Prologue
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A long time ago, it wasn't quiet. The village was bustling, full of energy. A moment changed it all, no... Not a moment. A person did it. A woman named Fumiko stepped on the wrong path and she continued walking on that path.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKOpDjDZfV
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLWg9WRKdY
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoO473bFug
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8Egz7tFZj
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68axYzLoP3
Gin was the person who was able to stop it but... At what cost? Hundreds of lives went to waste. Hundreds of souls were lost. Hundreds of people got hurt. Kawasaki village became unpopular and small. Barely any stores, schools, hospitals and houses. And if they were there, it would most likely be abandoned.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4kwRgCDOt
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1saIz9abFU
Who would even be able to stop them? Its like... Kill one specific person, save eight billion people. If you didn't manage to kill that person, then humanity loses.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjORc118g4h
Someone has to do it. There should be heroes. But who would become one, if Fumiko haunts Kawasaki village just to achieve that boy's intelligence and power?286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCdpUH39lk
She's getting stronger. People are getting weaker. The amount of people alive on earth is getting lower. Years passed like falling leaves. Nothing happened. She didn't appear yet. She's still waiting for the right moment. People have described her in ways others can't imagine. She's called... The Yurei.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqs4GwU3un
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- Japan's history.
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Chapter 1
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It was a calm, quiet night on the roof of a house. It was midnight, and the time passed by slowly. Kanzaki and Akira sat next to each other, not saying anything. The full red moon was pretty, its magenta glow painting the dark places in soft, pink and red shades.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeitH43dChA
Akira's gaze was fixed on the moon, her blue eyes reflecting the moonlight. "It's so quiet tonight," she said softly, breaking the silence. "Don't you think so, Kanzaki?" She said, smiling. Kanzaki nodded, his lips curling into a small smile.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYREKBVgTn
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguT23QTQtS
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. As if they were the only ones awake in the village.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEf97AJN1z
"What if curses really exist?" Akira asks, thoughtful. "Do you think there would be people to solve them?" she added. Her words linger in the air, unanswered. Kanzaki stayed quiet.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xot3lE5B9
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBDpx13Q6Z
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...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cX7PhxGMu
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lX3oXgdlu
"Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Kanzaki says, sighing. Akira glares at him.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6MwxOHcFQ
"What if I'm right?" she asks.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGwh90Zgih
"Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcujersRAO
"Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks, looking at his hand.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74cvzOwREC
"He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi99yDZhZu
Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisDbHxqxaW
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3mXacDdhG
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YM1zHYG6h
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpBZoraMMP
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy4AmThUHz
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7s6PMt2UlI
The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeqng31cB1
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlQsWLj3iP
Kanzaki reads it out loud: "Lately, people have been going missing, and a lot of murders have occurred... It's becoming chaotic again. This hasn't happened in nearly seventy years. We don't know what it is. But one thing is sure... Japan is in danger. No one will be able to save it. Japan will turn into ashes before you know it. The more you don't care, the worse it becomes. As of now... The tables have turned, and the future won't be seen..."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PoLiUJjP6
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-"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpR6BKrlTs
Before he could finish his sentence, Akira interfered. "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" she yells. Kanzaki facepalms.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM7rOdvFUD
"Alright, chill," he says.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEc36L6FxB
"Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pDPfhSLaP
"No, probably not," he answers.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E0doQo7HV
"It's so cold..." Akira says, shivering. Kanzaki glares at her.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkXNqrYqkI
"I literally told you to bring a jacket, idiot," he says, taking off his jacket and putting it over Akira's shoulders. "Just... take it," he says, looking at the entrance of the forest again.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Gx9xLTIq
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuw5jS7f855
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYd0rO6Yat
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QIIftCPrR
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTORt4r90j
"You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF9mdoMNj9
Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSU1PoG6lhT
"Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf1kquJAbf
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpFpTQFrMx
"Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV7pjEk1Q7
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Chapter 2286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVhRpjMjsr
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They arrived at the door of her house. Akira silently pulled the key from her pocket and unlocked it. "Ninja material," Kanzaki said, grinning.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlGgHxubIM
Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN62orFZEO4
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIbFV8Ux1c
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjPmYlNR9q
Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjaQFSk3B9
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68ahBOl2nB
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDOEqXp10z
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO2wlJE3ye
"Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSqKAyhRVK
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW25mbfV86k
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...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfAGSqLaYz
"Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPspJKRGOH
Kanzaki stepped forward, grabbing Akira's hand. He covered her mouth and slowly dragged her out of the house. Akira struggled to free herself from Kanzaki's firm grip.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGXmVItfKe
"R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeYsKYOqCB
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fanK3rjvJ
The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6frJPvBVY
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHQ78TQlN9
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMeVQYwSR0
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WzB9D6OF0
