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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYBg7P84PB
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSX6MO99ea
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTMYEd4k0o
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHcTwq7t35
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue84gJNcNL
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ihs30TdVJ
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxYagNYRKj
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdYM0zQ1w2
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?335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU5UV7Cuuj
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkexofN6jNi
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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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdryQIcmaM
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0dOCXpKPT
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTxG3tXNRn
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. As if they were the only ones awake in the village.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj5zFoQR6g
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPk6M2UCT4g
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOWVkCz9FB
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ukpeA4515
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLELziuahY
"Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Kanzaki says, sighing. Akira glares at him.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPXKKnLMEp
"What if I'm right?" she asks.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZG9qoeLwj
"Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclc8kfMvjA
"Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks, looking at his hand.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEntWHIFl0v
"He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74LgTO8IPJ
Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Km1lHrtmL
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7GFAT1z7z
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGku7iryBvb
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1kd4nvyLM
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDHtSXtAdT
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAS7SlvwLR
The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdmhDBjO3V
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuJYLs4wOo
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..."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfUnf8Dm3G
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-"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1aStF0rtz
Before he could finish his sentence, Akira interfered. "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" she yells. Kanzaki facepalms.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRKh196ERK
"Alright, chill," he says.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg5NTPAZMh
"Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Aid9aOUZV
"No, probably not," he answers.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxHd8Hc380
"It's so cold..." Akira says, shivering. Kanzaki glares at her.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzcOeNlFNV
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2ygytno1g
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RNPQqqPwX
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywrI066CDE
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATLRendKEc
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84eMykqAPA
"You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaSwhctsPl
Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZ1L8DZH6O
"Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50gNUwttar
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIU6JJsyRe
"Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AW7Q5roQ7
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Chapter 2335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6G1GXmu0v
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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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdUa50Dfpj
Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpzBWYAHW3
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrux1mqeyJ
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwcYNdcAdy
Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RLgMlYRnq
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzNktKcPgG
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkitNU67NmB
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqUYl10qCI
"Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoNTqfrZoO
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmBrAHzILn
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH1NZr5wvV
"Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZkHQPKot3
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfHPWXrXWx
"R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSzhI8J3cl
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WcZZscHdI
The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpAcKJpMiz
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqgj5gaNWx
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldxVBNpSTO
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KUs7mrE0t
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x26eNuB0o
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D9xgpKKMU
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwUp73KkTE
"Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDo62QQ5bKU
"Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1tNOXKiRT
"What are you doing here...?" he asks, uncertain if she was dangerous. Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXumftjL1Y
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMocZebO2xw
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkOaubl262
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgwyjBWxrG
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS2fVKkRE0
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IjhEjm0BX
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMeLJVT0Hu
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1b5WbnrWv
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SVaPVrny2
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpn0nwp57gk
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EMLrKbnfs
"Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOuwppN91M
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJn5bq8dLl
"Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNv98LY0Yk
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZrfvBpH44
Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcuMzITbDX
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W1vz012Sm
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSafrL8EVX
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0BavEM86C
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3vX5ZwUWs
"Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HbVbutidD
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WGQME2Mhq
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDNL9eHDtH
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h7USmonzr
"Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4d4VUtCji5
"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 3335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U4U2q7bl5
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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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLtZ46xdW2
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2q1ROhM4l
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M0x28ZfvQ
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdtoidraJ5
"I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2I2tDFQYH
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..."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNSWW62L3k
Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbORBiN1e
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNWugeJvFE
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWRH7enCEL
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrmQaKi3rQ
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8l5e3tdok
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaq3Rmuv5J
As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTfliBjgRi
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOc2BySUzd
Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaCqQeAWGm
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXtoAt9yfo
"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!"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhILbrRSmY
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsURaw5ULz
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi2ArfrZCk
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgWRxk8cLy
"No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkJjpyJT8e
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrSBXvjdaN
He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJ3sLszhFH
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpsH3xkpY7
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwDL9iQvR2
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB1apOdzmb
She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52Pbl9oRp5
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyKNAsA2X9
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn2Z0Hah9P
