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. 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. 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. 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. The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAX2pGPX9L
Gin was the person who stopped 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. 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oCupXR3Gj
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. 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? 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. Cold, motionless, scary. People have described her in ways others can't imagine. She's called... The Yurei.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAjqLIa9Xe
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It was a calm, quiet night on the roof of a house. It was midnight, and the world seemed to pause, silent and slow. 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. Akira's gaze was fixed on the moon, her blue eyes reflecting the moonlight. "It's so quiet tonight," she said softly, breaking the peaceful silence. "Don't you think so, Kanzaki?" Kanzaki nodded, his lips curling into a small smile. He didn't need words, the silence of the moment spoke for itself. The wind breezed past them gently, 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzFM5vyeRz
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe, and they were the only ones awake in the village. "What if curses really existed?" Akira asked, thoughtful. "Do you think there would be people to solve them?" Her words lingered in the air, unanswered. Kanzaki stayed quiet, letting the question hang between them. His eyes were fixed on the moon, staying silent. For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world. 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 May 13th. 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 June 28th. 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 keeps talking about history... Well, that's what makes her happy," he thinks. "Maybe," he says as he stands up as well. "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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHvDQzMcSY
They lived in a village. Kitagawa village was small. The village was surrounded by forests, their trees standing out. The houses in the village were old and abandoned, their wooden frames looking as if a touch itself could break it. Moss crept on the walls and rooftops, a forest and dark green color. Despite the fragile 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. It was a quiet village.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZewIXTNvCy
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly, some tacked on with nails and others swaying loosely in the faint breeze. The location was far from the main entrance to Harajuku. "Let's see the news!" Akira says, running. But as soon as she sees what the news is, her eyes shine out of excitement. "Check this out..." she says, gesturing for Kanzaki to hurry up and come.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dwfj6GcWm
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 fifty years. We don't know exactly what it is, but we call it 'The Yurei' It came back after Yumin, a girl who used to go to the church, left the house... Her parents were there, they said she got taken away by a woman with black silky hair and a white dress. Be on your guards!"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMASH7d6hoh
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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd34sADGMu3
"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. "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. "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, cussing under his breath.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZy8Z88ZNC
"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. 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNAP6bQ1zG
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 in shock. "Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched, his gaze darting to her before following her eyes. In the dim light, the scene unfolded like a nightmare.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUEmvgWmbK
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood splattered across the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red, was almost everywhere in the room. Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched when he saw her. A woman in a long white dress sat silently beside the dead bodies. The white fabric was streaked with blood, and her long black hair cascaded down, hiding her face. A bit of her red glowing eyes was seen under the hair, giving off a dangerous vibe. She was thin, you could nearly see her bones. A dark aura surrounded her, as if she was going to kill someone.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpTRm9GjFQ
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing her arm. "Who is she?" Akira shook her head, her body trembling. "Don't... go near her..." Kanzaki whispered, worried. 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 their spines. Kanzaki stepped back, pulling Akira with him. He covered her mouth and slowly guided her out of the house. "R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath. 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?146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5wXsM85sB
"Run... AKIRA, RUN!!!" Kanzaki yelled, his voice echoing through Kitagawa. 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. The woman stood silently beside Akira's house, her figure visible in the moonlight as she watched them run away. A cold, unnatural smirk spread across her pale face before she turned and disappeared back into the house, the door creaking shut behind her. 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 muttered, slapping his own face. His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUrSDyV44J
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... 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 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. "I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face. "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 fist. "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... "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... 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...146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Lv5y7ygM
When Kanzaki arrived at his house, he stopped in his tracks. Akira was there, leaning against the wall. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, the words stuck in his throat. Finally, he muttered, "Monsters... exist." Akira didn't look up, but she nodded. Her eyes were a bit swollen, red marks beneath them, since she shed tears. The cold had left her nose red, but her face was blank, her gaze fixed on the ground.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvbkWbFikQ
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. "Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug. "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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWh7iFknOc
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. Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with. Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira following. 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCuIVUxVKj
"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 curse is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map. "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. 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. "Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0Rk720wPJ
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. 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. 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, glancing at Kanzaki, her mind racing. "I have to atleast let him survive the curse..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoy2CUTIXM2
