Prologue
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof9Iv8W1PT
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0QBduanYJ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEddtXlJS25
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuf5Ae3pWq
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4EbKoPPoU
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. Kitagawa village became unpopular and small. Barely any stores, schools, hospitals and houses. And if they were there, it would most likely be abandoned.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8VoswXCBO
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgotZKaJtUQ
Who would even be able to stop them? Its like... Kill 1 specific person, save 8 billion people. If you didn't manage to kill that person, then humanity loses.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOjuQjueuK
Someone has to do it. There should be heroes. But who would become one, if Fumiko haunts Kitagawa village just to achieve that boy's intelligence and power?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOk8raQSm3
She's getting stronger. People are getting weaker. The amount of people alive on earth is getting lower. Its been years. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mDmvcZCJX
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- Japan's history.
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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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsP2WkB6uPv
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?" Kanzaki nodded, his lips curling into a small smile.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyOpGoEh5V
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksS3hYRrCL
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. They were the only ones awake in the village. "What if curses really exist?" Akira asks, thoughtful. "Do you think there would be people to solve them?" Her words linger in the air, unanswered. Kanzaki stayed quiet.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63thxI1pib
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGafENHhxhU
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...
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.
Kanzaki says: "Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Akira glares at him. "What if I'm right?" she asks. "Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away. "Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks. "He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining. Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHAM8wKGhp
"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. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jsWGVIuH0
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZ5j6RvKxt
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyY6fUModbj
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly. The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkghhowTfUQ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu144O7pjjy
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 dont wanna care, the worse it becomes. As of now... The tables have turned, and the future won't be seen..."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO0zARFCyj
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-" Before he could finish his sentence, Akira spoke: "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" Kanzaki facepalms. "Alright, chill," he says. "Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes. "No, probably not," he answers.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJdo3jfmzl
"It's so cold..." Akira says. Kanzaki glares at her. "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. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24tqaY23SQ
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9pUSJLHJD
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgO5m38bcz
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing. "You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says. Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks. "Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbTsbhTsqP
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. "Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LHRpGIMwt
They arrived at the door of her house. Akira silently pulled the key from her pocket and unlocked it. "Ninja material," Kanzaki said, grinning. Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIDhO6Dkeh
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkEE8p5EWl
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red. Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcGVAtP0cu
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. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdN9Bl9pDb
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm. "Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQeWBLUGdc
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... "Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoB2NGhO2S
Kanzaki stepped forward, grabbing Akira's hand. He covered her mouth and slowly dragged her out of the house.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXXTCJaqRl
Akira struggled to free herself from Kanzaki's firm grip. "R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0m3itJXWR
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. The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPDACwq2j6
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgdyF7NWWl
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj1aD5q7yP
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6n3CqZlkI
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA12bi4rSNI
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...230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gcEEZBoqq
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3YHpPu343
Kanzaki took a step back. "Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance. "Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression. Kanzaki: "What are you doing here...?" Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBS0rCQizXy
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqJdV1lTQY
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW578FGtSX2
"W-what... Are you talking about...?!" he yells before she vanished. Kanzaki freezes... What was she talking about... Is she in danger...? He looks at the knife. He realizes on the side, there was written 'The dead'. He was confused but decided to take the knife with him...230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt9PEHhOGt
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...230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGH1TJWsy3
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph5QypXrse
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDoV6NlOTA
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAooNlUgM3t
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8iG0XZGW6
"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. "Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWRTpGtSgt
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed... Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNj4dyaxSF
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKUrwsXsLb
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrbd4HbyCA
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk. "Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PD1C4Neo5
"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. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyt5czQBu1
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now. "Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9w1K9frqSX
"Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCUNdlPGEq
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LTkPoyqi5
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MJBpwbA9J
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. "I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPd8dWxf4Qi
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..." Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOQDgSfKeK
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVK5lqdBkwx
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1L0xl17fD
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnyhrQUHzV
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom. As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBVETPXqvr
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see. Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRe5EvHFBN
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then." "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!"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Qn8BRQ3Rv
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuc4eiG4Edh
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthdm1tA4Ld
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room. "No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq01CwEQfrc
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. He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2kPdZC4kc
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wYn3oRcHg
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down. "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. She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Fe2NtUdmT