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vXbgVOHTG
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...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0njqWpSb6
The person looked like she had no idea where she was... The girl smiled at him, even though her ginger hair covered most parts of her face. Kanzaki took a few steps back.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9n9MdMhV6A
"Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4euCRkwlY
"Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsUnlFkXtC
"What are you doing here...?" he asks, uncertain if she was dangerous. Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0xTqyhSFz
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyxdk4fnVp
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28dvkl5SPY
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPYKmiqanx
"W-what... Are you talking about...?!" he yells before she dragged away by a dark figure. Kanzaki freezes... "What was she talking about... Is she in danger...?" he thinks.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamfqndygYq
He looks at the knife. He realizes on the side, there was written 'Dead'. He was confused but decided to take the knife with him...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZ6pFEWovR
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...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhujs9VfBP
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfo2oggK5b
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6rAzqsPMs
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukmJAgw9TP
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInbtXZGqdD
"Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DUGHwnCHM
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPrJLh1myT
"Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s51bWp52n
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwTthq0kcq
Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqoGGr2KZq
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h7bQ7lz7W
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlVRJGniMA
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2xpcYpHGg
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRrx6Pn8Y0
"Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJRoUVlnGo
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmUo9O62zYz
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrZha5lqpX
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgSLeYPyOl
"Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzf4Cf0Cv84
"Well... one thing we definitely have to do is... Run away or... Risk our lives and save humanity, by knowledge of course," he answered.
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Chapter 3286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUeuFJrBMR
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After making a lot of jokes and talking, Kanzaki finally felt tired. He set up a bed for Akira and then collapsed onto his own bed, falling asleep. Akira, stayed awake, lying on her left side.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKZEEB9sWt
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogbnc1KB6q
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRFFYKnL30
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DR4nb0GfV
"I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhYnzeEZLu
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..."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8Qp6Pnirs
Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeqfYjsePs
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjMAWiWMrw
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l5Dd3Dw1R
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTna3dvMKkQ
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPWcbplui2
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoqK0g5LE9
As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80dBsDbMMW
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7Tp9xjWa5
Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLTW0fiJAv
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Gg9LnffF5
"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!"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3KR1eNhnv
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOwCkxN6Pj
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzDecjQNty
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIkddqM0lM
"No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWEMjgXB4q
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8t4G5CbFkz
He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4QCSIRcbCQ
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtDZwogv9D
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5jKbw29B4
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8LMmx6vhn
She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fA1Ap7GBj
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSMGwJbBjV
"Just get out of Kawasaki. It's too dangerous here, so please... survive somewhere else," he said. His voice faltered slightly at the end, a mix of sadness and hope in it.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6A37DFfwHC
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOz8CgilRtd
She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcGIvIRjbR
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2ROmtu5MT
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4EE0kIpB3
She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiuomx7irp
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4uSBnUS1T
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFqiSjreJT
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsXXGUJhYp
She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElvvX9CQ00
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynJyLEoSFn
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r1lV4sYDI
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeThaEF40qs
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLE5Rtw0lw
"Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfin6F0KQA
''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbmXfzhn9T
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyt4br1VgO
"Shut up," Akira says, grinning.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdUkZdmeLS
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGCta9wxZc
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5qyJRIcrg
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEtkYPTVkL
"Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2FIRBFRgL
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYFIpbJZ0c
With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station. There was an itching sensation in his heart.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDYopl0Nst
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEglYM24SZ
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYm2maM2roN
Chapter 4
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxAfZx78fK
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdwb2BsHdA
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...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWS0MYLMe6
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nk3sybodH
"Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aImmDJFhi
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi75ENbmIZk
He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2MnDKUXCr
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2IuFl5i2M
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUlbn8ndYT
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZY53DUfT1s
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOAMAy9IDV
Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dNNUJHTgt
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFEmiFe1Cb
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iNQ3oV2q7
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR0EGDRK8v
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...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCyPUoECcL
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUXESjDQLz
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYaXm61flF