A chilling voice whispered through her dreams, cold and taunting: "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. Kanzaki stirred at the sound and sat up, concern clear on his face. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of worry. "It's fine, just a typical nightmare," she replied quickly, pulling the blanket over her face, hoping to defend herself from the fear. She fell asleep once again. Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his lip.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRF9rmHxvDX
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. He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on his face, he exhaled. But as he looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped. She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Unmoving. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see. Kanzaki froze, his breath catching in his throat as his heart beated louder than ever. Slowly, he turned around, stepping back instinctively. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyGtGO6NcG
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered into his ear, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kitagawa then." "No!" Kanzaki snapped, his fear quickly 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!" The woman tilted her head, her lips curling into a smirk. "The people in the forest aren't dead... They're trapped there. So is your father." Kanzaki's heart dropped, but his resolve got even bigger. "My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled, the decision made. The woman chuckled, a sound that was both chilling and mocking, before vanishing into thin air. Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she'd 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR48ZhK4o7A
Akira woke up at 10 A.M., blinking rapidly. She rubbed her eyes and saw Kanzaki sitting on his bed, writing something, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual, though he was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night. Kanzaki paused, setting the pen down, his gaze on her. "Akira..." he began, his voice soft but firm. "Something happened between you and that woman, right or am I wrong? I understand you don't want me to worry, but... You're her main goal." Akira's heart tightened at his words. She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJWSiuCIWK
"I want you to leave Kitagawa. 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 Harajuku. It's too dangerous here, so please... survive." His voice faltered slightly at the end, a mix of sadness and hope in it. Akira's gaze dropped, trying to accept it. She finally looked up, her voice small. "Will you come with me?"146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygh8kvAKLL
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 emotions. She fought back the tears threatening to spill. 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. But after hesitation, he nodded and wrapped his pinky around hers. "Promise," he said, his voice low but full with honesty. "Promise!" Akira repeated, her voice matching his intensity. For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnnBa8RGrs
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. Mio understood and respected their decision. "I'll come back, mom!" Kanzaki informed as he closed the door behind him. "Let's go to Funagata Station. Stay safe, Akira," he whispered.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA93cCSCInx
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. Though Akira felt relieved, a sense of danger lingered. The feeling that something bad would happen if she left... ''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. Kanzaki frowns. ''What are you even apologizing for, baka?'' he asks, looking at her as if he was staring into her soul. ''Shut up,'' Akira says, grinning.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvJ1voHKoI
At Nahari Station. Footsteps echoed, announcements were said 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 moment. Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened with a soft 'hiss', revealing clean and neat seats. The automated announcement played, listing the upcoming stops. "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 quick picture of him before disappearing into the crowd. "Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope. With a final glance at the back of Akira, he turned and left the station. Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose. Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKFKZ2XPHL
As Kanzaki arrived at the entrance of Kitagawa 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. 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. "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. "Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment, unsure of what to do, but he decided to ignore it and walked toward his house. As he entered, he quickly opened KakaoTalk, but shut it again immediately. "I don't wanna be a nuisance..." he thought, pushing away the bad thoughts and focused on getting home.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rwxNeLJi2
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 spread out before 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. As he turned the paper over, his breath caught. 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 pulse quickened, his eyes narrowing as he observed the message. 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5Xy5cbmJC
A few minutes later, her reply came through: "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 pr-" But before he could finish, a cold hand covered his mouth, making him unable to speak. The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki muttered, struggling to break free from her grip. His eyes flickered to his phone... Akira was still talking on KakaoTalk, not knowing of the danger. Kanzaki hung up the call and deleted the app, his heart racing. She can't find her... The woman's voice, soft yet chilling, echoed in his ear: "You will not escape from me..." It was silent and the hand slowly let him go before vanishing. Kanzaki was left there, his breath ragged.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsSIBNfNk0
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 both went missing and wont come back. "What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. Reluctantly, he shuffled toward the door, ready for the forced smiles and polite talk. 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 14.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK9X4gYWNo
Remi is a 14-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 15-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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPgBg7QQ8K
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. The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell to the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain. Remi: ''Are you okay?!'' Takahiro was just watching as Remi helped Aoi. Kanzaki was leaning on the wall, installing KakaoTalk. 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. "Yurei are ghosts. They're usually women in long white dresses, which get stained in blood if they've killed more than a thousand people. 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 or Fumiko, and I've seen missing posters. It's probably them who did it, and..." Aoi explains.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLvfnsY2JT
But before she can finish, Remi speaks up. "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. "Shut da hell up! You got skipped as if you were a ghost by mother once!" she yells. 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. Kanzaki comes out, looking down at her because of the height difference. Kanzaki: "What do you want?" he asks, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIewN4OHmE
