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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRKdHR9GO9
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwe3s49Hd6
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLw6wpFSLWH
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeqImLrFQ3
The forest was said to have evil spirits in it. No one dared to enter, and if someone did, they never came back home.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPkpENOpZk
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJV0cZfhfT
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCipzdYxgO
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g9Tb2vEZs
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?292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MD2UAbNT7
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKkBudaRPK
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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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPqMhFnjXj
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoxZeyD1cV
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5agjSnhzXh
The moon's glow was soft, the world felt safe. As if they were the only ones awake in the village.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmkttDWjIM
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRyfXL7OWs
For a moment, it was just them, the moon, and the night... A peaceful moment in the chaotic, huge world.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxtgveTGh4
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuWomgDS5S
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHc5QjykfM
"Stop believing in those fantasy legends, will you?" Kanzaki says, sighing. Akira glares at him.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEtY1TJ1yA
"What if I'm right?" she asks.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2Do3P0mQX
"Then reading hundreds of books paid off, I guess," he answers, looking at the forest not far away.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCYqP246tJ
"Why do you think my grandpa told us not to go in there?" Kanzaki asks, looking at his hand.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrX7z1aF30T
"He didn't even give a proper reason! Are there wild animals or... ghosts?" Akira answers, her eyes shining.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo5kHBcUbE
Kanzaki sighs. "This girl believes in such history books... Well, that's what makes her happy I guess," he thinks.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUKZh9lbaS
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLlLsXOf1e
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnesJ75rExe
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHZzq09hku
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRBdAjaN7p
They stopped in front of the wooden board where the village's news was posted. The posters hung unevenly.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKJ5CD4nfF
The location was far from the main entrance of Kawasaki village. "Let's read the news!" Akira says, running.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE5AfMEJ87
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtIzAShvpl
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..."292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn648eHntY4
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-"292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs269I1fo1f
Before he could finish his sentence, Akira interfered. "No! I was right! Monsters really do exist!" she yells. Kanzaki facepalms.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WhKVSgl2H
"Alright, chill," he says.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHv8ZYxR7R
"Are you mad?" Akira asks, looking at his eyes.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCinSa425Fc
"No, probably not," he answers.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAEhZYoFqw
"It's so cold..." Akira says, shivering. Kanzaki glares at her.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRTw4yzU74
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuVJLQtyz4
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTfyGJJK1N
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD18itZFJQg
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVst8jUpXVJ
"Gomenasaiii," she says, apologizing.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAOPWscG0f
"You should say that to your parents for letting you exist," he says.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHqQYw9le5
Akira glares at him. "Nani?" she asks.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNoIdIdZcl
"Gomenasaiii!" Kanzaki replies, mimicking her voice.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ91AeYm4Oh
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQe0WMWS7K
"Oh, shut up. I'd rather take on a bomb than get slapped by you," he says with a sarcastic tone.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkMP9x4pOl
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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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWsmdTsNqO
Her movements were slow and careful. When she looked into her parents' room, her eyes widened.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRBxGc4HvB
"Kanzaki..." Akira whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. Kanzaki flinched. His gaze darts around the room.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7TTtBwZ2o
Akira's parents lay lifeless on the floor, blood on the walls. Strange symbols, drawn in crimson red.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDWfaCoxVb
Those looked like marks people used for a demon ritual. Kanzaki's breath hitched as he saw the figure again.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEdvUB7Bh9
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsDGcnDr3L
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5o5NgkbRwJ
"Akira..." he whispered, grabbing Akira's arm.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkdAmW6pzC
"Who is she?" Akira asked, trembling.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmJf4RjBPu
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkw5Q6nh8Jf
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebj92B97am
"Are you... Challenging me?" she asked, a wide and evil smirk on her face, unseen.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScwkXq8T30
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8RGAT1gd0
"R-run..." he whispered, his eyes wide as he struggled to catch his breath.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjQOhBp4Ip
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKElB6xbwo5
The faint glow of the red moon casted shadows... But were they really shadows?292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRLYrHY1nu
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaXBxow50g
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUh7gOCH7S
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBnA4VVEDd
His cheeks were red from the impact. "Her parents are... dead," he thought again. What had he just experienced...?292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML4cVB4VHb
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh6ksBNpaj
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lSdaA0sPn
"Who are you?" Kanzaki asks, making sure to keep distance.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbESzR1BH6c
"Momosuke..." she answers, studying his expression.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s8cp7FTKa
"What are you doing here...?" he asks, uncertain if she was dangerous. Momosuke stares at the sky for a while.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2bLdx9bWK
"I wish I was free... Away from those monsters... Freedom never existed for me..." Momosuke says as she revealed her burnt face.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE67UzmU47B
"What do you mean...?" Kanzaki asks, with a hint of unease in his voice.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNceTA9pfpj