"What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtgmCz6OGW
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 14.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd1c9uyuJP
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aBMY9GCr7
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUptVLN8BJW
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDJn2Wsd7t
''Are you okay?!'' Remi asks, worried.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdBlnz2NCm
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdYqblEbde
"What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONgevYsPfs
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNnKCttCvi
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BXDmQcxFP
"Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzHMF2C1kx
"Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPCD7HBOne
"S-shut up!" she yells.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHohe9y4WB
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQwznq1hIa
"Maybe... he has seen the queen once but hides it! I'm interested..!" she says, her eyes sparkling. Aoi heads upstairs and knocks on the door where was written 'Kanzaki' "Open up, baka!" she says, kicking the door.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN4oikQRl3
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgykcmj6Dm
"You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcYoTEyGC8
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7FfkVAPeq
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLyGzqxN0U
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmkDVsEp7Z
Aoi looks at him. "Woah, you really did meet her! Amazing!" she yells. "Legends say she was the one who worked for Astaroth!" she informs, excited.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMx9FuFkfe
Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktAha6bVrr
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4sbSpe1yS
"What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X01Aamrdf
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Aoi asks, not scared at all.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdrAtEOcTD
Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSEU37xFWz
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugdVMw7ruD
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ojBGUpuUZ
"One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzbzWBRkPO
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtduNO6SbE3
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsHtJejm7i
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTxr5tVIsv
His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP96KXGMn9v
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...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGw2wjKJKH
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.
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4idVTCQlo
Chapter 5286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjePQYZZiN
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWO97cmpJf
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1Rhxj7c88
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwB7kmynVK
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7pgv2NMlA
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnum2nKMIOB
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on most surfaces. The wood was polished. His house blended with Kawasaki.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSVWnqr7E3
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTve5PE0Sn
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebxls8c10T
"The Yurei was once the leader of this village. She entered the forest to find more land for houses, even though she never came back. She met Astaroth, who cursed her, turning her into a ghost. The full red moon marks her killings. We were friends, back in high school, but after she became The Yurei, the village fell apart. I saw her once, but I couldn't save her. Astaroth took her soul, and she became a monster. She hasn't attacked in over seventy years, but Kawasaki has never been the same. It was peaceful before, but now... it's all just silence. Her real name was Fumiko. I can't do anything now... I'm dead after all," A silence fell, after Gin explained.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWYBbjDwJL
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdtEzUFWMp
"How do we save her?" Takahiro asks, an awkward smile on his face. Gin's eyes narrow at his question.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznLBIL7erU
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdnyuDQLsF
"The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrBqhaImh4
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tokkYodxi
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQMoEGk5dx
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi21SmmK6Y
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIYiLwmRcS
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0yUClwmBQ
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBmxISoG8E
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NxaBUrZpf
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiBswuZ4UH
He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his head.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPZNiKuKQC
"Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk8KbisPtO
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAizzhEcKED
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuZinxoIHo
Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdO7a5QJE0
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa7hKBzhIM
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpIUIRTMo7
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbD5YtMBek
Before Kanzaki came home, the atmosphere in the house shifted... Mio was in the kitchen, humming as she prepared dinner. She turned around, startled to see a woman with long black hair and a blood-stained white dress. "Who are you?" Mio asked, clutching the counter. The Yurei's pale lips curled into a smirk.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw5noNOKWy
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp7FlnWYRZ
"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."286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55R4yK9rns
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQQNFEBAys
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..286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdKjHBjHQL
Mio's body trembled, she looked out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvLd3whD7z
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrliud7dbW
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxszYmxb9Hh
"Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu1h7pV9Wh
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkEck0WV9a
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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3UX8WMvEk
He puts his shoes on. "It's alright, oka-san. I'll be fine!" he says. He hugs his mother before he goes. "Sayonara," he says, turning back one more time before closing the door.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlhgM2kZFJ
Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgkgnzjNFH
"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.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJTKQd88uj
She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CWj2dcKSv
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhWhxuvAJm
"Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbMXGQImOj
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSWJcVaRuw
"Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks, taking a deep breath.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNPARTFA0K
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him...286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiHZkuvZOS
It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIITyaNm9B
"It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYBFyzTeeq
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...
286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe8Hb4bjaC
