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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVzoYo3sJC
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB4o5oxuT0
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT5Px94jOU
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vzYQsN71q
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEGXaIdgTl
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz50OoZuDg6
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcymzQHg36k
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW5K7cGZ3N
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?234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRO4IPzLMtu
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡref5ZQeVbW
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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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6XGTUCwRw
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy27YlxrbaZ
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeR1fGVKI50
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0nSHAqS5o
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ92Yfd53Mt
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEb6JOalqr
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILEf7SbhgU
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz8xpWUGHK
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGJFnOhV3D
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAOBgghUQA
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwvcRslW12
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..."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZccR8uXhn
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnv0CtWZb7
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV12ocskoww
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44VVQQQB5l
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvojBAUK13Q
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1app4pmcb
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0u12grMuD
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t7fj3BJeU
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzNUWRPpoc
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSad1BVTTf
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GASa5tNrf
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKj9ac29tm
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnQbTlS5Es
Kanzaki stepped forward, grabbing Akira's hand. He covered her mouth and slowly dragged her out of the house.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNVQ0Ipvdl
Akira struggled to free herself from Kanzaki's firm grip. "R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNAX6KgAhl
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?234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdbkh3E18j
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDW739GRJU
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspeCgYuWJM
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3GOyD0qmj
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHRlg1lvPD
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...234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuJgBhXUPb
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8xVMsQSSD
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z5VWKtZfv
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEbhNXWCLo
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc7ocmN1Ox
"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...234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSfn5wuMjQ
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...234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBj1bDHcSX
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsVah3W4eA
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBsp1kRB6C
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe53eOtyb5R
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkDqzIiQwP
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6DwyhenLu
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqC3e24FEK
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpMjb8N1Fh
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2wan0mfYX
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryGBCYeg7j
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0XYpJPMu6
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCwTs02OGU
"Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXISYzqQu18
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpwjoHygNs
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXzZWIwZ5h
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSkCbBrRCf
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2FtPCg8mY
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh7gJ5zUuc
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQqJe4WPlU
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2sZJY7sSV
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCacM0LKQU
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUwp1e9slQ
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!"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GSBsqcIGz
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkxRBar7Jt
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1vqZAW6LF
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04WDBgjtpP
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5eocRktZOY
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWlbftKzZv
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1867LGwMj
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEoLW7gESR
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it. She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1puG1Quzo
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQOOKMYYtm
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia3TFRTgEu
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6AbpNs8ck
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF9YLMVrBw
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1mngUJDIf
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCpsM6BcNc
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUXho6jLne
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7ypBakzuI
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHtAMl9mZ9
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysI2wtcOOQ
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7nCvbhI0z
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6UvMESkp8
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnklVDR2Asl
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsJrafdCI2
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvREpSIyUuB
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cHnlFLAdB
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...234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEb9Vj8SsR
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0Vpwjd1bR
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPmtUg6UHI
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAh080SVam9
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx39hpYIUeT
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf5plb7k18
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5vhe20mZk
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz2LrrVS9Y
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNwHlvletA
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...234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KuXGF2Sr3
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5HocmDVqh
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sFtVM7nbO
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 14.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpicNsrSalM
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJNIL8eaQo
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp79Kk2pdc
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?!''234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhg06yAzLQ
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJrin9fgqW
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmMrivGZVw
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrBIPHCW1S
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59bLKBTK2M
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjTDkl0XaC
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbZWzTCwCV
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV68BpkXKtz
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnboeeD0fnh
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DlEZzlYIs
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcWOp2djV2
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJKsc8q4Ny
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e6HugrhpC
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsI0oCY0fg1
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QcDe4zcua
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tNYexI3Tc
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExZiR2F1EG
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKmvKuvpSM
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLt2Bl1gNt
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeueGXMnsKv
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcxWgbuqBh
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0y1JdkV2B
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. 234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLAfz5S0wY
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6qLpEDGLv
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQlVd9ZwHS
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuY4DZMazct
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwystNzGOP
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy04nHrxR1
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZyHkAShxR
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChVR8KTY8j
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmzskMdsEs
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXgU8ZgBrf
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCzjswV8N4
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPIRcghS5L
"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."234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LpQKiY1NC
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5ikIX2DQd
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9gtQkvdX9
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8jAeH75Cf
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtjeXrLgyU
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGYsmUwbKN
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3ToTnkIqi
"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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAy03wsZoq
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJpXGRFBlS
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMvp5Txk3E
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.234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSS4yoiecQQ
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...
234Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWPi55jrlI