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsibykVkZXN
She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdqB3TEGEv
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHVH051seH
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPzBKgentV
She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNTN4sAe3M
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYeimyRmyi
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv56yM4kudq
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKktbrnCvGc
She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFj33AwabJ
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASIP1ESIAK
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4vEwRxpjQ
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnVvmo7SSU
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThvKIbo043
"Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQ6h1Nv0IG
''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Mlp7wQLFa
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG7H9e0aPm
"Shut up," Akira says, grinning.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLeQb3rNTw
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdduxWPskAQ
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2d0vQhBQy
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooIWgYwZwW
"Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0vL3YIVQk
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbp4iTmZ7U
With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station. There was an itching sensation in his heart.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zpy2iMXPQ
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCDod8pIHy
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5jyiYE8d9
Chapter 4
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6vHrob5JS
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6ZXko1Qk1
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf08YUhVH89
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZSc4jIOAC
"Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci7JBFypSQ
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8dFSRcZGI
He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Al0RuqHOj
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzOr38DByP
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFy7HG7I3a
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW7BRbMNbL
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFVmWypxXu
Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7t7GC55tEb
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL3Up3jMrA
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28I6PVVpJt
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ89p6hQt5Z
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYStSah7V5u
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd5iroL9Qy
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4RcozEELh
"What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYS4oLXWIz
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 14.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3r0EHDWXZ
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVhyeydNo1
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pjv1bbShu
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65IDNFCvnb
''Are you okay?!'' Remi asks, worried.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMTagyfZzC
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1eSVCV5OA
"What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c0Mtwcd1J
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim1rsDi5IK
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0Pxifi0yA
"Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9MB1NCgeD
"Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hxF46Cmyn
"S-shut up!" she yells.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3boITZy47s
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8V2W2vvr3
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlysGuKGdcC
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeamTULUx3
"You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn83mUrSCK
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdn9Y21pLT
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuHAGsX0GZ
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwhQC7qexv
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivCohlo8Mw
Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu478Wy9jOW
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFCFJqSnDT
"What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN1ElP6OwJ
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Aoi asks, not scared at all.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUe0uvNmsa
Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡde0kVsFtKH
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmSUvN6nAW
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE4ijql3Wl
"One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxpAwdiWrn
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyshOddglb0
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSDQzLK2y9
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bZrbKhfBx
His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ8YQ4BDwX
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...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6tNbzKgTx
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.
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oJISKDN8A
Chapter 5335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtqQPI8gis
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yWAeQZ7bP
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHbEWNyj8H
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX45Mzq2Mi
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3JteMK6pf
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3Q5i177kR
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on most surfaces. The wood was polished. His house blended with Kawasaki.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69IGG79oNa
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxYnw5cU3f
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnfjxvTq5O
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpr39UNVxZ
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Hik2sDi9
"How do we save her?" Takahiro asks, an awkward smile on his face. Gin's eyes narrow at his question.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbFvroN21n
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtuHseY4g6
"The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidtmiJk5Gi
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLueXcZTJI0
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTTbHlDXUT
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZyDZTL2GI
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dsXeBqaxf
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04I9sCV18f
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aDH0yxLiD
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzF6hRKux1
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQqXbW8eC9
He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his head.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxY2hcynNK
"Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6SGRMETUm
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJc7HqAiNo
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmGhuaH8Jx
Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwf6sAHMXC
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5a2zf0LO1
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1K2M3sayY
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7V0UWdaFw
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ680k2q78Sq
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMGu5T3rzT
"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."335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YfyHBc12q
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W9i7oKl0m
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..335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVevOjemon0
Mio's body trembled, she looked out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpONQuZfRw
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArOLhS1hYd
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1NNEKsWiK
"Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AgqzoxXuM
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYrIulqQUp
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWELGrpXn8h
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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wFLWa2X6a
Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsD9h43Glxa
"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.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQxPUzTP2i
She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLojj5Yp2P0
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxAbeNVcxx
"Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2Pa4nk4ST
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUO24jGvVP
"Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks, taking a deep breath.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHyc0Fr2cr
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him...335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHZfsq5JAi
It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sqyhiHFl1
"It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhT6kog1CE
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...
335Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwHQyYMuv9
