrong number," he said, but it was silent on the other end...337Please respect copyright.PENANAlu4ojdbLx5
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all.337Please respect copyright.PENANAx61nEc3OEl
"Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.337Please respect copyright.PENANAvfeY4lvruD
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment.337Please respect copyright.PENANAJUZc3TAYWz
He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKQBI4WitPN
As he entered, he quickly opened KakaoTalk, but closed it again immediately. "I don't wanna be a nuisance..." he thought, pushing away the bad thoughts and focused on getting home.337Please respect copyright.PENANAMvgqB8aa67
Kanzaki greeted his mother, who was planting in the garden, before heading to his room. He sat down at his desk, eyes falling on the map unfolded in front of him. "Come to think about it... I haven't seen that woman since I went into the bathroom..." Kanzaki mumbles, tracing his fingers over the map.337Please respect copyright.PENANAapeAAklUHf
As he turned the paper over, his eyes widened. Written in thick, jagged handwriting, the words read: "I see you, but you don't see me. We will meet soon, but you wont just meet me." His heartbeat quickened. She was here again.337Please respect copyright.PENANAoziyFYiTZx
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting.337Please respect copyright.PENANApdbXrGmXOU
Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.337Please respect copyright.PENANAR33qYZYI1M
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent.337Please respect copyright.PENANAQIVv418XJM
"Akira. Sorry if I can't keep my prom-" But before he could finish, a cold hand covered his mouth, making him unable to speak.337Please respect copyright.PENANAmAenceMqMM
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKcAhoqksdu
His eyes flickered to his phone... Akira was still talking on KakaoTalk, unbeknownst of the danger. Kanzaki hung up the call and shut off his phone, his heart racing. She can't find her...337Please respect copyright.PENANAUXCWQAT9hU
The woman's voice, soft yet chilling, echoed in his ear: "You will not escape from me..." It was silent and her hand slowly let him go before vanishing. Kanzaki was left there, his breath ragged.337Please respect copyright.PENANApr4IsjayEW
A day later... The sun was rising. ''Kanzaki! Come meet the neighbours!'' his mother yells. They're getting new neighbours, on both sides because the owners went missing and wont come back.337Please respect copyright.PENANA6mGT0DuZBI
"What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.337Please respect copyright.PENANAiuiKvFb58o
The neighbours turned out to be pleasant. The family on the left had a boy and a girl around Kanzaki's age, while the family on the right had a girl, probably 13 or 14.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKg488lNPvG
Remi is a 16-year-old girl, born in Fukuoka on March 6th. She loves gaming and nature, and has blonde wavy hair and blue eyes. Takahiro is a 14-year-old boy, born in Fukuoka on December 18th. He loves fighting and action/adventure, and has short blonde hair and blue eyes as well. Aoi is an 12-year-old girl, born in Sapporo on August 2nd. She loves cooking and is a fan of fantasy and history. She has black short hair and green eyes.337Please respect copyright.PENANAtPEgI2I1UL
The parents and Mio went for a walk around Kawasaki, leaving the children at Kanzaki's house. They sat in silence, doing nothing in particular.337Please respect copyright.PENANAoiz79e6dPa
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain.337Please respect copyright.PENANAqLF7MpzKJJ
''Are you okay?!'' Remi asks, worried.337Please respect copyright.PENANACKNqLLgcL3
Takahiro was just watching as Remi helped Aoi. Kanzaki was leaning on the wall. He had to tell Akira about this. "I heard there are Yurei's in this village!" Aoi says, looking at Remi.337Please respect copyright.PENANABqN1PaXpn7
"What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked.337Please respect copyright.PENANArAAsCbLjWE
"Yurei are ghosts. They're usually women in long white dresses, which get stained with blood easily. I only know one of them... And, oh yeah! They have long black hair that covers their faces. The one I know leads all the Yurei, especially in this village, because of the forest! Her name is the Queen of Yurei's or Fumiko, and I've seen missing posters. It's probably them who did it, and..." Aoi explains.337Please respect copyright.PENANAyZcIorBSMG