They were in Kanzaki's room, which was simple yet cozy. A modest bed with a plain comforter sat against one wall, while a wooden desk, cluttered with books and papers, stood opposite. A comfortable chair, slightly worn from use, was tucked under the desk. The room also had a small, tidy bathroom attached to the side. Though there wasn't much furniture, the room felt homey, with soft light streaming in through the window.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PgkyBXmAS
"So, practically... I had a best friend named Akira. She liked history and took on everything. 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. "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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNL3MvC4TGd
"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. "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. 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 growing curiosity as he walked over to his desk, picking up a folded map. Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer, their curiosity now mixed with tension. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression. "One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as the pieces started to fit together.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxVPyguKvn
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, his suspicions gaining clarity. 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 Harajuku, close to the forest. His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. She is the Yurei. I'm sure of it. She stole a girl's soul and now pretends to be her. Clever... and chilling. 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzuKXEzhBk
No one spoke as they made their way to Kanzaki's grandpa. The silence between them was heavy, each lost in their thoughts, Aoi said she was hungry so she didn't come. Gin, Kanzaki's grandpa, was an 82-year-old man born in Tokyo on August 14th. His short gray hair framed his aged yet sharp features, and he wore black low-set glasses that perched on his nose. His piercing gray eyes gave him an air of quiet wisdom, though his expression was always unreadable. Gin was a man who valued solitude, spending most of his time engrossed in books. A lifelong fan of fiction, he often said it was his escape from the chaos of the real world.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iATwf7dbQ
Despite his reclusive nature, 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZE4KvqTQw
His house was filled with art, featuring serene landscapes and abstract pieces that added warmth to the room. Vases with fresh flowers rested on nearly every surface, brightening the wooden furniture. The polished wood gave the space a rustic yet refined feel, while the scent of flowers and wood filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The entire home seemed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of Harajuku. 146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51QiC5iAmA
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 spoke quietly, his eyes distant. "The Yurei was once the leader of this village. She ventured into the forest to find land for more houses but never returned. 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 Harajuku 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 falls, after Gin explained. No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was low. 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. 146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyUqIrhanu
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. Every single corner in Harajuku... 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 Harajuku. 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 Harajuku fell into the void, it can't escape. Nearly no one visits the village, other than the people who live here. 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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMfHwerzTl
After hours of running and snapping disturbing photos in Harajuku, Kanzaki returned home with a sense of unease lingering in his chest. He dug through his closet, retrieving a flashlight, pleased to find it fully charged. Heading downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar aroma of his mother's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile as he stepped into 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 despite the faint tremor in her hands. Kanzaki hugged her briefly before slipping on his shoes. "I'll go for a run. See you later, mom!" he shouted as he closed the door behind him.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKyz2XT2wh
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched. Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a sinister smile spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before fading into nothingness, leaving Mio trembling in her place. "Please stay safe, Kanzaki..." Mio murmured under her breath as she pulled out her phone, typing a quick message. "Come back before it's too late." She hesitated before sending it, her hands shaking. Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a puzzled look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes. Mio glanced at him briefly, her expression unreadable. "Dinner first," she said, her voice soft but firm. Her hands trembled slightly as she set the table, avoiding his eyes.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqdCec8j9y
Before Kanzaki came home, the atmosphere in the house shifted ominously... Mio was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared dinner, when an icy presence filled the room. She turned abruptly, startled to see a woman with long black hair and a blood-stained white dress standing mere feet away. "Who are you?" Mio stammered, clutching the counter for support. The Yurei's pale lips curled into a chilling smirk. "The one who rules this village," she said, her voice echoing unnaturally. "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 cold breath brushing against Mio's ear. "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."146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wbFJErFIZ
Mio's legs trembled as she stepped back, her heart pounding in terror. The Yurei's words sent an ice-cold dread through her veins. She wanted to scream, to run, but she was frozen in place. The Yurei tilted her head, observing Mio with dispassionate eyes before vanishing into thin air. Yet, her presence lingered... Mio could feel it. The Yurei had been in their house the whole time, silently watching both Kanzaki and Mio, like a predator studying its prey. The weight of the situation crushed Mio. She knew the Yurei could kill her in an instant.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgdjtva3Pl
Kanzaki had sacrificed everything to protect Akira, but now it seemed his decision had come at a terrible cost. The Yurei was hunting them both, her influence spreading through the once-quiet village like a plague. Mio shuddered, looking out the window into the encroaching darkness. Harajuku was unraveling, falling deeper into despair. It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing moment, hope of salvation slipped further away.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AY2gXYPB2
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... "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 wont let you escape. Not after you tried to kill Akira and now my mother.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Ze6Um4M2c
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 1 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. "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.146Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDS6iFEWI8m
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... 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. 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 and damp, 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... 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...
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