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4gSa50A6d
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5phA8VONL5
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDBcM5TvWx
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKm7X2TzWGN
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tsmOk6dRC
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYOBHRfyxp
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngFlcQwFc8
"Akira! It's not the right time to think about it... it will be alright!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvrF2Qtg61
"Really...? If a cursed woman is killing everyone...?" she asked, tearing up. Kanzaki hesitated but pulled her into a hug.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN6fq4ew0R
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGgjZMRBnl
"Stay with me... And I'll always stay with you," she said, smiling at him as a tear slid to her chin.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb0arNbdABK
Kanzaki's mother was in the living room, praying. "Oh, Gin... Rest in peace..." she said as she held her eyes closed...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfDdfA5By8
Kanzaki's mother stopped praying and looked at them as they came in. "Welcome home, Kanzaki and Akira," she said, shaking Akira's hand.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh2cvAKoDw
Akira always felt safe when Kanzaki's mother was around. She was kind and a really fun person to talk and play with.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXPg5zTEUP
Kanzaki headed upstairs to his room, Akira followed him. Kanzaki lived alone with his mom since his father went missing.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjW2X11yyZ
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xjH06NBgI
"We need to make something to kill that woman," he said, his voice firm. Akira nodded, getting a map from his desk.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY324uNdQJL
"Here's my house... Or, where that woman is," she said, pointing to a small street on the map.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKCoVn7avV
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKSiagT4dQ
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtGXQP0vtH
Kanzaki looked at her. She was definitely lying, but he decided to ignore it... for now.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X2ZLFkEm1
"Wait, but... What do we make exactly?" she asked, changing the subject. Kanzaki's eyes widened at the realization.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDMpGbqUt1
"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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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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjSypoP9kQ
The image of the woman lingered in her mind, laughing, as if the woman had been there forever, killing people.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TFJUMjSgT
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOJ0eIvSQR
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVP40Mybyv
"I have to let him survive..." she mumbled to herself before lying back down and drifting into an uneasy sleep.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctpYkJVhDd
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..."292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CWpafFMV2
Akira suddenly woke up, gasping for breath, her heart pounding. She struggled to calm herself, her body sweating.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqj43aLTge
Kanzaki stirred a bit and sat up, looking at her. "What's wrong?" he asked.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzy2uV40TQ
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9tpWiPFHZ
Kanzaki stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing. "Weird... What did you experience, Akira?" he wondered, biting his bottom lip.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ834B1UrupC
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8g188UeQD0
He slipped out of bed carefully, to not wake her up, and made his way to the bathroom.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD9rUGtUHO
As he splashed cold water on his face, he exhaled. He looked up into the mirror, his heart nearly stopped.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhZmIbBCS3
She was there... Standing behind him. Silent. Motionless. Black fog started appearing everywhere, making him unable to see.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg6EUbZuKR
Slowly, he turned around, stepping back. He knew it, she was here to make a deal. "Go away..." he muttered, trembling.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwYD2oQNzg
The woman stepped closer, her presence suffocating. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leave the girl alone... I'll leave Kawasaki then."292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CeB89Q1cx
"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!"292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDuRdouE4I
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFGAcjPNDA
"My father in exchange for Akira? Hell no!" he yelled. The decision was made. The woman chuckled before vanishing into thin air.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxmMrX8uxf
Kanzaki stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been. His hands trembled as he observed the room.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMg1oRYOaj
"No footprints..." he whispered to himself. "Is she really a ghost...?" Kanzaki stood there, thinking about who the woman really was.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKsuAwgf5u
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJCsT0VGDu
He looked up at her for a brief moment. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said, his tone casual.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoEk5NK1fL
He was hesitating to tell her something. Akira nodded but didn't reply. Her mind replaying what they had experienced at night.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3s27lZlCJS
Kanzaki stopped writing, setting the pen down.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRltVTaklch
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYNSccVBTJ
She knew it was true. Kanzaki wasn't stupid. He could see the truth.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztTEnsKYyb
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81ENIzljXe
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHgmPQd44n
Akira stared at the ground, trying to accept it.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgp9dMzJoE
She finally looked up, her voice lower than a whisper. "Will you come with me?"292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc7kh80FVH
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeE2RIzLHOb
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS15KmxVNu
She reached out her pinky. Kanzaki's face darkened for a moment, thinking about the weight of the situation.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWRuozAhp0
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3nXGWDQY2
For the first time in a while, Kanzaki smiled, actually glad. "I'll make sure of it," he said quietly as he stood up.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcbfRJfT1J
After shopping with Akira, they packed everything into a dark blue luggage and explained part of the situation to Kanzaki's mother, Mio.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtQ604aPEk
She was 31, born in Shibuya on October 22th, with short blonde hair and brown eyes. She loves reading and makes the best dishes.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmwIteSboP
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6fBLKTQaB
The silence between them was heavy until Akira spoke up. "We'll still talk on KakaoTalk, right?" she asked.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuMPZ1g0uT
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f1FA5owdU
"I wish I just dared to tell him how I really feel... I... I just can't live without him..." she thinks, dozing off.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkXMjXUSVb
"Mrs. Daydreamer, you know we're walking right now, don't you?'' Kanzaki asks, startling her.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVHBZenNZj
''Yeah, I do. Sorry,'' she answers.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2VOSloly4
Kanzaki frowns. "What are you even apologizing for, baka" he asks, staring at her as if he was trying to look into her soul.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfCdLni3oc
"Shut up," Akira says, grinning.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QEoMUj7JX
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmeg5Ofrt2p
Kanzaki bought a ticket for Akira. Moments later, the train arrived with a blue-and-white exterior. The doors opened.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1GoZciSTp
"Sayonara, Akira. I wish you the best," Kanzaki said, about to leave. Akira hugged him tightly.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKP5gSNMaT
"Goodbye, Kanzaki," she whispered. As she pulled away, she snapped a picture of him before disappearing into the crowd.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftmqujNEy2
"Kamii-sama... If you're listening... Please protect Akira..." Kanzaki murmured, his voice quiet with hope.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6Fp73G7G7
With a final glance at the crowd, he turned and left the station. There was an itching sensation in his heart.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHwBnmhseK
Walking home alone felt different. With Akira by his side, it had always felt lively, full of purpose.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6MYhyv0tw
Now, it felt quiet. "If no one stops it, then I will..." he thought, his determination growing.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u5AyEH9aX
Chapter 4
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5bji7GeJp
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkoq3GwOYy
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetEbpjMWRb
"Nani?" a female voice said, unfamiliar but close. "Oii, it's Akira!" the voice said, but it didn't sound like her at all.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhtH4nNKUC
"Great to hear she has fans," Kanzaki said sarcastically.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdSAFm8wUn
"Ah, how foolish of me..." the voice said before hanging up. Kanzaki stared at his phone for a moment.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKYQADbPEu
He didn't know what to do so he decided to ignore it. Kanzaki walked towards his house.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgMD9o8OY4
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ho5KvJrXz
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDIV2MGwLk
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jFuPWO8qC
The room felt cold. He looked around. It was as if something... Or someone was watching him. This definitely wasn't Akira's handwriting.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVLxadFS9C
Kanzaki opened the map fully, his mind racing. He snapped a picture of the back and sent it to Akira.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWJdAkIjTH
A few minutes later, she replied: "Who wrote that? It's not a prank, right, Kanzaki?" He called her immediately, it was urgent.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3HQQPsnxB
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWQBylEm71
The woman's presence was suffocating. "She reeks of blood... Ugh..." Kanzaki thought, struggling to break free from her grip.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOUEiuTK1W
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtmP75iukr
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10glXF4oDH
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4P76N3uQA
"What a hassle..." he thought, sighing. He shuffled to the door, embracing himself for a polite talk.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu9r4gIVeV
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 14.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikR9YPJnl4
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDY0P6UP6q
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡon4SARNnBw
The silence was broken when Aoi suddenly fell on the ground. "Ouch..." she muttered, squinting one of her eyes in pain.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0MgEbBzxp
''Are you okay?!'' Remi asks, worried.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOasLUuk25
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16HK0esq4N
"What's a 'Yurei' exactly?" Remi asked.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbkQ8PjdbA
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3JkoqVmz3
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJXEC8lyLy
"Hm... I see one right in front of me," he says, going upstairs to his room.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZezMF9FK81
"Woah, Remi... You just got violated by our neighbour," Takahiro says, clearly impressed. Remi freezes at her brother's reaction.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UZGatO7vb
"S-shut up!" she yells.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4im4TlYLe
Takahiro tilts his head to the side. "What's wrong with him anyways...?" he asks.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKPnQTZGbw
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBhrT1Focs
Kanzaki opens the door, looking down at her because of the height difference. "What do you want?" he asks, annoyed.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GFRfn92g8
"You've seen her, haven't ya! Tell me about it," she orders. Kanzaki gestures her to call the others too.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMkbBXKvh2
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghVxXOozlK
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Kb2WglSX
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVJmoBQJOB
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2lIiPxfY2
Kanzaki looks down... "If Akira was here..." he thinks, dozing off.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpjZcol7O0
"Are you okay...?" Remi asks. Takahiro slapped Kanzaki, snapping him back to his senses.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbg03NFV7N
"What was that for..." Kanzaki says. Aoi looked at the group with excitement.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qVCBxNf6R
"Can we go into the forest? It'll be night, so it's fine, right?" Aoi asks, not scared at all.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbecAWzVbCH
Kanzaki turned to her, his expression serious. "Let's go to my grandpa first. I need some answers," he suggested firmly.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxb1UQiWAj
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFeCaf2Q1M
Without a word, he turned it over, revealing the back to them. The group leaned in closer. Kanzaki studies everyone's expression.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOTsjEj2m7
"One of them isn't human," Kanzaki thought, his mind racing as pieces started to fit together.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVdWp7zSC8
His gaze locked briefly on Aoi. It has to be her. He clenched the map in his hand, summing every bit of information up.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLXcQSfiU3
Aoi is definitely not human. There's no way she'd know so much about the Yurei at her age. And those posters...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlPNU3AB3F
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCwqm5Z7ry
His eyes narrowed. Yet, she knew. She knew everything.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2BLaqYmHK
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...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVP1HTJrfO
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.