Remi speaks up, breaking Aoi off. "So, there are ghosts in this village..." She looks at Kanzaki. "Have you ever seen one?" she asks, leaning closer.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKeRHgv3zAj
"Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room.337Please respect copyright.PENANAOaYZJsA4qG
"Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction.337Please respect copyright.PENANASDqmYbYzfQ
"S-shut up!" she yells.337Please respect copyright.PENANACGzQeZ84wU
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks.337Please respect copyright.PENANAMvojKUn6SS
"Maybe... he has seen the queen once but hides it! I'm interested..!" she says, her eyes sparkling. Aoi heads upstairs and knocks on the door where was written 'Kanzaki' "Open up, baka!" she says, kicking the door.337Please respect copyright.PENANAOmna3BrEmR
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed.337Please respect copyright.PENANAif9toK20sC
"You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.337Please respect copyright.PENANApehE56KoIa
They were in Kanzaki's room, which was simple yet cozy. A modest bed with a plain comforter. A desk cluttered with books. A small, tidy bathroom. A chair, slightly worn from use was tucked under the desk.337Please respect copyright.PENANABZwrulSdiu
"So... I had a best friend named Akira. She liked history. We were just chilling on a roof, watching a red full moon, but when we went to her house, her parents were dead on the ground. There were devil symbols everywhere, and that woman... The Queen... She was just sitting there. We ran away, but she was watching us. She has eyes everywhere, so you could say she knows you're here. She wanted Akira for some unknown reason, but I didn't give Akira to her and let her get out of the village. Now, she's keeping an eye on me," he explains.337Please respect copyright.PENANAU9sGNCl6NA
"But I'm glad that she's not following Akira now. You could say... It's like a sacrifice. It's fine..." he says, ending the story.337Please respect copyright.PENANAi3MvS270dk
Aoi looks at him. "Woah, you really did meet her! Amazing!" she yells. "Legends say she was the one who worked for Astaroth!" she informs, excited.337Please respect copyright.PENANA7yrzc5M0S4
Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.337Please respect copyright.PENANAC2NzoLMjfR
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses.337Please respect copyright.PENANACJozRyHurr
"What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.337Please respect copyright.PENANAumfEWfvS5o
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Aoi asks, not scared at all.337Please respect copyright.PENANA2QDkvp90XS
Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.337Please respect copyright.PENANAsh6mlX6vcU
Kanzaki stood up abruptly, his gaze heavy as he looked at the group. "This has been bothering me..." he muttered, his voice low and uncertain. They watched him with curiosity as he walked over to his desk, picking up a folded map.337Please respect copyright.PENANAf2Y6vZKfpT
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression.337Please respect copyright.PENANAca1JYvOnDX
"One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.337Please respect copyright.PENANA55E1vGx9kX
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.337Please respect copyright.PENANAqI8VzvIPOj
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters...337Please respect copyright.PENANA6s1XZGqJuB
He glanced toward the window. My house is far from where those posters are, at least two miles from the entrance of the village. She couldn't have seen them from here, let alone memorized their details. The news about the Yurei is only shared at the far end of Kawasaki, close to the forest.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKHZeLPl6gO
His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.337Please respect copyright.PENANAvKNx0fyMUr
The realization hit him like a punch to his gut. She is the Yurei. I'm sure of it. She stole a girl's soul and now pretends to be her. Clever...337Please respect copyright.PENANArZNRbs26r3
The voice in his memory echoed faintly. Her voice... it sounded just like the person who called me that night. I won't do anything... I'll wait for the right moment. I'll act like a friend.