"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. "Just get out of Kawasaki. It's too dangerous here, so please... survive somewhere else." His voice faltered at the end, a mix of sadness and hope in it.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e0lVZDkvo
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it. She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqUgBPeiLW
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjmQxrQakb
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. She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaHLojthRs
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1I5lHNAT6
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpxidHCjvd
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio. She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiN44f6GF4x
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSqgVf30fi
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3J1viGPyA
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off. "Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her. ''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG2NsTp5Xy
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul. "Shut up," Akira says, grinning.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBPVVB9Zhi
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdzYMMAt37
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrVfmveK7e
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly. "Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qebZmUBf4
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope. With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoQMGDmsUF
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjSES5QEt7
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHlrxc0FTs
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNOe2mYX1E
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...230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeA2TCi0w3
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all. "Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuh4aQbMCI
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment. He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLc3Z5scUp
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG6zIReWFG
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHb8s8q1Wb
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WlHZ1eaYT
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting. Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4445AYVQtF
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQatNxBj5f
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoAR3n5hEK
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...230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91gKRX6bPm
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbh4TBms5Z
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. "What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lFQxVxa8Q
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 14.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl4slfFAcQ
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2AD1u5f7B
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwY74xcSZ5
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain. Remi: ''Are you okay?!''230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tfUwFndxA
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. "What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked her.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTygNQUIgy
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRth6xWx3cd
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. "Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room. "Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction. "S-shut up!" she yells.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnRp3FkZkO
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks. Aoi: "Maybe... he has seen the queen once but hides it! Let's find out!" Aoi heads upstairs and knocks on the door where was written 'Kanzaki' "Open up, baka!" she says, kicking the door.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnpC8aqkys
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. Kanzaki: "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed. "You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OHPjDuXSA
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAvp2Md3xn
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmQgHulSce
"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. Aoi looks at him. "Woah, you really did meet her! Amazing!" she yells. Aoi: "Legends say she was the one who worked for Astaroth!" Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWiuVACeHQ
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses. "What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemMoMslmHh
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmR5KKLMQ2
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Gi8d8BigM
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression. "One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwhmjbLlc7
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36XMvyXjxW
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters... 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. His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLxxBFSO7T
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... 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8Zu02GKcN
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TZ2izmhsg
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3ujM1BWEb
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5TbHEYhKv
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on nearly every surface, brightening the wooden furniture. The wood was polished. His house seamlessly blended with Kawasaki.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiH7CHPkdu
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELUamTCFmU
"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 50 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxzsmfh55H
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before. Takahiro: "How do we save her?" Gin's eyes narrow at his question. "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. "The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphHNZSBKsI
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. "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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCWC2DAqqp
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. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡub93gsKhMV
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. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6LZWMzuw9
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwBq7KNFVm
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile. He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his back. "Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06topdm9gT
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFRqU5LJAW
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched. Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkFX9r8XUg
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPCQQ78jvj
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes. 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8vMUeOJkj
Before Kanzaki came home, the atmosphere in the house shifted... Mio was in the kitchen, humming softly 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauH8VQi1NY
"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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUH4wPzU22c
"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."230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8EgcoV1yV
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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N70WK10I1
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.. Mio's body trembled, looking out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qz337NvmJ
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpD1UtHCax
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes. "Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQurkFjBgY
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio... 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.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBKJMtEynH
He puts his shoes on. Kanzaki says: "It's alright, oka-san. I'll be fine!" He hugs his mother before he goes. "Sayonara," he says, turning back one more time before closing the door. Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHfNg70wN5
"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. She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLdlnAm6Zo
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest... "Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk7rikGnCB
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure. "Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lei3cYHnz
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him... It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood. "It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcUqTB0XZH
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...
230Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuyiSEoBIF