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlrfdpeluF
Chapter 5292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5C5kqE40Z
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7kXdAx4eV
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfZBNikm3u
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuJtCbfQ6i
Despite his quietness, Kanzaki knew his grandfather had answers... Answers Kanzaki desperately needed.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSCIYuf2JL
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm3MX6kM0W
His house was filled with art. Vases with fresh flowers rested on most surfaces. The wood was polished. His house blended with Kawasaki.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBrYnH8IHi
Their grandpa was sitting in the living room. He looks up a bit when Kanzaki and his friends come in.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldVEfckTYn
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKaJPo3kKm
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlTOyK2q6V
No one heard the last sentence, since his voice was lower than before.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK07vJa2J9c
"How do we save her?" Takahiro asks, an awkward smile on his face. Gin's eyes narrow at his question.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AmV3IMuNo
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXARblNa9Br
"The forest..." Kanzaki mumbles. "I have no other choice..." he thinks. 292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR2MdRQGDf
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksroE5w2oX
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DbELMqW65
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxRkRiJzWR
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO9iZ1EMTp
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPdSGxzIz4
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLHESDoCp4
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY332YLTZO
As he went downstairs, he was greeted by the familiar scent of Mio's cooking. "Konnichiwa!" he called out, forcing a smile.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmRvrvXVAt
He entered the kitchen. Mio turned to him, a gentle smile on her face as she patted his head.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXlZZDEtmx
"Great to see you in a good mood," she said, her voice steady, even though her hands were trembling.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs9QVVg6tJ
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkm0I2gmgk
The moment he left, Mio's breath hitched.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nuF48Dsoc
Behind her, the Yurei stood in the shadows, a smirk spreading across her face. "Good job..." the Yurei whispered before vanishing into thin air.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxSFkAD1UB
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuDacKwYkE
Minutes later, Kanzaki returned, stepping through the door with a confused look. "Oka-san, is something wrong?" he asked, kicking off his shoes.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY7rHjDLkc
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ABVrOa0bX
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWlQCquLzn
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3WO4Uj3c9
"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."292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQTOTSBgFF
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLKR6wTiwn
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..292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAqxFRfiwR
Mio's body trembled, she looked out the window, just to see the dark. Kawasaki was falling into despair.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnUvqbbxH0
It was no longer their peaceful home... It was becoming the devil's village. And with each passing minute, hope slipped further.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUY6XLOAve
Kanzaki looks at his mother. "Why are you scared...?" he asks, looking into her eyes.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFORbEDXB5
"Nothing, Kanzaki," she answers. Kanzaki decides to not question her and goes upstairs. He puts all his belongings in a backpack and thinks.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGqlzYbPlf
"Do I let it here... Do I bring it with me?" He drags his backpack with him. He looks at Mio...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkC32pXFIG
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2RFYKpuSa
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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvM1wqXCk9N
Mio falls on her knees. "I'm so sorry... Kamii-sama... Please let him live," she wishes as The Yurei appears behind her again.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QPNbYqAcG
"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.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX1NH1UVmA
She starts crying. "Kanzaki... I can't protect you..." she says in between sobs.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOcIuHf4t2
Kanzaki sees Takahiro at the entrance of the forest...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFfvoD6roU
"Takahiro, what are you doing here..." Kanzaki asks, walking closer to him, now in front of him. Kanzaki looks at him but quickly notices.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9CmLqaqAJ
Takahiro was staring at the forest, as if he knew Kanzaki would come. He quickly regains his composure.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMD9i3clEX
"Are you ready to go?" Takahiro asks, taking a deep breath.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhl7oJ6M0bD
Kanzaki was confused but... He still nodded. Takahiro walked into the forest, Kanzaki following him...292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAHzzux67N
It was so dark in this forest.The air was cold, carrying an mix of leaves and something metallic... Like blood.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqZSTVWAaS
"It reeks..." Takahiro says, his expression disgusted. Kanzaki nods... But then, he looks up and notices.292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa9M8Zhrji
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...
292Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaX3iFHcBsK