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Chapter 5337Please respect copyright.PENANANGOxy4Ksu7
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No one spoke as they made their way to Kanzaki's grandpa. It was silent, everyone was lost in their own thoughts. Aoi didn't come because she was hungry.337Please respect copyright.PENANAGB4mdTQKSd
Gin, Kanzaki's grandpa, was an 82-year-old man born in Tokyo on August 14th. He had short gray heir, low round glasses that perched on his nose. His grey eyes gave off quiet wisdom, even though his expression was unreadable. He likes fiction.337Please respect copyright.PENANAiPZ6kV1TSb
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed.337Please respect copyright.PENANAUn7iyddp2g
Kanzaki knocks on the door, waiting for Gin to open it. After a few minutes, the door opens. His grandpa was just standing there at first... Then he slowly walks away, leaving the door open for them.337Please respect copyright.PENANADNY13POlaR
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on most surfaces. The wood was polished. His house blended with Kawasaki.337Please respect copyright.PENANA0KPq1nJylI
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in.337Please respect copyright.PENANAu6NfUCdc0F
"You have seen her. The Yurei. You experienced it before, didn't you? Tell us about it," he says firmly, expecting his grandpa to tell them. Gin's voice was low, his eyes fixed on a picture on the wall.337Please respect copyright.PENANAsxDOHUeoSY
"The Yurei was once the leader of this village. She entered the forest to find more land for houses, even though she never came back. She met Astaroth, who cursed her, turning her into a ghost. The full red moon marks her killings. We were friends, back in high school, but after she became The Yurei, the village fell apart. I saw her once, but I couldn't save her. Astaroth took her soul, and she became a monster. She hasn't attacked in over seventy years, but Kawasaki has never been the same. It was peaceful before, but now... it's all just silence. Her real name was Fumiko. I can't do anything now... I'm dead after all," A silence fell, after Gin explained.337Please respect copyright.PENANAEkuPRYIiOF
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before.337Please respect copyright.PENANA42NxWpcrK5
"How do we save her?" Takahiro asks, an awkward smile on his face. Gin's eyes narrow at his question.337Please respect copyright.PENANA8ylaOeUtFY
"In the forest. You will find the answer there... I warn you though, if you manage to escape... You'll get cursed forever,'' he answers.337Please respect copyright.PENANAVlW7w6zJCn
"The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 337Please respect copyright.PENANACGXqlTYRns
Kanzaki arrives home, Takahiro and Remi went to look around the village for a bit. He goes upstairs and looks at the back of the map again. There was a fingerprint... Out of blood next to the sentence.337Please respect copyright.PENANAmENzDBD6p0
"Aoi... Just watch," he thinks. He takes out a lighter and burns the map, ashes falling on the ground. "When I catch you... You wont see tomorrow," he says out loud.337Please respect copyright.PENANADMaMgNJ3lD
Every single corner in Kawasaki... Is cursed by her, the people are crying, begging to be left alone... They want to leave her grasp, live a normal life like everyone outside Kawasaki.337Please respect copyright.PENANASRDfHsnb3R
Astaroth... How evil can you possibly be? Taking the soul of someone... Making her kill everyone... Just what are you? Nothing was right. It felt like Kawasaki fell into the void, it can't escape. Nearly no one visits the village, other than the people who live here.337Please respect copyright.PENANABwn5PdOfpl
If no one can stop it... I will. He went to run around the village, looking for hints. He got a flashlight since his phone's battery can run out anytime.337Please respect copyright.PENANA1omad92FRx
He looks at the news again. The same fingerprint was there. He takes a picture of it and continues running... Stamina is important, who knows whats hidden in that forest.337Please respect copyright.PENANAmKe89fS8Iw
After hours of running and snapping disturbing photos in Kawasaki, Kanzaki returned home. He felt unease lingering.. He didn't know why. He opened his closet and grabbed the flashlight.337Please respect copyright.PENANApTwauoePIL
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile.337Please respect copyright.PENANAF9ApmpOJuJ
He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his head.337Please respect copyright.PENANA2H4hT5yLgc
"Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.337Please respect copyright.PENANAgveMKx326T
Kanzaki hugged her before slipping on his shoes. "I'll go for a run. See you later, mom!" he shouted as he closed the door behind him.337Please respect copyright.PENANAghEaZxT5My
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched.337Please respect copyright.PENANAj3ftxWDhzo
Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.337Please respect copyright.PENANA9gI5xCR8Ng
"Please stay safe, Kanzaki..." Mio mumbled, tears streaming down her face. She opened up her phone, typing a quick message. "Come back before it's too late." She hesitated before sending it, her hands shaking.337Please respect copyright.PENANAleVViXbShs
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes.337Please respect copyright.PENANAKPV5DGogbV
Mio glanced at him. "Dinner first, or the food will get cold," she said, her voice soft. Her hands trembled slightly as she sat down.337Please respect copyright.PENANAuI6AQdrNma
Before Kanzaki came home, the atmosphere in the house shifted... Mio was in the kitchen, humming as she prepared dinner. She turned around, startled to see a woman with long black hair and a blood-stained white dress. "Who are you?" Mio asked, clutching the counter. The Yurei's pale lips curled into a smirk.337Please respect copyright.PENANAe8tngG97po
"The one who rules this village," she said, her voice echoing. "Be nice and do what I say, or else... you will die before you know it. After your son comes home, you'll act kind and let him go back outside. If you don't..." The Yurei leaned in closer, her breath on Mio's neck.337Please respect copyright.PENANANugdoFOJaf
"I'll kill you. He's my food. Don't you dare get in my way, useless maid. I can't fail... Astaroth will be so pleased."337Please respect copyright.PENANAllR7RNNSuW
Mio's heartbeat quickened. Mio could feel her presence. The Yurei had been in their house the whole time, silently watching both Kanzaki and Mio, like a predator studying its prey. She knew the Yurei could kill her in an instant.337Please respect copyright.PENANADK1x4VL5Fe
Kanzaki sacrificed everything to protect Akira... Just if he knew what it would take, he wouldn't have done it. The Yurei was hunting down everyone..337Please respect copyright.PENANAgGKHFeBvYL
Mio's body trembled, she looked out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.337Please respect copyright.PENANAPoDKEPJ2VW
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.337Please respect copyright.PENANA3d3HzzUlzL
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes.337Please respect copyright.PENANA5Jyf7CZwXj
"Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.337Please respect copyright.PENANAh4R3olKohb
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio...337Please respect copyright.PENANAlu0FNV4I6f
She saw it. The Yurei threathened her... Aoi or Fumiko, whatever you are, I won't let you escape. Not after you tried to kill Akira and now my mother.337Please respect copyright.PENANAoaQUv2prfY
He puts his shoes on. "It's alright, oka-san. I'll be fine!" he says. He hugs his mother before he goes. "Sayonara," he says, turning back one more time before closing the door.337Please respect copyright.PENANAD7JznZ8tbN
Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.337Please respect copyright.PENANA84XOTsZr3o
"I'm disappointed in you... Useless housewife," The Yurei says, looking down on her. "Your life will end soon... Be ready..." she whispers as she vanishes again, leaving Mio alone.337Please respect copyright.PENANAHKs837SS6P
She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.337Please respect copyright.PENANAuhvqpCRrcu
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest...337Please respect copyright.PENANAGGqMpkBjMj
"Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.337Please respect copyright.PENANAreNVjtmKy4
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure.337Please respect copyright.PENANAVAoeZwnNXY
"Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks, taking a deep breath.337Please respect copyright.PENANAXnCKLf7e5X
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him...337Please respect copyright.PENANACZLIAdqHYR
It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood.337Please respect copyright.PENANAe6jwcz7D8U
"It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.337Please respect copyright.PENANARmwH0ewV6m
People were hanging on branches, a tie around their neck... They were all dead, those were... The villagers of Kawasaki The Yurei killed... They were here all this time...
337Please respect copyright.PENANA7aHSglU5Kn